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MILK + HONEY’S 5 MOST SOOTHING AND HEALING SPA SERVICES

June 23, 2021
relaxing spa treatment

Self-care often falls to the bottom of most to-do lists. But the truth is, taking the time to relax and rejuvenate with a bit of self-care is a crucial part of any health and wellness routine. The next time you’re in need of a reboot, Milk + Honey offers plenty of spa services that heal and soothe. Not sure which one to choose? Here are our most soothing and healing spa services. 

Find Some Stress Relief With Our Signature Massage 

If you’re looking to find your zen, you’ve come to the right place. Milk + Honey offers a Swedish massage (also known as our signature massage) that focuses on relaxation and stress relief.  Our licensed massage therapists offer one on one consultations so that they can tailor your massage to your specific needs. Every massage includes our choice of organic aromatherapy oil or organic body butter, heated massage tables, and steamed hot towels that heal and soothe. 

Wrap Yourself In Warmth With Our Hydrating Body Cocoon 

Milk + Honey’s Hydrating Body Cocoon is just as divine as it sounds. This spa service includes an invigorating full-body brushing and Milk +Honey’s signature massage with aromatherapy infused body butter followed by a wrap in a warm cocoon of blankets. This treatment will soothe, heal, and leave your skin feeling healthy and hydrated. 

Intoxicate Your Senses With Our Detox Steam And Massage 

Our detox steam and massage stimulates circulation, releases impurities, and even supports your immune system. This invigorating body treatment also includes a full body brush and our signature massage with a soothing blend of rosemary, echinacea, eucalyptus, and geranium essentials oils. 

Sweeten The Deal With The Spa Partisan 

Of all our spa services, this one might be the sweetest. The Spa Partisan begins with a full-body brushing, followed by our signature scrub infused with brown sugar, coffee, and crushed almond. If that weren’t enough, it’s all topped off with our signature massage. This relaxing treatment offers plenty of stress relief and delivers a little detox and exfoliation to reveal brighter, smoother skin. 

Soothe Your Skin With A Relaxing Facial 

While facials are often thought of as just a beauty treatment, the truth is they are deeply relaxing and always a superb option for stress relief. Our menu of spa services includes facials that cleanse, tone, exfoliate, extract, massage, and deeply hydrate.

Hair

Best Hair Masques For Common Hair Concerns

June 23, 2021
hair shining outdoors

Your hair is your crowning glory, but in your effort to make it so, it’s likely that your tresses are — a little stressed. From blow dryers to flat irons and from highlights to lowlights, and any assortment of boxed dyes and hair products, it might be time for a little TLC. A good hair masque (also known as a hair mask) could be the breath of life you need to restore hair that’s lifeless and dull.

Fortified with “good for your hair” ingredients like keratin, bamboo extract, and powerful antioxidants, hair masques offer deep hydration to repair dry and damaged hair. While the formula you choose should be tailored to your specific hair concerns, hair masques can pick up where your conditioner leaves off; they deep condition parched hair, repair split ends, and perhaps, more importantly, restore your hair to its former glory. Ahead we’ll take a look at a few of the best hair masques for common hair concerns. 

 

Best Hair Masque For Color-Treated Hair

Davines Essential Minu Hair Mask ($38)

Made with caper blossom extract sourced from Italy, Davines Essential Minu hair mask is packed with Vitamin B and iron, both of which are incredibly important for healthy hair. Formulated to deeply nourish color-treated hair,  this hair mask leaves your hair soft and silky without weighing it down. To use, apply to towel-dried hair, leave in for 10 to 15 minutes,  comb through, rinse, and style as usual.

 

Best Hair Masques For Dry or Damaged Hair

Kevin Murphy Angel Masque ($39)

Made with a nourishing blend of bamboo extract and eight essential amino acids, Kevin Murphy’s Angel Masque not only restores crucial moisture while offering deep repair, but it also provides a protective barrier, restores elasticity, and boosts volume and shine. To use, massage into the scalp for 2 to 10 minutes, rinse and style as usual. 

Kevin Murphy Hydrate Me Masque ($117)

The key to gorgeous hair is deep hydration, and Kevin Murphy delivers plenty of it with the Hydrate Me Masque. Formulated with rosehip fruit extract, evening primrose oil, and shea butter, this masque deep conditions and repairs your hair. This unique formula also features vitamin-charged micro-capsules that explode on contact to moisturize your hair from root to tip. To use, massage into the scalp for 5 – 10 minutes and rinse thoroughly. 

 

Best Hair Masque For Damaged Hair

Davines Essential SU Hair Mask ($29)

For those who spend a lot of time in the sun and sand, Davines Essential SU hair mask is a must-have. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, this hair mask deep conditions and restores hydration to hair that’s been damaged from sun exposure, salt, and chlorine. Designed for use during and after sun exposure, this mask can be applied to towel-dried hair. Leave on for 5–15 minutes, then rinse clean.

Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask ($28)

Infused with Virtue Labs proprietary alpha keratin 60ku®, this intense hydrating hair mask deep conditions hair to impart shine and moisture. This lightweight formula works on all hair types and restores resiliency in under 3 minutes without weighing your hair down. To use, apply generously to wet hair, distribute evenly and rinse off after 2 – 3 minutes. Use once a week or as needed.  

Skin

What Is A HydraFacial And How Does It Work?

June 23, 2021

With more and more people leaning into the natural (read: no makeup) look and praised by celebrities like Kate Winslet and Amy Poehler, the HydraFacial has created quite a buzz in the skincare industry. In fact, it’s estimated that one HydraFacial is performed globally every 15 minutes. Frequently offered by dermatologists and in spas, this patented skin treatment is used to treat a slew of skin concerns such as acne, dryness, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles. Ahead we’ll take a closer look at the HydraFacial and explore the benefits to help you determine if it’s right for you. 

 

WHAT IS A HYDRAFACIAL?

The HydraFacial, also referred to as HydraDermabrasion (or HydraFacial MD), is similar to microdermabrasion because it exfoliates the skin. But while microdermabrasion uses aluminum oxide crystals to achieve these results, the HydraFacial is a multi-step process that uses chemical exfoliants paired with deep hydration. The HydraFacial bears some similarities to a regular facial, but it tends to offer more dramatic results. 

Moreover, the HydraFacial is far more soothing to the skin, so much so that it is commonly offered one to two weeks after more invasive procedures like chemical peels or laser treatment. Not only does the HydraFacial effectively slough off dead skin after these treatments, but it also soothes and hydrates the skin. 

 

BENEFITS OF A HYDRAFACIAL

The HydraFacial thoroughly cares for your skin, providing cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, and hydration, including Vortex-Fusion® of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. It also removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturizing serums. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating, non-invasive, non-surgical, and immediately effective.

 

HOW DOES A HYDRAFACIAL WORK?

Usually performed by a licensed esthetician or a dermatologist, a HydraFacial is a three-step process facilitated by a mechanized wand. During the procedure, the tips of the wand are swapped out for each step of the process. 

If you’re considering a HydraFacial treatment, here’s what you can expect:

 

Step 1: Deep Clean And Peel – The first step of the process uses a tip that essentially works like a vortex to clean out dirt and debris from deep within your pores. Additionally, during this step, the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin are exfoliated with a series of chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid, glycolic acid salicylic acid. 

Step 2: Extraction – The second step of the HydraFacial uses a tip that extracts or vacuums any remaining debris from clogged pores. 

Step 3: Deep Hydration – The final step of the HydraFacial uses a pen-like attachment to apply a hydrating serum (typically consisting of hyaluronic acid and peptides) to the skin.  

 

HYDRAFACIAL AFTERCARE

The results of a HydraFacial are immediate. Following the procedure, most people will notice brighter, more radiant skin, more even skin tone, and there should be no signs of irritation, redness, or peeling.  

Moreover, the great thing about the HydraFacial is that there is no downtime. And while there’s nothing specific to do regarding aftercare, it’s best to steer clear of any type of exfoliation or other invasive procedures following a HydraFacial. 

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A HYDRAFACIAL?

There are no hard-and-fast rules about the frequency of HydraFacial treatments, but as you may suspect, it really depends on the needs of your skin. While some people may require a HydraFacial every two weeks to achieve their desired results, others can stick to doing a HydraFacial once a month just as well. Your esthetician or dermatologist can help you determine the frequency that’s right for you based on your skin type and your ultimate skincare goals. 

 

HOW MUCH DOES A HYDRAFACIAL COST?

Typically, HydraFacials will cost about $175 per session. The Milk & Honey HydraFacial, for example, costs $175 for a 45-minute session. Keep in mind that there are add-ons available as well, such as lightening treatments for hyperpigmented spots or light therapy add ons that use red or blue light to increase collagen production or eliminate bacteria, respectively. If you’re interested in scheduling a HydraFacial, book an appointment at your local milk + honey spa!

Skin

HOW TO USE A FACE ROLLER AND GUA SHA AT HOME: TIPS FROM AN ESTHETICIAN

June 23, 2021
face roller

For some women, glowing skin is only afforded to us courtesy of iridescent finishing powders and dewy foundations. Over the last few years, however, more and more women have embraced the natural beauty movement, and many are looking for ways to up the ante on glowing skin. For that reason, face rollers (also known as facial rollers) and Gua Sha are creating quite a buzz in the beauty industry. And while these two skincare powerhouses may seem new, the truth is the practices of face rolling and Gua Sha are centuries old. If you’re looking for some guidance, a quick scroll through the internet will yield plenty of articles and, of course, some great photography with these tools. But besides being a pretty addition to your vanity, what do these tools really do, and how should you use them? 

We caught up with our very own Jess Heron to unravel the mystery behind these two skincare powerhouses. Jess talks to us about the benefits of facial rollers and offers a few best practices to help you achieve maximum benefit. Here’s our Q & A. 

 

Q: What are the benefits of face rollers?   

A: There are multiple benefits to using face rollers. With the proper placement, facial rollers encourage lymph drainage, reduce inflammation and puffiness, and soothes and detoxifies the skin. Face rollers also stimulate microcirculation, bringing blood flow to the surface of the skin; this assists with better product absorption and revitalizes the skin. Finally, by reducing inflammation with the roller, clients may also notice that their face looks slimmer as well. 

 

Q: What are the benefits of gua sha?  

A: Gua sha has similar benefits to the facial roller. It relaxes muscle tension in the face, increases blood circulation, and provides lymphatic drainage. Another benefit of Gua sha is that it’s a helpful tool for breaking up the fascia (the connective tissue that envelops the muscles, which tends to interfere with proper circulation). Gua Sha also rebalances the Qi in the body. It clears the energy and allows the Qi, (or life energy) to flow freely throughout the body.  

If you want to do Gua Sha at home, remember that there are different shapes of Gua Sha tools for different parts of the body. The material of the tool is also an important consideration as the different materials offer different types of healing.  

 

Q: What’s the best process for using face rollers? 

A: A best practice would be to use the facial roller first for the lymphatic drainage benefits, then use the gua sha for deeper muscle release.

 

Q: These tools seem to do similar things, what’s the difference between the two? 

A: The Gua sha tool provides a deeper massage experience than the face roller. It stretches the skin with deeper pressure and provides better results for contouring the facial structure. The gua sha tool comes in different shapes that you can fit into the different areas of the face; a more accurate placement leads to better results. The face roller glides across the skin with light pressure. I personally like the gua sha over the facial roller because it’s more beneficial for the skin, and I can truly customize the massage technique to the area I am working on. While face rollers really only address lymphatic drainage, the Gua Sha does more for your face and skin. 

 

Q: What are some best practices for using face rollers and Gua Sha? 

A: The best way to use the facial roller is to cleanse the skin first and then use it with your favorite oil-based serum; this will help the roller slip and glide with ease. The Milk + Honey Luxe Face Oil and the Milk + Honey Rose Quartz Facial Roller are an amazing combo. 

Use the roller up to two times a day, in the morning or the evening. Morning is a great time to use your face roller because fluids can stagnate in the lymph system while sleeping. This causes puffiness upon waking, and the facial roller will assist with flushing the excess fluids. The face roller will help rejuvenate your skin and revive a tired appearance. You can repeat the series of full facial rolling 1-3x. Make sure to follow it up with your favorite eye cream and moisturizer. 

 

Q: Would it be helpful to pop these tools into the fridge?  

A: Yes, popping the roller into the fridge enhances the cooling effect of the natural stone. The stone is already cool in nature, so refrigeration is not absolutely necessary. A refrigerated roller can feel really good on your skin, and it creates an even tighter, firmer feeling as the cold tenses and tightens the skin tissues. Do not put the roller in the freezer; it’s too cold, and the stone will crack.  

 

Q: Does gua sha always require a facial oil and which one do you recommend?  

A: Yes, a facial oil works the best with both the gua sha and the facial rollers. Milk + Honey’s Luxe facial oil works beautifully for both the face roller and the gua sha tools. It boosts hydration, improves elasticity, and brightens the skin.

Body

What is Dry Brushing and Why Is It Good for You?

June 23, 2021
dry brushes

While dry brushing may be new to most of us, this ancient practice, also known as garshana (pronounced gar-shun-uh), has been an integral part of ayurvedic medicine for centuries. With celebrities jumping on the bandwagon, the internet is abuzz with the myriad benefits of dry brushing. But is all the hype about body brushing worth your time, money, and effort? Well, depending on what you hope to gain from it, the answer could be a resounding yes. Ahead we’ll take a closer look at dry brushing and why it’s good for you, and share some best practices to help you get the most out of it. 

 

WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?

Just as its name implies, dry brushing (or body brushing) is the practice of gently massaging the coarse natural bristles of a brush all over your body, usually in an upward motion. Of late, it would seem that dry brushing has become increasingly popular because it can help detoxify the body and restore the natural glow to dull, flaky skin. It probably doesn’t hurt either that dry brushing also has the celebrity stamp of approval, with Gweneth Paltrow and Miranda Kerr singing its praises. 

 

BENEFITS OF DRY BRUSHING 

It may be important to note that there are plenty of claims surrounding the practice of body brushing. Its advocates swear by the practice for help with everything from a reduction in the appearance of cellulite to weight loss, but there is relatively little scientific evidence to back up such claims. But while the perceived benefits of body brushing are largely anecdotal, there are some real benefits to be had. 

EXFOLIATION

Dry brushes are great physical exfoliators. The process effectively removes dead skin cells to reveal brighter, healthier, more radiant skin. 

STIMULATES CIRCULATION AND HELPS WITH LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Just like a massage, body brushing can stimulate your circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage, and help detoxify your body. So much, so that dry brushing is offered as an enhancement for massage services at Milk + Honey, you may want to consult with your esthetician about it when booking an appointment.  

UNCLOGS PORES

As body brushing exfoliates the skin, it also clears out dirt, oil, and residue from your pores. Not only does dry brushing unclog your pores, but the cleanup can make them look smaller or at least less noticeable. 

NATURAL ENERGY BOOST 

Dry brushing tends to leave some folks with a natural energy boost of sorts. This is likely a bi-product of the stimulation in circulation and blood flow. 

A MOMENT OF SELF-CARE

Again, just like a massage, body brushing offers its practitioners a mindful moment of self-care in an otherwise busy life. 

 

HOW TO SELECT A DRY BRUSH

Like most beauty products, the qualities of a good dry brush can be pretty subjective. While you need a dry brush with firm bristles, be sure to choose one that’s not too abrasive. Very often, users may find that synthetic bristles are too abrasive, while natural boar bristles are more comfortable. Also, handles can be an important factor for dry brushing. Long-handle dry brushes can help you get to hard-to-reach spots with ease, while dry brushes with no handle tend to offer more control. Milk + Honey’s body brush kind of splits the difference with a medium-length handle, so essentially, you get the best of both worlds. 

 

BODY BRUSHING: BEST PRACTICES

Believe it or not, there is a wrong way to dry brush your skin. To help you get the most out of body brushing, here are a few best practices: 

  • Make sure that the brush and your skin are completely dry 
  • Don’t scrub too hard; use slightly firm pressure
  • Start at your ankles and work your way up towards your heart
  • Brush only in a circular motion
  • Follow up with a soothing moisturizer

To get a better understanding of body brushing and how to do it the right way, take a look at this short video created by Milk + Honey.

Massage

WHAT TO DO AFTER A MASSAGE

June 23, 2021
woman getting a massage

At a basic level, massage therapy is the pressing, rubbing, and manipulation of soft tissue to include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. On a deeper level, massage therapy is a relaxing and soothing experience with healing powers. Not only do massages relieve tight muscles, knots, and soreness, but they also offer relief from stress and anxiety. Moreover, they trigger the release of plenty of endorphins (otherwise known as the feel-good hormones). Indeed, a good massage will leave you feeling like you have a new lease on life, so it’s only natural to want to extend the benefits of your massage beyond your therapy session. Ahead we offer a few tips to help you keep that post-massage feeling. 

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER A MASSAGE

After getting a massage, you’ll likely feel loose and maybe even a little lightheaded for several hours after. It’s also possible you may feel sore or sensitive if you received a deep tissue massage; as these massages involve intense stimulation to muscle groups across your body. 

 

HOW TO EXTEND THE BENEFITS AFTER A MASSAGE

Aside from feelings of relaxation, massage therapy can help improve blood circulation, mobility, and your ability to sleep. To extend the benefits, make sure to do these things after a massage:

TAKE A RELAXING BATH 

A warm bath can be quite relaxing but beyond that, think of it as a way to continue the process of releasing tight muscles and alleviate any lingering soreness. While the warm water (not hot) can do plenty on its own, you can also add Epsom salts to your bath to help flush toxins from the cells and ease muscle pain. Consider a calming bath soak like Milk & Honey’s Blend Nº 08 infused with lavender and eucalyptus. And for particularly tight muscles, try following it up with Milk & Honey’s soothing Arnica Balm to stimulate your circulation and reduce pain and swelling. 

STRETCH 

It should come as no surprise that your muscles are warm after your massage, and for that reason, it may be an ideal time to gently stretch problem areas. Not only will it help you maintain that relaxed feeling, but you’ll also find that you’ll be able to achieve a deeper stretch with very little effort. 

DRINK PLENTY OF WATER 

After your therapy session, your massage therapist may advise that you drink plenty of water, and there’s a good reason for this. Massage therapy often releases toxins and metabolic waste, which needs to be flushed out. This process could go on for up to two to three days after your massage, and drinking plenty of water will facilitate the process. Moreover, it will keep dehydration and fatigue at bay. 

STAY ACTIVE 

After a massage, your muscles may likely stiffen up a bit; this is especially true of deep tissue massages. To minimize any discomfort, consider a little light exercise (like walking) to keep joints mobile and stimulate blood flow. 

TRY A SELF-MASSAGE 

A foam roller or tennis ball can be particularly useful for working trouble spots a little more. These tools have the added benefit of releasing tight muscles and pinpointing crunchy muscles, so you can extend the benefits of your massage and maintain the progress you’ve made between appointments.  

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, REST IF YOU NEED TO

While light exercise and stretching are often recommended, everyone is different, so it’s equally important to listen to your body. If you feel like you’d rather sleep, then go for it. Remember that while massages can be healing, it’s a process. By giving yourself time to rest, you’ll undoubtedly aid your body’s repair and regeneration processes and extend the benefits of your massage even further. If you’d like to book a massage, do so with the experienced massage therapists at milk + honey spa. Check locations, book now, or purchase a gift certificate for future use!

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