ACNE • ANTI-AGING • PAIN
What is Light Therapy?
Light Emitting Diode (LED) phototherapy is the application of light energy to tissue to obtain therapeutic benefits. The energy is used to improve cellular performance. Phototherapy is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties and has a variety of applications across many medical fields. Research has shown that phototherapy can: increase circulation, accelerate tissue repair, decrease wrinkles, decrease inflammation, improve skin tone and wrinkles, texture and clarity, ease muscle and joint pain, stiffness, spasm and arthritis and kill acne bacteria, and much more.
How Does Light Energy work?
Specific wavelengths of light energy, when properly absorbed, up-regulates compromised cells. The light (photons) energy is absorbed by photoacceptors in the mitochondria and used to create adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The ATP produced then stimulates various metabolic processes which can result in the repair and regeneration of cell and tissue components. In an article, “Therapeutic Light” – by Chukuku S. Enwemeka, PT, PhD, FACSM, he wrote “other reported mechanisms of light-induced beneficial effects include modulation of prostaglandin levels, alteration of somatosensory evoked potential and nerve conduction velocity, and hyperemia of treated tissues. The resultant clinical benefits include pain relief in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendonitis, ankle sprain, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction, shoulder and neck pain, arthritis, and post-herpetic neuralgia, as well as tissue repair in cases of diabetic ulcer, venous ulcer, mouth ulcer, fractures, tendon rupture, ligamentous, tear, torn cartilage, and nerve injury.”
What is Celluma?
Celluma is unique and quite unlike any other low-level light therapy device available today. Based on NASA research, Celluma delivers blue, red and near-infrared light energy simultaneously to safely treat a wide variety of conditions. Each wavelength is absorbed by different molecules that act as a signaling mechanism for different cellular processes. For example, some reduce inflammation and some kill bacteria, while others enhance localized circulation.
Ask Us How Celluma May Benefit You & Your Family
Sep12
It’s hard to believe but it’s already time to start thinking about the fall season ahead of us. Even though fall doesn’t officially start till the 21st, most of us use Labor Day as the switch of seasons. Time to put away the bathing suits and maxi dresses and bring on the jeans and boots. Along with the weather change, post summer is the best time to start getting your skin back in good shape. It’s a great time to lighten age spots, soften rough skin and reverse wear and tear that happens during the warmer weather. Luckily, with today’s advances in skin care, these problems are much easier to address and with less disruption to your life.
The Hydrafacial is by far the most exciting treatment option that I have ever seen. This treatment allows important ingredients to penetrate the skin where they will do the most good. In the past clients had to visit a doctor in order to achieve these results and then had to endure a week of redness and peeling post treatment. The Hydrafacial has no side effects, only soft, healthy, glowing skin. During the treatment, the skin is exfoliated and smoothed, so dull, dry and rough skin that is interfering with your hydration level is safely removed. This then allows for deeper penetration of antioxidants and vitamins that have been depleted by inflammation and UV exposure. Once you introduce Vitamin C at this level you will begin to heal parched skin and even lighten some of the pigmentation that the sun left behind.
If you are prone to acne, the summer can be a double edged sword. As an Esthetician, I tell my clients to be sure to wear sunscreen every day but with the addition of the heat and humidity of the warmer months come an increase in breakouts and clogged pores. Once again the Hydrafacial uses its Vortex Fusion technology to eliminate clogged pores and its Red and Blue LED light to decrease inflammation and reduce acne causing bacteria.
Finally, the end of summer is a great time to schedule your dermatology appointment. No matter how well you take care of your skin it is always important to get regular skin checks so a doctor can see if there are any areas of concern before they become something much worse.
Fall is the perfect time to visit your Esthetician to get back on track with your skin care goals. Products usually need to be adjusted as the weather changes so take the opportunity to be sure your home care regime doesn’t need tweaking. And take advantage of all of the new treatments options such as the Hydrafacial…….you won’t be disappointed.
You’re Invited to an Exclusive Event to Experience HydraFacial
The Spa of Essex
October 5th, 2017 4:00 PM- 7:00 PM
63 South Main Street
Essex, CT 06426
RSVP (860) 767-7796
$50 reservation fee guarantees your appointment.
3 steps.
30 minutes.
The best skin of your life.
HydraFacial delivers instant and long-lasting results that you can see and feel.
Jun30
The HydraFacial is becoming one of the most popular treatments at the Spa. It not only offers immediate results with just one treatment, but also can provide long-term benefits and results when coupled with routine experiences.
Take a look at one of the Spa’s clients who is extremely satisfied with the results of the HydraFacial treatment. She has chosen to experience the HydraFacial as a series of 6 treatments. This treatment is for all ages and all skin types – great for anti-aging as well as acne prone skin.
First treatment of a series of 6 taken before and after treatment
The results driven HydraFacial treatment delivers immediate and long-term skin health benefits that you can see and feel. Using a new technology called Vortex Fusion, potent ingredients are pushed deeper down into the skin while the vacuum aspect allows for pain free extractions. Her concerns were loss of elasticity, dryness, lines and wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. HydraFacial works to not only detoxify skin clearing away daily wear and tear, but also to replenish the skin with much-needed antioxidants to revitalize and protect.
Second treatment of a series of 6 taken before and after treatment
As you can see, there is a visible improvement immediately and continues to improve after each treatment. The un-retouched photos demonstrate the HydraFacial’s ability to dramatically improve hydration while helping to eliminate the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, oil & congestion and even creases in the nasolabial folds.
Third and Fourth treatment of a series of 6 taken after treatment
Like the results you see? Try it out yourself. This month, the Spa is offering special pricing for the basic HydraFacial at $175+ (Reg. $190+). Add on a serum booster for an additional $50.
Interested but want more information on this incredible non-invasive treatment that utilizes award-winning, patented technology to detoxify, rejuvenate and protect your skin? Click Here
* Client pictured has received the first 4 treatments in a series of 6. Photos shown were taken at each treatment, 2 weeks apart.
Apr26
For many, a day at the spa is just that – an escape from the daily routine, a place to celebrate a special occasion or the go-to place for relaxation. For Joyce Cosenza, Owner/Director of the Spa of Essex, her frequent spa visits left her always wanting more. After reading an article about the up and coming spa trend, Joyce decided to pursue her dream of opening a spa that would give clients exactly what they were looking for. The long and sometimes frustrating job of financing and construction coupled with balancing a full time job and three children did not discourage Joyce from following through with her dream. On May 1, 2006, set on the picturesque landscape of South Main Street, The Spa of Essex opened its doors for the first time.
Being a business that caters to their clientele, we had to get the word out and encourage locals and visitors to experience what we had to offer. A new business is somewhat of a curiosity but we were determined to be the place clients would turn to for top-notch treatments and absolute relaxation. What was once a dream soon became reality when the phone began ringing and clients began coming through the door.
As a therapist, it is my goal to do everything I can so you leave the spa completely satisfied. Every day I go through the online reviews and listen to client feedback so the Spa can continue to create the perfect environment for you to escape to. There are many places you can choose from for your spa needs and the Spa of Essex is honored that you choose us. Many clients have been coming to us from the beginning. Clients become part of our lives and we thank you for letting us be a part of yours.
We have experienced graduations, weddings, babies, illness and unfortunately loss with you. As a team we have also gone through the same within the Spa walls. The power of touch, whether giving or receiving, is very healing. I have heard clients say that when you walk into the Spa’s front door it’s like taking a deep breath and all your troubles leave you. And let’s not forget that relaxation room. I have yet to discover anything like it. Joyce and I agreed from the start that we wouldn’t be a stuffy spa but one that you could completely feel comfortable in.
Because YOU have helped us reach the 10-year mark, we would like to dedicate the month of May to you. You’re invited to celebrate yourself this month at the spa and as a thank you; we are offering 10% off Products, Facials and Massage Treatments on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in May (Discount excludes Gift Cards and cannot be combined with any other discounts). Thank you for sharing in this special anniversary. Call (860) 767-7796 to reserve your appointment!
Mar10
Skin health doesn’t need to be complicated!
By DeAnne Mauri
Skin Care Therapist & Assistant Director
The Spa of Essex
Ask most women what the most important skin care ingredients are and they will usually answer with vitamin C, retinol’s, peptides, antioxidants and sunscreen. Clients who receive facial treatments on a regular basis are very knowledgeable about what their skin needs to stay youthful and hydrated – no matter the season. If the skin is too dry or needs exfoliation or the actual molecules of the ingredients are too large to do anything other than sit on the skin, then the potential of the ingredients are not received. It is important to remember that the ingredient benefits are only received from using the right delivery system.
Enter the HydraFacial®. Hydration is the foundation of healthy, radiant skin. Irritation of the skin has been proven to increase signs of aging. A basic facial works on the epidermal layer of the skin. Peels may go deeper, but they may also bring trauma to the skin causing redness and peeling. The beauty of the HydraFacial is its technology.
Vortex-Fusion® pushes ingredients deeper down into the dermis, where all the action takes place. And ready for this – no redness or peeling after the treatment. The HydraFacial is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure that delivers instant results with no discomfort or downtime in only 30 minutes.
The HydraFacial incorporates lactic acid, glucosamine, glycolic, salicylic, honey, peptides, vitamin C and antioxidants to deep clean, firm, tighten, nourish and hydrate the skin. Extractions are effective and painless with the HydraFacial – meaning your pores will be the cleanest they have ever been. Clients are raving about how their skin has “never looked better.” As an Esthetician, it is so exciting to be able to achieve these results in a 30-minute treatment. Get rid of winter skin and get ready for a spring glow with The Spa of Essex’s HydraFacial.
Call (860) 767-7796 to reserve your appointment!
Feb27
Steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels and massages make for the perfect spa treatment. WATCH DeAnne & Jessica give Nicole and Scot facials on Better Connecticut.
{ Video is no longer available }
By: Kaitlyn Naples
Posted: Feb 01, 2016 2:17 PM EST
Jan29
It doesn’t matter if you are single or with a significant this Valentine’s Day, your first love is yourself and there is nothing wrong with a little self-care.
Clothes
Fragrances
Massages
muh-MOH-sas!
Fine leather goods.THE BEST DAY OF THE YEAR!
#TreatYoSelf
Fan or not, Tom (Aziz Ansari) and Donna (Retta) from Parks and Recreation got the right idea about taking a day to “Treat Yo Self”! Some of us don’t have the luxury to take a full day off from our routine to escape to the spa but finding a few minutes to take a moment for you can’t be too hard. Right?
5 ways to “Treat Yo Self”:
1. Sip {or bathe in} some bubbly
Champagne helps your heart, smooths your skin, and more! According to health.com, Champagne’s carbon dioxide may help tighten your skin, and its polyphenols combat redness. Cheers to that!
“Bubble” Bath
Combine 1 cup powdered milk and 1/2 cup Epsom salts in a bowl; add 1 or more cups of any sparkling wine (no need to splurge on the pricey stuff) and 1 tablespoon honey warmed in the microwave for 30 seconds. Stir, then pour into running bath water. When the tub is full, add in rose petals—they’re a natural emollient that hydrates and tones. To double the indulgence, sip a glass while you soak.
2. Hug it out
Warm embraces are a way to be kind to yourself. Researchers have found that frequent hugs from a partner can lower stress and lead to greater happiness. Snuggling up with a pet has been shown to reduce blood pressure by up to 10 percent in as little as 15 minutes. Puppy love also prompts the release of serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin, hormones that trigger relaxation.
3. Set the scene
Sure the candles and soft music fuel the calming mood of a spa, but the spa is ultimately the place you find serenity because you are encouraged to leave your worries at the door. Bring the spa to any space; office, home or in the car, with aromatherapy.
Inhaling essential oils can help attain a pleasurable emotional balance. A balanced emotional state in turn can have a therapeutic effect on physical problems.
Shop 21Drops
4. Tend to your Back
Massage may seem like an unaffordable luxury, but research suggests it’s a necessity! “Treat Yo Self” Day is certainly an excuse to splurge on a Spa Massage Experience. A massage therapist can focus on your body’s specific needs. What’s great about the Spa of Essex’s menu of treatments is that there are Monthly Special’s to choose from as well as fully customized options if you want to go all out on YOUR day!
5. Enjoy yourself
Is your mouth watering for the new restaurant that’s been the office buzz? How about those dance lessons you keep seeing a Groupon for? Constantly talking about the idea of Board Game Night with friends? There are so many activities that the cost outweighs the benefit it can have on your overall well-being.
Seize the day! “Treat Yo Self” with whatever your body is telling you it needs – right now!
How are you going to treat yourself today? Post your ideas in the comment area below.
Dec15
A massage gift certificate tucked into a holiday card may seem unassuming, but the effects of this present will be powerful.
People turn to massage for stress relief, pain alleviation and relaxation, and massage is appropriate for just about anyone—from healthy adults to seniors and pregnant women to athletes. Massage therapy is also safe and beneficial for people living with conditions including cancer, fibromyalgia and arthritis.
This is why treating the people on your gift list to massage makes sense this holiday season. Regular massage clients will know what to look forward to, and for someone who has never had a massage, a gift certificate can make his or her first session more accessible.
Here are four reasons why massage should be at the top of your holiday gift list, along with suggestions for massage and bodywork specialties to present to friends, colleagues and family:
1. The Gift of Stress Relief
The holidays can be filled with family, friends, fun, food—and freneticism. Gift-buying, overeating and travel can leave any merrymaker feeling tired and stressed. Massage makes the best holiday gift because it calms the nervous system and provides an oasis of respite from the holiday frenzy.
Three types of massage to gift:
- Swedish massage: The most well-known type of massage, which utilizes strokes including stroking, kneading, percussion, vibration and friction.
- Ayurvedic massage: This vigorous massage uses large amounts of warm oil and is one part of the traditional Indian detoxification and rejuvenation program.
- Stone massage: Heated or cooled stones are placed on the body for energy balancing and a pampering sensation that contributes to the relaxation response.
2. The Gift of Pain Removal
From hanging Christmas lights to digging the Hanukkah candles out of the basement, the holidays’ decorating activities can create strain, sprain and pain. Massage makes the best holiday gift because it addresses pain and stiffness by increasing circulation, improving flexibility, and releasing crinkles and tight spots from muscles.
Three types of massage to gift:
- Acupressure: An Asian therapy that involves pressing points along the body’s meridians with fingers, thumbs or palms of the hand to stimulate chi and bring about balance and health.
- Sports massage: This session will feature techniques such as myofascial release, which affects connective tissue by applying pressure in the direction of fascial resistance.
- Reflexology: A system that entails pressing points on the feet, hands or ears that correspond to systems and organs throughout the body.
3. The Gift of Raised Spirits
The holidays aren’t jolly all the time; family conflict, feelings of grief and other mood-stressors can arise, even in the midst of a Kwanzaa celebration. Massage makes the best holiday gift because it can boost mood. The release of the feel-good hormone, oxytocin, is increased during massage, as is the release of serotonin and dopamine.
Three types of massage to gift:
- Craniosacral therapy: This light-touch modality uses gentle, soft-tissue techniques to release restrictions in the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
- Reiki: An energetic healing system that utilizes off-the-body hand placements to transmit healing energy from the practitioner to the recipient.
- Geriatric massage: This session will feature massage techniques modified for safe application to older people, who might arrive at a session with issues related to joint pain or fragile skin.
4. The Gift of Ease
Give yourself the gift of a super-simple present purchase. Massage makes the best holiday gift because professional massage therapists offer gift certificates for sale, via in-person sales, a website or a Facebook page. Whether you purchase now or at the last minute, your gift of massage will be the easiest gift you give this holiday season—and the most appreciated.
Three types of massage to gift:
- Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy: The Ashiatsu practitioner uses body weight and foot compression, while supported by overhead wooden bars, on a client who is lying down.
- Pregnancy massage: This session will feature massage techniques modified for safe application to pregnant clients.
- Facelift massage: This session might entail lymphatic-drainage strokes to firm sagging facial and neck skin, ease away facial lines, stimulate blood and oxygen, and release toxins. The treatment can also involve hot towel wraps and oils.
Virtually anyone on your list will appreciate the gift of massage therapy this holiday season.
December Gift Card Special at the Spa
Purchase a $150 Spa Gift Card (in Spa, Online or by Phone) and Receive One (1) $20 Spa Buck for you or a friend!
Source: www.massagemag.com by Karen Menehan
Dec01
Eyebrow Extensions: Everything You Need to Know About the Celeb-Tested, Luxury Service
Original post by Diana Nguyen // eonline.com
Have you ever watched a movie and noticed an actor’s eyebrows look totally different on screen than they do in real life? Perhaps it’s great film editing or makeup magic? Or maybe you just saw the grand effects of really good eyebrow extensions?
You may have already heard of eyelash extensions—the process in which one synthetic or mink hair is hand-glued to one natural eyelash for a more dramatic effect. Well, now, Cara Delevingne or Lily Collins-status brows are only an appointment away. Some celebs even opt for eyebrow extensions to change their look for specific roles, said Charity Engebretsen, owner of Master Lash by Charity in Santa Monica, Calif.
“Eyebrows are so inherently important for the symmetry of you face,” noted the Hollywood pro. “They provide a youthful lift to the eye area (where many of us age first) and correct many over-tweezed, over-waxed and generally thinned out brow lines.”
So, what exactly does the luxury service entail? Here’s everything you need to know.
Prep for the Appointment:
“Come without any eye makeup or eye cream,” Charity recommended. “These products can interfere with the adhesive’s bond and ultimately the life of the eyebrow extensions. It’s also a good idea to let the client’s natural eyebrows grow out as much as possible to allow for as much of the extensions to be directly placed hair to hair.”
It Takes Patience and Money:
A technician glues 200-400 singular strands of hair to either your existing brow hair or skin. “The process usually takes approximately an hour give or take, depending upon the request or needs of the client,” said Charity. “The average rates also depend upon the request or needs of the client, but you can expect to spend between $150-$300 nationally.”
They Aren’t Permanent:
“Eyebrow extensions can last between 1-3 weeks with the proper care and maintenance. The best way to care for your extensions is to be as gentle as possible—meaning don’t brush through them with too much vigor, avoid using oils around the brow line and keep your shower steam to a minimum. Excessive sweating is also a no-no,” the expert noted.
Be Wary of Poor Service:
“You may want to watch out for clumpy adhesive, over-layering of extensions and overall improper application,” warned the extensions guru. “It’s best to make sure to ask for a certified technician with experience.”
Removal is Easy:
“You can either let them naturally fall off over time, or you can see your technician for a quick removal, in which a safe and gentle solution is used to soak them off within minutes.” You can also gently massage tea tree oil to the extensions, take a very hot shower and let the lashes fall right off.
There’s also an at-home system available—but considering how long it takes us to draw in our brows every morning, this luxury service may be worth it!
Want Eyebrow Extensions?
Reserve Your Experience with Jessica, Lash Artist.
From full, natural run-way brows; to sleek, contoured eyebrows that give an instant facelift! Brow Extensions are waterproof, sweat proof, and safe for sensitive skin! They last 10-21 days on the skin with proper care! Brow Extensions look so natural, that once they are placed on the brow…the technician can’t even tell which is natural hair and which are extensions!
Starting at $85 and up
Sep15
Introducing a complete coverage concealer you’ll never see!
A silky smooth, complete coverage concealer and serum in one, bareSkin® Complete Coverage Serum Concealer is designed to provide remarkable coverage with its ultra-light texture. It instantly reduces the appearance of dark circles, discoloration, and other imperfections for a beautifully even-toned complexion.
Formulated with antioxidant Lilac Plant Stem Cells, this multitasking concealer features high-definition mineral optics to counteract shadows and give skin a brightened, lustrous finish. Hydrating humectants help nourish the undereye area, while the silky smooth texture glides effortlessly over fine lines, leaving skin looking fresh and flawless all day.
$20
Available in 6 Shades for purchase in Spa ONLY
Bare Escentuals uses only the finest ingredients in their formulas. Their commitment to quality led to the creation of their award-winning makeup line, bareMinerals. Free of preservatives, fillers, or binders, bareMinerals represents the ideal mix of makeup and skincare—problem-solving cosmetics that perfect and pamper.
The Spa of Essex is an authorized retailer of bareMinerals® BARESKIN® – Available in Spa Only.
Feb07