Seven Benefits of the Raindrop Technique

If you want to invigorate tired and stressed muscles, relieve neck and back pain, de-stress or simply slip into a blissful state of relaxation.

What Are Essential Oils? Essential oils are the concentrated essences extracted from raw materials such as; plants, flowers, herbs, resin, leaves, seeds, wood, bark, fruit and grasses.

What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is the systematic use of volatile plant oils known as essential oils. Aromatherapy is a complementary therapy designed to treat the “whole” person by assisting the body’s natural ability to regulate, balance and maintain itself. The therapeutic essential oils support the body by bringing it back to balance without harmful side effects of chemical based products.

What is Raindrop Therapy?

This 60 or 90 minute therapy is a wonderfully rejuvenating and deeply relaxing topical application of therapeutic essential oils. Raindrop Therapy combines several holistic modalities to bring balance to the body in a non-invasive manner. It also stimulates all of the body systems on a physical and emotional level.  The oils used in Raindrop are therapeutic grade and NOT adulterated oils. Adulterated oils contain synthetic chemicals or compounds and can be harmful to the body.

What Does It Involve?

The relaxing and mild application of the therapeutic-grade oils are gently dispensed like “little raindrops” up along the spine and back. The oils are worked into the skin by using soft feather-like movements and strokes. The essential oils are also applied to soles of feet and shoulders for reinforced benefits.

Why Is It Called Raindrop?

The essential oils are gently  dispensed like “little raindrops” along the spine and back.

7 BENEFITS OF RAINDROP THERAPY:

1. Reduces Everyday Aches
Since its development, it is becoming clear that the elements of Raindrop therapy not only reduces chronic aches but also benefits other body systems. The analgesic ingredients in the essential oils may help reduce everyday aches and discomfort.

2. Helps Relief Stress & Emotional Well-being
Therapeutic essential oils have a normalizing effect on the nervous system making them ideal for reducing stress, anxiety and tension.

The oils can immediately penetrate cell membranes and diffuse through the blood and tissues instantly in a matter of seconds! The oils also cross the brain-blood barrier and effect the limbic system (the Amygdale) parts of the brain that control our mood, behavior and emotions. So if you’ve lost your  “Joie de Vivre” Raindrop therapy will have you smiling and back to your normal self in no time.

3. Relax Muscles
Muscles that are sore, spastic or stressed will also benefit from Raindrop Therapy. Basil, wintergreen, marjoram, cypress and peppermint essential oils help with all the common muscle conditions.

4. Helps Reduce InflammationWorld wide studies have identified several essential oils as powerful anti-inflammatory agents. These include wintergreen, peppermint and thyme. These essential oils are all used in the Raindrop essential oil body therapy.

5. Helps Improve CirculationEssential oils can be most beneficial in boosting circulation due to oxygenating properties. The essential oils of cypress, thyme, marjoram and peppermint all have properties that increase circulation and act as a circulatory stimulant.

6. Helps Detox the Body Systems
The therapeutic oils used in Raindrop therapy are high in phenols hence, cleanse cellular receptor sites and enhance the lymphatic system.

7. Helps improve Immune function
Thyme and oregano essential oils are known to support the immune system. They also create an unfavorable environment for harmful viruses and bacteria that can hibernate and lay dormant in the body.

In short, the benefits of this therapy go well beyond the physical benefits. Raindrop can not only help relieve pain and restore immediate physical well-being, but it can set in motion the healing processes that will last for weeks.

SAVE $20 April 1- 15, 2015

60 minute $90  reg. $119 minute 

90 minute $130 reg. $150

8 Skincare Words You Hear But Might Not Know What They Mean

If you’ve ever picked up a skincare product and felt a little stumped, you are not alone. Even the biggest beauty fanatics can have a hard time keeping up with the evolving dermatology-speak popping up on products left and right. To help us wade through the diction and learn why these key words matter to us, we reached out to Dr. Mona Gohara,Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale and co‐founder of k&j sunprotective clothing.

AHA/BHA: Two types of acids that are very useful in the fight against acne, exfoliation, anti-aging, and overall skin maintenance.

Antioxidant: The antidote against free radicals, antioxidants protect cells from damage that causes aging and even cancer. They can come in the form of synthetic chemicals, vitamins, or foods. Some antioxidant-packed foods include kiwis, mulberries, blueberries blackberries, prunes, pomegranate, pink grapefruit, red grapes, kale, spinach, brussel sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets and red bell pepper.

Barrier Function: The skin's barrier (the epidermis) is the outermost layer. Its main function is to keep water in, so that the skin is well hydrated and moisturized.

Collagen: One of the most important structural proteins in the skin, it keeps us wrinkle free, and youthful.

Elastin: Collagen’s BFF, these two work together to keep the spring in skin's step. Without elastin, sag would be a permanent status.

Enzyme: Proteins that speed up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the chemical reaction. For skin, they help with inflammation, aging, and cell turnover (exfoliation).

Free Radical: A tiny chemical particle that, when activated by UV light, wreaks cosmetic havoc on the skin, causing wrinkles and discoloration.

Peptide: The building block of proteins—they are small particles that can penetrate the skin easily and signal other cells to do things (such as rebuild collagen), making peptides a prime ingredient in cosmetics.

And now you’re armed with your dermatologist dictionary.

Have any other skincare questions?  Call us at Suede Salon Spa and Body to schedule a Free Skin Consultation and custom regiment.  856-985-0700

Skin Myths Exposed

Debunking Common Skin Care Misconception

We have all heard the seemingly endless list of old wives’ tales: do not cross your eyes or they will stay that way; if you crack your knuckles you will get arthritis. And when it comes to skin care, a surprising amount of fables still abound. With an ever-increasing desire to improve the health and appearance of your skin, it’s time to set the record straight.

In order to separate fact from fiction, we have compiled some of the most pervasive falsehoods and a few enlightening truths regarding the largest organ in the body. Whether you are 15 or 50, it is important to know the realities of skin care in order to maintain a happy, healthy lifestyle. So read on, and help dispel these skin myths!

Myth No.1

Cucumbers contain special ingredients to treat puffy eyes and under eye bags.

This age-old home remedy is tried, but not true. Cucumber slices may feel refreshing, but these greens do not contain special ingredients to reduce under eye bags and puffiness. Although the high water content found in cucumbers can sometimes decrease swelling, coconut extract and organic liquid crystals are far more effective at replenishing natural reserves and nourishing the skin around the eye area. Professional skin care treatments are generally the best solution for dark circles and puffy eyes, as they are specially formulated to hydrate, condition and repair delicate eye skin with potent, clinically tested ingredients.

Myth No.2

A good cleanser should foam on the skin.

Many of us believe that if your cleanser foams, it is working. Not only is this false, but it is hazardous to your health. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a highly effective foaming agent—chemically known as a surfactant—that is found in 90 percent of all commercial soaps and shampoos. But beware: that foaming sensation comes at the price of potentially harmful, long-term side effects including skin damage, cataracts and liver toxicity. Due to its abrasive chemical makeup, SLS is also found in floor cleaners, laundry detergents and engine degreasers. So, the next time you wash your face, make sure your cleanser does not belong in your laundry room or garage.;

Myth No. 3

Sunscreen is not required during the winter.

Despite popular belief, overcast skies do not exempt you from wearing sunscreen. Approximately 30 to 40 percent of UV rays will penetrate through clouds, leaving your skin vulnerable to the damaging effects of sun exposure, including sunburn, unsightly wrinkles and skin cancer. Snowboarders and skiers heed this warning: snow can reflect up to 85 percent of the UV radiation that reaches it, which means that you may still be exposed when you are in the shade. Furthermore, powerful UVA rays can easily penetrate through windows, so remember to lather up with a double-digit SPF even if you are staying inside. Winter is a time to take extra precaution, not neglect your skin.

Myth No.4

The best way to deal with oily skin is to dry it out.

Wrong! Even oily skin needs moisture. Hydration helps calm, soothe and support the dermal matrix, keeping skin supple and helping to maintain a proper pH balance. Attempting to dry out your complexion will strip the epidermis of its natural, vital oils, leading to rough, flaky skin, clogged pores and inflammation. Rather than scrubbing your face with harsh ingredients, wash with a mild, exfoliating cleanser to slough off dead skin cells without over-drying and restore epidermal regularity. Remember, your goal is to bring balance to your skin, not to dehydrate it.

Migraine and Massages

Far from being simply a feel-good treatment, massage therapy helps relieve the debilitating pain of migraine headaches by relaxing muscles, improving blood flow, reducing stress, lowering blood pressure and improving sleep. In addition, massage therapy seems to provide some long-term benefits for migraine sufferers even after the treatment.

Evidence of Effectiveness

Scientific research has confirmed anecdotal evidence that massage is an effective therapy for treatment of migraine headaches. Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia randomly assigned 47 people with migraine to a massage group and a group that received no massage. Those who received weekly massages experienced fewer migraines, reduced stress and anxiety, better sleep, slower heart rate and lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
"The findings provide preliminary support for the utility of massage therapy as a non-pharmacologic treatment for individuals suffering from migraines," the researchers declared in a research paper published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine. Furthermore, there is evidence that massage therapy may reduce incidence of migraines after treatment is ended.

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Incidence of Migraines

Some 18 percent of women and 7 percent of men in America endure the torment of migraines. Common signs are excruciating headache, nausea and extreme sensitivity to sound and light. Migraines are commonly triggered by stress and lack of sleep. In many cases, an initial treatment to control an attack involves lying down in a dark, quiet room free of sensory stimulation.
Medications frequently prescribed to prevent migraines, such as pain relievers, when used heavily over a period of time can actually produce another type of headache known as medication overuse headache that is more difficult to treat than migraines. Those with gastrointestinal problems and cardiovascular disease---plus pregnant or breastfeeding women---are sometimes unable to tolerate such medications.

Self-Massage

You can massage certain pressure points on your body to bring relief from migraines. Place the pads of your thumbs or first two fingers on the pressure point and apply light to moderate pressure. Press until you feel a lump or tension in the point and allow your thumb or finger to gradually go deeper, then massage with small, circular motions. If the pain at any point is too intense, reduce the pressure.
Keep your thumb or finger on the pressure point until you feel a relaxation, softness or perhaps a feeling of warmth. Slowly release the pressure and lift your fingers from the point. Repeat the procedure as needed. The crucial pressure points include the base of the skull (gently massage the bony based of your skull on the back side), mid-forehead (apply pressure to the point at the middle of your forehead between the eyebrows), eye corners (carefully massage your temples, or spots behind your eyes just behind the bone), hands (apply pressure to the fleshy area between your thumb and index finger) and foot (massage the area on the top of your foot between your big and second toes where the bones come together).

Professional Massage

In addition to self-massage, there are other holistic methods of treating migraines practiced by specialists. These include craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular massage, reflexology and deep-tissue massage. Reflexology involves pressure and massage of points on the soles of the feet. Neuromuscular massage causes tense muscles to relax by massaging "trigger points" on the body. Deep tissue therapy employs pressure, movement and stretching to relieve muscle soreness. Craniosacral therapy focuses gentle touch on the scalp and skull.

Combination Therapies

Whether applied by a professional therapist or by your own hands, massage can provide much relief for migraine sufferers. This holistic approach is indicated when the patient can't tolerate prescription medications. Others who can tolerate medications often combine massage and lifestyle modifications to control their migraines.

Call for an Appointment today 856-985-0700 at Suede Salon Spa and Body.  We offer Swedish, Deep Tissue, Reflexology Massages that can be received in combination. 

Let Us Teach You How to Get the Most From Vitamin C

It’s no secret that vitamin C is a skincare powerhouse. From fighting harmful free radicals to creating a visibly brighter appearance, the topical benefits of this super-nutrient have been proven many times over. However, despite its myriad uses, vitamin C nevertheless poses a challenge for skincare companies. Its hydrophilic nature means it degrades quickly in aqueous solutions—an Achilles heel for an industry dominated by liquid and cream-based products.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C reduces the oxidative damage to cells (including skin cells) by neutralizing free radicals in the body. It’s also required for the conversion of procollagen to collagen—the protein group responsible for the skin’s structural integrity. While most vitamin C comes from dietary sources, its benefits are diffused throughout the body when taken internally. Topical application more directly affects the skin—but only if a substantial concentration reaches the desired location without degrading.

For most skincare brands, some degree of degradation is an acceptable—even inevitable—part of product development. Customers expect serums, creams and lotions, and meeting these expectations—even at the cost of ingredient integrity—is often easier (and cheaper) than offering potent alternatives that challenge customer perceptions. However, despite such challenges, one company has done just that.

CosMedix has built a reputation for rethinking the way products are packaged and even delivered to the skin. From molecular purification to cutting-edge ingredient encapsulation, the Atlanta-based company has developed novel ways of solving skincare’s biggest challenges. Their answer to the problem of vitamin C takes advantage of a purification technology that allows the synthesis of vitamin C into its purest powder form.

Made of 100 percent, pure L-Ascorbic Acid, in a unique, crystal form, Pure C preserves this key nutrient’s potency for maximum effect. The result is a highly concentrated powder that mixes with any serum or cream to dramatically enhance its brightening, antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. By delaying liquid interaction until the moment of application, Pure C sidesteps the issue of prolonged breakdown within a liquid formula to deliver the highest concentration of vitamin C possible to the skin.

As a powder, Pure C also allows users to incorporate vitamin C into their existing regimens. For instance, a person battling hyperpigmentation might mix it with a brightening serum, like Simply Brilliant, for added spot reduction. Someone concerned with premature aging might add several crystals to a firming serum or exfoliating cream, like Affirm or Serum 16 respectively.

By combining maximum potency with user customization, it’s no wonder that Pure C is a perennial bestseller. For CosMedix, the success of its innovative vitamin powder is proof positive that thinking outside of the box—or bottle—pays off.

Cosmedix is available at Suede Salon Spa and Body.  Pure C retails for $52.00.  Call to book  your Complimentary Skin Consultation  856-985-0700

 

Aromatherapy Massage Therapy with Jennifer

It's that time of year again!  You want to start eating better and working out, yet you don't have the energy to make dinner let alone hit the gym. Seasonal depression can make one feel lifeless, causing low energy levels, leaving the body drained, sluggish, tired and unmotivated. Essential oils possess stimulating qualities and one may find much hope in chasing the winter blues away with Aromatherapy applications. Receiving an Aromatherapy Massage helps to lessen irritability and tension, boost energy and offer support with emotional issues. Aromatherapy Massage involves aromatic oils combined with massage touch, thus aiding in relaxing the body.

Massage Therapists at Suede Salon Spa and Body are trained Aromatherapy Professionals. Many essential oils possess "antidepressant" and mood lifting qualities, but we are careful to choose those that best suit your needs. For example, if you are feeling lethargic and fatigued, sedative oils will only exacerbate the problem.  However, if depression. Is causing insomnia, irritability and restlessness, a sedative oil is ideal.

Call today 856-985-0700 to schedule your Aromatherapy Massage and get back go living happy.

Aromatherapy Massage
30 Minute   $55
60 Minute.  $90
90 Minute.  $135

Jennifer Probst
Massage Therapist