en-us New articles added to FindMySpa. http://www.findmyspa.com http://www.findmyspa.com/article-28.htm http://www.findmyspa.com/article-28.htm Fri, 21 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 FindMySpa.com How do sunless tanning products work? Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing it to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunless tanning products are commonly sold as creams, gels, lotions and sprays you apply to your skin. Professional spray-on tanning also is available at many salons, spas and tanning businesses. We also offer this service and use the best sunless tanning products on the market (in our humble opinion!), the Norvell Amber Sun line. The active ingredient in most sunless tanning products is dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When applied to the skin, DHA reacts with dead cells in the outermost layer of skin to temporarily darken the skin\'s appearance. The coloring doesn\'t wash off, but it gradually fades as the dead skin cells slough off — typically within 10 days. The tan can be extended with the proper pre and post tan maintenance. What about sunless tanning pills? Sunless tanning pills, which typically contain the color additive canthaxanthin, are unsafe. When taken in large amounts, canthaxanthin can turn your skin orange and cause hives. Sunless tanning pills can also cause liver damage and lead to the formation of crystals in the retina of the eye (canthaxanthin retinopathy). What\'s the best way to promote an even-looking tan with sunless tanning products? Sunless tanning products can provide an even, natural-looking tan if they\'re applied correctly and carefully. We guarantee our airbrush technicians are professionals and will apply a spray tan that is to die for! For best results, follow these directions carefully. These instructions are useful for In general: ■Exfoliate first. Before getting sprayed or using a sunless tanning product, wash your skin with a wash cloth or sponge to remove excess dead skin cells. If you typically shave your legs, do so before you apply the sunless tanning product for an even application. ■Use a light touch. Apply the sunless tanning product evenly and lightly. Use sparingly on dry or thickened skin, such as over your ankles, knees and elbows. If necessary, ask someone to help you apply sunless tanner to hard-to-reach spots. ■Save the tops of your hands for last. After you apply the product to your face and body, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid coloring your palms. Be sure to remove any product from under your fingernails. Then use a cotton ball to apply the sunless tanner to the top of each hand. ■Take time to dry. Wait to dress until the sunless tanner dries completely. Remember, most sunless tanning products don\'t contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, protect your skin with generous amounts of sunscreen. http://www.findmyspa.com/article-29.htm http://www.findmyspa.com/article-29.htm Sat, 22 May 2010 00:00:00 -0400 FindMySpa.com Massage is no longer available only through luxury spas and upscale health clubs. Today, massage therapy is offered in businesses, clinics, hospitals and even airports. If you\'ve never tried massage, learn about the possible health benefits of massage and what to expect during a massage therapy session. What is massage? Massage is a general term for pressing, rubbing and manipulating your skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapists typically use their hands and fingers for massage but may also use their forearms, elbows and even feet. Massage may range from light stroking to deep pressure techniques. There are many different types of massage, including these common types: ■Swedish massage. This is a gentle form of massage that uses long strokes, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration and tapping to help relax and energize you. ■Deep-tissue massage. This massage technique uses slower, more forceful strokes to target the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, commonly to help with muscle damage from injuries. ■Sports massage. This is similar to Swedish massage but is geared toward people involved in sport activities to help prevent or treat injuries. ■Trigger point massage. This massage focuses on trigger points, or sensitive areas of tight muscle fibers that can form in your muscles after injuries or overuse. (*Mobili\'Spa offers all these massage styles and more...) Benefits of massage Massage is generally considered part of complementary and alternative medicine. It\'s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage helpful for: ■Stress relief ■Managing anxiety and depression ■Pain ■Stiffness ■Blood pressure control ■Infant growth ■Sports-related injuries ■Boosting immunity ■Cancer treatment Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often involves caring, comfort, a sense of empowerment and creating deep connections with their massage therapist. Despite its benefits, massage isn\'t meant as a replacement for regular medical care. Let your doctor know you\'re trying massage and be sure to follow any standard treatment plans you have. Risks of massage Massage is generally safe as long as it\'s done by a trained massage therapist (we guarantee that all of Mobili\'Spa\'s massage therapists are certified by the state they operate in). But massage isn\'t appropriate for everyone. Discuss massage with your doctor first in cases of: ■Unexplained pain or other symptoms ■Burns or open wounds ■Cancer ■Blood clots ■Fractures ■Rheumatoid arthritis ■Severe osteoporosis ■Pregnancy Some forms of massage can leave you feeling a bit sore the next day. But massage shouldn\'t be painful or uncomfortable. If any part of your massage doesn\'t feel right or is painful, speak up right away and let the therapist know.