What are spa gift certificates?

There are two popular types of spa gift certificates. The first is the kind issued by a particular spa and is therefore only redeemable at that same location. The second is the kind that is issued by a general spa finder and is redeemable at a variety of spa locations; this type of spa gift certificate is usually purchased online.

Who needs a spa gift certificate?

Anyone who enjoys being pampered could benefit from a spa gift certificate, and for those who are under a lot of stress, a spa gift certificate is practically a lifesaver. Spa gift certificates are great gifts for women in particular, as they are likely to use the various beauty treatments offered by spas on top of whatever relaxation techniques might be offered.

Perhaps your daughter is a grad school student working her way towards the end of an intense semester; or maybe you know a bride to be whose mind is bursting with wedding-related details. For the right person, a spa gift certificate can be the greatest gift one could ever ask for.

Benefits of spa gift certificates

They say that the best gifts are those that the recipient wants but would never buy for herself. Since spa treatments are considered a luxury, many people won’t splurge on a spa day if other bills need to be paid. By giving someone a spa gift certificate, you are forcing her to take a much-deserved break from the ordinary in favor of a little self-indulgence. Most spa gift certificates can be used for a variety of services, thereby allowing the recipient to choose how to spend her wonderful new gift.

Downside of spa gift certificates

The notable downside to spa gift certificates is that the recipient will know exactly how much you spent on the gift, as it is stated blatantly on the certificate. Also, when it comes to giving a spa gift certificate, it’s important to know your audience. If your closest female friend is a tomboy who owns no makeup other than lip balm, then a spa gift certificate for her birthday might not be the way to go. The same goes for that strong, burly man in your life who would rather be caught playing with a “make your own potpourri” kit than sitting in a hot, steaming mud bath.

In some cases, a spa might impose certain restrictions with respect to the gift certificate in question. Some spas will include an expiration date on the gift certificate, making it more likely to never be used. Other spas might exclude certain services from being covered under the gift certificate. The limitations inherent in the gift certificate will vary from spa to spa, and many spas will not impose any restrictions at all. To avoid confusion, ask the sales representative at the spa if any restrictions are involved in using the gift certificate, and read the fineprint before you complete the purchase.

The bottom line

Spa gift certificates can make a wonderful gift for the relaxation-hungry person in your life. Instead of wracking your brain for a unique gift idea or spending hours at the mall searching for that perfect present, consider a spa gift certificate for your next gift-giving venture. Your friends will love you for it, and who knows? Maybe one day they’ll return the favor.

What is acne treatment?

The word “acne” encompasses all types of breakouts of the skin, from the lighter version of slightly-clogged pores to the more extreme cases of glaring red pimples. Acne can occur in multiple places on the body, including the face, neck, back, arms, and chest. While less extreme cases of acne might clear up on their own or with over-the-counter products, the more severe cases can lead to permanent scarring if not properly treated.

There are many causes of acne. Contrary to a once-popular myth, sweets and chocolate do not definitively cause acne, though the better one’s diet, the healthier his skin is bound to be. Many factors can play a role in acne flare-ups, including genetics, stress, and change in hormones.

For lighter cases of acne, an over-the-counter cream or cleanser might do the trick, and a dermatologist might not be needed. However, for recurring or more severe cases of acne, a dermatologist should be consulted so that he can do a thorough skin examination to determine the cause and best possible treatment for acne.

A dermatologist will use your age, symptoms, and family history as a means of determining the cause of your acne. To help your dermatologist unlock any underlying patterns, it’s a good idea to keep a skin log for at least a few weeks prior to your dermatology appointment. Be sure to record your most significant acne flare ups and, if possible, keep a record of the foods you ate in the days leading up to the outbreak.

To ensure that you receive the proper acne treatment, you’ll need to make your dermatologist aware of any medications you are taking, as well as any makeup or skin care products you use on a consistent basis. This information might help your dermatologist decide whether or not your acne is a side effect of something else (such as a medication you are taking) or an independent problem requiring prescription treatment.

Acne treatments include topical creams, pills, or a combination of both. A dermatologist will usually start the patient off on a moderate dose of antibiotics and/or topical cream to combat the problem. If those treatments are ineffective after a number of months, then the dermatologist might consider giving you a more extreme drug that often works when other medications don’t.

Who needs acne treatment?

Anyone suffering from acne on a somewhat consistent basis should seek acne treatment to combat the problem. Acne used to be thought of as a teenage plague, but these days, more and more adults find themselves suffering from acne as well. Whether you’re gearing up for an office presentation or the high school prom, a pimply face can cause embarrassment and wreak havoc on one’s self-esteem. A dermatologist can help nip your acne problem in the bud so that you can focus on the more important aspects of life without having to worry about impromptu breakouts.

Benefits of acne treatment

The benefit of acne treatment is clear, pimple-free skin and the boost of self-esteem that goes along with it. Acne treatment can help improve not only your appearance, but your outlook and state of mind.

Many people – teenagers especially – tend to shy away from social situations when acne flare ups occur. Acne treatment can get rid of the problem so that your skin doesn’t have to interfere with your social life.

Risks of acne treatment

Some forms of acne treatment come with their share of side effects. One notable example is the prescription drug Accutane. Though effective in treating the most severe cases of acne, Accutane has been linked to severe depression leading to suicide in teenagers. In fact, Accutane was recently pulled from the U.S. market completely, and while the move is being publicized as an “economic decision,” it was undoubtedly influenced by countless lawsuits resulting from the drug’s many side effects. Since generic versions of the drug are still available, patients should continue to be aware of the potential hazards involved in treatment. Less dangerous but more common side effects include moderate mood swings, drowsiness, and dry mouth and skin. Your dermatologist will schedule the necessary follow-up appointments to monitor your progress on whatever acne medication has been prescribed to ensure that the side effects are not putting you in jeopardy.

Another problem with acne treatment is that it sometimes causes the problem to get worse before it gets better. Many acne medications specifically come with the warning that symptoms are likely to increase for a period of time before eventually diminishing or clearing up. While this might not pose any danger to the patient, it can certainly take a toll on his mental state and outlook. A good dermatologist will prepare the patient for this possibility and do his best to assure the patient that any such setback is only temporary.

The bottom line

Acne treatment is not a one-time magic cure. For many, finding an effective acne treatment is a trial and error process. Most people seeking acne treatment need to be patient, as results do not tend to happen overnight. However, once the right acne treatment begins to kick in, you’ll start to notice a marked improvement in your skin, and over time, your acne problem will become a thing of the past.