Back in September I was blessed with the opportunity to speak to a crowd of about 120 people at the HBA Expo on social media and the beauty industry. Imagine my surprise when the very lovely Renee Rouleau was sitting in the crowd (and came up to introduce herself afterwards!) Renee has an amazing skin care line based on 9 different skin types. Below is the comparison of chemical exfoliants and physical exfoliants, which used in combination, is an effective way to reveal more youthful, radiant skin.

Chemical Exfoliants:
These are mild acids that are applied to the skin at night to dissolve dry skin cells while you sleep. Studies show the effectiveness of exfoliation given by glycolic acid in reducing the appearance of sun damage and large pores, smoothing, softening and promoting blemish-free skin is far superior to any other acid out on the market. Renee has some great glycolic serums to choose from.

Physical Exfoliants:
These are the facial scrubs that contain synthetic beads that gently roll across the skin. For best results, you use them twice a week to physically lift off and polish away dry damaged skin cells. Natural scrubs using almonds, apricots or walnuts are an absolute no-no! They have sharp edges and will scratch the skin causing irritation and the spread of bacteria resulting in increased break outs (note to my sister-in-law Natalie–toss that St. Ives Apricot Scrub!)

I admit, I am totally eyeing up that Pumpkin Smoothing Peel.

Check out all of the products Renee has to offer at www.reneerouleau.com

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Elizabeth Arden recently launched a new product in the PREVAGE collection of anti-aging skin care, their Body Total Transforming Anti-Aging Moisturizer. To say this is unlike any other moisturizer I have used before would be an understatement. I received it in sample size about 8 weeks ago and I openly admit that nearing the end of the tube has me in a panic–I absolutely love what it has done for my skin!

Just like it’s facial moisturizer, this PREVAGE Body Total Transforming moisturizer has Idebenone, which works wonders on your skin (I also have the PREVAGE Anti-Aging Night Cream and I love it!) So here’s what I noticed in week one of using it:

* My skin was noticeably softer than usual
* My skin had a silky feeling to it
* The driest patches on my knees and elbows had started to soften

Now 8 weeks later all of the above have continued, but I have also noticed that my skin seems to have this overall “glow” to it. The appearance is healthier, which obviously comes with well hydrated skin in general, but I think that combined with how it felt just really wowed me. Not to mention that my skin felt great at 8am and was just as soft and supple by 8pm.

But $135 for a body moisturizer you ask? I know, in this economy it’s hard to look at that price tag and justify it. However, I can tell you that it is well worth the splurge. Those Visa gift cards I get for Christmas every year (thanks mom!)? They will be spent on this product for sure. www.shop.elizabetharden.com

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Known for great golf at a real value, the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama has added world-class resorts and spas. With the recent opening of the Spa at the Battle House Hotel in Mobile, the RTJ Golf Trail’s Resort Collection now has five spas and eight hotels. With these locations, Alabama currently ranks fourth in the country for the number of spas recommended by BestSpas USA. These spas are adding new treatments that may be just what your financial analyst ordered.

In response to the current economic conditions and increasing stresses, the Spas in the RTJ Golf Trail Resort Collection have come up with a series of new special treatments. This week, the five spas will begin offering: 401(k) Facials, an Economic Freefall Refresher and the Banker and Broker Escape.

401 (k) Facials

Are the stresses of the 401 (k) rollercoaster showing on your face? Sneak away from work and let their staff treat you to a 401(k) facial. They can brighten, tighten and smooth your skin in a matter of minutes with a quick glycolic resurfacing treatment. Your skin will look and feel amazing and your financial fear lines will diminish. Spend time in the quiet room, steam room and whirlpools before and after your treatment. The Wall Street Journal newspapers can be removed at your request! $100

Economic Freefall Refresher

After the recent economic freefall, it is time to refresh and re-energize. A mineralizing spa body treatment reduces stress and tension, leaving skin soft and smooth. A facial follows, featuring ingredients that stimulate cellular renewal leaving the skin soft, glowing and refreshed. A money manicure completes your refresher leaving money in your pocket. $200

Banker and Broker Bailout

For the banker or broker who is overworked, overstressed and needs to relax, this is the escape for you. De-stress tired muscles in state-of-the-art steam rooms. Relax with an 80-minute therapeutic massage, deep cleansing facial and penetrating location for hydration. Gentlemen’s haircut and nail trim will help finish your escape prior to taking on the wizards on Wall Street (pin-stripe robes no longer available.) $300

“Stress Relief” in a Spray

Take home a container of “Stress Relief” after your economic spa treatment. A variety of Sprayology oral spray vitamins are available at each of the RTJ Resort Collection Spas. “Stress Relief” packages have been a big hit with their guests. $24 while supplies last.

These innovative economic-focused spa treatments are available until Dec. 1, 2008 at the following locations: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, AL; Battle House, a Renaissance Hotel, in Mobile, AL; the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel & Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery, AL; Renaissance Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa in Hoover, AL and the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence, AL. Not available at the FDIC or local lending institutions!

For more on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail and its Resort Collection, visit www.rtjgolf.com.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

I feel so lucky to have The Lodge at Woodloch located only about 30 minutes from where I live. I was there last December for an amazing massage and facial and spent some time in their whirlpool, sauna and indoor pool (with amazing waterfalls!) Having had 4 kids, I know how badly I wanted to just relax and be pampered during each of my pregnancies and now The Lodge at Woodloch has unveiled two new Pre and Post Natal spa treatments that will do just that for expecting moms and those moms who just have children clinging to your legs every second. Not speaking from experience of course.

The Lodge at Woodloch’s new Soothing Body Polish and Gentle Belli Facial fulfill the needs of pregnant women through treatments that relax, soothe and rejuvenate delicate skin.

The Soothing Body Polish is a luxurious body treatment that begins with an invigorating scrub rich in anti-oxidants, followed by a gentle loofa cleansing using green tea and cucumber. Next, oils rich in Vitamin E and Kola Extract are applied on the belly to help prevent stretch marks, along with a foot massage of peppermint, tea tree and shea butter that leaves one feeling totally refreshed.

The Gentle Belli Facial is a custom belly treatment, designed to hydrate and refine skin at any stage of pregnancy. The treatment begins with a balancing herbal cleanser of green tea and cucumber; next a gentle exfoliation prepares the skin for a luxurious belly masque which helps increase elasticity and prevent stretch marks, accompanied by a soothing hand and foot massage. The treatment is concluded with a light belly massage featuring lavender and sweet almond oil, followed by a hydrating citrus lotion to soothe and uplift. The treatment can also be customized as a post-natal facial.

Belli products are the only skin care line in the world that are teratology screened to assure safety against linked birth defects and other complications, as well as being phthalate free. The Belli Motherhood products are LactMed screened to avoid ingredients linked to harmful effects during breastfeeding. The Belli Baby line is screened for xenoestrogens, chemicals which can act like hormones that interfere with normal development of the reproductive system.

I can attest that a spa treatment at The Lodge at Woodloch is worth every penny spent.  Be sure to check out their website for rates, as well as any specials going on. www.thelodgeatwoodloch.com

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

We often hear about people who go on to be a doctor because someone in their family battle a life threatening disease or someone who was inspired to create a product because nothing on the market could meet their needs. Well Jamie Collins Doss, owner of Bethesda Skincare, is one of those people. Her father had multiple skin cancers removed from his face after years of working in the field of his farm without sun protection and after becoming ill herself, Jamie’s skin could no longer tolerate traditional soaps. Thus the Bethesda Sunscreen Soap was born.

Bethesda’s Sunscreen Soap is a multi-vitamin bar that actually has sunscreen in it and provides you with a SPF of 10. As you wash your body it is coated with an invisible layer of protection, all the while with no artificial fragrances, coloring, fillers or binders. While containing 50 vitamins and minerals, this soap is not greasy or oily. In fact, as I used it it didn’t smell like sunscreen (it smelled fresh & clean) nor did my skin feel like it had sunscreen applied to it. My skin felt soft and I liked knowing that my skin was protected even though outside of Summer, I don’t traditionally apply sunscreen (unless it is in my foundation or moisturizer).

Bethesda Skincare has a fantastic program to give one bar of this soap for free to people who are battling cancer. It’s called the Melanie Policy and came out of Jamie’s sister battling stage 4 Colon Cancer. Since chemotherapy and cancer treatment depletes the skin of it’s nutrients and causes it to become fragile, Bethesda Sunscreen Soap can help nourish their tender skin. If you are battling cancer or know of someone who is, please see the Bethesda Skincare website for more information on how to get a free bar of this soap. Above all, it is done on the honor system, so please don’t “fake it” just to score something for free. (I know, but you know there are people out there who would!)

I definitely liked this soap and think you will too. www.bethesdaskincare.com

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Ok, so it’s not winter yet, but here in the Poconos, there are plenty of nights where I could easily believe it was! Warm up to winter as you slide into a toasty mud bath or hot mineral springs pool at the world-famous Dr. Wilkinson’s Hot Springs Resort in historic Calistoga, California. Dr. Wilkinson’s features three thermal pools: an enormous 80 degree pool, a large 90 degree pool, and an 102 degree indoor pool, a gigantic “hot tub,” perfect for a soak or swim the year round.

Before or after a relaxing swim, melt into The Works at Dr. Wilkinson’s. Slip into a purifying mud bath. Relax with a facial Mud Mask. Wash away your worries with an aromatic Whirlpool bath. De-stress in a cocoon-like wrap. Cleanse in the steam room. Emerge renewed from a detoxifying one-half hour message.

I know the wonders that mud does for your face (have you read my review on Darshan Beauty’s Multani Facial Mud Mask and the Body Deli’s Glacial Mud?) so I can only imagine how my skin would feel like after “soaking” in a mud bath.

I’d love to hear if you’ve ever taken a mud bath—and I don’t mean the kind in your backyard!

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Last Christmas my husband gave me a gift certificate to The Lodge at Woodloch. It is listed as one of Forbes Top Ten Most Luxurious Spa’s and it happens to be only about 30 minutes from my house. I finally got to use this gift certificate this weekend and treated myself to a facial and massage.

Before I even get to the review of the treatments, The Lodge at Woodloch has a fabulous Women’s Retreat (and a separate one for men) that is also worthy of a write up. You get a locker to store your clothes, bags etc. which is really not a “locker” at all. It is a gorgeous wood mini storage closet, complete with shelves and a hook to store your things. It has an electronic keypad, where you determine the lock code for safe, secure access to your things. In between storage units are oversized leather ottoman’s. On the other side of the storage units is a room filled with plush comfy seats, leather chairs, an entire glass window wall that looks out to a lake and a roaring fireplace. There is a counter with fresh fruits, nuts and teas available.

There are two hallways that contain 5 private shower rooms each with stone flooring in the glass shower stalls and has Rosemary scented Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel and Lotion. A large vanity room joins both hallways and comes complete with hair dryers, curling irons, hair styling products and everything necessary to freshen up.

The Women’s Retreat also has a whirlpool in a frosted glass enclosed room. The frosted glass gives you small peaks of the outdoors with its fern stenciling. In a separate room in the same area of the whirlpool is a steam room, a sauna that boasts scents of lavender and an enclosed porch with a view of the lake. A pitcher of iced water and fresh slices of lemon await you on a table outside all of the rooms.

Further into the retreat is the Aqua Garden. It has a large indoor pool and a waterfall that cascades in to a multi-level whirlpool (one on an upper level and one below it). The Aqua Garden is surrounding by windows on 3 sides and just outside is the Horizon Whirlpool that is heated enough that it can be used in the winter.

The Women’s Retreat can be used by spa patrons for one hour before treatments and up to one hour after your treatments have completed. The Women’s Retreat alone is worth a visit to The Lodge at Woodloch.

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Darshan Beauty was a company I had never heard of before, so I was intrigued when it’s owner, Jodi, contacted me. I quickly read her bio to learn more about the company and products. Her background and what lead her up to create Darshan Beauty products is really quite interesting.

Darshan Beauty products are all natural, and because of this, they are only made in small batches to prevent them from spoiling.

Luna P.M. Creme

This thick night cream is made with aloe leaf oil and extract combined with noncomedogenic sesame oil. I can’t say it is fragrance free, because there is some scent to it. However, it appeared to be the natural scent of the ingredients and not any added fragrance.

While this Creme is meant for all skin types, I was a little worried at first because of how touchy my skin can be; dry in certain parts and very oily in others. The Creme was not greasy, and although it was thick, it glided quite effortlessly across my skin. It was quick to absorb and I was so thrilled to notice just how soft this creme made my skin feel.

Multani Mud Facial Mask

I think the best part of spa time is doing a mask. It is only recommended to use this mask one to two times per week. This mud is made from Bastar mud in India, purified and then saturated with herbal extracts. It is thick and makes your skin feel excellent. My 4 year old enjoyed watching me put this mask on, as he found it quite amusing to watch a 32 year woman play in the mud. I overheard him tell his brothers that mom had mud on her face and when they asked him why, he replied, “Because it is for beauty, don’t you know that?”

It is hard to explain, but there was such a difference in my skin when I rinsed off the mud. My skin just appeared to look fresher and vibrant and dare I saw, glowing? The mask was my favorite part of trying these products. I think it will be one I cannot live without.

Please be sure to check out all of the products Darshan Beauty has to offer, I’m sure that you won’t be disappointed. www.darshanbeauty.com

Shannon Nelson

Shannon Nelson launched A Girl's Gotta Spa! in 2005. She currently works with beauty brands as a social media consultant, freelance writes for magazines and is a public speaker at beauty industry conferences.

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts