Collagen makes up 30% of the protein in the body and constitutes 70% of protein within the skin. Located within the dermis (below the outermost layer of skin,) collagen is the foundation of connective tissue that supports skin’s structure. As we age, the natural weakening in cellular activity and increase in environmental stressors break down this structural framework, resulting in...

This past weekend I presented on the beauty and wellness connection at IECSC in Fort Lauderdale. From New York, Las Vegas and now South Florida, I have observed a growing audience of spa decision makers seeking to incorporate nutritional wellness into their spa menus. However, the most frequent question is, how and what do I choose for my spa? Bringing...

IECSC Las Vegas was electric with all things spa. For those involved in social media, this event was a golden opportunity turn online connections via Facebook, Twitter and Linked In into real life relationships. Similarly, the event created new relationships in person and now we have the ability to deepen the connection in the social media world. And the wheel...

Photo protection from within? Nutrition research continues to show that certain antioxidants may further protect the skin from the permanent cellular damage cause by sun exposure. On the top of list, melons, green tea, cocoa, berries and tomatoes (particularly tomato paste as it is lycopene rich,) have shown that when consumed in concentrated amounts through supplement form can help reduce...

We have seen a surge of the ancient Turkish bath houses, or Hammam, become a leading spa treatment across North American premium spas this past year. Hammam rituals are derived from Turkish bath houses and use a combination of heat, aromatherapy, steam and mud to cleanse the skin, open up the pores and promote the body’s detoxification process. Hammam treatments...

Amidst the controversy with pharmaceutical weight loss drugs, are nutraceuticals the next generation for healthy long term weight management? The most recent push to ban from market are the weight loss drugs, Xenical and Ali. A consumer advocacy group is urging the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to immediately remove these drugs due to serious health concerns. Both of these...

SpaTrade expert blogger Anne Bramham posed the following question in her last post— “Are we disowning our own tool box of healing therapies?” This is a serious question for our industry—most especially due to the current state of the economy. If we as an industry don’t believe in the healing power of “spa,” what message are we conveying to the...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Grand Del Mar Resort & Spa in San Diego. I visited the spa when it opened several years before, and found the experience to be a bit disconnected—The spa was obviously still going through some growing pains. My friend Jim Croghan took over as spa director last fall—he is an industry veteran...