Neighborhood Spa Is Affordable and Luxurious
Judy's Book
by Miss A.

Glo Skin Spa opened recently in the quaint neighborhood near Bryant and 35th. Even if you don't live nearby it's worth the trip for their facials and waxing services.

Priced affordably for monthly maintenance, this cute little spa doesn't skimp on service or luxuries. I was so happy to finally find an inexpensive, clean, comfortable place to get my legs waxed. You'll leave Glo-ing!

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Save Your Skin From Winter Dryness
Managing Moisture Prevents Winter Itch
by McKenzie Weiby, staff writer for NBC

Does the thought of winter make you itch?

You're not alone. Dry skin is very common, and for many, it is exacerbated by dry air that comes with cooling temperatures and the onset of winter, according to ADAM Health Center. But there are ways you can fight the symptoms and even prevent it.

Dry skin happens when the skin's level of sebum -- which is the natural moisture -- dissipates because of weather changes or unhealthy chemicals. But there are easy things you can do to prevent and alleviate the situation.

Keep Cool

When showering, use cool or lukewarm water. Though hot water relaxes your muscles, it strips moisture from the surface of your skin. The best temperature is one that is cool but not unbearably cold. Some people have found that bathing also helps. If that's not an option for you, cooler water and shorter showers can make a difference, according to ADAM.

Scrub It

Farah Husain, an esthetician at Glo Skin Spa in Minneapolis, stresses exfoliation.

"Remember to exfoliate. When you're in the shower, use a sugar or salt scrub with an exfoliating glove or loofah. Exfoliation removes dry, dull skin," she says.

After exfoliating, your skin can absorb more of the benefits from moisturizer. But make sure the exfoliating product is gentle enough, said Rudy Miles, a global face color artist for Aveda who has worked with stars such as Susan Sarandon, Sela Ward and Cindy Crawford.

"If you choose aggressive exfoliating products or services to remove dry, flaky skin, you definitely want a rich cream to soothe and hydrate skin afterwards," he says.

Oatmeal -- Not Just For Breakfast

Oatmeal is a healing product that is found in many body washes, lotions and soaps. Go ahead and use it in a cool bath to soothe your dryness and itchiness.

"The different moisturization properties of colloidal oatmeal all help maintain skin barrier integrity, prevent water loss and alleviate itch," says Dr. Janine B. Downie M.D., the director of image dermatology for Aveeno.

Look At Labels

Just as you check labels to make sure the food you are eating is healthy, you should also check the ingredient labels of your soap, body wash and moisturizer. If there are many ingredients with names you cannot pronounce, consider another, more natural product.

Fragrances can also be irritating. If you must use a scented product, make sure the fragrance is near the bottom of the ingredient list, the experts say. Miles and Husain stress label checking for another ingredient – alcohol.

"Don't use toners with a high level of alcohol. If it feels like it is deep-cleaning your skin, you shouldn't use it," Husain says.

Moisturize

Put lotion onto your skin as soon as you get out of the shower to keep it smooth and hydrated.

"Make sure to apply moisturizer immediately. It allows the moisturizer to actually absorb into the skin if you've recently exfoliated," Husain says.

If your skin still begs to be scratched after your lotion soaks in, it may be time to try something a bit different. Baby oil and sesame oil lock moisture into your skin and provide a silky-smooth texture.

Miles offers another suggestion: "Jojoba oil is a great plant-based ingredient which is lightweight and closest to the sebum found in our skin. Dry skin lacks its natural oils, and plant oil-based products help balance it."

Face First

Your face could be the first part of your body to show signs of dryness. It also takes on harsh elements such as temperature and wind. Add to that the dry heat in most buildings, and flaky skin near your nose and brow line would hardly be a surprise. Combat this dryness with a special facial moisturizer. It provides extra protection against wind, dry heat, low temperatures and intense sun exposure.

Miles explains how to properly apply facial moisturizer.

"Most of us apply moisturizer by spreading (it around) first in the palm of our hands and then onto our skin. This method delivers less product to the face as most is absorbed into the palms." He explains, "A better technique is to apply the product to the fingertips and gently pat it into the skin."

Kick Your Vices

Beauty starts from within, and dry skin can be caused by internal issues. Alcohol can dehydrate you, and if your internal organs are dehydrated, think of what that must be doing for your largest organ, your skin.

Cigarettes can also make dry skin worse. Cigarette smoke and tar deprive the skin of the nutrients and oxygen it needs, says Dr. John Gray of the Proctor & Gamble Skin Care Research Center.

Inside-Out

Supplements can help as well. Husain suggests dry skin sufferers take a rose hip supplement to combat dry skin from the inside out.

If none of these solutions seem to help, make an appointment with your dermatologist. Dry skin can be a sign of a more serious condition such as eczema.

Prevention is key to avoiding dry skin. If you're already dealing with it, the above methods help to alleviate the itch. Husain said her top skin protection tip is to use a humidifier.

"Put it on your nightstand, next to your bed. It acts as a skin treatment while you sleep," she says.

Best Wax I Ever Had!
Five Stars on Yelp
by Laurie H.

Farah is amazing, super professional (which helps when your taking your pants off), years of experience, uses the wax that I prefer, has a good, fast and effective touch. The space is calming and very welcoming. Don't forget to check out the other services offered.
See the review on Yelp

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Massages From Anne Are Highly Recommended!
Five Stars on Yelp
by Kari L.

I haven't tried the wax services as noted by the previous reviewer, but I have gotten 5 massages from Anne. Highly recommended!!!

I have tried 10-15 massage therapists in the past couple years and this is the first one that I know I will stick with long term. These are the reasons why:

• I like supporting small businesses, but especially for a service like a massage, i like to know that the person I'm booking my appointment is going to be around long-term. So many times when I book an appt. at a larger place, the massage therapists are not there very long and then you never know if you'll like the new person.

• A quiet, peaceful environment: the spa itself is a bit hidden, it is in the basement of an apartment building, so look for the sign. Most importantly, it is very quiet!! I have been to a number of spas where I can't relax because there is too much noise. This is really a small spa, so there isn't much chance of noise from outside of the massage room.

• Easy to get an appt. One place that I liked, I had to schedule appt.'s 3-4 weeks out. I don't know if my shoulder is going to hurt in 3-4 weeks and I very much appreciate being able to get an appointment within a week.

• Most importantly, I love Anne! I have never had a massage therapist who is so knowledgeable about how the body works. While massaging, she has made comments like, you have been walking a lot this week, haven't you, I can feel it in your hip.

It is so obvious to me that she really understands how the body works, and so many people that I have been to don't seem to have this same skill. I usually go in to my appt.'s by saying that this hurts, that hurts, but do whatever you find. She has found my muscle knots every time. This is my number one thing I look for in a massage therapist- so many get so close to the knot, but don't actually get it from the right angle or that they don't really work at that spot very long, like they haven't even noticed it was there.

But, beware, Anne's massages aren't for wimps. This may not be the place for someone who wants an ultra light touch. I, however, like when my massage therapist has strong thumbs and knows how to use them.

She also kindly reminds me each time that I should be stretching more.

• finally, I like that you can buy packages and get a discount if you are a frequent customer as I am.

Anne also offers Thai massages, and I have yet to try one from her, so I will let you know how that is when I do.

The only other thing that you should know is that you need to go to Gigi's to make the day complete. Gigi's is just a 30 second walk from the spa and is the best coffee house/cafe around! Enjoy an excellent cup of coffee, pastries, pasta salad, etc. after your appointment!
See the review on Yelp

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