I love Youngblood Make-Up Brush Cleaner.  It does a fantastic job without leaving a sticky residue on my brushes…and that’s also what we use here at the spa!  To clean your brushes:

*Apply the brush cleaner to a clean towel (not the brush itself).  Rub the brush, gently, in a circular motion.  Although you may see a few bristles on the towel don’t worry…just continue until you don’t see any more make-up transferring to the towel.

When you want to do a thorough cleaning of your brushes, use an Ultra Gentle Cleanser (NO Salicylic Wash or Acids…those will break down the bristles of your brush) and water.  Just a pea sized amount of cleanser will do the trick.  Use a clean towel just as mentioned before and rub brush in a circular motion until make-up is gone.  Rinse with clear water and squeeze out excess.

After cleaning brushes make sure to air-dry them at an angle. This prevents any remaining water from running down into the base of the brush, which can break down the bonding in the handle.

Following these simple steps just once a week will keep your brushes in tip-top shape, and your skin will thank you for it!

-Apply sunblock at least 30 min. before going into the sun

-Avoid peak hours of sun of sun exposure between 10-4

-Reapply sun protection every two hours especially if sweating or swimming

-Wear hats and sunglasses

-AVOID tanning beds

It may seem like a little extra work, however, taking these few simple precautions will help you’re skin to stay looking young and vibrant.

Massage Therapists recommend drinking water before a massage because it will hydrate the muscles which makes them easier to manipulate.  A good example would be to think of your muscles as a sponge.   A dry sponge is not all that easy to move however once it is moistened with water you are able to squish it and squeeze it as much as you like.  When you drink water before a massage in a sense does the same to your muscles as it does to the sponge… making it easier for your therapist to be able to work your body.  Your connective tissue/fascia is more elastic when hydrated and allows you full benefit of receiving massage.

Once your massage is over you’ll need to drink water again to rehydrate your muscles.  While you receive massage, through the manipulation of the muscles you increase circulation the muscles lose water and move fluids into the interstitial spaces that are around them.  Your body also releases metabolic waste and lactic acids that must be flushed out by drinking water.   If you do not drink water and flush these toxins out, they will build up this could result in muscle soreness after massage.   This is especially true with deep tissue work.

Massage has the best results over time.  The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, the more you receive the faster your body will respond… and with proper hydration the better you will feel.  Kimberly Spa offers a variety of massage options to get you started to a happy healthier new you!  See you soon!

Why do we sometimes wait to have a reason to look our best?  I love a comment my future daughter-in-law made recently.  She came in for a facial and was all dressed up like she had a special place she either came from or was going to.  She said “After wearing scrubs and workout clothes all the time…I NEED to do my hair and make-up…and dress up! Sometimes I just need to feel pretty again!” I love that!  We get ourselves in a rut and don’t realize it.  I read a quote from Rachel Zoe…she said that in her mind being over dressed isn’t a bad thing at all…what could be the worst case scenario?  That you’re the best dressed person in the room?

I have always had the type of job that requires me to look my best at all times.  My husband appreciates my efforts to look the best that I can.  Even when I’m at home, all alone, I feel the need to make my hair and make-up pretty…because it makes me feel good!  Why?  Because I feel healthier, I have more self confidence, and more energy to get out and run errands, or even feel more like calling up a friend to go to lunch!  Looking your best at all times helps you to get out and be social, lessens chances of feeling blue, and that, my friends…is MUCH better than a bucket of chicken and wearing sweats!

If I can do it…so can you!

One important choice in gearing up for winter is snow boots.  I know, I know…they are cumbersome and messy, but necessary.  Once trick I have learned over the years is to keep a pair of neutral colored shoes at work…that way I can head out the door in my boots and not worry about grabbing another pair of shoes to change in to.  Hats and gloves are also important when gearing up for winter.  90% of our body heat escapes through our head and extremities.  Keeping our head, feet, and hands covered is crucial.  These items will allow your body to retain that ‘lost’ heat.  Your body won’t have to work as hard to keep you warm.  I have also found that in harsh weather, messy hair is acceptable…so long as it is due to “hat head”.

My favorite winter accessory…scarves.  I love scarves!  Keep a variety of scarves on hand to perk up a drab winter outfit…and still keep warm!  Use a heavy weight scarf on a really cold day.  Wrap it snug around your neck…just not too tight!  Tuck the remainder of the scarf into any gaps that could let that dangerous cold air in, and body heat out.  A brightly colored scarf can also help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Scarves are an inexpensive way to dress up that boring black or gray coat.

Cold and flu viruses are usually caught when our bodies primary function switches to keeping us warm, rather than fighting off potential ‘bugs’.  Our immune systems then become compromised and we get sick.  Most trips to the Dr. will reveal swollen lymph nodes in the neck region.  When we go out in the cold and are not properly bundled, our shoulders will rise up to help the body retain heat.  If we take care to properly tuck and bundle…our shoulders can stay in their natural relaxed position.  This should allow proper drainage of the lymph nodes, and hopefully less illness.

The fact is…we live in a harsh weather state.  But since Nebraska weather loves to change and keep us on our toes, it is really easy to forget the basics.  Hopefully we’ll have a mild winter, but if not…I hope that now you will be ready for whatever Mother Nature sends our way!

I find myself trying to do that little something extra for people, especially around the Holidays.  Those I know, some I don’t…even a Grinch!  Random acts of kindness can really go far.  You may not get to see the result of those acts the moment at the time, but they do make a difference! 

Some ‘Random Acts’ ideas could be:  If a workmate is having a bad time due to an aching back…leave a 30-minute massage Gift Certificate on their desk with a note letting them know that someone is thinking of them.  If you know someone that has a difficult time with the lack of sunshine, give them an air-brush tan session…you always feel better when you look better!  Do you know someone who’s fighting an illness?  A Gift Certificate for a Foot Detox Bath can be that gentle touch that says “Hey, I want you to feel better…take some time at the spa and get one of these detoxifying treatments.”

I encourage everyone who’s reading this segment to make it a point to share a random act of kindness with at least one person each day!  I would LOVE to hear the different “random acts of kindness” you have all done this Holiday season!  Comment on this blog post and let us know…or send us an email to askkimberly@kimberlyspa.com and we will post them for you anonymously!

“Don’t be concerned for your own good, but for the good of others.” 1Corinthians 10:24

I get it!  I make it a priority to understand the value of flexibility when it comes to our clients.

I’ve thought long and hard about what clients have told me they want in their skincare and massage services! I’ve taken it to heart…and here are just a few of the flexible options that we offer:

- the flexibility of the services we offer! We are able to accommodate a multitude of skin issues, budgets and lifestyles!

-on-line booking… gives you a chance to book at your convenience!

-reminder calls the day before appointments…allows you to reschedule your appointment if “life” has gotten in the way again, and you are unable to make it.

-being able to purchase your products on-line and have them shipped directly to your home in-between appointments.

-ability to choose their form of payment…cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover.

-the flexibility to prepare for the rest of their day after a treatment, via our comfy Ladies Lounge.

I want you to know that even though schedules can sometimes be rigid and unyielding…we here at Kimberly Spa understand, and we’re ready whenever your schedule allows!

My own father was very reluctant to get spa treatments when I became an esthetician 15 years ago.   He is an “old-school” kind of guy…raised in an era when men never got these types of treatments.   At first, I had to talk him in to it…but now he is not only comfortable getting treatments, he actually looks forward to them!   He leaves feeling refreshed, with unclogged pores and with  younger, healthier looking skin.

A first-time male client (age 50+) who had never been into a spa before describes his experience…”I had a good feeling as soon as I walked in to Kimberly Spa.   It was luxurious, and comfortable…while still being clinically professional.   They earned my trust.”

Ladies, if you have a boyfriend, brother, father, spouse or just a good male friend who is curious about what a “spa experience” is all about…share our “Look Good~Feel Good” secret and send them to Kimberly Spa!   They will love it just as much as you do, and it will be an experience they’ll never forget!

So…How long of a massage should you get?  As a massage fanatic myself, I can honestly say that a half hour has never been long enough.  However, a half hour massage, if you are in a serious time crunch, have a specific issue, or scheduled at the end of a long day…may be just right for you.  The one hour massage is about right for relieving the “everyday” stresses.  In that time frame, your therapist should be able to get your whole body relaxed.  A ninety minute treatment is great for relieving those everyday stresses plus allowing a little more time for work on one or more specific areas.  Clients that have increased or intensified work out schedules are great candidates for the ninety minute Therapeutic Sports Massage.   Your therapist can also adjust the intensity of your massage based on your bodies response to the treatment, so make sure to let them know.

Want to add a little ‘boost’ to your massage? Make it an Aromatherapy Massage and choose from the Aroma ‘Mood’ that suits you best…Stress Relief (for relaxation and balance), Enlightening (for meditation and clarity), Energizing (for cleansing and uplifting) or Clearing (for respiratory and muscle relief).

Once you have committed to spending the time with us, help us to help you receive your best massage ever!!

Hyperpigmentation-  Darkening of the skin in areas due to sun exposure, a wound, inflammation, acne or injury.  Hyperpigmentation can be temporary or permanent. Also known as sun spots, age spots, liver spots, or  larger areas of hyperpigmentation can occur during pregnancy, known as melasma.  Common Treatments: Skin lightening serum or cream like Visual Changes Lightening Serum daily and facial treatments like chemical peels, microdermabrasion and Photo Rejuvenation based on your esthetician’s advice.

Broken Capillaries-  Small red or pink threads under the skin’s surface commonly found on the cheeks or nose area.   These occur when capillary walls narrow and widen too quickly causing the muscles in the walls to tear allowing blood to seep within the skin. Common Treatments:  Daily use of a redness reducing products like Visual Changes Lactic Nutrient Cream and Advanced Calming Serum, as well as Photo Rejuvenation spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Rosacea-  A chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, red lines, swelling or pimples across the forehead, chin, cheeks and nose. Rosacea most often affects adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and individuals with fair skin.  Common Treatments: Specially designed home regimen like Pevonia RS2, and Pevonia RS2 spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Congestion- A skin care term used to describe dull skin, uneven skin, skin with blocked pores, blackheads and whiteheads.  Congestion can be a result of a pore buildup of oil, sebum, dead skin cells, toxins, pollution, make up and dirt. Common Treatments: Weekly exfoliating home treatments like Visual Changes Double Enzyme Mask and monthly spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Acne-  A skin condition that can occur in people of all ages — teens, adults and women going through menopause and is identified by pimples, cysts, blackheads or whiteheads.  Common Treatments: Specially designed home regimen like the Agera Acne Relief Kit and Acne Relief spa facial treatments based on your esthetician’s advice.

Milia-  A tiny cyst on the surface of the skin caused by a buildup of dead skin cells that have not sloughed off normally.  Common Treatments: Weekly home exfoliation with Agera Microderma Crystal C System and spa facial treatments like the Ultrasonic Express.