DAYSPA is the business resource for spa & wellness professionals! Each issue covers the latest in skin care, spa treatments, wellness services and management strategies.
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[ 18 ] • # dayspamagazine • december 2017 Biotone Firmi-Sea Body Mud biotone.com Why it's a skincare all-star: Spirulina's A-list roster of nutrients serves a wide range of skin types and concerns. Rich in vitamins A and E, the ingredient works to target free radicals within the skin, improving its overall health and vitality. Spirulina's potent chlorophyll concentration helps eliminate toxins, increase cell turnover and reduce dark undereye circles. Its elevated protein content is believed to promote hair growth and nail health, making it a head-to-toe beauty superstar. "Spirulina is one of Mother Nature's best ingredients," says Julie Mahoney, president of Oasis Day Spa in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. Mahoney uses spirulina-infused products in both facial and body services, and attributes its rebalancing and healing properties to its ability to penetrate the skin's epidermal layer. Lydia Sarfati, founder and CEO of Repêchage, is another fan. "Spirulina contains very high levels of proteins, carotene, vitamin E, zinc, phycobiliproteins and essential amino acids," she explains. "That's why it's a key ingredient in some of our signature facial treatments." Sarfati praises the algae for its antiaging properties, noting that it helps reduce the appearance of fi ne lines and lends skin a fi rmer, smoother appearance. In the treatment room: Spas and healing centers have used algae in mud, mask and moisturizing treatments for decades, so it's no surprise to fi nd spirulina popping up in more and more treatment rooms. Thirty Six Oaks Country Retreat in Vacaville, California, off ers a Body Polish, Mud Wrap and Rehydration Treatment (60 min./$115) that features Biotone's Firmi-Sea Body Mud. "Guests love how replenished and soft their skin is after this service," reports owner Linda Tipton. She credits spirulina, a star ingredient in the mud, for clients' increased circulation and improved skin texture. At Oasis, Mahoney off ers Repêchage's Vita Cura Firming Facial (60 min./$105), during which a spirulina-infused seaweed mask is applied to the face and left on for 15 to 20 minutes to soothe and nourish the skin. "This treatment produces stunning results: Clients are shocked at their skin's transformation after just one facial," she shares. "They're not usually aware of spirulina's remarkable benefi ts until we educate them on it, but they come to understand its power once they experience such great results." Stacie Sheely, owner of Polished Salon, Spa & Wellness in Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, points out that the ingredient also works from the inside out when taken as part of a supplement. "We enjoy using M'lis Essential Greens, which includes spirulina, as a way to add nutrition to our diets since we can't always eat as healthily as we'd like. By incorporating this product into our services, we see better wellness and beauty results." u Repêchage Biolight Luminex Mask repechage.com M'lis Essential Greens mlis.com Kerstin Florian Rejuvenating Spirulina Masque kerstinfl orian.com Jane Iredale BeautyPrep Face Cleanser janeiredale.com Blue Beautifl y Deep Sea Mud Mask Powder bluebeautifl y.com SPIRULINA PRODUCTS A Spirulina is considered a complete protein source, containing all of the essential amino acids, including tryptophan, needed for adequate levels of serotonin. A NASA and The European Space Agency have researched spirulina as a possible resource to be cultivated for long-term space missions. A The plant gained worldwide attention in the early 1970s, after the fi rst large-scale manufacturing eff ort. QUICK FACTS © GETTY IMAGES in focus