Refreshology Blog

The Best Facial for Your Skin Type

alida@webmomster.net (Alida Lee) — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 15:50:45 GMT

Today is a great day to take care of your skin!

Spa appointments for facials were once seen as a luxury reserved for a special occasion. While facials are still a great way to reward yourself, take off some stress, or celebrate, facials are also a considerable part of an impactful skincare routine. Routine facials can help with specific skin concerns such as texture, unevenness, and acne.

With so much information out there about skincare and facials, we know it can be hard to keep up. Plus, there are many options, so we understand that finding the right facial can sometimes be challenging. But don’t worry – the estheticians here at Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy will share their years of experience and knowledge and provide you with everything you need to know before, during, and after your appointment.

If you want some guidance, this blog will walk you through the types of facials we recommend for common skin types and concerns. Some people have multiple skin types, so we may even mix and match treatments for the best results. Our team here at Refresh-ology prides itself on providing custom treatments to meet all your needs.

1. Dry Skin

Do you feel like your face can never get enough moisturizer? If so, you may benefit from a facial that focuses on hydration. Our signature facial will deep cleanse without pulling out any essential oils that your skin needs when it is dry. Our estheticians will exfoliate to rid your skin of any flakiness or dry patches. Masks and serums will be applied with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which is proven to hydrate the deep layers of the skin. The facial finishes off with moisturizer and skin protection to leave you with plump, glowing skin when you walk out the door. If you are looking for an extra boost, try our microdermabrasion treatment. It is known to help minimize the appearance of fine lines which are prominent in dry skin.

2. Sensitive Skin

Sometimes it feels as if nothing can calm sensitive skin. This is where our talented and knowledgeable team comes in. Estheticians have tried and true products, ingredients, and techniques to soothe, hydrate, and tackle the most challenging concerns of sensitive skin. Since our Signature facial is curated for each client, that is a perfect starting point for sensitive skin. It can tackle environmental damage, rosacea, acne, natural disposition, or a combination of multiple sensitivity factors. If you are looking for a slightly stronger treatment, our estheticians suggest adding on an enzyme. It is safe for sensitive skin with ingredients such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) for light exfoliation and Manuka honey for anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Congested or Oily Skin

Many of us suffer from constant breakouts, blackheads, and oily skin. Our Signature Organic Facial can help. We start with cleansers that deep clean both oil and buildup. Then exfoliation takes place that helps to clean out pores. This is a power player when it comes to congestion. Our estheticians will perform extractions to help clear skin and minimize the risk of acne scarring. A relaxing mask and facial massage will follow to calm the skin. Lastly, we’ll add a layer of hydration and protection. We also recommend trying our Epicuren Pumpkin Peel. It is the perfect treatment to address acne. Pumpkin is one of the highest natural sources of Vitamin A and phytonutrients crucial for cell turnover. When your skin cells turn over quickly, you’ll notice a decrease in skin congestion.

4. Teen Skin

The teenage years are already tough enough; we don’t need skin concerns making it any more stressful. Our estheticians have come up with a specialized treatment that’s ideal for teens. This treatment is for everyone, whether focusing on basic skincare needs or acne control. It takes about 45 minutes and is helpful for all genders. This treatment starts with a deep cleaning, followed by a light exfoliation, a facial massage to get the lymphatic drainage moving, and a personalized mask. It finishes with moisturizer and skin protection. Along the way, we will educate the client on how to take care of their skin and why it is important.

5. Discolored Skin

Many of us deal with discoloration such as sun damage, melasma, or redness. No matter the source of discoloration, we find that skin can be treated with exfoliation. Our unique exfoliation treatments are designed to remove dead skin cells and speed cell turnover. With this process, your skin will start to even in skin tone and restore a healthy glow. Refresh-ology estheticians exfoliate in two ways, physically and chemically. If you prefer physical, try a microdermabrasion treatment series. If you prefer chemical exfoliation, try out a peel series. One of our favorites for uneven skin tone is the Body Deli Palm Springs Peel.

Facials are the perfect way to pamper yourself while helping you put your best face forward. We look forward to helping you find the best skincare routine for your skin types and concerns. Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy is dedicated to serving you during your wellness journey. We welcome you to contact us so we can discuss your facial and skincare options by calling us at 252-931-1111 .

What Kind Of Massage Do You Need Today?

alida@webmomster.net (Alida Lee) — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 18:42:26 GMT

As experienced spa and wellness practitioners in eastern North Carolina, we are knowledgeable about the various types of massage therapies and their unique benefits.

Studies have shown that massage can help with various conditions including physical, mental, and emotional. We often get questions about the best type of massage for many situations, from a strenuous workout or stressful day at work to reducing chronic pain or relieving tension in achy muscles. Here at Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy, our therapists are focused on customizing a massage to meet your specific needs. We created a helpful guide to assist you in choosing what type of massage you might need based on your levels of activity, stress, and/or discomfort.

When you’re stressed or overwhelmed: Deep Tissue Massage

When our bodies are stressed, we can physically hold tension. Deep tissue massage is for our clients who enjoy slow strokes and deep pressure. This technique is used in helping to heal injured muscles with myofascial release to healing chronic pain and strained muscles with trigger point therapy. It can also be used as a way to prevent pain from overextending our bodies. Our therapists will consult with you about your areas of need and focus on specific areas of pain. During this massage, they may use their fingertips, knuckles, hands, forearms, and elbows to hit rooted muscles. Remember to drink plenty of water to help release tension even after the massage is over.

When you need a good stretch: Thai Massage

If an active massage is more up your alley, choosing a Thai massage might be the right choice. Using traditional Thai massage techniques, our therapists will use their hands, feet, legs, and knees to help move your body into yoga-based stretches. Thai massage encompasses muscle compression, joint mobilization, and a range of motion, which can help relieve joint stiffness, muscle pain, and mental stress. It has also been proven to help revive energy levels, increase flexibility, and relieve headaches. This massage is performed fully clothed on a padded mat that lays on the floor.

When you need to relieve pain and tension: Ashiatsu Massage

Ashiatsu massage, also called barefoot massage, targets deep tissues in the body. This technique delivers deep, broad, and consistent pressure from the therapist’s feet and body weight. Using gravity to their advantage, the therapist will use bars above them for balance, support, safety, and to control the pressure they apply. The long strokes in an Ashiatsu massage help to elongate the spine, helping to flush the lymphatic system and improve posture. Refresh-ology is proud to be the only massage therapy location in Greenville, North Carolina that offers Ashiatsu massage. Our owner, Caroline, and our long-time massage therapist, Paige, have gone through continuing education training to provide this exclusive service to our clients. Due to this unique – and sometimes intense – therapy, it’s not recommended for first-time massage clients, those wanting light pressure, or those with certain medical conditions.

When you’ve had a tough day at the office: Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages can reduce anxiety and stress when those rough days leave us feeling down. Our massage therapists combine traditional techniques with hot stones to amplify your senses and ease tired, achy muscles. The stones are smooth, flat, and retain heat, making them ideal for using on specific spots of the body to promote relaxation, rest, and recovery. With light to moderate pressure, this massage is ideal for stress relief, light pain relief, and even insomnia.

When you need to relax: Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most common massage and most likely what you think of when someone mentions massage. It involves soft, long, kneading strokes and light, rhythmic, tapping motions to promote circulation. Our therapists focus on light to moderate pressure for advanced relaxation. Since no deep pressure points are targeted, this massage creates a calming and balancing effect on the body’s nervous system. Swedish massage is your best choice if you have never had a massage, are nervous about massage, or are just searching for some time to relax and care for your body. We guarantee your body and mind will thank you!

When you’re experiencing achy muscles: Sports Massage

Here at Refresh-ology, we know that you don’t have to be a professional athlete to have sore, overworked muscles. Although sports massage is an excellent choice for athletes to use pre/post-performance, during training, or for rehabilitation, sports massage is for everyone. This upbeat massage focuses on assisted stretching and manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. Our therapists will use moderate to deep pressure and different movements and techniques to flush toxins, increase flexibility, and help muscle tissues find their most relaxed state.

Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy is dedicated to serving you during your wellness journey. Our friendly and knowledgeable massage therapists are here to guide you find the best massage to fit your needs. Our experts can work with you through a detailed consultation to create a massage experience that meets your goals. We’ll also address any types of concerns and answer any questions you may have during this time. Feel free to reach out so we can discuss your massage therapy options by calling us at 252-931-1111.

Top 5 Reasons to Try Ashiatsu Massage

alida@webmomster.net (Alida Lee) — Mon, 03 May 2021 18:42:25 GMT

Ashiatsu Massage

You might be asking, “what is Ashiatsu massage?” This type of massage treatment, which has been around for centuries, has been said to be the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet. At Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy, we think Ashiatsu massage is an incredible spa treatment that allows for several benefits. Ashiatsu massage is a unique technique where our specially educated massage therapists use their feet to apply deep pressure to your body. It’s often called a barefoot massage. Our therapists’ methods allow the deep tissues, joints, and muscles to be massaged while easing the nervous system. This technique feels like a mesmerizing massage with deep, broad, pressured strokes and no pain.

Ashiatsu (pronounced awe-shee-at-sue) is best for those who are experienced massage goers and want added pressure. Due to the complexity of this massage, Refresh-ology is the only wellness center that offers Ashiatsu massage in Greenville, North Carolina. In fact, our owner, Caroline, and our long-time massage therapist, Paige, received continuing education training to provide this exclusive service to our clients. We put together a list of our top five reasons to try out Ashiatsu:

1. Reduces chronic pain and aches

Ashiatsu massage is a deep tissue compression massage through the use of the therapist’s feet. What that means is that this technique manipulates the deeper layers of soft tissue to help loosen the tissues, which helps in chronic pain reduction. This massage’s compressive stokes help flush out the inflammation that causes pain. Adhesions and tight connective tissues create much of our discomfort, which is why our therapists focused on reducing these pressures during an Ashiatsu session.

2. Leaves little to no discomfort

While Ashiatsu massage is similar to deep tissue massage, there is one major difference. Ashiatsu massage has little residual soreness while the treatment is being performed. Meanwhile, a major criticism about traditional deep tissue massages is that they tend to hurt. While some think they “hurt so good,” others want to minimize the discomfort as much as possible. In fact, the application of the foot allows for a more generalized dispersed pressure that is both deep and relaxing with little to no discomfort. Many clients report that they prefer deep pressure from the foot vs the sensations they experience from thumbs or elbows in traditional massage. Because muscle tissue is manipulated is a more broad to general fashion post muscle soreness after an an Ashiatsu massage is mild.

3. Increases flexibility and circulation

Want the benefits of a long stretching or yoga session without all the hard work? Our massage therapists, specially educated in this technique, can help you out. The feet play a significant role in Ashiatsu massage; not only do they allow the therapist to pinpoint deep tissues, but the use of feet also allows therapists to use gravity to their advantage. The long gravity-assisted stokes can broaden and lengthen the muscle fibers in the body, creating more flexibility. Tissues of the body are also often stretched in two different ways during the massage, helping scar tissues and adhesions recover, increasing circulation and flexibility. Runners often find the Ashiatsu method helpful for stabilizing and keeping the knees and hips flexible.

4. Provides the deepest tissue therapy

When you receive a typical deep tissue massage, a therapist will use thumbs, elbows, hands, and other body parts to reach deep tissues. Ashiatsu techniques allow our massage therapists to get the same level, and more, of deepness with just the use of their feet. The secret is their use of gravity that was mentioned above. This also allows the therapist to retain that deep pressure longer than in standard deep tissue massages. With the longer and deeper strokes come long-lasting effects on your body. Even after the massage is over, your body will continue to increase the circulation of the blood and lymphatic systems. With these effects still taking place, many clients admit to feeling just as relaxed hours after the massage is over. Since the deepest tissues have been manipulated and the body is effectively recovering, the overall effects last longer than a traditional deep tissue. We recommend drinking lots of water and relaxing with no strenuous activities after your massage to make the most of these long-lasting effects.

5. Decreases stress and tension

Massage therapies of all kinds can help the body let go of the stress it is holding. However, no other massage application has been proven to enhance the state of nirvana and the level of calm as Ashiatsu. These massage techniques reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Positive effects of lowered heart rate, decreased tension, and overall mental health have all been connected with Ashiatsu massages. Many of our clients say this allows for the ultimate spa therapy. And, to be honest, after the past couple of years living through a global pandemic, most of us can probably benefit from an Ashiatsu massage to help ease our daily and chronic stress.

If you’d like to learn more about Ashiatsu massage, we’d love to talk with you. It’s important to note that due to the nature of this deep pressure massage, it is not recommended for those with little to no prior massage experience. In addition, we do not offer this massage to those with certain medical conditions. Our massage therapists can provide additional details about Ashiatsu massage and can determine if you’re a good candidate for this unique experience.

Through a detailed consultation, our friendly and knowledgeable experts can work with you to create an Ashiatsu massage that meets your goals. We’ll also address any types of concerns and answer any questions you may have during this time.

Refresh-ology Aesthetics and Massage Therapy is dedicated to serving you during your spa and wellness journey. Feel free to reach out so we can discuss your massage therapy options by calling us at 252-931-1111.