Sustainable Investments

Looking to green your spa, but worried about the expenses?

Our upcoming Green Scene ("Mayan Marvel," August 2010) contains lots of information about cost-efficient ways to incorporate eco-friendly supplies into your spa.

Here's a taste to get you started:

Make investments that have a proven return.
John Vater, co-owner of Spa Adriana in Huntington, New York, says, "solar panels pay off, as long as you continue using them to save on energy costs."

Shop locally.
When Vater and his wife Adriana recently remodeled their spa, they wanted to enrich their Mayan theme by building a façade with limestone from the Yucátan Peninsula in Mexico. Instead, they found a local company that manufactures precut concrete. "That way our renovation doesn't have the environmental impact that would result from shipping and trucking materials all that distance," John says. "It saves a lot of money too."

What supplies, products and materials do you employ to increase your spa's sustainability? Send your ideas to Katie O'Reilly, associate editor, at koreilly@creativeage.com.

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Industry News

New & Notable

DAYSPA shows off sister publication, Beauty Etc.!

Wow! See the premiere issue of Beauty Etc., the amazing digital magazine for professional makeup artists and beauty aficionados who live, breathe and love cosmetics.

Edited by DAYSPA's former "Beautynista" blogger Karie L. Frost, Beauty Etc. takes you inside the world of professional cosmetics with stunning animated visuals and can't-believe-it-till-you-click-it interactivity.

The premiere issue includes features on airbrush makeup artistry and the season's juiciest lip hues; step-by-steps for blushes and bronzers; beauty trends from the runways; and profiles of artists who work with Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez—plus so much more!

Watch the preview video below about this fantastic new magazine or open Beauty Etc. right now!

Recycling Rules

Spas and salons have long been yearning for easier ways to recycle packaging and product materials. Norlab USA is now helping spas and salons think globally and act locally through a new recycling incentive program.

To encourage proper disposal of the company's newly launched enzyme-based hair removal treatment, the Depilar System, Norlab USA is offering customers a 10% discount on future orders when they return empty, used packaging and product materials. The company will then recycle all materials according to standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Plus, it'll pick up the shipping charges for all participating spas and salons.

For more information, visit the company's website. For national recycling guidelines, visit earth911.org.

More News »

Web Exclusive:
Supplements to Support Healthy Weight

Clients increasingly look to day spas to curb unhealthy habits and dramatic weight gain (see Weighing the Options in July). Natural health aids can help spa-goers control their food cravings by speeding up the metabolism and providing nutritional support.

Following is a list of the most common active ingredients found in these supplements:

Cascada Sagrada Bark. With a name that means "sacred bark" in Spanish, this product of the buckthorn tree is found in the Pacific Northwest. Long used as a laxative by Native Americans, the bark contains compounds called anthraquinones (cascarosides A and B). They're transformed by intestinal bacteria into substances that increase peristalsis in the large intestine and help restore its tone. It's often found in intestinal cleansing products, which are used to kick-start a weight-loss program.

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What's New:
Product Premiere

Spanking-new spa goods ... it's like Christmas in July.

1. Luzern Laboratories Force de Vie Eye Contour.
Anti-inflammatory botanicals, vitamin K and cutting-edge oxygen technology unite to tackle wrinkles and reduce dark circles in this moisture-rich eye cream. 888.591.7800, luzernlabs.com

2. DermaQuest Skin Therapy Glycolic Acid Resurfacer with Stem Cells.
Natural leaf stem cells and sugar cane extract resurface rough skin for a brightened complexion. 800.213.8100, dermaquestinc.com

3. Pranayama Resurfacing Micro-Therapy Powder.
Add water to this highly refined powder to gently resurface acne residual and alleviate future breakouts. 866.589.2949, pranaspaceuticals.com

4. Nutro Body Care Ultra Glide Shea Massage Lotion.
Organic sunflower oil and rice bran oil provide excellent slip for an all-natural massage. 800.916.4613, oakworks.com

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Seen & Heard

Business Bits

Poll

DAYSPA Video Channel

Summer shimmer: The Flawless Facial (80 min./$325) at LeSpa at Sofitel LA in Los Angeles uses real diamond powder and gold minerals to give the neck, back and shoulders more radiance.

Services: Star Treatment
Balancing Mahjong Massage

The popular Chinese tile game of Mahjong stimulates the senses, as it requires skill, strategy and a little bit of luck. The Mahjong Balance (120 min./$375 Friday to Sunday and $325 Monday to Thursday) at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas similarly rejuvenates the mind, body and soul.

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Quotables

"We're at the forefront of teaching people about healthy living," says Hannelore Leavy, executive director of the Day Spa Association. "Spa owners have an obligation to address the health of all their guests, including those struggling with their weight."

"Research shows that regular physical activity and spa services lower everyday stress. When employed in tandem, the results can be far superior," says Jennifer Maxine Wells, spa coordinator at University Club of Michigan State University Fitness Center & Spa in Lansing, Michigan.

"The most critical component of a successful weight-loss program isn't the diet itself. It's a good support system," says Rallie McAllister, M.D, physician and nutritional consultant to the spa industry. "If you can offer this, you'll never have a shortage of clients—and everyone will succeed."

"They tell you to take B vitamins when you're stressed out," says Rhonda Allison, CEO of Rhonda Allison Clinical Enterprises. "When used in skincare formulas, it delivers the same benefits, supporting stressed skin and improving its tone."