What is Cellulite? Millions of people around the world deal with the skin condition known as cellulite. If you are unfamiliar, cellulite is the bumpy, unattractive skin that is commonly seen in the thighs, buttocks, and hips. It is a structural issue within the skin that occurs when pockets of fat cells are entrapped by unnecessary connective tissue bands. These pockets of fat then bulge out of the skin, creating that bumpy, uneven appearance. This condition is most common in women and is often influenced by factors such as: aging, genetics, and poor blood circulation. This condition can lower self-esteem due to the presence grotesque looking skin. Thanks to revolutionary treatments like Venus Freeze, cellulite does not have to plague your skin for life. Venus Freeze^TM Treatment for Cellulite Reduction Venus Freeze is a non-invasive treatment that uses radio frequency and magnetic pulses to stimulate collagen production and restore healthy looking skin. The procedure is FDA approved and viewed as a quick and painless way to treat cellulite. It is also used for circumferential reduction and skin tightening. How Does the Procedure Work? On treatment day, a lotion will be applied to the area of the skin being targeted. Venus Freeze applicator will then smoothly be moved over the surface of your skin. The applicator causes a slight heating sensation and is often described as a hot-stone massage. Within the applicator is advanced technology that uses both magnetic pulses (MP)², as well as radio frequency energy to help reduce cellulite. As the applicator is moved over the skin, a magnetic field is generated from the (MP)² component to release growth factors that lead to the development of new blood vessels and fibroblasts. While this occurs, RF energy penetrates deep within the skin leading to increased collagen content and elastin synthesis, as well as triggering enzyme mediated lipolysis. As all of this occurs, the skins structure is reformed and the overlying skin becomes smoother and more attractive. What Happens After the Treatment?  After 15-40 minutes of quick and easy Venus Freeze treatment, patients are free to return to normal activities right away. While patients may experience slight warmness and redness of the skin, there is no downtime nor any harmful side effects. Results may not be visible immediately and often do not show until three treatment sessions have been performed. In order to achieve optimal results, a series of 6-10 treatment sessions within 5-7 day intervals are typically recommended. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ Dr. Gaurav Goswami is a board certified physician specializing in cosmetic and endovascular procedures. He is founder and owner of Precise Care with locations in Newport Beach, CA and Fullerton, CA. Dr. Goswami’s practice focuses on minimally invasive, targeted treatments, which use various forms of imaging for guidance during procedures.

Trying to convince my fiancé to go to the spa with me is usually a pretty hopeless undertaking, so imagine my absolute surprise and excitement when he actually suggested that we go to the spa together for a treatment.  That excitement might have decreased a little when he made it clear the "treatment" he wanted us to experience together was sitting in an infrared sauna...at least we would be sitting together in a spa...it was a start. Perhaps sitting in an infrared sauna, sweating for 40 minutes does not sound very appealing, especially given the fact that its been about 90 degrees everyday in Bali for the last two months and I feel like I sweat plenty on a daily basis.  Little did I know that the infrared sauna benefits are amazing and an very effective way to detox. Unlike traditional saunas, an infrared sauna heats through a process called conversion, which warms your body instead of the air around you.  Thus an infrared sauna produces three times the amount of sweat of a traditional sauna.  The more we sweat, the more toxins are removed.  An infrared sauna also increases blood circulation and metabolism, reduces joint stiffness and muscle pain, helps to boost the immune system, decrease cellulite and rejuvenate the skin.  Also unlike traditional saunas it is still easy to breathe in an infrared sauna so you leave feeling rejuvenated instead of drained. Sitting in an infrared sauna in hot and humid Bali was certainly not one of the spa treatments I would ever have imagined myself indulging in, but I can honestly say that I really did enjoy my 40 minutes in an infrared sauna.  I made sure I consumed a ton of water before, during and after my session.  I was actually rejuvenated after my 40 minutes in the infrared sauna, my skin looked great and I was told that a 40 minute session can burn 300-600 calories!  Looks like weekly infrared sauna sessions are now going to be a part of my wellness program! Have you tried this type of spa treatment? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

A few days ago I had the pleasure of experiencing yet another amazing spa treatment in Bali.  This time it was an absolutely sinful massage that included hot stones, cool slices of cucumbers and warm lavender towels at my beloved Amo Spa.  While the massage was absolutely incredible, what impressed me even more was the Full Body Dry Brushing pre-treatment that was was offered as an add-on to my massage.  I was completely unfamiliar with dry skin brushing, so of course I HAD to try it. The Full Body Dry Brushing treatment is pretty much exactly what it sounds like.  My entire body was brushed in circular motions with a dry brush for about thirty minutes and is something you can easily do at home, as well.  Unbeknownst to me dry brushing your skin has a ton of  benefits.  It aids in cellulite and stretch mark reduction, boosts metabolism, eliminates fat and toxins, stimulates circulation and the lymphatic system, and of course, it exfoliates. I am violently ticklish so at first the thought of having someone brush my skin seemed like voluntary torture, but the dry brushing was actually very soothing.  Thus far I've only had one dry brushing treatment so it's too soon to tell if it had reduced any stretch marks, cellulite or fat, but my skin was unmistakably smoother, softer and more luminous after the treatment.  I plan on acquiring a body brush of my own as soon as possible and make dry brushing a part of my regular beauty routine. Have you tried dry skin brushing? Has it made a difference in your skin? Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

Believe it or not, a blogger's makeup bag is not always overflowing with products when we travel. Most of us have a handful of products we are loyal to simply because they get the job done while home or away. I recently spent some time in Atlantic City and asked fellow bloggers Kelly Augustine from www.KellyAugustine.com and Lyuba from www.WillCookForSmiles.com what their must have beauty products were while traveling. Watch the video to hear about our favorite beauty products and then find the links to all of them below: Lyuba's Travel Beauty: Yes To Grapefruit Facial Scrub Yes To Grapefruit Even Skin Tone Moisturizer Rimmel ScandalEyes Retro Glam Mascara Rimmel Scandaleyes Thin Eyeliner Rimmel ScandalEyes Kohl Liner Kelly's Travel Beauty: Wet n Wild Color Icon Collection Bronzer SPF 15 Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher MAC Cosmetics Heroine Wet n Wild MegaSlicks Balm Stain Moisturizing Lip Color, A Stiff Pink Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait de Gloss SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Body Lotion Shannon's Travel Beauty: Urban Decay Brightening & Tightening Complexion Primer Potion bareMinerals bareSKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation with SPF 20 DermOrganic Pure Argan Oil Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ Disclosure

I traveled to Atlantic City to check out the amazing spa options as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars by Crowdtap #DoAC. All opinions, and fun, are my own.

When you think Atlantic City, casinos and gambling may be the first things that come to mind; but what about waterviews, the boardwalk, the beach, amazing restaurants, world class entertainment and my absolute favorite: the spas? Atlantic City is more than just a town to gamble in, and it's certainly a lot more safer than you think!

For my trip to Atlantic City, I stayed at the Borgata Casino & Spa. Don't mistake the Borgata to simply be a hotel and casino, as it is so much more. Honestly, it's like its own city. It is massive with upscale shops, outrageously delicious restaurants, cafes for a quick treat (Frappacino's at Starbucks and amazing display to delight your tastebuds at Sweets & Eats), an entertainment venue, two spas (Immersion Spa and Spa Toccare), nightclubs and The Water Club. You really have no reason to leave the Borgata with so much to do, BUT you should as Atlantic City has so much to offer. Their tagline, after all is, Do AC!

On a sidenote, I spent a good deal of money at Sweets & Eats in the Borgata. I mean look at these delectable treats!

Immersion Spa at Borgata Atlantic City:

It has been a crazy and intense month for me, so seeking an Ayurvedic spa treatment was a no brainer. Immersion Spa, which is located in The Water Club adjacent to the Borgata, has several Ayurvedic treatments to choose from. The spa staff have you complete a Constitutional Analysis prior to your treatment. This analysis is a questionaire about different aspects of you health, body and mind. The questions have three columns and 3 answers that best match you. The three columns are to determine which element you identify most with: Vata (Esther & Air), Pitta (Fire & Water) and Kapha (Water & Earth.)

I ended up being Pitta, which means I am knowledgable, headstrong, brave and friendly. I won't tell you the bad characteristics of someone who is Pitta because naturally my reacton is "that's not me." Ha!  Peggy (who did my spa treatment) took the information from the analysis to decide the type of oil to use during my treatment.

I chose the Shirodhara spa treatment, which begins with you face down as your shoulders, neck and upper back are massaged. After about 10 minutes, you turn over, face up. Most of the treatment is spent with a steady stream of warm oil slowly pouring from a bowl above your head. Your eyes are covered, as is your body and feet (which are wrapped in warm towels.) Tranquil music plays as the warm oil makes its way across your scalp and through your hair. I literally fell asleep and kept waking myself snoring! All I can tell you is that to get me relaxed to that point is a feat unto itself!

Once the oil treatment is done, the oil is then gently massaged into your hair and scalp soaking it with its nourishing and hydrating properties. Hair is then wrapped in a towel and your treatment is done. It is so soothing and relaxing. Be sure that you do not wear a "good" shirt into the spa if you are having this treatment, as your hair is literally dripping with oil. Once I removed the towel, I used one of the hair scrunchies that are available in the spa's changing area and put my hair up. The spa says it's best to leave the oil in your hair for as long as possible to allow your hair the ability to absorb the oil. This might be doable if you plan to use the steam room, whirlpool or just hang out at the pool (without actually taking a dip.) I had to head back to my room to get ready for dinner so I had to wash my hair right away.

Quick tip: Do not wet your hair when you get in the shower. Instead apply shampoo first and lather. Let it sit in your hair for about a minute and then rinse. Avoid using a conditioner until the next shower. I had to do this about 3 times before my hair was no longer slick. While it was still a bit weighty, it looked like I had flat ironed my hair that night. My hair was so smooth and frizz free.

Immersion Spa has treatment rooms that are dark with low light and they also have treatment rooms facing the Atlantic City skyline and ocean with floor to ceiling windows. My treatment was in the dark room, but I think next time I'd like to experience a massage while staring out at the ocean.

Immersion Spa is a two-story spa located on the 32nd floor of The Water Club. Here, you'll find 360 degrees of floor-to-ceiling water views, a fitness center and a lap pool that overlooks Atlantic City. It is simply breathtaking. They have a great spa boutique and I came across brands I knew, as well as some I didn't. To be honest, I'd love to see my brand sitting on those shelves one day.

One of the restaurants that I visited during my stay was Dos Caminos, which is located at Harrah's Resort. I do love Mexican food, but believe it or not, I've never eaten guacamole. With the guacamole being handmade right at our table, I couldn't say no! (And it was AMAZING!)

I don't gamble, but I did enjoy learning how to play Craps at Resorts Casino, the oldest casino in Atlantic City. Although, I'm still confused about how to win, I think I did a pretty good job for a beginner! I had a lot of fun learning and the team there were great.

Resorts Casino is located on the Boardwalk, where you'll also find Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville (I heard he played a free concert there recently) and Landshark Bar & Grill which is located across from Resort Casino directly on the beach. I had lunch at Landshark and I'd like this to be my view every.single.day.

Of course, a stroll on the beach was in order as well. I loved that the beach was not overcrowded at all and quite family-friendly. Atlantic City beaches are clean and so close to the fun on the Boardwalk.

While on this trip I was paired with two bloggers, who I had so much fun with! Kelly from www.KellyAugustine.com - check out her blog to learn more about the fashion in Atlantic City; and Lyuba from www.WillCookForSmiles.com - she's covering all of the amazing food in Atlantic City.

I enjoyed Atlantic City so much that I'm thinking a spa hop throughout the city may be in order. I heard they also have some PGA golf courses closeby that my husband would love. So as you can see, there's something for everyone in Atlantic City!

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Nothing says complete and utter relaxation to me quite like indulging in a massage, especially a 75 minute long massage, followed by total body exfoliation, body mask and a luxuriating soak in a warm flower-filled bath.  This is how I spent two hours at a spa in Bali thanks to the suggestion of a woman I was lucky enough to share a taxi ride with.  As soon as I got out of the taxi I knew where I was headed to next: Bodyworks spa in Seminyak, Bali.

Bodyworks has been in business in Bali for over 15 years and they always seem to be insanely busy.  The Bodyworks Spa Menu includes a wide variety of services ranging from traditional Balinese massage to  facials, nail care, hair removal and hair treatments.  Pretty much everything on the Bodyworks Spa Menu looked pretty enticing, but none as much as the Exfoliation Massage, otherwise known as the Mandi Lulur, and this treatment was everything I had expected and more. The treatment began with a deliciously relaxing 75 minute massage, after which my entire body was covered with a grown granular paste (the traditional Javanese lulur.)  The paste is made up of turmeric, sandalwood, cinnamon, ground nuts and rice.  After letting the paste dry on my skin for a few minutes it was gently rubbed off to exfoliate my skin.  My skin was then rinsed off and cooling fresh yogurt was applied to my entire body; including my face.  I was told that the yogurt contains enzymes that stimulates cell activity and restores the pH balance of my skin.  After letting the yogurt mask sit for a few minutes, my skin was again rinsed after which I was led to a bath tub filled with flower petals in which I soaked for the last 10-15 minutes of my treatment. I emerged from this treatment utterly relaxed with smooth, soft, glowing skin.  I have tried a lot of spa services and I can honestly say that this is one of the best, most indulgent spa services I have ever received and it was only about $45 US dollars! Bodyworks is a definite "must" if you happen to find yourself in Bali. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too!

The first time my fiancé described a Balinese Creambath to me, I swear I heard harps playing and birds gayly chirping in the background as he waxed poetic about what sounded positively heavenly.  Now four years later we are in Bali and the first order of business for me was to experience a Creambath first hand.  There are a ton of spas and salons that offer this service, but I wanted to experience the specific treatment he had described to me exactly the way he described it, which led us to Amo Spa in Seminyak, Bali. 

Amo Spa is the creation of native New York Supermodel/Actress Navia Nguyen and is a beautifully serene space with an amazing service menu and an expertly trained staff. 

Before my service began, I had the pleasure of sipping on a cool refreshing glass of wine from the in-house bar.  After changing into proper Amo Spa attire, my insanely decadent  hour-long service began with a shampoo, during which I went weak in the knees from the massage that accompanied my shampoo experience.  

The conditioning cream was then applied to my hair, section by section, and slowly, luxuriously massaged in by the stylist (who I may begin stalking on a regular basis.)  Not only was the product massaged into my scalp, but  my head, neck and shoulders were also continuously massaged with oil as I sat like jello in a chair.

With the conditioning cream still in my hair, I was placed under a steamer for about 20 minutes.  The steamer helps to infuse the cream into hair for an even deeper conditioning.  My hair was then rinsed and a tonic was applied to it. 

Believe me, ladies and gentlemen, when I tell you that had I not been looking into a mirror when I touched my hair, I would not have believed it was my hair I was touching.  It was incredibly soft and silky.  I was able to easily run my hands through my hair while wet, which is usually not a good idea given my super thick, curly textured hair. 

After blow drying my hair, not only was it soft and silky, but also wonderfully shiny and bouncy!  I now daydream about  Navia taking Amo Spa stateside and eradicating bad hair days one state at a time...a girl can dream. 

Aside from, "What is the perfect hair color for me?" the second most asked question is, "How do I prevent my hair color from fading?" While I was at Zotos Professional's headquarters, I had the opportunity for AGEbeautiful's Creative Director, Mike Petrizzi, to highlight my hair. I asked him to lend a few tips from how to prevent hair color fading to explaining the difference between permanent and demi permanent hair color. The AGEbeautiful hair color line and hair care products are available exclusively at Sally Beauty. Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+ *Disclosure

Varicose veins are those pesky, enlarged blood vessels that are often squiggly and discolored in appearance. They can form anywhere but most commonly occur on the legs. This vascular condition occurs in half of the U.S. adult population and is most common in women. With millions of people developing these veins it is important to know what causes them and how they can be prevented.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins and the smaller scale condition known as spider veins occur when there is an increased pressure in the veins that weakens the vessel walls over time. It may even occur when vein walls are deprived of hormones or nutrients. Although it occurs in all adult populations, women, pregnant woman, and the elderly are most susceptible to this condition.

How Can Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

In most cases varicose veins do not pose as a serious risk to your health. However, in worst case scenarios, this condition can lead to serious circulation problems due to blood being unable to travel through the clots in varicose veins. The malfunction of these veins means that less blood is transferred to the heart which in turn can pose as a serious health concern. Most of the time, however, the clotting in varicose veins just leads to symptoms like: swelling, itching, burning, tenderness, aching, and of course unattractive looking veins. While these veins can often be inevitable due to hereditary genes or uncontrollable circumstances, there are various methods of prevention such as:

• Avoiding Too Much Time on Your Feet: Excessive standing puts enduring loads of pressure on your feet and legs, which can lead to blood pooling within your veins. To avoid this, be sure to relax your legs from time to time and elevate them above your heart when you can to improve circulation. Also, it is important to always have a good posture anytime you are resting or standing, as this also a great way to improve circulation.

• Exercising Regularly: Through exercise, the entire circulatory system can be improved while reducing overall high blood pressure. These two components are excellent to improve when it comes to preventing varicose veins.

• Living a Healthy Lifestyle: Aside from exercise, it is also important to maintain a healthy weight, as this decreases the work load put on your veins. Additionally, it is important to stay away from smoking and high-estrogen birth control pills, as these can diminish the health of your veins.

• Wearing Proper Clothing: Avoid tight clothing and footwear to improve circulation. It has also been observed that compression hose can help soothe and prevent varicose veins.

When it comes to the bottom line, any improvement in health or circulation can be viewed as a preventative measure for varicose veins. If this information got to you too late, there are various treatments available for the treatment of varicose veins.

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Dr. Thomas Wright is a board certified liposuction and cosmetic surgeon in St. Louis, MO. He is also the founder of the Laser Lipo & Vein Center.

Marina Azizova, Director of Research and Development at Zotos Professional

If there is anything that I learned while in Darien, Connecticut recently visiting Zotos Professionals' headquarters, it's that the signs of aging are not just visible via your skin.

I had the opportunity to sit down with Marina Azizova, Director of Research and Development at Zotos Professional to talk about what happens to hair as we age and how their new AGEbeautiful home hair color and hair care collection helps to combat these signs of aging. Marina has been with Zotos for 15 years working with aerosol, hair color and as part of the hair care lead development of technology.

I asked Marina what the most exciting part of being a chemist at Zotos has been and she told me it was the technology of anti-aging hair care because it covers such a wide range of people. The biggest misconception, and it is often perpetuated by the beauty industry, is that anti-aging when it comes to hair, simply means combating gray hair. This isn't true.

Lipids in your hair is important (moisture, flexibility and shine) and as we age, we lose it. You may have noticed your hair getting drier, more brittle and of course, going gray. The reason your hair begins to gray is it loses melanin and without it, loses UV protection. Most of the signs of aging hair begins at age 30, however, in your 20's is when keratin production in your hair begins to decrease. By 40, sebum production decreases which lends to a dry scalp and dry hair and even visibly thinning hair. Now you may notice that your hair is dry, but your scalp is the opposite - super oily. This is because if your scalp was always normal to dry, it then becomes oily in your older years, but if your scalp was always oily, it becomes significantly drier as you age. Either way, the result is still the same despite your scalp being oily or dry in your 50's because hair becomes coarser as we age, making it virtually impossible for hair to absorb sebum and remain hydrated. Unfortunately, when hair is drier, it also doesn't move the same.

As I spoke with Marina, the lightbulb literally went off for me. I'm soon-to-be 40 and I've definitely noticed these things, yet NO ONE ever talks about this. I've never once seen a hair care commercial that addresses these issues and that's one of the main reasons I'm supportive of AGEbeautiful. AGEbeautiful hair color not only addresses wiry gray and gray hair, but dullness, dryness and thinning hair. It contains Melanin, Keratin Peptide, silk protein, and Vitamin E to replenish hair with the essential components that are lost with aging.

AGEbeautiful is available exclusively at Sally Beauty and is available in permanent and demi-permanent liquid hair color. They also have a full hair care line, as well.

What are some of the signs of aging you've noticed with your hair? Leave a comment and let me know!

 Subscribe to A Girl’s Gotta Spa! Watch our reviews on YouTube, see our pins on Pinterest and check us out on Instagram and G+. Got a Kindle? We’re on Kindle too! Shannon on G+