Prime waxing season is here! Maybe you receive waxes often or maybe you’re a first-timer. Waxing is a great option to keep your skin smooth for weeks at a time without worrying about touch-ups or razor burn. At our Chicago spa, waxing becomes increasingly popular as the weather turns warm and less clothing is needed. Here are some things to keep in mind before heading to your next wax.

Inspect Your Skin

Look at the area of your body before going in to get it waxed. If you notice that your skin is inflamed or broken, you should consider rescheduling your appointment, so your skin can heal. Beauty marks and moles should be pointed out to one of our waxing professionals beforehand, so they can take the proper steps to protect them during the wax.

Allow Hair to Grow

It’s important your hair is long enough that the wax can grip it properly. But it should be a good middle-ground between short and long. If it’s too long, it’s hard for the wax to adhere and you’ll likely be in more pain. Aim for a sweet spot of a quarter of an inch or two-to-three weeks of growth in between appointments at our Chicago spa.

Moisturize and Exfoliate

Make sure to keep your skin moisturized leading up to the point of the appointment, as it allows the skin to release wax more easily. Also, gently exfoliate your skin a day or two before your appointment, as this will allow the wax to grab your hair instead of the surrounding skin.

If you have questions about proper preparation before getting a wax, don’t hesitate to call our Chicago spa today! Set up an appointment for your next wax; warm weather is right around the corner. Make sure your skin is prepared!

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Apr 12, 2018

If you’re looking for a spa in Chicago that offers top-notch prenatal massages, look no further. lillieAnn’s has tons of experience with prenatal massages and they’re a great way to offer relief. These massages make a great present for yourself, your spouse or a loved one.

The Logistics

How often you receive a prenatal massage is up to you. If you’re using them as an integral part of your pregnancy, we suggest once a month during your first trimester and twice a month during your second and third trimesters.

It’s a misconception that your feet shouldn’t be massaged during pregnancy. Your feet need relief from joint pressure and excessive swelling. Don’t worry, we will avoid the acupressure points on your feet that help bring on contractions.

If you’re on bedrest, we can accommodate that as well. Our prenatal massage professionals will perform a modified massage with light pressure on your extremities and we won’t massage your abdomen. As always, if you’re on bedrest, it’s always best to consult your doctor before scheduling a massage.

Is It Safe?

Yes! Your body will secrete “feel good” hormones during the massage, which is great for both you and your baby. We also steer away from using essential oils as we don’t want to add any more chemicals into the mix.

We are a certified prenatal spa in Chicago and we want to help you feel at ease during your pregnancy journey. Contact our spa today to set up your next prenatal massage!

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Mar 14, 2018

Our Chicago spa offers premium facials that have a plethora of benefits. We know you have an at-home skincare routine that keeps your skin feeling fresh and hydrated. But routine facials are a great way to treat yourself and your skin to some much-needed TLC. Read below to learn some of the many benefits of facials.

A More Even Skin Tone

Scars from surgeries, wrinkles, sun spots or acne can be difficult to get rid of. Chemical peels help even out pigmentation for a more even look.

Unclogging Pores

Routine facials will get rid of dirt, oil and dead skin cells that aren’t visible to the human eye. Extraction, chemical peels or microdermabrasion help decongest your pores and keep them that way.

Wrinkle Reduction

Our Chicago spa can perform facials to help prevent signs of aging. Anti-aging facials can increase collagen production and restore skin cells from defending against wrinkles.

Reduce Skin Cancer Risks

Chemical peels and other facial resurfacing techniques help prevent skin cancers by treating precancerous conditions like actinic keratosis, squashing an early stage of squamous cell carcinoma.

A Glow from the Inside-Out

There’s no denying that when you look good, you feel good. Regular facials strip away the layer of top skin, getting rid of dead skin cells and improving overall appearance.

 

Call or stop by our Chicago spa to see how a facial can benefit you!

Courtesy of: https://www.wifh.com/blog/10-benefits-routine-regular-facial-treatments.html

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Feb 20, 2018

What Is Myofascial Release Massage Therapy in West Loop?

Myofascial release massage therapy in West Loop is a type of soft tissue massage which incorporates stretching and massage of the connective tissues, or fascia. Myofascial Release is a very effective hands-on technique that provides sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. It is a physical therapy used to treat a wide variety of soft tissue complaints including back strain, chronic back pain, lower back pain, and thoracic back pain. It has also been shown to be effective with sciatica and fibromyalgia. 

What Is Fascia & Where Is It Located?

Fascia is the connective tissue that is located throughout the entire body. There are three different types – superficial fascia involves the skin, deep fascia is associated with the muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels, and visceral fascia involves the internal organs. Deep fascia, which is tissue massaged in myofascial release, holds the muscles together in place, separates the muscles so they can work independently, and provides a smooth surface so the muscles can work easily against one another.

What Causes Myofascial Pain?

Myofascial tissue pain can come from a few different sources. It can be caused by overuse of the muscles, muscle injury, or stress. Trigger points can also arise from repetitive activities like working at a computer all day, lifting heavy objects, sitting for long periods of time, continuous poor posture, etc. Smoking, Obesity, and nutritional deficiencies could also be to blame.

If you suffer from myofascial pain, schedule an appointment for myofascial release massage therapy in West Loop today! lillieAnn’s believes that massage therapy is essential for general health care and our massage therapists are committed to providing you the very best services in the area.

Courtesy of Health Line

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Feb 7, 2018

New year’s resolutions can be tough. Many people think that their resolution has to be something extreme – lose 100 pounds, find a new job, become a vegetarian, quit smoking – and it can be very difficult to keep these resolutions going strong all throughout the new year. Instead, why not set a few new smaller personal goals that are more manageable? Here are a few things we suggest you do to refresh and reset in 2018.

Exercise/Eat Healthier

One of the most common new year’s resolutions is to join a gym and work out more frequently. However, a significant number of people that plan to do this often quit after just a month or two because they set their goals too high. Rather than trying to force yourself to work out for 2 hours per day 7 days per week, think smaller. If you currently go to the gym 2 or 3 days per week, try to make it four. The same goes for healthy eating. Instead of trying to cut out all carbs or becoming a vegetarian, buy healthier snacks at the grocery store or plan out your grocery list before you go. These resolutions are much more attainable and will encourage you to keep doing them.

Make Time For Yourself

It’s easy to get roped right back into work, friends, family, kids’ activities, etc. as soon as the holidays are over. In 2018, try to make more time for yourself. Whether that means getting a massage once in a while, scheduling a babysitter for a much-needed date night, or taking to a new hobby, find something to help you relax. 

Find The Right Skin Care Routine

If you went into the holiday season feeling self-conscious or unhappy with the status of your skin, take the time this new year to figure out the right skin care routine for you. It may take a few trial and errors with different products to discover which are best for your skin, but once you find a facewash, lotion, or mask that improves the look of your skin, it will have been worth it.

Get More Sleep

This year, make an effort to get a full 8 hours of sleep each night. Not only will this help you be more mentally prepared and refreshed for each day, but sufficient sleep is important for your overall health as well.

Courtesy of Jillian Harris

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Dec 14, 2017