Massage Etiquette

Relax your body, calm your mind, improve circulation and relieve muscle tension while you unwind with a massage. Full body, hot stone and reflexology massages are all available at Le Petit Spa. A full body relaxation massage is a great way to introduce you to the many benefits of massage.

What should you expect?

You can expect to be treated to a unique experience. This is your time to think about you and we will take care of the rest. You will be welcomed by your massage practitioner, provided with a comfy robe and sandals to wear as you relax with a cup of lavender tea. Your practitioner will guide you to the treatment room and step outside while you slip into the deluxe massage bed. During your treatment you are always draped for your privacy. Your only job is to relax and enjoy the experience. Your practitioner will consult with you to ensure you are comfortable and that the room temperature, music and lighting are all to your liking. We encourage you to communicate any discomfort, special needs and provide feedback during your treatment. Let your thoughts wander or converse with your practitioner. Breathe in the scent of lavender massage oil, relax and calm your mind.

Get the most of your treatment.

Don't eat for at least an hour before your massage treatment.
Be on time to ensure you are relaxed before you start.
Provide your practitioner with accurate health information.

After your treatment relax in the lounge and allow time to absorb the results of the massage. Drink lots of water. The toxins will be moving through your body so try not to drink alcohol for 24 hours to allow them to exit your circulation. Remember to book your next massage appointment within a few weeks.

Find out more about Le Petit Spa`s massage services at http://www.lepetitspa.ca/massage.htm

Aromatherapy Massage - not just a fancy name!

Aromatherapy Massage is one of the most popular day spa services in Vancouver. It is important to know the benefits of massage and the benefits of aromatherapy in order to appreciate such an experience.

You Le Petit Spa Massage Therapist will discuss with you the experience you are hoping to have during your massage (relaxing, invigorating) and discuss any health concerns that you may have.
Did you know? That Spa Massage Treatments address a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of disease. Bodywork offers a drug-free, non-invasive and humanistic approach based on the body’s natural ability to heal itself. A Full Body Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
  


• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
  


• Reducing spasms and cramping.
  


• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
  


• Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.
  

The addition of aromatherapy to a professional massage service adds further benefits to your body, mind and soul by stimulating sensory organs and effecting your mood and feelings. A day spa which has an aromatherapy massage on their menu will usually allow you to choose from a number of scents; all having different mood inspiring effects: Lavender to relax, Citrus to invigorate and Rosemary to stimulate are just some of the choices you may be able to choose from.

Essential oils have been used as an alternative to medicine for centuries because of their powerful effects on the mind. Infact, there is even a science devoted to the psychology of odours and their effects on the human mind: Aromachology.

Le Petit Spa offers Aromatherapy Massage in 60, 75 and 90 minute increments any day of the week. Le Petit Spa Massage Therapists are certified body workers and are highly trained in the most advanced techniques of body work and massage. Read about the Le Petit Spa team...

For more information about Le Petit Spa Massage Services, click here. Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, monthly service promotions and special events or email me with your day spa service questions or beauty questions and look for the answer in a future blog!

Le Petit Spa makes giving the gift of relaxation even easier this Valentines Day

Massage Services for Valentines Day

Vancouver Day spa services in a French Country Inspired theme. Lavender and soft candle lit treatment rooms are your sanctuary this Valentines Day, as your Le Petit Spa massage therapist works and smoothes all of your worries away.

Featuring four different kinds of massage treatments, you’ll be sure to find one at Le Petit Spa that will meet your bodies every whim and desired need.

Le Petit Spa’s Full Body Massage

Using the powerful aromatherapy benefits of Lavender, you will enter a world of deep relaxation as your Le Petit Spa massage therapist concentrates on specific areas of your body while determining any areas that require special attention. Available in 60, 75 or 90 minute increments, this massage will leave you feeling completely satisfied and indulged. Massage Gift Certificates available for Valentines Day…

Check out our Gift Certificate promotion for Valentines Day…

Hot Stone Massage

Incorporating warm lava stones into your full body massage stimulates different organs and circulatory systems through heat therapy. Promoting the same results and benefits as a regular full body massage, this 75 minute treatment will leave you feeling warm, rejuvenated and completely pampered. Massage Gift Certificates available for Valentines Day…

Reflexology

Reflexology is a pressure point massage technique that uses a mirror image map of your body to target specific areas of your body. It is thought that each part of your foot represents a particular part of your body. Reflexology promotes detoxification, blood circulation, improved organ and gland function and reduces stress. A professional Reflexology treatment at Le Petit Spa will leave you feeling grounded and balanced with a new found sense of energy. Gift Certificates available for Valentines Day…

Prenatal Massage

A Prenatal Massage at Le Petit Spa is designed specifically for those who are expecting and are in their second or third trimester. Our highly trained massage therapists are aware of all body parts that need special attention due to the extra strain of carrying a baby; the lower back and legs are all paid attention to. Read more on Prenatal Massage at Le Petit Spa…

Gift Certificates are available at Le Petit Spa for Valentines Day with a special promotion for the month of February: When you purchase your Gift Certificate on-line from Le Petit Spa before the 10th of February, you will receive free shipping! Buy Gift Certificates / cards on - line now...

Check out our daily promotions at Le Petit Spa; all delivering the best value in day spa services in Vancouver.

Sign up for our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about monthly service promotions, daily promotions, new product launches and special events. Or email me with your beauty or spa service questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Hot Stone Massage and Facial Services

Hot Stone Massage is a great way to relieve stress in the winter because of its heat therapy. Warm stones that are specifically shaped for specific parts of the body are placed accordingly, stimulating circulation and lymph drainage creating better blood flow to organs and better detoxification removal.

Surround yourself in warmth and comfort as warm lava stones are applied to key points of your body. Hot Stone Massage will help muscles relax more thoroughly through the application of heat therapy. A unique and soothing experience you won’t soon forget, a Le Petit Spa Hot Stone Massage will relax, soothe and renew your body.

A Hot Stone Massage has many benefits, such as:

• Increasing blood circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Dissolves aches and pains attributed to stress
• Relaxes you and relieves tension
• Calms the nervous system
• Relieves insomnia, depression, and pain

Read more on Vancouver’s Le Petit Spa massage services…

Giving a gift card this holiday season from Le Petit Spa for one of their massage services is a sure way to show that special someone you care. Gift Cards are available for the sixty minute massage or for the Le Petit Spa hot stone massage.

We also have many gift cards available to facial services at Vancouver’s Le Petit Spa as well.

Le Petit Spa’s Signature Facial is one of the best facial services in Vancouver. Perfect for that someone in your life who is a tried and true spa diva, or for someone who just needs a little relaxation in their hectic life.

Depending on your skin type, we’ll tailor a treatment that’s best for your skin using our top of the line skincare products from France, Phytomer. This extremely soothing and relaxing facial service will leave you in a relaxed state of mind with an overall sense of well being. This service includes:

• A Relaxing back massage
• Cleansing of the skin
• Toning of the skin
• Exfoliation
• Extractions (if needed)
• Facial massage
• Customized facial masque
• Customized facial treatment cream
• Complimentary makeup touch up post facial

Read more on Vancouver’s Le Petit Spa facial services…

Interested in finding out more about our Gift Certificates and Gift Cards? Click here to read more about Vancouver’s Le Petit Spa Gift Cards and Gift Certificates available on-line or with a print – now option.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter to be the first to know about in-spa promotions, daily and monthly service promotions, special events and product launches. Or email me with your beauty questions and look for your answer in a future blog!

Spa Services for Mum and Baby

Spa Services for Mum and Baby


The abundance of Day Spa’s offering services for both Mum and Baby to enjoy together is rapidly growing.



Spa Services such as Prenatal Massage, Baby Reflexology and “Mummy and Me” Packages are making their greatly appreciated appearance in Day Spa’s across the country.



Benefits of Spa Services with your Baby

• Intimate, private time spent together
• Direct, physical contact and positive interaction with baby
• Stress management for both Mum and Baby
• Helps build trust and confidence in each other by shared time together
• Massage is mutually enhancing and the physical and emotional benefits to you and your baby are abundant.

Would you like to spend some well deserved spa time with your baby? Le Petit Spa offers many services for both Mum and Baby, click here, for more information.

For information on Mustela Mondays for Mums at Le Petit Spa, click here

Baby Reflexology

Baby Reflexology

Reflexology is a method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure either to hands, ears, or feet.

Reflexology is extremely relaxing and can be enjoyed by both adults and babies.

Babies enjoy the relaxing effects of reflexology just as much as adults do. As babies feet are so small, the procedure for Baby Reflexology can be carried out once, or several times and the entire session can last as long as 5 to 15 minutes.

Of course, Baby Reflexology is applied with lighter, gentler pressure than reflexology on adults would be applied.

Benefits of Reflexology for Baby

Benefits of Baby Reflexology include:

• Encourages muscle co-ordination
• Promotes sleep
• Stimulates Baby’s immune system
• Helps circulation
• Aids Digestion
• Encourages Bowl Function
• Nourishes the skin ( when using massage oil for babies skin, I recommend Mustela Baby Skin Care Massage Oil, which is Ph balanced to nourish the delicate skin of a baby)

Baby Reflexology is a perfect way for both mom and baby to share moments of intimacy, physical contact and positive interaction.

Spend a day at the spa with your baby? It is possible! For more information on how you can enjoy spa services with your baby, click here.

For more information on Mustela Baby and Maternity Program, click here.

Some information for this blog found at http://www.ninemonths.com.au/content_page_1.asp?page_id=185&main_menu_id=7&l1_id=12&l2_id=3

Pregnancy and Exfoliation

Pregnancy and Exfoliation - What you should know

Exfoliation is a beauty regime that every woman should do throughout their life time, even during pregnancy. However, did you know that not every exfoliation treatment is safe during pregnancy or while you’re breast feeding?

Exfoliation methods include physical forms, such as scrubs , which are safe to use during pregnancy as their ingredients stay on the surface of the skin, and chemical forms of exfoliants, which penetrate into the skin. However, not all chemical exfoliants are safe to use during pregnancy.

A chemical exfoliant penetrates into the skin further than a physical exfoliants does, therefore; absorption of some ingredients or chemicals into the blood stream is possible. An example of a chemical exfoliant that is NOT safe to use during pregnancy includes Retinol A ( or vitamin A) which has been linked to causing birth defects.

However, for expecting moms that prefer the exfoliation effects of chemical exfoliants (like Retinol) there are Glycolic Facial Treatments.

Glycolic Acid is derived from sugar cane, sugar beets or unripe grapes. It is a natural substance that can be ingested. It improves skin texture, may help with acne and also reduces hyperpigmentation (such as pregnancy mask) over time.

For a free skin consultation, or more information about Glycolic Facials, visit www.lepetitspa.ca
For more information on Spa Services for moms, click here.

Before and After You Shave

Speaking to men now, the rules and steps for cleansing and every other aspect of your skin care regime are exactly the same as they are for a woman; the only difference is the shaving foam, cream, or gel used. As is true for every skin care step, gentle is the supreme rule. A gentle shave product is one that contains no skin irritants of any kind; preferably does not contain any menthol, peppermint, alcohol, lime, lemon, orange, grapefruit, eucalyptus, camphor, or mint. Your skin will feel and look better once you keep away from ingredients that can hurt and damage your skin.

Along with a gentle shaving foam, cream, or gel, it's equally essential to use a gentle aftershave. At the point when you're finished shaving, it's even more important to avoid the same ingredients listed above. Now that the skin has been abraded with a razor it is critical to not cause further irritation. The entire concept of razor burn is actually a misnomer, the burn does not come from the razor, but rather from the skin care routine most men use on a daily basis.

After you are done shaving it is best to follow the general guidelines for the skin care routine for your skin type. However, as a basic routine, regardless of skin type, everyone needs a gentle, water-soluble cleanser, a gentle shave product (foam, cream, or gel), followed by a gentle, non-irritating aftershave or shaving lotion (which for all intents and purposes is a gentle toner). Then, during the day, use a well-formulated sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that contains the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone, titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide, and at night use a lightweight moisturizer wherever you have dry skin.

We'll be happy to help you put together a skin care regimen. Please give us a call at 604.224.4314 with any questions or come by and visit our day spa in Vancouver at 3701 West Broadway (& Alma).

For The Men

Men definitely have skin care needs, but you could never convince the vast majority of men to put even a fraction of the attention and energy into the issue that women do. One result of this lack of interest is that most men don't spend their money on wrinkle creams or products for their skin. While this monetary savings is significant, it probably means most men don't use sunscreen on a consistent basis, leaving their skin at risk for certain cancers, not to mention wrinkles or other signs of sun damage.

This also means most men don't know to stay away from irritating skin care ingredients in their shave products and end up with red, rash-like bumps and razor burn. Men wrinkle as much as women (any notion that they don't is a myth, and a bias about how much better men look with wrinkles than women do) and they, too, can have dry skin, breakouts, skin disorders (rosacea, psoriasis, seborrhea, eczema), skin discolouration, and oily skin. Men also have the additional concerns involving facial hair. Shaving can cause red, irritated spots, and ingrown hair.

So why don't men seem to care as much as women do about taking care of their skin? Probably because it is one of the last vestiges of legitimate machismo left to a man. The morning shave is a characteristic feature that starts the typical man's day. Most men's shaving creams and pre-shave products contain a high concentration of irritating ingredients such as alcohol, menthol, mint, potassium or sodium hydroxide, as well as camphor. These skin irritants make the hair follicle and skin swell, forcing the hair up and away from the skin. While this does make the hair stand up to some extent, supposedly allowing for a closer shave, the irritation and resulting swelling cause some of the hair to be hidden by the swollen follicle and skin. So while it might get the hair to rise to the occasion, it really doesn't make for a better shave because the swollen skin prevents the razor from getting close to the base of the hair. Additionally, after you shave, because some of the facial hair is hidden beneath swollen skin (which it does almost immediately) before the swelling is reduced; the likelihood of ingrown hairs is increased. Moreover, a razor gliding over the face abrades the skin -- granted not all that much, but enough to cause havoc when an innocent-looking aftershave with irritating ingredients is splashed over the broken skin. Think of splashing an aftershave on a cut or scrape on any other part of your body where you have an abrasion. Now, why would you want to do that to your face?

Basic skin care rule number one for both men and women: if the skin care product you're using repeatedly burns, irritates, tingles, causes the skin to become inflamed, or hurts, don't use it. Men's skin can benefit just as much as women's skin from quality skin care products and treatments like a spa facial, and they'd enjoy the facial massage too.

To help the men with a skin care regimen Le Petit Spa has Phytomer's men's skin care products line Phytomer Homme available in spa. They are formulated according to the specific features and functions of men’s skin, combined with simple, fast and effective actions that guarantee instant results.

Stay tuned for more men's skin care recommendations in tomorrow's blog!