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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – The holidays are a time when spas and medi-spas see an uptick in business. More people allow themselves the time and luxury of pampering and others may be lucky enough to receive gift certificates. While we may not know what etiquette is appropriate for a formal dinner party, we always have the benefit of observation on our side – simply follow the lead of the person next to you! Unfortunately, this isn’t possible in a spa, for the treatment rooms are private.
Here is a tip sheet courtesy of Rachel Sarnoff licensed aesthetician at Skintology Skin & Laser Center in Manhattan.
DO
Use breath mints before treatments, especially facials-otherwise, you’re breathing lunch right into your aesthetician’s face.
Men should shave the night before a facial. “It makes skin less sensitive than shaving that morning,” says Rachel Sharoff.
DON’T
Eat a heavy meal right before your appointment. “You are lying down and don’t want the blood flow to concentrate in your stomach,” says Sharoff. “Eat light. Drink water but not excessively-having to go to the bathroom every 30 minutes disrupts the treatment.”
Drink alcohol right before or after treatments-it’s dehydrating.
Overly cleanse before a facial. “You want the therapist to see your true skin,” says Rachel Sharoff. “Even avoid washing your face so you aren’t overly stimulated with products.”
Wear expensive jewelry. Most treatments require you to remove all jewelry, and you may be too forgetful afterward to remember to collect it.
“Steam an hour beforehand if you’re getting waxed,” says Rachel. “The incidence of damage is higher when your skin is softer.”
Use cell phones. “I would keep the talking to a minimum as well,” says Rachel.
Don’t leave anything out on your medical forms. Disclose any allergies you may have (such as nuts or latex), since you never know what will be used during a treatment. “Almond oil may appear in some products, and some gloves are made from latex,” says Sharoff. And don’t forget to pinpoint any physical issues.
In the Dressing Room & Treatment Room
DO
Arrive at least 30 minutes early to check in and begin decompressing.Shower beforehand. Speak up about the room temperature, music choice and volume, and massage pressure. And do mention injuries or physical conditions. If the therapist doesn’t speak English (inquire at check-in), be sure to communicate any concerns with the receptionist before the treatment begins.
Put your chin down and close your eyes. “When I’m giving a facial,” says Rachel Sharoff, “I have products in my hands that could get in your eyes and irritate them.” Even if you aren’t getting a facial, staring at the ceiling locks muscles in back of the head.
Tip off your aesthetician if you’re attending a big event. If you plan to wear a skimpy outfit, you won’t want rough exfoliating or procedures such as “cupping,” that Asian detox treatment which left unsightly welts on Gwyneth Paltrow right before a film premiere.
The Hard Sell
When you go in for a facial (or sometimes a body treatment), you will likely encounter some form of a product pitch-so be prepared. “If the aesthetician starts mentioning products during your service, just say, ‘I’m happy to hear your recommendations, but I’m really here to relax, so please save them for the end,'” suggests Sharoff. After your service, if you don’t want to purchase anything, ask the aesthetician to write down the products she’s recommended (if she hasn’t done so already), and let her know that you’ll think it over. “Once you say you’re not interested right now, they shouldn’t say another word,” says Sharoff. “If they push it, I’d tell the spa manager.”
Tipping
Standard gratuity is 15-20% of the ORIGINAL spa treatment cost. Even if you have a discount from Living Social or Groupon your therapist is still doing the same amount of work. If you are unsure of the original price of the treatment, don’t be afraid to ask. While you are not required to tip, it is common courtesy and a great way to show your therapist that they did an exceptional job.
Underwear On? Or Off?
The dilemma that causes the most angst among spa-goers, men and women alike, is whether or not to wear your underwear while undergoing a spa treatment. Before you break into a cold-sweat over your skivvies, remind yourself that this day is all about you! There is no golden rule when deciding whether to go nude or not, so choose whatever is most comfortable. If the thought of baring it all is too much, try services such as Reflexology or a facial which permit you to keep your clothing on. Most importantly, remember that nudity customs vary across countries, so check what the norms are if you are visiting a spa overseas.
About Skintologyny.com
Skintology Skin & Laser Center is an all inclusive destination for all your beauty needs. Whether it’s laser hair removal, Botox injections or a hydrating facial, our trusted staff is dedicated to making your experience comfortable and pleasant. We offer customized treatments that are specifically designed for your skin type. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we design treatments to produce the best results possible. Experienced Cosmetic Surgeons and Laser Technicians utilize the most advanced FDA approved laser technologies from renowned companies such as Cynosure, Candela, Lumenis, & Deka, to provide the most effective and safe treatments.
Locations: 157 East 57th Street, New York, NY
181 7th Avenue, New York, NY
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