Dec
03

Your Holistic Holiday Destination

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Everyone loves a visit to the spa, especially when life gets crazy. As much the holidays can be joyful and relaxing, busy schedules can create stress for even the most festive folks. That’s why it’s important to take time for yourself, and to give your loved ones the chance to do the same.

Here’s a perfect solution: take a break  from your holiday shopping and book a massage or facial for yourself. Or, grab a few girlfriends and treat yourselves to a customized day of pampering. We’re offering 10% off all parties booked by January 15. So there’s really no better time.

If you’re already thinking about the new year, start fresh with a rejuvenating VIP membership to the Spa at Briarcliff. You’ll save 20% on services all year long and enjoy special discounts and deals.

You can also give the gift of enriched health and relaxation to someone special on your list. And every time you do, you’ll reap the benefits. For every spa gift you purchase, you’ll receive reward points to use toward your next visit. Earn $25 when you give $100; $50 when you give $150; and $75 when you give $200. Just like your own health and well-being, it’s definitely a gift that keeps giving.

 

Aug
03

Spa Makes It Easier for You to Relax

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The Spa at Briarcliff is constantly looking for ways to provide a more relaxing, whole-body-healing experience. That’s because, as a Murad Inclusive Health Center, it’s founded on a philosophy of Integrated Health: topical, internal and emotional self-care. By now you may know about Dr. Murad and his world-renowned research. If you haven’t had a chance to tour the facility, be sure to check out the new and expanded Spa website. Recently revamped to make finding the right services easier, it reflects all the latest improvements at the spa:

  • Cosmetic Medical Services. The Spa welcomes William D. Soper, MD, board-certified primary care physician, to the staff. Under his direction, services requiring a physician will now be available through the spa. These include laser hair removal, MicroLaserPeel™ for skin, varicose vein removal, and Botox®. Read more about Dr. Soper’s services on the new site.
  • Special Occasions. If you’re planning a bridal shower, pampering for your bridesmaids, special birthday party, or other occasion with 4 or more people, contact the Spa’s new special events department. Your day can be customized just for you, VIP style.
  • Faster Booking. The new website features an online “Request An Appointment” tool, so you can begin booking your appointment from your computer or mobile device.
  • More Information. A beautiful pictorial tour, expanded descriptions of every service … even a customer feedback tool. It’s all about giving you the knowledge you need, to help you make the most of your time at the Spa.
So, get ready to relax and take a break from your busy schedule. We’ve made it as easy is possible. Just go online and get started!

 

Jun
28

Understanding Summer Skin Care

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Now that summer is here, sun protection is more important than ever. While you should use a skin care regimen that protects your skin year-round, most people get more sun exposure during the summer months. Nothing damages the skin more than the impact of UV rays, which cause the breakdown of skin-firming collagen and the damage of skin-smoothing elastin. Sun exposure also damages the pigment melanin in your skin, which means that later on you’ll need to find a way to remove and fade age spots and sun spots. That’s just one of the reasons why you need to be responsible about sun protection. But before you stock up on sunscreen, here are four important terms you should know.

UVB: The term UVB refers to the sun’s short-wave ultraviolet rays, which damage the epidermis, the skin’s outermost layer, causing sunburns and contributing to long-term sun damage and skin cancers. UVB rays are strongest in the middle of the day and peak during the summer months, when the sun’s visible light is also at its most intense. Because these rays can’t penetrate glass, many people incorrectly assume that they’re shielded from all harmful UV radiation when inside their offices, homes or cars.

UVA: The term UVA refers to the sun’s long-wave ultraviolet rays. Unlike UVB rays, UVA energy penetrates deep into the skin, where it causes long-term damage to connective tissue and DNA—damage that is potentially more significant than UVB damage in the epidermis. UVA rays are especially dangerous because overexposure doesn’t create any discomfort or produce visible signs, such as sunburn. What’s more, UVA rays are an unrelenting threat that is at a constant level of intensity, regardless of time of day or season. The strength of the ray is so intense it can penetrate through glass as well as deep into the lower layers of the epidermis, triggering melanocytes to produce a dark pigment called melanin, which gives sun-damaged skin a tan appearance.

SPF: The SPF rating system was designed to provide some indication of how much protection from burning UVB rays a product offered. In essence, a product’s SPF level indicates how much longer you’ll be protected from UVB rays than you would if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. So, for example, if you typically burn in 10 minutes without protection, an SPF of 15 would protect your skin for 150 minutes. Unfortunately, sun products that only shield our skin from UVB rays will help us to avoid sunburn, but will not protect our skin from the full range of sun-related damage that can lead to premature aging and cancers. Only products that specifically offer broad spectrum protection against UVB and UVA can help defend our skin against the full range of sun damage: sunburn, sun spots, wrinkles, sagging, cancers and textural changes.

PA: The emerging international PA rating system indicates a sunscreen’s ability to protect against UVA rays. There are three PA grades: PA+ indicates some UVA protection, PA++ indicates moderate UVA protection and PA+++ indicates good UVA protection.

As you’re shopping for skin care products and sun protection products for the summer months, pay attention to both their SPF and PA ratings. For the highest level of sun protection, look for products that have both a high SPF to ensure UVB protection and a PA rating for UVA coverage.

May
18

Makeup and Margaritas at the Spa

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Want to learn more about current makeup trends? Join Kate McCarthy, fashion/celebrity makeup  artist and national artist for GloMinerals, at The Spa at Briarcliff. Kate will offer an inside look on beauty secrets in a free class Wednesday, May 23, 6-8 p.m. Our estheticians will be stationed in various spa rooms to help you apply different products. Visit all the rooms and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a special giveaway.

All night, we’ll feature Glo products for 20% off, and free lipstick with purchase of $50 or more. Bring the girls and enjoy an evening of makeovers and free margaritas, “mocktails,” chips and salsa.

Although this is a free event, we do ask that you RSVP. Contact The Spa at (816) 746-5333.

Apr
29

Can I Really Reverse Aging?

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Whether you’re currently using anti aging skin care products or just beginning to explore the best anti wrinkle products for younger-looking skin, you’ve probably been told about antioxidants. Many people extol the virtues of an antioxidant-rich diet, and topical creams packed with antioxidants are said to give you an extra boost of anti aging ingredients. So, what does all this mean? Do antioxidants really work? The Spa at Briarcliff is here to explain, thanks to the scientific research of the Murad Inclusive Health Centers, our partner organization.

Free Radicals and Aging Skin
The first thing you’ll need to know before you can understand the importance of antioxidants in anti aging skin care is the definition of a free radical. No doubt you’ve heard the term “free radical” used frequently when discussing aging skin, particularly in relation to Environmental Aging or sun damage. In scientific terms, a free radical is an oxygen molecule that has only one electron instead of two.

How Do Free Radicals Form?
Free radicals form from UV damage to the skin or from exposure to toxins or other pollutants. The existence of a certain level of free radicals in your system is a natural part of aging. However, environmental elements and exposure to the sun and pollution can increase the number of free radicals in your body and accelerate the signs of aging.

How Do Free Radicals Cause Older-Looking Skin?
When a free radical forms, it immediately begins to attack other molecules in your system looking to “replace” its missing electron. Collagen molecules are often the first targets. Obviously, anything that contributes to an accelerated rate of collagen breakdown also leads to the formation of lines, wrinkles and loose skin.

Antioxidants Fight Free Radicals
This is where antioxidants come into the picture, both as part of an anti aging diet and as ingredients in your anti aging products. Antioxidants are nutrients that work to slow down the effect of free radicals and neutralize them in your body. A good metaphor is an apple. If you cut an apple, it begins to turn brown. However, if you dip the apple in orange or lemon juice, which contain Vitamin C (high in antioxidant properties), the apple stays white. Antioxidants can have the same impact on keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy by combating the elements that lead to collagen breakdown and even sun spots and age spots.

Where Do You Get Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are an important part of an anti aging regimen, both as an element of Inclusive Health® and an ingredient in your skin care products. In your skin care regimen, look for products that actively contain antioxidant ingredients (such as the Murad Vitalic® line or the Murad Environmental Shield® line). In your diet, incorporate fruits, vegetables and even green tea. The more you expose your body to antioxidants both internally and topically, the more your skin will stay healthy and youthful.

Feb
15

Spend a Day of Serenity at The Spa

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Your wedding should be one of life’s happiest days. But sometimes, in the midst of all that planning, it just feels like stress. The Spa at Briarcliff has plenty of experience with stressed-out brides. Not only are they giving free chair massages at our March 3 Bridal Show, they’re offering a chance to win a Spa Day of Serenity.

The Day of Serenity is a day-long escape into relaxation and total calm. The package includes:

  • 50-minute massage
  • 50-minute facial
  • Lunch from the Cafe at Briarcliff
  • Spa manicure
  • Spa pedicure

Book your appointment for one of your Bridezilla weeks, and and you’ll be back to totally zen bridal bliss in no time.

The Spa at Briarcliff offers a holistic philosophy as a Murad Inclusive Health Center. More than just pampering, we address three levels of treatment: topical (the treatment itself), internal (whole body health) and emotional (making you feel good about yourself). For more information about the Day of Serenity or any other packages, call (816) 746-5333.

 

Dec
30

Lose Your Winter Blues at the Spa

By | Services, The Spa Tuscano, Uncategorized

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After the bustle of holiday parties and shopping, winter can feel like a letdown. Short days mean less sunlight, which can lead to a decrease  in energy or mood. The pace of life slows dramatically, as colder weather drives people indoors.

If you’re the type who dreads the winter, we suggest using these months as a quiet time to focus on your emotional and physical well-being. By treating yourself to relaxing, rewarding activities that enhance your total health, you’ll feel positive and rejuvenated before you even get to spring.

The Spa at Briarcliff offers a holistic philosophy as a Murad Inclusive Health Center. More than just pampering, we address three levels of treatment: topical (the treatment itself), internal (whole body health) and emotional (making you feel good about yourself). This season, consider trying something special by immersing yourself in one of our water treatments. Say goodbye to stress and hello to a winter of content!

  • The Float Experience. Everyday expectations, stress, and the aging effect of gravity take their toll on all of us. “Floating” helps to promote the release of endorphins, which rejuvenates your body and mine. With 60 minutes of floating, your body and mind can experience the equivalent of four hours’ normal rest. The Float Experience is an enclosed room within a room, to ensure a calming, private setting where the body can remain in a state of tranquility. The body simply “floats” in 12 inches of buoyant, mineral-rich, termperature-maintained (94°F) water. The Float Experience is designed to detoxify the body, sedate the nervous system, relax muscles, reduce fatigue, promote healing, enhance creativity and much more.
  • The Amazon RiverWalk™ Experience. Schedule your next service in the Amazon RiverWalk™ room, and your senses will immediately tell the difference. Experience sheer bliss as your absorb the candlelit fireplace. Relax in the currents of the Riverbath, before moving to the massage table for a Relaxation Massage, perhaps an invigorating body treatment or a maybe a renewing facial. Finish in the private, feature shower with multiple body sprays.
  • The European Bath Ritual™.  Our European Bath Ritual™ consists of three-jetted pools with cascading waterfalls. Each pool is a different temperature to ease muscle tension, increase circulation and promote relaxation. We highly recommend using the pools and waterfalls prior to any massage, to extend effective massage time by warming up your muscles. Swimsuit required.
Oct
11

The Spa at Briarcliff Brings Health for the Holidays

By | Services, The Spa Tuscano

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A visit to the spa is a must for any Briarcliff Village getaway. And to help you get more from the experience, our spa has been working with new ownership to grow its core wellness mission. Clients can now enjoy enhanced services under a new business name: The Spa at Briarcliff, a Murad Inclusive Health Center.

In addition to the usual services, the Spa now offers cutting-edge skin care solutions from Dr. Howard Murad, Clinical Assistant Professorof Dermatology at UCLA. Curious about the improvements we’ve made? Come check it out this holiday season.

Take a break from a hectic day of shopping and book a massage or facial for yourself. Or, give the gift of enriched health and relaxation to someone special on your list. For every spa gift you purchase, you’ll receive reward points to use toward your next visit. Earn $25 when you give $100; $50 when you give $150; and $75 when you give $200. Just like your own health and well-being, it’s definitely a gift that keeps giving.