Dear Krissy,
I have recently been suffering from severe stress. I have had a loss in my family and am out of work, since this has been happening I have become very itchy. I just can't stop scratching my legs, do you think stress might be causing this to happen?
Itchy

Absolutely!! Your nerves can bring on skin diseases such as psoriasis and dermatitis etc. and stress can create outbreaks for these diseases which include excessive itching. To soothe this I would recommend oatmeal baths and heavy moisturizers with top quality ingredients. If this does not ease the itch you may want to consult your doctor for further treatment.

Labels: Sensitive skin, Skin Care, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
I recently went to the drug store to find an exfoliator for my face but many of them had acids in them so I was afraid to try them. Is this type of product too strong for every skin type or should it be ok for most. I thought "acid" would be harsh on the face.
Kelly, Fort Myers

Well you are right, there are many acids that are harsh for the face but the type of acids found in over the counter exfoliators for the face are safe for mostly every skin type. There usually shouldn't be any more than 10% acid in a home care product for the consumers safety, plus using products with these safe AHA acids or citric acids boost your natural collagen levels to help plump your skin. So not only will you be glowing but look younger too!!!

Labels: Facials, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
I have VERY large pores on my face. I have tried everything but it does not seem to make a difference. I have been thinking about getting a facial but I am not sure if there is anything that will help. What do you think?

Alyssa, Bonita Springs


Dear Alyssa,
This is something a facial can definitely help. The best type of facial for this problem is a lactic acid facial. This facial not only exfoliates skin, it cleans debris from the pores and removes dead skin cells and excess oils deep within the derma. A great bonus from this facial is it leaves a fresh, new top layer of skin that looks incredibly smooth!

Labels: Facials, Fort Myers Beach Spa and Salon, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,

I am going to a wedding and wanted to have a little color on my legs. I do not go in the sun so I used a self tanner and I turned orange! Is there anything I can use to make the orange disappear?

Lana, Fort Myers


Dear Lana,
A full body exfoliation might help but it will not take it away completely. Exfoliating is really the only way to remove it. In conjunction with the professional exfoliation you could do an at home exfoliating with salt scrubs, loofa sponges and did you know that shaving your legs is a form of exfoliating? But don't forget with all of this exfoliation you must moisturize or you will become too dry. The good news is since it has been chilly out you could always wear pants and long sleeves - plus don't forget that scarves are the in thing right now!

Labels: Fort Myers Beach Spa and Salon, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
Why do people get reflexology on their feet? Is a foot massage during a full body the same thing?

Carl, Cape Coral


Hi Carl,
Reflexology is a targeted treatment that many people choose to do rather than or in addition to a full body massage. With reflexology you can work on internal organs which might be helpful for people suffering from digestion, constipation and many other problems. A general massage just focuses on the muscles. This is why massage and reflexology make a great combination!

Labels: Fort Myers Beach Spa and Salon, reflexology, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
I get the occasional pimple on my face and I have heard that toothpaste will help to get rid of it. Is that true?

Marissa, Cape Coral

Dear Marissa,
This is a great question because a lot of people ask me the same thing. Just like everything you apply to your skin it will depend on your skin type and the type of toothpaste you are using. You could try a test area to make sure it does not irritate your skin and if it doesn't then give it a try! The results are mixed and maybe this might be your new miracle treatment. If it does not work you might want to mix up a baking soda paste and apply it to the area. This is very effective because it draws everything to the surface. Good Luck!

Labels: Beauty Tips, Fort Myers Beach Spa and Salon, Sensitive skin, Skin Care, Spa Services

If you would like beauty advice or have any questions please email me using the form on our contact page.

esterraspa.com/contact

I will reply with a post as soon as possible.

Can't wait to hear from you!

Labels: Beauty Tips, Fort Myers Beach Spa and Salon, Salon Services, Spa Packages, Spa Services, Specials

Dear Krissy,
What product would you recommend for the face to fight aging?

Laura, Fort Myers

Dear Laura,
I am a big fan of Vitamin C. There are many facial products on the market that now include Vitamin C and we even offer an ampuole of pure Vitamin C that I recommend putting under your moisturizer. Vitamin C is wonderful because it boosts your natural collagen levels which fight premature aging.

Labels: Fort Myers Beach Spa and Salon, Skin Care, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
Every time I drink red wine, my face gets really red and sometimes breaks out. What is this caused by?

Joanne, Cape Coral

Sounds to me that you could possibly have a mild case of rosacea. Although I would need to examine your skin and ask you more questions about your symptoms, this could be the culprit. Red wine is a trigger to rosacea breakouts in many people. A nice glass of chardonnay next time, perhaps?

Labels: Facials, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
I have seen your column a few times now and I'm really hoping you can help me. I am 16 years old and I am really having trouble with bad breakouts. My homecoming dance is coming up in October and I would like my skin to be clear by then. My breakouts make me feel uncomfortable because I feel that is all people are looking at when they see me. Would a facial help?

Jennifer, Bonita Beach


I know you have probably heard this a million times BUT remember that real beauty truly does comes from the inside, not what you look like on the outside. With that said, I don't want to downplay your feelings, and I am sorry to hear that you are having such a problem. Many times a facial and a good home cleansing routine can put you on the path to clear skin, but it is hard to tell until we can analyze your skin and recommend the proper routine for you! Remember that makeup can also make a world of difference hiding unsightly blemishes until they go away, and a professional can help you with that, as well as educate you with some tips for everyday application. Have a wonderful time at Homecoming!

Labels: Facials, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
I have Fibromyalgia and have been told by many people that massage can help. What is your opinion?

Alyssa, Bonita Springs

Massage can provide beneficial results for those suffering from the pain and discomfort caused by Fibromyalgia. For example, many of our clients who suffer from this condition experience trouble sleeping and massage helps to relax them enough to get a good night's sleep, along with easing their pain and discomfort. There are many different massages that could help, and the choices are really based on an individual basis. I hope you find the relief you're looking for. Best wishes.

Labels: Massage Therapy, Spa Services, specialty massage

Dear Krissy,
I was recently invited to a chemical peel party (for the face) at my friend's home. The price is affordable and I have always wanted a chemical peel, but I'm a little apprehensive about going as I'm not sure how safe it may be. What do you think?

Michele, Georgia

A "peel" party sounds like a lot of fun, but there are many questions I would ask before accepting this invitation. Will there be a licensed skin care specialist doing the peels? Will she examine each individual's skin first? Will there be many choices of peels depending on the individual's skin type? How is the skin care specialist sanitizing in between clients? If all of these questions are answered to your satisfaction, then I say it sounds like a great night out. Have fun!

Labels: Facials, Skin Care, Spa Services

Dear Krissy,
I have been wanting to get a facial. However, I spend quite a bit of time in the sun and I'm afraid that the facial might make my skin too sensitive or even break out when I go out in the sun. What do you think?

Mary, Fort Myers Beach

It depends on the type of facial that you request. Our European Facial is a wonderful cleansing and balancing facial that uses products that are "spa-cific" for your skin type. It also includes a relaxing neck, shoulder, hand and foot massage, so it is a very pampering treatment. The types of facials I would avoid when going out into the sun would be any type of chemical peel, including even low percentage glycolic and lactic acid peels. When receiving one of those types of facials, you should always stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours or whatever length of time your skin care specialist specifies.

Labels: Facials, Spa Services