August 2009

Tempest in a Tanning Bed or Real Risk?

Summer season always brings the tanning debate to the forefront. Some people say they ‘feel better’ when they have a tan, whether derived from the natural source or a visit to a tanning salon. Recently, the World Health Organization moved tanning beds into the top cancer risk category, putting them in the same category as smoking, mustard gas and arsenic. Will the implications of this message ensure people recognize the real risk of a suntan?

Spa guests often ask Dr. Wendy Smeltzer, Medical Director at Santé Spa in Calgary, about the dangers of tanning. “Guests say they ‘only’ tan and they’re careful not to burn; but any tan indicates the skin has already been damaged. A tan is physical evidence of the skin trying to protect itself. It’s a signal that free radical and cell damage has already begun”, she continues.

To gain the look of a tan without risking skin damage or cancer, the safest option is sunless tanning, and the products available have improved immensely over the past few years. Cristina Popescu, spa owner at Forest Hill Spa in Toronto, has been offering airbrush tanning for years and recently installed the new St. Tropez system to rave reviews. “Staff and guests are thrilled to report there is no streaking and none of the dreaded ‘orange’ colour often associated with sunless tanning”, Cristina notes. And in addition to the treatment itself, many spa boutiques are stocked with at-home care to help build and maintain a risk-free sun-kissed appearance.

And if you’ve already been outdoors and sporting a sunburn? Dr. Smeltzer recommends using GentleWaves® - a simple treatment which utilizes light emitting diodes (LED) to activate skin cells and produce collagen. When you’re sunburned, it will help reduce the inflammation, while regular use of the GentleWaves® treatment helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, freckles and brown spots.

Ask the concierge or esthetician at your favourite spa for information on sunless tanning options and other treatments available to ensure a fun and sun-safe summer.
 

LSC introduces a new Quality Assurance Program to Ensure Safety for Spa Guests

Leading Spas of Canada has just launched a new pilot project; a Quality Assurance Program created to provide consistent safety and hygiene standards for the spa industry, thereby offering reassurance and uncompromising quality for spa guests.

Since 1998, Leading Spas of Canada (LSC) has served as Canada’s only national spa association, setting rigorous standards of safety, hygiene and service. For the past decade, these standards were supported through voluntary adherence by all member spas. The new Quality Assurance Program will now include on-site assessments by third-party evaluators to ensure all requirements are met or exceeded.

One of the spas participating in the Quality Assurance Pilot Project is Phoenix Renewal Centre & Spa in Edmonton, AB. “Our clinic is proud to be a member of the Leading Spas of Canada pilot program for Quality Assurance and we fiercely support the initiative of inspections to examine the best practices and regimented standards that this program will supply”, says Spa Director, Crystal Armstrong. “It is our passion to excel in the industry – it is our duty to protect the public. This Quality Assurance program will ensure that our business does both for years to come”, continues Armstrong.

Once the pilot program has been completed later this year, it will become available to all Leading Spas of Canada members for 2010.

The spas generously participating in the 2009 Quality Assurance Pilot Program include: 

Spectacular Spa Experiences & Glorious Getaways Up for Auction

During these economically challenging times, stress levels are high due to increased workload, job insecurity and financial concerns. A visit to the spa is recognized as an excellent way to relieve stress and Leading Spas of Canada is unveiling a way to enjoy a spa experience and save some money!

 

Leading Spas of Canada (LSC) is pleased to introduce the launch of Spa-Bay. Using an online platform similar to other popular auction sites, Spa-Bay offers the opportunity to browse the spa offerings available, bid on the items that interest you and experience the bliss of a sensational spa experience or great getaway.

Visit Spa-Bay to browse, bid and enjoy the bliss of spa products, treatments and glorious getaways courtesy of LSC members.

Have you been collecting your caps?

Oasis juice offers Spa Dollars

While cruising the shelves of your local grocery store, you may have noticed the Spa Dollars promotion offered on packages of Oasis fruit juices. Each specially marked cap from participating Oasis products have a promotional value of $5 toward a portion of the cost of select spa treatments at spas across the country.

For more information, visit www.oasisspapromo.com

 

 

 

 

Enter to win a $25 LSC gift certificate

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LSC Members are a-twitter!

You can follow Leading Spas of Canada & it's members for special offers, news, information and interesting stories on current spa trends. And with more 700+ followers and growing, we’re spreading the good word about the Canadian spa industry. You’ll find us under our Twitter name - @LeadingSpas

And we’re pleased to see so many other spas & suppliers joining us, including @VintageHotels, @aunaturelspa, @SpaBromont, @TheHillsHealth, @InnatTheForks, @HoltzSpa, @Spas2binc, @DeadSeaFortune and more.

And don’t forget to become a fan of Leading Spas of Canada on Facebook.

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