Seasonal Changes

With the seasons changing, you may notice your muscles feeling sore, your mood not as bright and your skin looking and feeling dehydrated. Our experts at Spa Soak have some tips to help you get through these cooler seasons. 

Is this weather giving you a chill you just can't shake? Warm up this season with a Hot Stone massage. This ancient form of healing uses warmed basalt stones to promote deep muscle and tissue relaxation. Heat deeply penetrates, prompting profound relaxation, detoxification, pain relief, increased circulation, and an overall sense of well being. 

Sarah Brown, licensed massage therapist at Spa Soak

It's autumn. The mornings are dark, and with the time change, nightfall is earlier. These factors, along with the falling temperatures can make us feel a bit gloomy. One way we can help you beat that seasonal funk is to get acupuncture. Acupuncture helps regulate your brain chemistry, relax and de-stress you by accessing your own body's endorphins. Endorphins are what gives a marathoner "runner's high". Many people receiving acupuncture sleep better, have fewer digestive issues, improve their mild depression or anxiety, and have a stronger immune system. 

Dana Hoffman, board certified, licensed acupuncturist at Spa Soak

As we head into cooler weather it is important we prepare our skin, not only for the weather outside, but the warmer temperatures inside as well. This time of year, we go from windy and cold outdoors, to warm and toasty indoors, this can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated, which can lead to premature aging, not to mention looking much more dull. It is important that you talk to your esthetician about the best way to combat all of these factors. Consider switching to a heavier moisturizer, like our Bioelements Crucial moisture for dry skin, or Absolute moisture for combination skin. The licensed estheticians at Spa Soak can help get your skin back on track with a customized facial, as well as determining which products are best for you. 

Jessica Corral, licensed esthetician at Spa Soak

If you have any questions, or would like to make an appointment, please give us a call at (773) 395-9000. 

Skincare Q&A

What is the most common mistake people make when it comes to their skincare routine?

"There are several common mistakes that people make when it comes to their skin care routine but one that I feel can be most damaging is using the wrong skin care products for their specific skin type. Many people hit their mid to late 20's and they are still treating their skin as if they were teenagers thinking "oil" is bad and they need to get rid of all the oil on their skin. When you get to a certain age or as the skin starts to age the natural oil that your skin produces can be good for you and can continue to keep you looking longer. The trick...listen to your skin, if after you wash your face your skin feels dry and tight then it's time for a new more gentle or hydrating cleanser and don't forget your toner!!! I love toners!!! They bring your skin back to a ph balance...and that's a good thing!"  -Jennifer


"Using the wrong cleanser, or using water only to cleanse. Not cleansing in the evening is a big one as well. Taking the day's makeup, oil and dirt to your pillow leads to congested pores and dullness." -Beth


"People drying their skin out by not using the correct products according to their skin type. People not exfoliating is common as well." -Angie


"Using products that aren't right for their skin type. Be sure to ask your esthetician to recommend products for you to use at home." -Lisa

Why is it important to wear SPF even in Winter?

"UVA/B/C rays don't change with the season- skin damage occurs when unprotected skin is exposed to UV rays, whether you're water-skiing or running errands on a cloudy February day. UVA rays are responsible for the bulk of premature aging skin by damaging the integral proteins that give skin its strength, elasticity and plumpness. Regardless of time of day or season, UVA rays are present and penetrate cloud cover." -Beth

"The sun may not feel as hot in the winter but the rays still shine through the clouds. They can reflect off of snow on the ground, just like water at the beach, like a magnifying glass and that's when they are even more damaging." -Angie

"The sun emits UV rays no matter what season it is. Be sure to sunscreen everyday, rain or shine. Sun damage is the cause of 90% of premature aging." -Lisa

"Not why SPF in the winter, but why not SPF all the time! Doesn't matter the weather always SPF! SPF protects your skin all the time, there are sun rays year round so you need the SPF-not to mention sun at any degree can damage and age your skin. SPF is one of the greatest anti-aging creams around!" -Jennifer

There are so many different products out there; do you have any tips for determining which is best for your specific skin type?

"If you are confused about which products to use, please come in and talk to one of our estheticians. We would be more than happy to go over your concerns and help you choose the correct products for your skin type and concerns." -Lisa

"Paying attention to your skin is the best way to determine what type of skin you have, and what type of products you need. Noticing when your skin begins to feel oily, before or after noon, can narrow your skin down to being "Oily" or "Combination". If your skin feels tight and looks blotchy, it can mean you are "Dry/dehydrated" or even "Sensitive." -Angie

"Best way to pick out the best skin care product is listen to and know your skin. You want your skin to feel balanced and hydrated and supple. If you're unsure try to measure with your pore size; the larger the pore the more oily the skin. And if you still can't figure it out come in to Spa Soak for a skin consultation and we can help you find the best products for your skin." -Jennifer

When should a person start using "Anti-Aging" products?

"It is NEVER too early! Preventative skincare is key when it comes to anti-aging." -Angie

"Sun protection is the most valuable, inexpensive and effective defense against early photo-aging and it should be applied as part of everyone's regular skin care routine. Dermatologists suggest that with a few good skincare habits, such as not smoking, maintaining stable weight, using products that nourish the skin and regular SPF application, there is little reason for twenty-somethings to invest in anti-aging creams. Peptides, retinols, antioxidants and plant stem cells are a smart upgrade in a person's early 30's." -Beth

"Everyone's skin is different, but I think you should start using anti-aging products when you feel you need them. Perhaps at the first signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, hyper pigmentation or dry tired skin." -Lisa

"When is the right time for anti-aging products? If you're asking yourself that question, then the answer is RIGHT NOW! Keep in mind prevention is key, it is so much easier to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from coming, then it is to get rid of them once they've shown up. Use your SPF daily, it's a great anti-aging cream, as well as a nice hydrating cream between your brows and all around the outer parts of your eyes." -Jennifer



All questions were answered by Spa Soak estheticians; Beth Kenerson, Angie Roa, Jennifer Olson and Lisa Oquendo

Lisa's Waxing Tips

Originally posted July 17, 2012

Summer is here and more and more of us are turning to waxing – a relatively quick way to go hair-free and worry-free for about the next month or so.  Going bare down there is an increasingly popular option these days, too, but things can get hairy if you don’t take care of your sensitive skin pre- and post-wax.

So, how do you take care of the skin before and after waxing?  These tips will help minimize the pain and take care of your skin.


Pre-Wax Pointers:

• You need at least 1/4" hair growth. Any shorter and the was won't be able to grab it, but if it's too long, it may cause you more discomfort during the procedure.
• You might want to pop some ibuprofen or acetaminophen 30 – 45 minutes before your appointment.  It won’t take away all the discomfort, but it could definitely help take the edge off.
• Try to make your appointment no closer than a couple of days before or after your period - your body is more sensitive during this time.
• Be clean for your appointment. 

And lastly,

• Breathe! Your natural reaction will be to hold your breath and tense up. If you can just pretend to relax and breathe through it, you'll actually be in less discomfort. 

Post-Wax Pointers:

Next 24-48 hours

Do...

• Take a shower instead of a bath
• Use a cold compress to help soothe the area
• Use only gentle cleansers and moisturizers
• Use tea tree oil, lavender oil, antibiotic ointment or hydro-cortisone cream to calm the area
• Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to help reduce friction

Don't...

• Go in a hot tub or swimming. Heat, chlorine, or salt may irritate or sting.
• Go tanning. This goes for both natural sun and tanning beds. You don't want a sunburn, believe me!
• Exercise vigorously or engage in sexual activity. Friction on the skin can cause it to become inflamed.
• Use product with harsh chemicals, perfumes or dyes. 
• Touch freshly waxed skin, this can encourage irritation and breakouts.

48 hours+

• Feel free to return to your normal activities!
• Exfoliate using a product specifically designed for waxing after-care such as Get the Bump Outta Here.
• Try to gently tweeze out ingrown hairs after you shower or bathe. Resist the temptation to pick. If ingrown hairs are not remedied with gentle tweezing, use of regular exfoliation and the correct products, then it's a good idea to go back to see your esthetician, who is trained to extract stubborn hairs.

Contraindications:
Waxing may not be for you if you are using Retin-A, Renova, Differin or Accutane. These medications can weaken your skin, and tearing may occur. Also, if you have diabetes, very sensitive skin, sunburn, sexually transmitted diseases, skin conditions, or contagious diseases, your body may be more prone to infections.

Spring Cleaning for Your Skin

Originally posted April 11, 2012

As the season changes, we need to do some spring cleaning for our make-up, brushes, and skin care products. Angie has some great tips for bringing your make-up drawer up-to-date. 

This is a good time to check for expired make-up. Anything that has changed color or consistency needs to be replaced. Remember that mascara needs to be replaced more often than other products - about every 3 months.

Your brushes may need some attention, too. Brushes should be cleaned about once a month to prevent bacterial growth. Use a mild soap & water, then reshape them and let them air dry. To maintain them, spritz them once a week with either a brush cleanser or rubbing alcohol.

Skin care products also follow the color & consistency rule. If it's changed, replace it. Give them a sniff test, too. These products have a shelf life of about 1 year, so anything older than that should be tossed.

For your face, we recommend a deep cleansing facial as a great jump-start to prepping your skin for the summer months. Your esthetician can evaluate your skin and tell you if you need to make any changes to your Bioelements regimen to keep you glowing til fall.

Winter Skin Care

Originally posted January 13, 2012

We asked Devon what we could do fr our dry, windblown winter skin. Here are her tips for brightening and moisturizing our sad, flaky faces!

When it comes to winter skin problems, the biggest complaint we hear from clients is about dryness. From tight, parched cheeks to flaky scales around the brow line; even the oiliest of skins can suffer from the feeling of dry skin.

When diagnosing skin types and conditions the one thing that is important to understand is that there is a difference between dry skin and dehydrated skin. Dry skin occurs when the skin is not producing as much of the natural oils which keep us looking supple and young. The moisture content in skin will inevitably reduce with age, producing a thinner texture and tone. This results in a tight and uncomfortable face that spotlights fine lines and dullness.

Dehydrated skin, on the other hand, is generally more of a skin condition than a skin type. The most obvious culprit of dehydration is a lack of water intake. Other things that create a dehydrated surface include: ineffective (or non-existent) exfoliation, strong chemicals in skin care products, and environmental conditions.

The best way to combat dehydrated skin is to start with a good professional exfoliation through a facial and  follow-up with an advised at-home routine. Many times the most effective course of action is to have a professional chemical peel, which provides a fresh surface for the esthetician to work with.

Visiting the spa for a facial is the first thing to do before making any decisions about combating dryness or dehydration. Our most popular facial at Spa Soak, Oxygen, helps combat dry and lifeless skin. This relaxing and effective service infuses the skin with natural ingredients and anti-oxidants.  It is an invigorating jump-start for dry sluggish skin. If you’re feeling prematurely aged, congested, or clogged, Oxygen will also boost tone and texture making you look-and feel-younger.

Winter doesn’t only attack the skin on our faces. Many of us suffer from cracked, bleeding, and painful skin on our cuticles and thumbs. Seeing a nail technician for a manicure and paraffin treatment will help ease the dryness, but we would like to share an at-home remedy with you.

Every night before bed try putting Blistex Medicated Lip Ointment on the cracked areas and covering with a bandage. Within two nights of treatments it should clear up for you.

We’ve had somewhat of a mild season but in Chicago it could get nasty at any second. Once the forced air heating begins to blow you will start to feel--and see--the negative affects it has on your skin. Take some time to see a professional and most importantly take care of yourself; drink lots of water and get plenty of sleep.

The professionals at Spa Soak are committed to helping you achieve your skin care goals and making you look your best during all seasons.