MELASMA: causes, prevention, and treatment

MELASMA - causes, prevention, and treatment

Who gets melasma? 
It's commonly referred to as a "pregnancy mask," which alludes to the statistics: as many as 6 million women in their 20s-40s experience patches of brown, tan, or blue-gray skin on the face as a result of hormone fluctuation (pregnancy), heat (being in a hot kitchen), and sun exposure (tanning and natural light).

Does melasma cause harm?
Yes and no. There are no physical health concerns related to melasma, but it can have psychological effects. So while treatment is not necessary, it is helpful for someone who is experiencing a difference in quality of life related to melasma.

How can I prevent melasma? 
Not all melasma is preventable, but it can be limited with sun protection and gentle (non-irritating) products. It can be difficult for many people to be diligent about sun protection in normal circumstances, but topical treatments that can take months to work can be negated by even a small amount of sun exposure.

Hydroquinone - banned, possibly unsafe
We DO NOT recommend the use of hydroquinone, a common ingredient in over-the-counter lighteners that is banned in some countries (it can cause skin sensitivity and is a potential carcinogen).

What are some safe options?
We DO recommend a skin consultation to determine which chemical exfoliants could help. Other options include retin and retin derivatives as well as professional peels.

What about at-home regimens?
YES! We recommend a simple daily regimen (something you'll actually stick to) when treating melasma. The three-step regimen we keep in stock is called PowerBright TRx™:

• C-12 Pure Bright Serum (potent brightener applied before SPF)
• Pure Light SPF50 (daytime brightening moisturizer with SPF)
• Pure Night (overnight brightening treatment)

Do you need help with pigmentation issues? We take appointments from 10am to 8pm on weekdays. 
SEND GIFTS & SCHEDULE: http://olneymassage.com

OLNEY SKIN CARE & MASSAGE
Cynthia Given, Licensed Massage Therapist
Donna Botelho, Licensed Esthetician
604 West Main Street
Olney, IL 62450

Does your back, shoulder, or foot hurt? It could be your glutes!

GLUTEAL MUSCLE GROUP: overview
Did you know: your glutes can cause pain in the low back, shoulders, or even feet?

The gluteal muscle group is important because it is activated (contracted) any time we lift, walk, stand... most of the actions we do require activation of the gluteal muscle group.

• Gluteus maximus - large muscle that moves hip and thigh, shapes our posterior
• Gluteus medius - fan-shaped muscle under maximus, stabilizes our walking gait
• Gluteus minimus - smallest of the group, sits deep below and assists medius

Why should the gluteal muscle group should be massaged? This group connects the upper and lower body. It also stabilize our pelvis and spine.

In a therapeutic massage, your massage therapist will drape only the area (s)he is working on while massaging the gluteal muscle group, taking care not to expose the gluteal cleft. This type of work can either be done at the same time your therapist massages your legs or your low back. Some gluteal massage techniques requires the knee to be partially or completely flexed (bent), while other techniques may be done while the client lies flat or on his/her side.

If you are unable or unwilling to receive this type of massage, your therapist may also perform hip stretching or pressure on your gluteal muscle group while you are draped (sheet is intact, not pulled away). These options are ideal for shorter massage sessions.

This area is a potential source of hip dysfunction because if the right or left (or both) groups are not activating properly, our bodies will compensate by changing the way we move. It might feel okay for a while, but most clients will eventually experience discomfort in your upper and/or lower body.

We take appointments from 10am to 8pm on weekdays.
SEND GIFTS & SCHEDULE: http://olneymassage.com

Cynthia Given, LMT
604 West Main Street
Olney, IL 62450

VIPs: SAVE 30% + FREE $10 VOUCHER (limited offer)

OCTOBER VIP OFFER - SAVE 30%

Are you seeing signs of aging or premature aging BUT need more information about peels, microdermabrasion, or other professional exfoliation treatments? We offer more than a relaxing "spa" facial. Enjoy our most popular treatment this month (at a limited-time lower rate).

Our most popular skin service is the AGE Smart skin treatment. It is traditionally a one hour service, but this month we're offering a shorter service (great first-time facial!).

BONUS: you'll also receive a $10 VIP voucher! 

OCTOBER VIP OFFER - SAVE 30% with this link

NOW $35! Enjoy an anti-aging skin treatment with a professional chemical exfoliation and Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque ($50 value). Target signs of aging, spots, and sun damage with our most popular treatment! Enjoy an AGE Smart MicroZone treatment with a professional-strength exfoliation and our revitalizing MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque (session: 30 minutes). 

BONUS: GET YOUR $10 VIP VOUCHER (with this link)

IMPORTANT: the VIP offer link will only work until the offer is SOLD OUT. After this offer expires, visit OlneySkinCare.com to send gifts and schedule online. See you soon!

We take appointments from 10am to 8pm on weekdays. SEND GIFTS & SCHEDULE: http://olneymassage.com

OLNEY SKIN CARE & MASSAGE
Cynthia Given, Licensed Massage Therapist
Donna Botelho, Licensed Esthetician
604 West Main Street
Olney, IL 62450

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day in Olney Illinois

[ YUM! ] Oct. 26 is National Pumpkin Day. We've got pumpkin recipes on the YUM pinboard (including cinnamon-roasted seeds and baked Alaska). 

Not a chef? Olney Massage has pumpkin spice massages and body scrubs. 

Ophelia's Cup has pumpkin bars. Wild Imaginations and Ivy's Cottage have pumpkin-scented and pumpkin-colored goodies for your home. 

I hope you find a way to get your pumpkin fix right here in Olney. See you soon!

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients five days a week in my clinic on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

OLNEY MASSAGE

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

REVIEWS: Olney Massage

[ FIRST TIME CLIENTS ] 

See what your friends and family say about their massage therapy sessions. Read more on our online reviews page.

• "I feel so much less stressed."
• "I felt rejuvenated and relaxed."
• "It was worth getting out of my comfort zone."
• "I booked online and it was simple and easy."
• "I fell asleep many times!"

Nervous? It's pretty normal to go into your first massage without knowing what to expect. Fortunately, we've got you covered. Check out the FIRST VISIT page on the website. There's a step by step guide with links you'll find helpful.

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my clinic on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

OLNEY MASSAGE

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

National Children's Day: a pediatric massage experience

Today is National Children's Day, and yesterday was Child Health Day! This post is about a pediatric client who's loved every massage he's ever had (since age 3). original post

I had barely closed the door when he said, "READY!" 

He was three years old when he received his first massage on my table. He recently turned ten, and the years have not faded his enthusiasm. He absolutely loves massages! 

Around age five, this client was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). His mom can see several benefits to him getting regular massages. She's seen an increase in the quality of his sleep, his manners/behavior in public and at home, and his ability to pay attention at school. 

At my office, children are treated like full-sized clients. I give kids the same amount of time when I'm listening and meeting their needs. This little guy likes ocean sounds, the smell of lavender, and firm pressure in his neck and shoulder areas. 

After the session, he always looks around the room and helps himself to a mint that I've left out for him. This time he grabbed the mint and lingered at my door. I caught him trying to walk with his foot inside a metal jewelry tray (shaped like a flip flop). It was exactly the size of his left foot, so we had a little chat about how it's not actually a flip flop. 

He enjoyed identifying which of his muscles were sore from playing video games by comparing his neck to the the anatomy charts outside my office door. I let him take a second piece of candy and thanked him for the massage he insisted on giving ME after his session. What a sweetheart! 

Find out what the buzz is about! I accept clients six days a week in my clinic on Main Street. You may schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

OLNEY MASSAGE

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

Outstanding job! New FIVE STAR client review.

NOTE: This client enjoyed a sampler massage. Click to enjoy three sampler sessions at a special rate in honor of Massage Therapy Awareness Week. Offer ends 10/27.

★ ☆ ✰ ★ ☆ ✰ FIFTY STARS ✰ ☆ ★ ✰ ☆ ★ 

Loyal and new clients, here's my tenth five-star client review:

Client Rating	Service Scheduled
5 / 5 stars	Sampler Session

Client Review: "Outstanding job!"

• "Gives an excellent massage!!!!! Very relaxing environment and does an amazing job with getting knots out."

Celebrate massage therapy awareness week with a pack of three sampler massages for just $109 (reg. $150). Choose from relaxation, deep tissue, or integrated therapy sessions. Ends 10/27.

Click here to purchase this special offer for yourself or a loved one.


Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the Booknow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com

3-for-$109 this week only!

NEW CLIENTS: choose from relaxation, deep tissue, or NEW integrated therapy massages.

Celebrate massage therapy awareness week with a pack of three sampler massages for just $109 (reg. $150). Choose from relaxation, deep tissue, or integrated therapy sessions. Ends 10/27.

Click here to purchase this special offer for yourself or a loved one.


Schedule up to 90 days in advance using the BookNow button below:

Cynthia Given, LMT

604 W. Main St. :: Olney, IL 62450
(618) 392-3800 /voicemail

 http://olneymassage.com