Spa Villa has been recognized by DaySpa magazine for its I Prefer L.A. package.

DaySpa Magazine gave the special recognition to Spa Villa as one of the “Top Spa Packages for 2012″ in its November issue.

“I was super impressed, for instance, with the I Prefer L.A. package at Spa Villa in Decatur, Illinois, which gives clients a head-to-toe mini makeover with mani/pedi, hair styling and makeup, in about two hours for around $100,” Lisa Sweetingham, executive editor, noted on her editor’s page. “Who wouldn’t want that kind of professional primping for a big Saturday night? And the free purse size lip gloss and hairspray that Spa Villa sends customers off with is a nice (and useful) little surprise.”

Spa Villa located in downtown Decatur is a salon/dayspa with an attached boutique carrying some of the top products in the beauty industry such as Bare Minerals, SMASHBOX, Redken, Pureology, Hempz and many more. Spa Villa has a second, mini location at Hickory Point Mall, where it offers some of the services you would find at their larger location such as skincare, makeup, facial waxing and eyelashes.

For more information on Spa Villa, call 217-428-8452.

From the Herald & Review:  http://herald-review.com/special-section/news/achievements/dayspa-magazine-recognizes-spa-villa/article_c0166218-3ab9-11e1-9eb8-001871e3ce6c.html#ixzz1loWQxIeM

For 85 years, America’s Beauty Show has been the event tens of thousands of salon and Spa professionals look forward to for the latest education and exhibits of the newest fashions, products, and business techniques that make salons successful. The 86th annual America’s Beauty show held March 27-29, 2010 at McCormick Place was no exception. Attended by the Team of Spa Villa, here are highlights and pictures of the event.

Our Nail Team was invited to a Shellac Attack!! What is that you ask? Shellac is the first hybrid nail color. It is a breakthrough patent pending UV3 technology invented by Creative Nail Design. The Results? Fourteen day glorious high gloss color that is truly addictive!! After being Shellacked, the girls were asked to play in CND’s color lab, where Lisa Sebok, Tiffany Boyer, and Jacquelyn Walker invented colors of their own. Be looking for more information on this revolutionary new addition to our Nail Team’s repertoire.

There was much excitement when the Spa Villa team experienced the majesty of the runway shows. First, they witnessed the creative mind of Nick Arrojo (formerly of TLC’s What Not To Wear). They listened as he forecasted future trends in hair, fashion, and style. They watched as he performed his techniques on cutting and coloring. Next, they were entranced with the Cirque Du Soleil- like interpretations of Anthony Mascolo (International Creative Director of TIGI Haircare). He is an incredible image maker, as renowned for his photography as he is for his hairstyles. The show was vibrant in color and rich in costume design. The beautiful hairstyles were equally astonishing. Lastly, but absolutely not least, the Spa Villa Girls watched stageside as Tabatha Coffey (TLC’s Tabitha’s Salon Takeover and Bravo’s Sheer Genius) motivated, educated, and encouraged the team to return to the spa/salon inspired, confidant, and ready to take their work to the next level.

Spa Villa would like to also mention the accomplishments of our Team members that participated in this year’s show.

Heather Joyner educated for China Glaze again this year. She was looked to by professionals for the latest trends in nail fashion and care. She brought back her knowledge to share with the rest of the Spa Villa Team.

Amy Coakley bravely entered a friendly hairstyle competition. Her efforts were rewarded by a critique from the “one and only” Tabatha Coffey.

Christina Kaufman participated in the Stars and Rising Stars Photo Competition. She prepared a photo shoot that included a completely made over model. Her creativity and fashion awareness was truly inspiring.

Congratulations to our Team for all of their efforts!

The Skin Benefits of Mint

In skin care products, mint can have benefits that go beyond just its aroma. It actually can help improve your skin’s condition.

If you look at the beauty products in your bathroom cabinet, you may be surprised to find that some of them contain mint. Chances are it’s labeled as “menthe.” What makes mint a beneficial ingredient for skin care, is that its juice can soothe and calm skin that’s itchy or infected. You can even use it to help heal bites from mosquitoes, wasps and bees. Because mint contains vitamin A, it may strengthen skin tissue and help reduce oily skin.

Mint is helpful in treating inflammations such as acne because it has high amounts of salicylic acid. Mint oil is a natural astringent – rub mint oil on your face to prevent pimples from popping up. The salicylic acid in mint loosens up dead skin cells, allowing them to shed easier. That has the potential to prevent your pores from clogging up, resulting in fewer pimples and clearer skin.

For many people, the cold days of winter bring more than just a rosy glow to the cheeks. They also bring uncomfortable dryness to the skin of the face, hands, and feet. Here are some useful tips to help you (and your skin) get through the cold, dry months of winter.

Avoid Water on Your Skin

It is natural to think that applying water alone to dry skin would help control the problem. However, water alone (especially hot water) can actually worsen the problem of dry skin by removing the normal, protective skin oils. Hot, soapy water depletes the natural skin oils to the greatest degree. However, water followed by the application of oil such as a moisturizer is of great benefit for dry skin. The oil in the moisturizer helps trap and seal water in the stratum corneum and makes the skin softer, smoother and less likely to become dry, cracked and itchy.

Bathing Techniques to Retain Moisture

You should take a short shower (no more than 10 minutes) only once in a 24 hour period. While longer baths or showers, especially in hot water, can be quite relaxing, they will also increase the loss of natural oils from the skin and worsen skin dryness. The bath or shower should be in warm rather than hot water. Use a mild, less drying soap and only use minimally.

After bathing or showering, quickly and gently pat the skin partially dry with a towel. Within three minutes of getting out of the water apply a moisturizer to seal the water in the skin before it can evaporate. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day and evening when possible especially to those areas prone to dryness and when itchy.

Be careful about using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and itch-suppressing creams or lotions. Many of these products contain chemicals that can irritate or cause allergic reactions in dry, dermatitic skin.

Increase Your Home’s Humidity

Any way that you can increase the humidity level in the air of your home and workplaces would be advisable. If not already present, you should consider adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home. If you use a portable humidifier, make sure it is used in your bedroom at night.

Facial Moisturizers vs Body Moisturizers

There are basically two types of moisturizers – facial moisturizers and body moisturizers. Most facial moisturizers on the market relate largely to makeup and cosmetic concerns. Facial moisturizers are different than body moisturizers in that they are very carefully designed to avoid causing allergic reactions (hypoallergenic) and flares of acne on the face (noncomedogenic).

There are four basic classes of body moisturizers – ointments, oils, creams and lotions.

Ointment moisturizers have the greatest ability to trap moisture in the skin, but they have the greasy consistency and feel of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. People often shy away from using them because of the greasy feel, but this can be minimized by applying a small amount and rubbing it into the skin well.

Oil moisturizers are less greasy but still effective. It is preferable to apply oils after getting out of the tub or shower, just as you would other moisturizers, directly to damp skin immediately after a light toweling off to partially dry the skin.

Cream moisturizers are usually white and disappear when rubbed into the skin without leaving a greasy feel. As a result they tend to be more popular than ointments.

Lotion moisturizers are suspensions of oily chemicals in alcohol and water. Lotion moisturizers are generally the least greasy and the most pleasant to use and therefore are quite popular. However, because of their alcohol content, they can be somewhat drying when used repeatedly compared to ointments and creams. The bottom line is that if the moisturizer you choose does not feel at least a bit greasy you may not be getting as strong a moisturizer as you might need.

This time of year brings many seasonal ingredients chock-full of antioxidants that are great for our skin. Thankfully there are three seasonal fruits that can help your skin get through the winter months; pumpkin, pomegranate, and cranberry.

So, why are antioxidants so important? Every day, our skin is under assault – from UV rays, pollution, or cigarette smoke, for example. That damage causes free radicals, which are oxygen molecules that have lost an electron. As a result, those unpaired molecules try to steal electrons from other molecules, including vital skin components. The result is visible skin damage, in the form of lines, wrinkles, and redness. Luckily, antioxidants can supply those missing electrons, calm attacking molecules, and prevent damage.

In a nutshell, antioxidants are among the most important preventive ingredients in the skin care arsenal. They can effectively prevent (and minimize) redness and inflammation, and are essential for slowing the signs of skin aging.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin offers plenty of benefits when applied topically to the skin, and a number of cosmetics and beauty product companies are making skincare products that contain pumpkin enzymes as a leading ingredient. The enzymes found in pumpkins dissolve dead skin cells, which makes it a great chemical exfoliant. Plus pumpkin is full of beta carotene and is a good source of anti-aging vitamin A.

Pumpkin is also a rich source of nutrients and antioxidants that can help your skin achieve a healthy glow throughout the winter season! From facial treatments and moisturizers, to invigorating body treatments and wraps, pumpkin and pumpkin extracts can be used in a variety of indulgent treatments at the spa!
Pumpkin Spa Treatments

Some spa treatments make use of pumpkin masques, body wraps, and even extracts combined with a pumpkin and spice oil. These are just a few ways to try pumpkin in a new way, and it’s a simple treat that you can enjoy on a regular basis. Pumpkin facials make use of a pumpkin enzyme mask that can soothe and protect your skin; the essential nutrients can reach deep within your pores and absorb quickly. Combined with a moisturizer and basic toner, this is a great treat for your skin and body—without the extra calories!

Body wraps and massages that use pumpkin ingredients are another way to indulge during the season, or any time of year. Pumpkin nourishes tired or dry skin instantly, giving you a healthy glow anytime your skin needs a boost! Colder weather can make your skin especially dehydrated, and the brisk fall and winter breeze certainly doesn’t help. You’ll also find pumpkin treatments in many anti-aging therapies, but you can still enjoy it as a basic skin soother and moisturizer. Pumpkin peels can also help with breakouts and acne problems. The nutrients can help soothe and reduce inflammation naturally, helping skin recover from acne-related damage.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate contains a big-deal antioxidant called punicic acid, so it helps the skin defend itself from free radicals, which cause premature aging. The oil supports and maintains immune, reproductive, circulatory, digestive, metabolic, and skin health. It has the ability to soothe, protect, and moisturize dry, cracked, and irritated skin, as well as to improve skin elasticity and promote cellular rejuvenation.

Pomegranate seed oil is the only known plant-based source of Omega 5 essential fatty acid. While fish oil (an Omega 3) has been widely touted over the last few years – and is even commonly prescribed now as the essential fatty acid that protects the body from a myriad of diseases like cardiovascular disease and diabetes – it should really only be taken orally due to the fact that it is a large molecule that is not readily absorbed by the skin. Omega 5, on the other hand, is highly compatible with the dermis due to its small molecular size, meaning it is absorbed almost instantaneously and even becomes a delivery system for nutrients to cells.

Cranberry

Cranberries may be a perennial source of debate at Thanksgiving dinner – love ‘em or hate ‘em, fresh or canned – but in the dermatological community, the verdict is clear: Cranberries are a wonderful source of antioxidants, so don’t hold back when they come around the table this year.

Cranberries are actually a type of acidic berries that are rich in vitamin C and believed to contain excellent infection fighting properties. A source of pythochemicals known as condensed tannins; these berries are powerful antioxidant and natural antiseptic with anti-inflammatory effect.

The weather is colder and drier and it’s the time of year to adjust your skincare products and routine, so that they meet the needs of these colder, drier months. Cool air and wind can be extremely drying to skin, and if it hasn’t had enough time renewal and recovery time from summer’s toll, you’ll miss out on that luminous glow for the holidays. You may need more moisture, hydration to your skin during this time, or a good exfoliant to slough off summer damage.

It is also time to consider a much needed facial, and even a series of facials to really create that flawless look. Facials that are designed to meet the particular needs of your skin, using products at Spa Villa that are designed for the modern woman. Spa Villa looks forward to creating the best and most effective plan for your skin.

Fall & Winter Skincare Tips:

Stay Hydrated

Increased water consumption not only keeps the body hydrated but also decreases the amount of toxins eliminated through the pores helping to maintain a radiant, clear complexion. Opening up the pores by using saunas and exfoliating products in addition to drinking water can also go a long way in improving skin health.

Switch your lotion to a cream

Switch your daily moisturizer to a cream, which will help your skin moisture more effectively than a lotion. Regular use of hydrating creams will not only help to prevent water loss, they will also aid in restoring moisture balance and elasticity to the outer layer of the skin.

Continue Sun Protection

UV rays still penetrate clouds and overcast skies, and reflect off water, cement, sand, and snow. Try to find moisturizers and mineral make-up that have SPF and use them daily all over the face, body and hands to protect them from these harmful rays.

Exfoliate

Oil, chemicals and dead skin cells can build-up on skin over time, especially after the summer season so it’s important to slough off this layer regularly to reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. Exfoliating with a scrub that contains natural ingredients used once a week is just enough to keep skin healthy and new and to help rid dry skin of flakes. See the exfoliating treatments that Spa Villa offers on our Body Treatments and Facials pages.

Both teachers and students alike can make the school year their best ever with help from Spa Villa!

Massages, facials, body treatments, and manicures & pedicures can all help make the school year a success. Spa Villa is a great place to catch up with old friends, get to know new roommates, or spend time with significant others to start the school year off right.

Spa Parties

Spa Villa offers many Spa Packages that would make great spa parties! Spa parties are great for acquainting or reacquainting teacher co-workers, a group of friends, or even all the girls on your dorm’s floor! Check out our Spa Packages and call us to arrange a spa party!

Relieve Stress with Massage

For stress relief and the ultimate in relaxation, Swedish and deep tissue massages are sure winners. For feeling and looking one’s best, a massage can be combined with a detoxifying body exfoliation.

Aromatherapy Can Calm & Motivate

Invigorating ingredients used in massages can be used as motivational tools. When selecting your spa treatment, consider if you’re looking for a spring in your step or a soothing balm to help alleviate anxiety. Explaining your expected outcome can help your aesthetician choose the most effective oils for your hot stone massage or body wrap.

Any special needs, such as sun damaged or blotchy skin or tense shoulder muscles should be brought to your aesthetician’s attention. This can help them determine the best botanical products to use for your specific treatment.

The Polished Look

Smooth hands and feet with well-groomed nails and silky, shiny hair can improve one’s self-image and also the impression made on others. Spa manicures and pedicures and hair conditioning treatments are a good investment for starting the new school year.

Did you know that massage therapy, when combined with traditional medical treatments, is used to reduce stress and pain and promote healing in people with certain health conditions?

Massage has many important health benefits. In fact, massage can help you maintain physical, mental and emotional well being, especially when it is part of your regular wellness routine.

• Massage calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of relaxation and well being.
• Massage reduces tension and anxiety.
• Massage improves blood circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells.
• Massage stimulates the lymphatic system, which carries away the body’s waste products.
• Massage prevents and relieve muscles cramps and spasms.
• Massage therapy can help with pain management in conditions such as arthritis, sciatica, muscle spasms.

Massage can relieve tension in your muscles, and most people use it for relaxation, relief of stress and anxiety, or to reduce muscle soreness. Massage can also cause your body to release natural painkillers, and it may boost your immune system.

Massage can be used in combination with traditional medical treatments to treat the following:

• Anxiety. Massage reduced anxiety in depressed children and anorexic women. It also reduced anxiety and withdrawal symptoms in adults trying to quit smoking.
• Pain. Pain was decreased in people with fibromyalgia, migraines and recent surgery. Back pain also might be relieved by massage. However, back pain study results have been contradictory, and more research is required.
• Labor pain. Massage during labor appears to lessen stress and anxiety, relax muscles and reduce pain.
• Infant growth. Massage encouraged weight gain in premature babies and reduced the number of days they stayed in the hospital.
• Children with diabetes. Children who were massaged every day by their parents were more likely to stick to their medication and diet regimens, which helped reduce their blood glucose levels.
• Sports-related soreness. Some athletes receive massages after exercise, especially to the muscles they use most in their sport or activity. A massage might help increase blood flow to your muscles and may reduce muscle soreness after you exercise.
• Alcohol withdrawal. Massage during withdrawal from alcohol has shown benefits when combined with traditional medical treatment by increasing feelings of support, safety and engagement in the therapy.
• Immune system. People with HIV who participated in massage studies showed an increased number of natural killer cells, which are thought to defend the body from viral and cancer cells.
• Cancer treatment. People with cancer who received regularly scheduled massage therapy during treatment reported less anxiety, pain and fatigue.
• Self-esteem. Because massage involves direct contact with another person through touch, it can make you feel cared for. That special attention can improve self-image in people with physical disabilities and terminal illnesses. And using touch to convey caring can help children with severe physical disabilities.

Massage is not a good idea if you have a fever, infections, inflammation, osteoporosis and other medical conditions. If you have any questions about whether a massage would be right for you, ask to speak to a massage therapist before you make your appointment.

When summer is in full force it is time to think about the special care that our hair needs. Whether it be the sun, the sand, the sea or the pool, our hair takes a beating when the temperatures rise. It doesn’t take a lot to ruin our hair but getting it back to a healthy state is another story.

Hair that has been damaged by the sun may become brittle and frizzy. Many times the only way to fix this summer problem is to trim away the damaged follicles.

Pools contain all sorts of damaging chemicals as do hot tubs. One of the most damaging chemicals in pools is a cousin of bleach known as chlorine. Chlorine not only will bleach your hair but can also dry it out, making it brittle. It can also affect your scalp, making it sensitive and itchy. To prevent these symptoms, always wash your hair following a dip.

When it is warm enough to fry and egg on the sidewalk, it is also warm enough to fry your hair cuticles. Try to stay out of the heat as much as possible. If staying out of the sun is not an option, protect your hair by simplifying your daily hair routine. Cut back on the blow drying and heat styling. Also, try using a heat activated conditioner to make your job even easier. Make the summer heat work for you.

Summer is a time to baby your hair and let it go on a vacation. Just as we all need a break from our daily routines, our hair does too. Try doing hair in braids, popping on a straw hat, or even a short fun cut. This is a great time of the year to try something new like a modified bob with a ton of texture. Try a new haircut that doesn’t take much product to maintain. Enjoy your summer and enjoy your hair, it only takes a couple of minutes to prevent months of damage from the hot summer sun and all of the fun that goes with it.

What are Body Treatments?

Body treatments are like a facial for your whole body. It is important to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin on your body. They can also have a detoxifying effect on your entire system. Spa Villa offers two body treatments: body exfoliation and body wrap.

These exfoliating treatments take place on a massage table covered with a sheet and a large, thin piece of plastic. As you lay on your stomach, the massage therapist rubs a mixture of sea salt, oil, and aromatics like lemon into your skin. This exfoliates the skin and leaves it feeling velvety soft.

Once your whole body is scrubbed, which takes maybe ten or fifteen minutes, you shower it all off without soap, leaving a nice coating of oil. A good follow-up to a body treatment is a massage. If you’re having both treatments, it is best to do the body treatment first.

Why is Exfoliation Important?

Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin’s outermost surface.

Exfoliation is an important part of both facials and body treatments. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin feeling smoother and fresher looking.

The skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer and sending them to the surface. As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.

As we age, the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin’s surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.

Schedule Your Body Treatment

Schedule an appointment for a body treatment, massage, or any of our other spa services by calling 217-428-8452 or emailing us at spa@yourpassporttobeauty.com.