You put de lime in de coconut - - - -

No need to call the Doctor and wake em up! It's Spa 131 to your summer rescue! We have lime, coconut, cherry pie and all sorts of summer deliciousness awaiting for you!

Before I tell you about our special offerings for July, I want to speak briefly about the grueling heat and South Carolina sunshine. I know! I know! Not another sunscreen sermon . . . but friends . . . I have another basal cell carcinoma. You all know that I do preach sunscreen at every opportunity. When we provide gorgeous airbrush tanning, I always say that it's only cosmetic - use plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreen (which protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and use often. All of our skin care guests get a generous coat after every facial.  Also, after a delightful manicure sunscreen is generously applied to the backs of your hands in our Nail Sanctuary. Still . . . it's happening again - another skin cancer on ME - the sunscreen QUEEN! So, maybe it might be time to learn a little bit more about the most common form skin cancer - basal cell - because sometime it doesn't even really look like much and it is, in fact, a skin cancer.
Basal cell carcinoma occurs when one of the skin's basal cells develops a mutation in its DNA. Basal cells are found at the bottom of the epidermis — the outermost layer of skim - - - so at the "bottom" of the "top" - - - get that? Much of the damage to DNA in basal cells is thought to result from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and in commercial tanning lamps and tanning beds. But sun exposure doesn't explain skin cancers that develop on skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. This indicates that other factors may contribute to your risk of skin cancer, such as being exposed to toxic substances or having a condition that weakens your immune system.

Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Factors that increase your risk of basal cell carcinoma include:
Chronic sun exposure. A lot of time spent in the sun — or in commercial tanning booths — increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma. The threat is greater if you live in a sunny or high-altitude climate, both of which expose you to more UV radiation. The risk is also higher if most of your exposure occurred before the age of 18. Your risk is greater if you have had at least one blistering sunburn.
Exposure to radiation. Psoralen plus ultraviolet A (PUVA) treatments for psoriasis may increase your risk of basal cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer. Having undergone radiation treatments for childhood acne or other conditions also may increase your risk of basal cell carcinoma.
Fair skin. If you have very light skin or you freckle or sunburn easily, you're more likely to develop skin cancer than is someone with a darker complexion. Basal cell carcinoma is rare in black people.
Your sex. Men are more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than women are.
Your age. Because basal cell carcinomas often take decades to develop, the majority of basal cell carcinomas occur in people age 50 or older.
A personal or family history of skin cancer. If you've had basal cell carcinoma one or more times, you have a good chance of developing it again. If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may have an increased risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
Immune-suppressing drugs. Taking medications that suppress your immune system, especially after transplant surgery, significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. Cancers in people with a weakened immune system generally are more aggressive than they are in otherwise healthy people.
Exposure to arsenic. Arsenic, a toxic metal that's found widely in the environment, increases the risk of basal cell carcinoma and other cancers. Everyone has some arsenic exposure because it occurs naturally in the soil, air and groundwater. But people who may be exposed to higher levels of arsenic include farmers, refinery workers, and people who drink contaminated well water or live near smelting plants.
Inherited syndromes that cause skin cancer. Certain rare genetic diseases increase the risk of basal cell carcinoma. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin-Goltz syndrome) causes numerous basal cell carcinomas, as well as pitting on the hands and feet and spine abnormalities. Xeroderma pigmentosum causes an extreme sensitivity to sunlight and a high risk of skin cancer because people with this condition have little or no ability to repair damage to the skin from ultraviolet light. 

Please do have regular yearly once overs by a Dermatologist - a physician trained in detecting these things. Early detection is key in so many things - but if only for vanity's sake do it! Early detection means less chance of an unpleasant and unappealing scar face! If you need a recommendation for a Dermatologist, we can help you with that. Just ask and we will provide name, contact information and even make an appointment for you. 

If you find that you have to spend any length of time outdoors I have a little tips for you that I learned waaaay back when I used to work in the film industry (yes, I was in quite a few film productions). The crew would soak cloths in ice water and SEA BREEZE Classic Astringent - the same stuff you probably used on your face.   They would take those cloths and wrap around their necks when they worked outdoors in the hot, hot, hot Southern days.   The eucalyptus and alcohol really works to help cool.  BTW, SEA BREEZE Classic Astringent, when mixed with a little baby oil is really good to use after any waxing or sugar hair removal.  Just rub it on for a quick soothe,

Now for some summertime spa awesomeness . . . our July Spa Specials:

We'll start within THE NAIL SANCTUARY - Get beach-ready, sandal-worthy feet with your choice of a Margarita Service or Coconut-Lime Mojito . The summer cocktail bar is open!! Celebrate warm weather and treat yourself to a little tropical escape with our refreshingly cheerful Summer Cocktail Collection. This multi-tasking treatment is the perfect relaxation-inducing pedicure and manicure with the scent of refreshingly perfect summertime. Pedicure alone is $60 - Manicure and Pedicure is $90

The Bare-all-Brazilian is staying at $45 with Bikini Hair Removal remaining at $35.  In addition to that, we are introducing two hair removal packages.  1)  3-mos of  Brazilians - that would be July, August & September for just $129 and 2)  Bikini or Brazilian, Leg AND Underarm hair removal package for $99.

Derek and Army are excited to provide some soothing coconut-lime massage services. July has our hour Signature Swedish Massage just $60, while a relaxing 90 minute treat is $85. The most common type of massage is Swedish massage therapy. It involves soft, long kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic tapping stroke on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing.  Swedish Massage will help after an injury.  Of course, Spa 131 offers several modalities for your individual needs.  If you aren't sure that would be best for you, never hesitate to pick up the phone and speak with either of our team specialist.

What can be more appropriate for July than the All American Cherry Pie?

This summer favorite is now available in the treatment room! Our Sweet Cherry Pie Facial features a cherry fruit enzyme that contains the potent lightening ingredients lactic acid, kojic and arbutin as well as the gentle exfoliant mandelic acid. Antioxidants are infused into the skin diminishing the surface signs of aging. The skin is then treated with a vanilla bean mask to hydrate, firm and improve skin tone. Suitable for all skin types, this facial will leave the skin both nourished and luminous - specially priced in July for just $75.

Neither of those summer deliciousness appealing?  No worries!   What about a July BOGO?  All regular priced hour (or longer) facials and massages are 2-4-1 during the 1st week of July.  You don't have to come during the first week of July, you only have to schedule your July and August service while it's on sale - available for ONE WEEK only to use for your July service and then your August service, as well.  I think that's an offer you can't afford to pass up . . . right?

As these July special treats are . . . well . . . "special" . . . they are only available while supplies last! But . . . hold on . . .THIS is our BIG news . . . Spa 131 is giving away in a drawing EVERY Saturday in July AND August a weekend get-away to Hilton Head, Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale or even a mountain respite. You get to choose where you get to put the lime in the coconut.

We have purchased some pretty cool travel vouchers where you get to choose your destination. Each Saturday afternoon during the entire Months of July and August we will choose a winner from every client that comes in during that particular week who receives any hour or longer service. Oh . . . buying a service for a gift certificate qualifies, too. You pick your location, you choose when you'll go. It's yours to do whatever you want! How about them limes?

That's all for now, my friends. We sure are looking forward to helping you through these next few brutal weather weeks. Sounds like a perfect opportunity to get into Spa 131!

Cheers to you! Be safe with any fireworks!


Marci Delaney, Owner, LE
Spa 131

Our talented team of Spa Professionals:

Amy Belle Isle, Amy Locklear, Derek Brasington, Kandace Wilson

131 State Street
West Columbia, SC 29169
803-251-9400

www.spa131.com

The Grass is Always Greener . . .

Isn't social media great? We get to look deeply at everyone else's life - personal and private - and see all of their successes, their joys. We see their BIG acquisitions, additions. Their life, their family, their mere existence is outstanding. We might look around at our own "stuff" and think it is inadequate, showing lack of success. Maybe the pages in our appointment book looks slim. Our children are not going to Med School or even graduating top in their class. We! Are! Failures!

Hold it! Stop right there! I had a little "Unplugging" Experience only yesterday and I want to share it with you. First thing was that I didn't go cold turkey, BUT I didn't look at FB, tweet, instagram - didn't scroll any feed - the world didn't end when I failed to read about everyone's awesome weekend activities. I'm sure many people did some most excellent beaching, hiking, eating, partying but I didn't see it, didn't miss seeing it, glad you did it, but I "unplugged." I have some suggestions to help you get over "The Grass is Greener" Syndrome.

1) Allow yourself some "No Social Media!" time. Do something else, or do nothing at all. Buddy and I walked the Riverfront yesterday. After that, I watched (binge watched, actually) some mindless television that I have been wanting to see. My house was dirty and it stayed that way. I vegged and it felt so good. Give yourself permission to completely unwind on occasion. Make no apologies. Your next day outlook will be changed for the better.

2) Remind yourself that we truly are all the same. We ALL have successes just like we ALL have failures. You better believe that every life has challenges. The washing machine breaks, the appointments slow down, the landlord isn't great . . . and that is just for me, today, right now. There will be more challenges - no doubt. No one is immune.

3) Be careful who you invite into your life. There are as many different personalities as there are people. We all know the "Negative Nellies," the embellishers, The one-uppers, the athletic kings and queens, the projecting parents - oh, this list would go on forever. I tend to fall into the Pollyanna category, myself. My point is this - If you invite the braggadocious in, you may feel inadequate. IF you invite the joy stealers in, you will be brought down. What ever - WHOM ever flips your trigger - simply beware and take steps to limit their influence on your life. You do not have to hear about the greener grass on their side of the fence unless you want to.

4) Finally, give yourself permission to make an investment in your own personal well-being. That could mean a River walk, like I did yesterday. I would also suggest that a regular visit to Spa 131 can be exactly like a mini-vacation without ever leaving the area. If you scoff at this idea, I invite you to prove me wrong - no I DARE you to prove me wrong! Study after study shows just how accurate this is. And - - - here are our June specials to make a trip to Spa 131 a little more enticing:

JUNE SPECIALS Spa 131

Get Bathing Suit Ready with special pricing:
Bare-All Brazilian Service - $45
Bikini Wax - $30

Luxury Marine Pedicure - This service is designed to refresh and revitalize, like a brisk barefoot walk in the surf. If you can't get to the ocean, bring the ocean to you! Your feet will feel reborn and your spirit satisfied. This delightful foot treatment is normally $85, but priced in June at only $55
Add a professional manicure to your pedi service and get BOTH services for only $90

We are still offering our popular Massage Sampler Package. Get a massage in June, another in July and yet another in August for just $165. Perfect for keeping your body aligned and your spirit balanced.

June brings the opportunity for a Refresher Facial priced at just $50. This hour long Esthetic Delight is designed for a deep, refreshing cleanse. You'll feel fresh and relaxed when finished - It's like a mini vacation not only for your face, but for your mind, body and spirit.

Don't forget DAD. Purchase a gift certificate for Father's Day and let him choose his pleasure OR pick a massage, nail or skin care treat just for him. We promise to make him comfortable and relaxed. Every service is in a private room so no prying eyes will make him feel out of place. He WILL say, "Thank you!"

On behalf of the entire team of Spa Professionals here I want to give a big THANK YOU for your continued support of us and allowing us to help make your piece of this earth a little better and perhaps a little greener - even if only for a short while. Happy June and we hope to see you real soon.

Marci Delaney

131 State Street, West Columbia, SC 29169
803-251-9400
www.spa131.com