What is the best time for scheduling?
A morning or mid-day treatment or massage can help to give your body a stimulating warm up for a physically active or mentally challenging day. An evening or after-dinner treatment or massage will prepare you for an easy evening or restful, relaxed sleep
When should I shower or take a bath?
Bathe or take a shower before your treatment or massage to enhance your relaxation as well as cleanse the epidermis (skin) preparing it for the absorption of our creams, lotions and oils
What should I tell the therapist or esthetician?
Before you begin any treatment, inform the therapist or esthetician of any sensative areas or any changes in your body or skin since your last visit.
What should I wear?
For most treatments it is best to wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing. While most areas of clothing are covered to protect them from stains it is possible that creams, lotions or oils can come in contact with your clothing.
What about disrobing or nudity?
There is no question that a visit to the spa may involve some nudity (depending on the service) - but modesty is always repected. Body Treatments sometimes requires a little more exposure. You might start out under a towel, then areas to be treated are exposed only during the treatment fo that area. If that makes you uneasy or uncomfortable, talk to the receptionist about the level of exposure involved in any body treatment. Your comfort level is always respected.
What about treatments during pregnancy?
Going to a spa can be a treat for everyone, but we feel you need to heed some precautions if you are pregnant. Also, using products to pretect your skin may cause harm to your unborn child. Always check the labels of products before using them and check with your therapist or esthetician before receiving treatment. The following are some guidlines to help you sort through the maze of information regarding product use during pregnancy:
It is very important to inform the technician or therapist if you are pregnant
or if you suspect that you may be pregnant before starting ANY session.
Sunscreen: A must. Melasma, which can afflict pregnant women in the form of brown spots or an overall darkening of the face, is dicoloration that may last a lifetime. It can be made worse by the effects of sunlight mixed with the hormones of pregnancy. Look for a sunscreen that contains UVA/UVB protection.
Alpha Hydroxy acids including glycolic peeling agents: Fine.
Self tanning creams/lotions: Fine.
Acne medications: Never Accutane, which is linked to serious birth defects. Some doctors recomment staying away from benzoyl peroxide. Salicylic acids are fine, as is mocrodermabrasion.
RetinA? Not a good idea given the toxicity of oral vitamin A.
Saunas, steam rooms and heated body wraps: Definite No-No's.
Massage: Massage can really help ready the body for labor. The precautions though are: The abdomen, if it's massaged at all should be touched very lightly. To encourage lymphatic activity, pressure on the legs and arms should always move toward the heart (knee to hip, ankle to knee, foot to ankle, arm to body, wrist to arm, hand to wrist). Because of the increased danger of blood clots during pregnancy, the massage should be gentle. Acupressure points should not be deeply stimulated especially the spots known as "Spleen 6" (two and one half inches above the inside of the ankle on the inside of the leg) and "The Great Eliminator" (the webbing between the thumb and index finger), both of which can induce labor. Certain places on the feet are to be avoided, like the mid-heel and the webbing between the big and second toe.
Also important is the type of product you massage into the skin during pregnancy massage. Desert Beauty Day Spa has special creams, lotions and oils mixed especially for pregnant women.
What about tipping?
Tips of 15-20% are typical at many day spas. For some services the spa may add a gratuity to the fee for the service. If you really enjoyed and appreciated your service, tips are certainly appreciated however not expected.