Attention Sun Worshippers, Sunning is toxic

Just because there are modalities which can help minimize or diminish sun spots, aging and other imperfections, doesn't mean you should still go out and spend hours in the sun or in a tanning bed. Tanning beds are ten times worse when it comes to UV rays and "irrepairable" damage. 

We get about 25 percent of our sun exposure by the time we're 18. 

Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR), which comprise both UVA and UVB rays from the sun, produces DNA damage that may lead to mutations in genes involved in the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Sunscreens that absorb or block UVR serve an important protective function. UVB is the main culprit in skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging and other effects of photoaging. UVA is not blocked by most windows. More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. 

Is it possible to reverse sun damage?

Yes and no. According to dermatologists and plastic surgeons, most are saying yes, but really they are just minimizing the damage of lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity and lightening the hyperpigmentation. Light chemical peels, intense pulsed light (photofacial), ALA-PDT (aminolevulanic acid photodynamic therapy) v-beam laser, microdermabrasion are some of the non-ablative procedures that can help. Ablative resurfacing treatment, medium to deep chemical peels, fractionated laser such as the Fraxel repair, Active FX and Pearl laser. Other modalities include; photorejuvenation (IPL) and numerous topical products including RetinA and alpha hydroxy products to help you restore some but not all of the damage you have sustained. Always consult with a licensed dermatologist or plastic surgeon regarding your options and the potential side effects. 

Read more at; www.floridaspagirls.net

Pure Honey Benefits

Starting on July 14, 2009, honey produced, sold or processed in Florida must be all natural. Florida has become the first state in the nation to prohibit additives, chemicals or adulterants from being added to sweetener. 

According to Florida's Agriculture Commissioner, Charles H. Bronson, " We want to assure consumers that the product they are buying is pure. Too often in the pas, honey has been cut with water or sugar and sometimes even contaminated with insecticides or antibiotics. In the future, when you're paying for honey in Florida, pure honey is what you will get."

All natural honey has been a beauty product since the days of Cleopatra and is still used today in both hair and skin care products. Honey is a natural humectant, which means it has the ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, or as it is exposed to environmental stresses and chemical agents, it loses its' ability to retain water, it becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey's natural hydrating properties make it idea for use in moisturizing products and is suitable for sensitive skin products.

Studies have also revealed that honey has significant natural antioxidant properties too. Antioxidants play a role in protecting the skin from the damage of UV rays and aiding the skin in rejuvenation. Prolonged exposure to the sun's UV radiation can cause skin damage, premature aging and even skin cancer.

Additionally, honey's antimicrobial properties, inhibit the growth of certain bacteria, make it useful for treatment of minor acne flare ups. Honey won't dry the skin like other acne related products will. Honey's prospects in skin care are looking better at its' use to create alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). AHAs are an important ingredient in many skin creams and moisturizers because they help exfoliate the skin. Exfoliating increases the renewal of skin cells and gives a younger more vibrant look. 

Many spas use honey in their treatments; such as body wraps and facials. A few include: milk + honey spa in Austin, Texas, and the Ponte Vedra Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra, Fl, and also at Uhma Spa in Miami Beach (uses raw honey in deep cleaning facial and avocado and honey masque for the body). 

For more info: Visit http://www.floridaspagirls.net

Favorite Spa, Salon, Massage Therapist?

Do you have a favorite Spa (day, destination, resort, medical, etc.), Salon and/or massage therapist or health practitioner you'd like to boast to the world about? Feel free to email us with your favorite spa, salon, therapist, etc. Please email, or blog your fav spa, service provider, business name, website and why you love them and don't mind sharing. We'd love to post them and give them thanks and Kudos for all their hard work.

Happy Spa'ing.  http://www.floridaspagirls.net

Thai Massage and its Benefits

There is an array of massages for any ailment, pain, therapeutic need or just relaxation you desire. For westerners, those of us here in the United States, we are just now learning about "new" massages through spas or from our massage therapists. One of these healing modalities being Thai Massage, which is actually 2,500 years old. Thai was developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand and uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body's energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscles and joint tension and balance the body's energy systems. 

I experienced a wonderful Herbal Thai Compression Massage today at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami. After a warm welcome, slipping on spa shoes and drinking some ginger-peach tea, I relaxed in the ladies lounge.

My massage therapist, Francesca, who is from Montecarlo, escorted me to my spa suite and then inquired about my overall health and what my expectations were from my massage. Was I looking for something relaxing or to stretch my overworked muscles and re-energize me?

My spa suite was beautiful, with a jacuzzi, private shower and gorgeous relaxing view over the intercoastal. After smoothing on my special blend of body essential oils, my therapist therapeutically began soothing my tired and tense muscles. Interspersed with deep, herbal compression rubs, I was beginning to feel relaxed and rejuvenated.

The Mandarin Oriental has the only five-star spa in the country. 

www.floridaspagirls.com

Spa Month in Miami

Pamper yourself, heal thy skin.
Hurry on down to Miami and South Beach. July is spa month and there are sizzling hot deals on signature massages, aromatherapy facials, ultimate manicures and pedicures.   (http://www.miamispamonth.com/participants.htm)

Any one of these spas are worth the drive down to Miami or South Beach. From early settlers like Ponce de leon and his Fountain of Youth, to baby boomers of today, people from all parts of the globe are seeking peace, tranquility and the elusive youthful appearance and feeling. Day spas and resort spas were a niche in the nineties, now they are clamoring to pamper you. Men, women, teens and athletes have customized therapies with relaxing, re-hydrating and rejuvenating services. 

Dozens of spas like these; The Spa at Madarin Oriental in Miami, ESPA at Acqualina and The Boutique Spa at the Ritz Carlton, offer pampering services for the busy executive, dedicated athlete and the domestic engineers ranging from hydrating and anti-aging facials at Spa V, or a signature Carita Hands and Feet treatment at the Ritz Carlton in South Beach, or a Thai Herbal Compress Ritual at the Mandarin Oriental. The Mandarin Oriental Spa is offering several great summer specials for only $99, including; an Aromatherapy Facial, an All Seasons exfoliation or an ultimate manicure and pedicure. Many spas and salons are offering summer savings. All you have to do is look around you, or visit the Miami Spa Month website. 

The word "spa" is an acronym for the Latin phrase, sanus per aquam, which means health through water. You will notice many spas use water fountains, falls and treatments to help you relax and rejuvenate. 

Unwind in the hydro relaxation room, while sipping enzyme tea or sparkling water, or sweat it out in the eucolyptus scented sauna. Cleanse your skin with sea salt scrubs, wrap yourself in milk and honey re-hydration cocoon, with the quiet beach as your backdrop. Melt away stress and rejuvenate your senses under cascading waterfalls, or languish at the Aquanox Spa at the Trump International Beach Resort, on the sun-drenched, sparkling shores of the Atlantic ocean. 

One of the benefits of going to a luxury spa (resort or hotel spa), are the other benefits; using the spa's facility for the day. By doing  a little research, one can order ahead and have lunch before or after their services and also take advantage of the sauna, steam room, or one of the other amenities they offer. Oftentimes, you can add on services for less than doing a solo treatment. Indulge a little more, you'll come away refreshed, more focused and ready to tackle the myriad of projects awaiting you at home or at work. 

Do you have a birthday coming up? Or maybe a friend, family member or colleague does. Or perhaps a wedding, anniversary, mother-to-be, or just for a girls (or guys) day out. Many spas will cater to your event including customized services and healthy delectable cuisine. 

Visit them today. And us at: www.FloridaSpaGirls.com

Allergic to Sunscreen?

You're probably aware that too much sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, premature aging  and skin growth. Applying sunscreen protects your skin form the sun, reducing your risk of developing skin cancer and helping prevent premature aging. But what if you're allergic to sunscreen?

http://www.everydayhealth.com/allergies/are-you-allergic-to-sunscreen.aspx?xid=nl_EverydayHealthSkinandBeauty_20090703