Our upcoming Green Scene ("Mayan Marvel," September 2010) contains helpful tips on how to detect greenwashing when perusing "organic" product labels. That's when companies try to unjustifiably tout a product's environmental virtues.
As John Vater, co-ower of Spa Adriana in Huntington, New York, warns, "The big print giveth and the small print taketh away."
Here's some information about avoiding this pitfall:
Read labels with a discriminating eye. John and his wife, co-owner Adriana Vater, caution spa professionals against taking a product label at face value. "If the packaging claims it doesn't contain something, you should ask yourself what's there to do that ingredient's job," Adriana says. "Every component of a product has a purpose, and sometimes a so-called 'green' ingredient is just as offensive as the original."
Educate yourself. The Vaters say it's important to develop an understanding of how product ingredients work. "With today's Internet access, you can quickly look up the chemical composition of any item," John says.
It's not always easy going green. How do you ensure that your spa's environmental initiatives result in real, positive change? Send your ideas to Katie O'Reilly, associate editor, at koreilly@creativeage.com.
A little gratitude can go a long way in diffusing all this economic doom and gloom. We discovered a handful of treatments inspired by ingredients that go into preparing a delectable Thanksgiving feast. The following treatments are the ideal recipe for a profitable holiday season:
Season with Spices The Spa at the Hershey Hotel (www.thehotelhershey.com/spa) in Hershey, Pennsylvania, infuses everything nice into its Spice Soufflé Wrap (50 min./$125). It begins with a dry body brush exfoliation and spiced soufflé application. Clients then receive a light scalp massage, followed by a body massage application of spiced soufflé butter.
A Dash of Cinnamon Bella Nirvana Dayspa (www.bellanirvana.com) in Pacifica, California, has created an Ultimate Cinnamon Enzyme Facial (90 min./$110). During the invigorating treatment, an esthetician applies a customized cinnamon enzyme peel that works to tighten and firm skin. Then, a tree bark enzyme mask offers a rejuvenating and stimulating way to promote circulation throughout the facial tissue.
Packed Brown Sugar The Pumpkin and Brown Sugar Pedicure (60 min./$60) sweetens the menu at Sweetwater Dayspa (www.sweetwaterdayspa.com) in Brunswick, Maine. It begins with a brown sugar exfoliant that softens clients' feet and toes. Then, they're enveloped in a warm pumpkin masque and kept snug with heated boots. The final massage calls for a moisturizing cream blended with milk, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg. "This fall special has become so popular, that we've decided to offer it year-round," says owner Mona Corro.
Crush the Cranberries Soul Day Spa and Salon (www.souldayspa.com) in Washington D.C., combines two signature autumn ingredients with the Cranberry and Almond Scrub (50 min./$100). A massage therapist applies the treatment in a wetroom, using a vichy shower to remove the scrub. It follows with a massage using a cranberry- and almond-based moisturizer. "Cranberry scent is favored this time of year," says owner Nicole Cober-Blake. "Plus, cranberries are great for adding moisture to dry skin."
Fix the Yams The Yam and Pumpkin Enzyme Body Fix (130 min./$150) package at Revive Spa (www.therevivespa.com) in New Buffalo, Michigan, is a head-to-toe indulgence. The soothing treatment begins with a mild Éminence Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel. It follows with a stimulating pumpkin and orange body masque wrap. A 30-minute massage using Éminence Sugar Plum Souffle massage cream leaves clients with a sweet taste.
Finally ... the Pie! Aria Day Spa (www.ariadayspa.biz) in Brockton, Massachusetts, presents an irresistible Apple Pie A La Mode Body Scrub (45 min./$75). Clients begin by soaking in an invigorating cinnamon steam bath to prepare skin for deep exfoliation. Then, the technician applies the scrub, a house blend of brown sugar, cinnamon and apple extract. The à la mode portion is a mini massage with an apple cinnamon body butter that looks like ice cream. Clients have tried to persuade owner Terry DiMarzio to retail the scrub, but this decadent treatment is only served in-house. "That way, they have to come back to us to experience it again," she says.
