DAYSPA Magazine Product Spotlight

Mix & Mingle

It can be isolating just to associate with other green spa owners and enthusiasts. But there's a whole eco-friendly world out there, and even if much of it doesn't share the same infrastructure and focus that your business does, there's a lot to learn. Look in your area for seminars on environmentally sound practices and materials; you never know who you might meet and what unique expertise they can provide.

Plus, check out sustainable trade shows. Many of them are starting to showcase the personal care and beauty perspective. One such example is All Things Organic, which takes place in Chicago June 16-18. While it's staged by the Organic Trade Association (www.ota.com), the Day Spa Association (DSA, www.dayspaassociation.com) will also have a presence there. On Wednesday, June 17, Eric Light of the Strawberry Hill Group and a DSA advisory board member will host a session for spa owners looking to capture the eco-friendly market. DSA will also have a booth in the health and wellness section on the show floor—which will likely contain a number of interesting vendors for those who want to greeen their facilities.

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When it comes to optimal skin health, supplements can pick up the slack where nutrition leaves off. The Food & Drug Administration doesn't regulate them, so it's nearly impossible to round up all the extracts and additives they can contain. Here are some of the vital ingredients to look for in skincare supplements, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements with the National Institutes of Health. Keep in mind, many of the items listed below carry multiple benefits—and good health overall leads to great skin.

Bilberry: Eases the effects of varicose veins

Chasteberry: Alleviates several menstrual problems, such as acne

Coenzyme Q10: Protects against free radicals

Evening primrose oil: Can lessen the effects of eczema

Grapeseed extract: Speeds cell renewal and heals wounds more quickly

Green tea: Protects the skin from sun damage

Iron: Delivers blood and oxygen to skin cells

Selenium: Protects against free radicals

Turmeric: May contain anti-inflammatory properties

Vitamin A: Helps maintain moisture levels in the hair, skin and nails

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin): Promotes the skin's ability to absorb oxygen and can keep oil production under control

Vitamin B3 (niacin): Provides tolerance for the sun and a smooth, slightly moist skin surface

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): Maintains skin tone and relieves skin inflammation

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Can assist with hyperpigmentation and protect against sun damage

Vitamin B7 (biotin): Preserves the balance of oil in the skin and treats skin disorders related to oil glands

Vitamin B9 (folic acid): Keeps and restores natural hair color

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): May help control the flow of oil from sebaceous glands and, in conjunction with folic acid, stem hyperpigmentation

Vitamin C: Plays essential role in the formation of collagen and in the function of the two amino acids (phenylalanine and tyrosine) that boost hair and skin color

Vitamin D: Helps skin respirate and cells divide

Vitamin E: May slow signs of skin aging, protect cells and act as an antioxidant

Zinc: Synthesizes proteins and DNA, and speeds the healing of wounds

* Sources: Office of Dietary Supplements, Milady's Standard Esthetics Advanced (Cengage Learning, 2009)

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