Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Benefits of Massage

So many of us think that taking the time and money to get a massage is a luxury. The reality is massage is extremely good for your health in so many ways you may not have realized. We have many services that will help you feel relaxed and revitalized! Our massage therapists are the wonderful Nicole Fehr and Lisa Cormier.






What are the benefits? Let's start with the physical benefits:


1. Alleviates low-back pain and improves range of motion. If you have been suffering back pain, stiffness, soreness a massage will be extremely beneficial to you.
2. Massage exercises and stretches weak, tight or atrophied muscles.
3. Helps athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
4. Increases joint flexibility.
5. Pumps oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
6. Eases medication dependance for pain.
7. Reduces spasms and cramping.
8. Relieves migraine and head ache pain.
9. Promotes tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
10. Improves the condition of the body's largest organ, the skin!
11. Releases endorphins, amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller. 
12. Enhances immunity by stimulating lymph flow, the bodies natural defense system.


Our massage treatments we'd suggest for those looking to increase their bodies health:


Deep Tissue Massage
60/90 minutes:
Suited for clients with injuries or body pain.
An invigoration deep tissue massage. 
Our massage therapists treat the back, neck, and shoulders while addressing specific injury/pain areas. 

or you can try...

Soothing Stone Massage
60/90 minutes:
A detoxifying and relaxing treatment using
the therapeutic effects of hot stones and warm 
body oils. A terrific remedy for sore muscles.


For those expectant mothers...
Pregnancy Massage
60/90 minutes:
A massage treatment specialized to meet the
needs of the expectant mother.
Energy is restored and aches and pains
are diminished.


So what are the emotional benefits?


1. Reduces depression. Massage therapy can give a person an overall sense of well being. For someone who is experiencing anxiety or depression this can be an immense help.
2. Stress and Relaxation. Stress can actually be decreased and relaxation improved when massage therapy is done. This can have a direct impact on our emotions. Reducing and controlling stress levels through massage therapy can help us be better able to deal with problems as they arise. 
3. Touch, especially in America, is not a common thing between people. Because we are humans, touch helps to ease us, and it can provide comfort and support in times of distress. 


Massage puts more than a smile on your face. It is a huge benefit to your health. 




Our massage treatments we'd suggest for those looking to increase their emotional well being?


Retreat Signature Massage
30/60/90 minutes
Relieve stress and tension as your "problem areas"
are treated. An excellent massage for experienced
patrons or those who enjoy a deep, 
thorough massage. 

or try...


Couples Retreat
60/90 minutes 
A customized signature massage for you
and your partner. Specially priced for couples.
A great way to celebrate an anniversary
or other special occasion.


Interested in scheduling a massage appointment?
Call us today:

Give us a call at 801 386-7009 or contact us directly.

Monday, June 18, 2012

10 Ways to for Younger Looking Skin

We all want to  have healthy, youthful skin. It's very possible there are many things you could be doing that you may not realize! At Urban Retreat Spa and Salon, we love to helping you look your best. Here are 10 Ways you can help keep your skin youthful. 


1. Sunscreen! Apply generously! If you don't apply the right amount of sunscreen, you're not getting the protection you need! It's recommended to use a nickel-size amount for your face and ample amounts on your entire body. If you're going to spend a lot of time outside, apply it on everywhere, even if you plan on wearing a bathing suit or clothes- and do so at least 20 minutes before you leave, so it has time to sink in. Sun damage is the number 1 skin aging factor. 




2. Don't get lulled into a false sense of security. People really think a higher number of SPF means longer coverage. But no matter the number you've picked, you have to reapply generously every 90 minutes.


3. Just because you have a thick head of hair, it doesn't mean your scalp is protected. If you're going to be in the sun, we suggest misting your head with a spray sunscreen or always packing a hat. At Urban Retreat Spa and Salon, we have a Whimsy Clothing Shop in front with beautiful hat options for you!



4. Stop thinking your makeup is able to protect your face from the sun sufficiently. Plenty of foundations and pressed powders now contain sunscreen, but that doesn't mean they give you the right amount of protection. Experts say you would have to apply seven times the amount of foundation you wear to get the full SPF value of the product! At Urban we recommend using Glymed 15 or Glymed 30 for much better protection for your skin. Prevent environmental again assaults using a proven and effective, full spectrum SPF protection formula that blends perfectly with any makeup product.




5. Don't forget about your lips. Did you know your lips get more sun exposure than any other area on the face? And if you're in the habit of putting on lip gloss before going out it's like putting baby oil on your body and lying in the sun! You can burn your lips. If you plan on being outside, make sure your gloss has an SPF of 20 and put it on after you've covered your lips with a sunscreen lip balm. Or throw on a hat from Whimsy as mentioned before. They have built in SPF!


6. Hydrate! No, Diet Coke does not count. The more hydrated your skin, the better your wrinkles will look. Drink lots of water, cut back on coffee and soda. Aim to drink eight 8oz. of water a day. Keep it available and  you will hit that goal easily. If you are feeling thirsty, you are not drinking enough. 



7. Keep your skin hydrated. The trick is to start with a cleanser that doesn't strip your skin. We recommend starting with a hydrating  Glymed Cleanser.  

It's also important to gently exfoliate to remove the dead skin cells- no moisturizer can penetrate a layer of flakes. We recommend following up a gentle exfoliate like Glymed's Exfoliant Masque.

 Then double up on moisturizers: In the morning, try a lighter formula with sunscreen that absorbs well. Try Glymed's 15 or 30spf moisturizer as mentioned above. At night, go with a dense cream such as Glymed's Mega Moisture for evening.  

Follow with Glymeds Eye calm for eye puffiness and Glymed's Eye and Lip Renewal for firming eyes and lips to soothe your skin while you sleep.
  


8. Stop Smoking. In addition to causing Cancer and bad breath, smoking cigarettes destroys collagen and elastin, and decreases levels of estrogen, which is necessary to keep skin firm. 







9.  Get enough sleep. Easier said than done correct? The term beauty rest actually has some science behind it! Not only does your skin need some down time to repair it, but sagging skin and puffiness around the eyes make wrinkles look much worse. 


10. Eat healthy!
Your skin receives nutrients not only from creams and treatments, but also from the food you eat. The more balanced your diet, the younger you'll look. And if you're not taking a multivitamin, start now. To keep skin happy, eat more fatty fish (such as salmon), dark green vegetables (like broccoli and spinach), almonds, and walnuts. Drink lots of antioxidant green tea. And lay off the refined sugar and booze—both cause aging inflammatory reactions in the skin.


How can we be of help? We have several Skin Care Services to help you be as beautiful as possible. 

SKIN CARE SERVICES


Retreat Renewal Facial                  40 min   $55

Treatment for All Skin Types - Quick Fix

A complete solution for those who need a detailed quick fix.  Intended to relax and rejuvenate.  This customized facial is great for all skin types. The treatment will leave skin visibly refreshed and enhanced.

Retreat Signature Facial      75 min. $80

Treatment for All Skin Types - Relaxing Maintenance

The latest in skin care technique. Purify and nourish your skin while leaving it noticeably firmer and more radiant. Our signature facial includes: cleansing, steam, exfoliation, extractions (at request), masque, toning and moisturizing. European massage of the face, neck and decollate to relieve stress and tension that can lead to premature aging.

Men's Skin Maintenance Facial 60 min. $80

Treatment for All Male Skin Types

This treatment addresses a man's specific skin needs including the prevention of ingrown hairs, soothing razor burn, and correcting damaging results from daily shaving, and environmental stresses.  Acne-prone areas are also addressed. Includes light massage of the arms and hands.

Superior C Skin Peel  75 min. $80

Treatment for Hyperpigmentation

This rich antioxidant peel is excellent for mature, hyperpigmented, and environmentally damaged or stressed skin.  It helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthens the tone of skin with increased production of collagen and elastin, leaving the skin firm, soft, and radiant.  Perfect before special occasions.  Recommended as a series of three to six treatments.

Four Layer Facial 75 min $90

Treatment for Dehydrated Skin

This unique Four Layer Facial® treatment utilizes the natural, therapeutic properties of the sea. Suitable for all skin types, the seaweed-based products were designed to re-hydrate, re-mineralize and re-balance the skin. The richness of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids improve both skin tone and texture, assuring a long-lasting afterglow with new softness and smoothness.

Therapeutic Acne Treatment Facial     60 min $80

Treatment for Acne Prone Skin

This treatment is designed for non-inflammatory acne to acute/chronic acne.  The treatment utilizes the properties of Salicylic Acid to prevent acne and acts as an anti-inflammatory.  The treatment is safe and effective for all acne clients.

Microdermabrasion 60 min  $110/600

Treatment for Resurfacing

A highly effective exfoliation technique that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, hyper-pigmentation, age spots, enlarged pores, sun damage, and acne scarring. This is a non-invasive alternative to laser and chemical peels designed to produce soft, radiant skin. Each treatment includes a Retreat Renewal Facial.
For best results, a series of 6 is recommended.

Looking for individual advice?
Give us a call at 801 386-7009 or contact us directly.







Tuesday, June 12, 2012

10 Ways to Style Your Hair with Kevin Murphy Products

Whatever you are trying to achieve with your hair, whether it be reducing frizz, getting it fuller, having it stay styled all day long or do something super fun like adding temporary bright hair color there is a Kevin Murphy product for it.

At Urban Retreat Spa and Salon, we use and sell Kevin Murphy products. We do it because Kevin Murphy is amazing!
All our hair stylists enjoy KM because of its versatility and fantastic quality. 

So whether you want to come in and have us help you or purchase some product to try things out for yourself, we'd love to be of help.

Here are 10 Ways to Style Your Hair using Kevin Murphy products! Enjoy! (Want to learn more? We have several previous Blog posts about some of the products mentioned here.)


1. Want Fuller hair? 
Try using FULL AGAIN. We love it! It's easy to use and has
fabulous ability to defy gravity. 




2. Want to do an up-do and make it hold all through your special event? We use BODY BUILDER HAIR SPRAY. Check out the beautiful results from our latest photo shoot.This beautiful hairstyle is the work of our very experienced and wonderful stylist Meagan Swartz. 





3. Want to add some Fun Color? Get creative with the Color Bug. No commitment necessary, it washes right out! The Color Bug has become extremely popular. We sell out of it frequently! Check out the beautiful results.





4. Have curly hair? Trying to tame it and enjoy your beautiful curls? Try Kevin Murphy's MOTION LOTION. 



5. Don't have natural curls but want to add some waves to your hair-do? Try THE MERMAID HAIR KIT. Lovely loose wavy curls are at your finger tips. See how we used them in a recent photo shoot. Styled by Tory Price. 









6.Want fabulously sleek hair? Fighting the Frizz curse? 
Try EASY RIDER! See how Tory Price styled a client and got a beautiful look with no frizz. 






  7. Need to get your hair full but have it stay? Add KM's 
BODY BUILDER  VOLUMIZING MOUSSE to damp hair.


8. Wondering about Shampoo and Conditioning options? We love all of them, but depending on your hair type, we can help you find the perfect fit. Come in and ask us! We'll be happy to help you. 


9. Fighting dry hair? Need a deep conditioner beyond the day to day. Try Kevin Murphy's BORN AGAIN MASQUE. 




10. Want to be able to add volume throughout the day? Try 
POWDER PUFF. It's small container makes it easy to carry in a handbag. Just add to the roots of your hair and tease with your fingers. Voila! More volume. Fight those afternoon flat hair blues.