Aloe Vera - Is there anything aloe vera cannot help? When it’s applied directly to the skin it has a nearly immediate soothing effect. This is mainly because of alatoin which is present in Aloe Vera.

Borage Oil - This oil contains gamma linoleic acid and when applied to skin contributes in strengthening the cell walls. This lessens the visible effect of cellulite reflected on the skin.

Horsetail and Kelp - These ingredients can be added in lotions and creams used to massage the affected areas of skin for cellulite reduction.

Still not sure if natural cellulite treatments can work for you? Learn more about natural ways to get rid of cellulite and see some before and after pictures here.

One of the most effective anti aging supplements available is alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA. Alpha lipoic acid can be taken in either supplement form (200-400 mg per day is generally recommended) or by eating foods like broccoli and spinach. By incorporating this one anti aging tip into your daily program, you’ll both prevent wrinkles and increase the effectiveness of and an existing wrinkle reduction program.

If you already have considerable signs of aging, especially in the face and neck area, you may also want to consider starting a facial exercises program. By simply practicing a few simple moves on a regular basis, you’ll be able to regain firmness in your skin and even make a double chin or sagging skin disappear.

So what can you do if this sounds like your situation?  While shaving can be a great option for men, it’s usually not the best course of action for women. The first thing many women do is begin tweezing or plucking hairs as they appear on the face. Tweezing can be an effective method for facial hair removal, especially when the hairs are sporadic and can be easily seen and removed. This is also a great way to remove stray hairs around the eyebrow area as well.

However, when facial hair is excessive (more than just a couple of wayward hairs) tweezing can be extremely time consuming, painful and you still may not remove each and every hair successfully. For many women, hair removal creams (depilatories) or waxing are great options. Both of these methods will treat the entire area at once, are generally inexpensive and produce great results. But, the results will be temporary and must be repeated as new hair appears.

There are a couple of long-term and permanent options available as well and they are well worth considering if you suffer from course hair that does not respond well to some of the preliminary treatments. Laser hair removal is becoming widely available in most markets and provides a permanent reduction in hair. Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal option that has been around for years and is still regarded as the only way to permanently remove hair. Both of these options are expensive but many women find them to be well worth the investment.

Unlike a day spa, you’ll find that spa vacations when fully researched can offer an all-in-one package of relaxation, incredible cuisine, and full range of services to give your vacation that stress free feel that you’ve been looking for. When selecting a resort for your spa vacation always ensure you check for the following:

1. Are meals all-inclusive?
2. Does it have a workout facility?
3. Are the services such as massage, facials, aromatherapy etc included?

It’s good to know in advance if you have to pay extra, or if your spa vacation is an all-inclusive package, so that there are no surprises when you arrive. Check the latest reviews by others regarding the resort; this is to ensure that others have had a good experience. It can put your mind at ease if the reviews are favorable.

Keep in mind that even though a spa vacation is relaxing and peaceful, there are still things to do and learn. You can participate in the daily physical activities, along with learning more about healthy nutrition. This is prevalent in spa vacations that focus on weight loss.

Of course with the pampering, luxurious accommodations, peace and tranquility, it all comes with a price. Most spa vacations range from $200 a day, so if you’re planning to stay a week, you should be prepared to spend up to $1400/week. In most cases, this is considered the lower end of the pricing scale. The more pampering and luxurious the accommodations the more you can expect to spend. Some spa vacations can cost up to $6000 a week, it all depends on the location.

Overall, if you’re looking to feel like royalty for a week, then a spa vacation may just be what you need to relieve the stress of the everyday world. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the worries and hectic lifestyle that you live, and enjoy true peace and relaxation. Many doctors prescribe this as a way to relieve stress and to rejuvenate your mind. It’s also the perfect opportunity to put new spark into your relationships. Couples sometimes find spa vacations as a way to rekindle that flame that was lost in their relationship. The separation from the outside world, the aromatherapy and the overall feel of peace, and relaxation brings forth a soothing feeling that can light that spark once more.

DHA-based products - these basically come in the form of self tanning lotions which contain a chemical known as dihydroxyacetone (DHA). When this type of lotion is applied to the skin, the DHA reacts with amino acids found in the top layer of skin cells to produce the effect of a natural sun tan.

Tyrosine-based products - commonly known as a tanning accelerator, this  chemical is normally found in both tanning lotions and pills. It works by stimulating melanin formation in the body to result in a tanned appearance.

Canthaxanthin-based products - normally found in tanning pills, this chemical gets assimilated in all parts of body in order to produce a suntan effect on the skin. Self-tanners using this ingredient should be used with caution, if at all, as there have been reported side effects such as hepatitis and canthaxanthin retinopathy.

Temporary bronzers - perhaps the safest alternative of all, bronzers are applied externally onto the body and provide a temporary glow. They’re available in powder, spray, gel, and lotion forms.

Don’t wait until something is wrong just to experience a massage. In fact, by having treatments on a regular basis, you’ll prevent certain conditions from ever happening (think stress, insomnia, etc.)

When choosing a spa service just for the fun of it, look for a good collection of scented oils and exfoliation products to treat your skin as well as your joints and muscles. There are many massage oils that will have varying effects on your mood - whether you want to feel energized or relaxed - so it’s important to decide the benefit you’re looking for first. Your skin will also get a good dose of moisturizing and sloughing and you’ll be left soft, smooth and fragrant.

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule that much needed spa appointment today.

Common placement of the stones is along the spinal cord to soothe the nerves by stimulating the nervous system. Heat given off by the stones acts to calm and relax the joints. This type of therapeutic massage is ideal for targeting problem areas on the body such as the back or neck.

At the current time, expect this type of treatment to cost between $75 and $150, depending upon the spa location you choose.

It’s important to keep in mind the reason behind your aches and pains when choosing the type of therapeutic massage you need. If you have a condition such as arthritis, osteoporosis or a prior injury to contend with, be sure your doctor is on board and helps with a recommended treatment option. The last thing you want is to more harm than good with your therapy.

For additional information about therapeutic massage, visit the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork website and request their free consumer’s guide. 

Coming up in our series… information about stone therapy massages.

Some common ailments that can benefit from massage therapy include:

1. Stress. As you know, stress can cause all sorts of bad things to happen in your body. Massage treatments will definitely help you relax.

2. Sore joints and muscles. You could be sore from any number of things ranging from too much activity or not enough. After ruling out any serious medical conditions associated with your pain, your doctor may recommend massage therapy to help your condition.

3. Tiredness and strain on your body. Sometimes not getting enough sleep or anxiety can cause everything to just hurt. Massage will improve how you feel and may even help you sleep better and experience less anxiety.

Over the next few days, we’ll discuss the various types of massages you can get and the benefits of each one. Stay tuned…

 With a number of activities and events, this is a spa you can be comfortable visiting alone or with friends. To make it easier for travel in this economic environment, the spa has a special in progress that will save you money. Click here to learn more about Green Valley.