Complimentary Eye Rescue Treatments at the Beauty Bar

Dermalogica has just released a new eye product, Age Reversal Eye Complex. This product is designed to help reduce wrinkles around the eyes (hence the crow's feet graphic) while bioactives synergistically help allieviate puffiness, minimize dark circles due to hyperpigmentation, and reduce skin sensitivity due to dehydration.
To celebrate the newest addition to the Dermalogica Age Smart line, we are having a celebration of the eyes at our Beauty Bar.
Join us on Saturday, September 25th from 11am until 3pm and enjoy a complimentary Eye Rescue Microzone Treatment from our Dermalogica representative and esthetician, Bonnie Peterson. Spots are limited. To reserve your place, please call the spa at 206-522-5800.

Best of Western Washington 2010

We are competing for the Best Facial in Western Washington. In past years, we have been in the top 5. I'm really hoping this is our year to win. Click on the banner to vote for us....we really do appreciate every vote!

UV Nail Lights Controversy

The NY Times recently published an article on a study that stated UV nail lamps used in nail salons caused cancer. The study published by the Archives of Dermatology looked at only two women. I was a bit disturbed by these reports for a couple of reasons. First of all, I was under the impression that the amount of UV output given off from a nail lamp was equivalent to the sun that streams through a window. Second of all, all good scientists know that two incidents of anything isn't enough to prove any theory. I was happy to see a report published by three experts in the nail field, Doug Schoon,, Paul Bryson and Jim McConnell who eloquently refuted the claims made by the early study. This report points out the numerous errors and misstatements made and concludes that nail lights are indeed safe.

If you are concerned about your exposure or that of your clients, apply sunscreen to your clients' hands.

Fake "Gel Manicure" Linked to Nerve Damage

I have an issue with sensationalist reporting on the news. A client came in to the spa the other day and let one of our technicians know she had seen a report on the news stating Axxium gel lacquer caused nerve damage. This is how false rumors spread.

I immediately wanted to know about this report as we use both OPI Axxium and CND Shellac in the spa. I did a quick search on the internet and found the original report by Consumer Reports. A woman named Jane Ubell-Meyer received what she thought was a "gel manicure" at a local salon where a drill being used on her slipped and damaged her finger, the damaged finger was then dipped into an unknown white chemical powder leaving Ubell-Meyer suffering from pain for months. After visiting many doctors including an orthopedist, dermatologist and chiropractor, a neurologist was able to discover the culprit...a fake gel manicure gone wrong.

A gel lacquer manicure does not include mixing any powders, glues or other chemicals. The gel lacquer is brushed onto the nail and is odorless. The natural nail does not need to be roughed up with a hand held drill or filed like a traditional acrylic service. If you have any questions about the service you are receiving, ask the service provider. If the surroundings are less than sanitary or you have concerns...don't get the service.

Do you ever get white bumps under your eyes?

Tamara Zagurski, Esthetician at Spa Scotta, is guest blogging today:

If you're plagued by small white bumps under your eyes that look like whiteheads, chances are they are actually milia. Milia have a thin layer of skin that grows over them, making them hard like a cyst and difficult to remove unlike a whitehead that would rupture and go away. They result when the skin is unable to naturally exfoliate itself, trapping dead skin. Milia are usually the result of using skin care products around the eye area that are too rich for the thinner skin and tinier pores.

This is why there are treatments formulated specifically for the eye area. Not removing your eye makeup is another culprit in causing milia. Many makeups are laden with oil and pore-clogging ingredients and leaving them on when you sleep allows for oil and bacteria to get trapped in the pores.

What can you do about milia? Come to Spa Scotta where we offer an extensive selection of professional eye makeup removers from Murad, Dermalogica, and Pevonia. Also, we offer non-clogging and bacterial resistant makeup from Colorescience and Jane Iredale. The best way to rid existing milia? Have them professionally extracted by our talented estheticians. Remember, it's easier to prevent milia than to get rid of them, so invest in good eye care products.

Minx Nails are at Spa Scotta

What is Minx?

Minx is a solid film with an adhesive back that is heat activated. The heated film is applied to your nail bed and sealed with a UV top coat. You can expect your Minx to last around two weeks.

We have a large assortment of the Minx at Spa Scotta and we can place a special order for any design we don't have.

Minx nails are a fun addition to your manicure.

It Only Took Me 12 Years

I have arrived. Those of you who know me, know that I have wanted to be recognized in Allure magazine as a top waxer since I started in this industry in 1998. Year after year, my hide would get chapped that my massive waxing skillz were not noticed by Allure. My hide can now relax...I was named one of the best waxers in the country, and the best in Seattle. I want to thank my clients, fans and advocates who have supported me throughout my twelve years in this industry. I would like to thank Zoe for making me learn how to wax a brazilian back in 1999 and then was brave enough to suffer through my learning phase. To all my early clients, thank you for having faith in me, let's face it, my enthusiasm far outpaced my ability. To my staff, you are such an inspiration and support to me, thank you for being part of my team. And finally, thanks Allure magazine, you just gave me the best 40th birthday present ever.