Top 5 Things You Should Know Before Getting a Facial Treatment

1. Education, training, and qualifications of your Esthetician
2. Problems and conditions that professional skin care treatments help
3. How to get the best results for your skin from the spa and home care
4. What to expect prior, during, and after your facial appointment
5. Physical, mental, and emotional benefits of professional skin care treatments


The education, training, and qualifications of your esthetician are important.

If you are seeking professional help to improve the appearance or problematic conditions of your skin, then you should consider the qualifications of the skin care professional you are seeing. In the state of Georgia, a skin care professional is called an esthetician. After completing the required courses of study at an accredited esthetics school and a state boards examination, an esthetician is awarded a license by the state to practice skin care services professionally. All of our estheticians are qualified licensed practitioners by the state of Georgia.

Not only should you consider this, but also take into consideration the continuation of education and training that your particular skin care professional participates in after they are licensed. Ongoing training and education should always be a part of any true professionals career path. Our estheticians attend annual trade shows to take the latest advanced courses and learn about new products. Every year, we schedule many hours of in-house training with our Pevonia Botanica educators to learn about the newest and most advanced professional facial products, treatments, and techniques.

20 problems that our professional skin care services and products help.

1. Acne Lesions
2. Acne Cars
3. Dilated Capillaries
4. Hyper-pigmentation
5. Papules(inflamed)
6. Pustules(inflamed)
7. Ingrown Hairs
8. Blackheads
9. Whiteheads
10. Enlarged Pores
11. Acne Skin
12. Dry(Dehydrated) Skin
13. Combination Skin
14. Sensitive Skin
15. Oily/Problematic Skin
16. Rosacea/Hyper-sensitive skin
17. Mature Skin
18. Wrinkles
19. Lack of Skin Elasticity
20. Uneven Skin Texture


Most likely, you can identify things in the list above that relate your skin. These are the kinds of skin problems we help people solve everyday. What you need to know is the most effective and efficient way to begin fixing the problems with your skin. How to do that is discussed below:

To be effective means to do the right things. Efficient means doing the right things the right way. In regard to professional skin care services and products, the most effective and efficient way you can go about solving the problems with your skin involves a simple 5-step process.

How to get the best results for your skin from the spa and home care

The 5 Steps of Proper Skin Care

1. Locate a licensed skin care professional (Esthetician) and schedule an appointment for a professional facial treatment.

2. Get a thorough skin care analysis, performed by your Esthetician, to determine the appropriate professional treatment(s) for your skin type and skin problems. This includes completing a pre-appointment consultation form, an examination of your skin by the naked eye, and a more critical look at your skin with a Wood’s Lamp that uses ultra-violet light to reveal your skin type and problem areas.

3. Receive your recommended professional facial treatment(s) from your Esthetician based on the findings from your skin analysis.

4. Purchase the home care products your Esthetician recommends to continue your positive results at home and make them last longer. Use your products exactly as directed for the best results.

5. Schedule your next facial appointment no later than 4-6 weeks from time of previous professional treatment.

What you have in the 5 steps shown above are the essential steps you should take to care for your skin in the most effective and efficient way. You can choose to do it another way but this is the best way and this is what we recommend.

What to expect prior, during, and after your facial appointment

Prior to your facial appointment:

You will be asked to complete a spa consultation form either from our spa website (easiest for you) or a written one when you arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment. Your esthetician will discuss your spa consultation information with you prior to starting your facial. This one on one time with your esthetician is your best opportunity to discuss your skin concerns and problem areas with someone who is knowledgeable, skilled, and able to offer you professional grade solutions. Your esthetician will also be discussing the importance of maintaining your skin at home with professional skin care products. Your esthetician tells you that you will be discussing recommended home care products for your skin type after your facial is complete.

During your facial appointment:

Your esthetician will begin by thoroughly cleansing your face in order to perform a detailed skin analysis using a Wood’s Lamp. A Wood’s Lamp is high tech lamp that uses ultra violet light to reveal your exact skin type, skin problems, and skin conditions. Once the skin analysis is complete, then your esthetician has enough information to customize your facial to produce the best results for your skin. Generally speaking, a facial includes the initial cleansing of your skin for the skin analysis, facial steaming to open skin pores and ease the extraction process, extractions (deep cleansing) of skin pores, application of a skin mask to soothe and hydrate your skin after the extraction process, and the final step of toning and moisturizing your skin with a skin care cream appropriate for your skin type. Note: You also receive a very relaxing face, neck, décolleté, shoulder, and hand massage during the steaming process of the facial. For most people, this entire process lasts one hour to one hour and fifteen minutes.

After your facial appointment:

People love the way their skin feels and looks after their facial. Your face may be a little red or slightly tender after a facial but that’s normal. Note: Do not stay out in the sun for any length of time right after a facial. Most people report that their skin feels calmer, smoother, brighter, younger, and rejuvenated. Your esthetician will be ready with recommendations for your home care products so you can make these results last and continue them at home. Your esthetician will explain to you what each product is for and exactly how to use it and when to use it. Lastly, you should schedule your next facial appointment about 4-6 weeks from this one.

Physical, mental, and emotional benefits of professional skin care treatments

The benefits of professional skin care treatments are far reaching. They say seeing is believing and after having many professional treatments myself and using home care products daily, I can tell you that seeing really is believing.

13 Main Physical Benefits:

1. Reduction in dilated capillaries
2. Decreased hyper-pigmentation
3. Clearing of blackheads and whiteheads
4. Reduced size of enlarged pores
5. Clearing and controlling of acne
6. Increased hydration for dry skin types
7. Balancing of combination skin types
8. Calms and soothes sensitive/hyper-sensitive/rosacea skin types
9. Decreases sebum (oil) production for oily skin types
10. Increases youthfulness and anti-aging for mature skin types
11. Eliminates, decreases, and controls the size and appearance of wrinkles
12. Increases skin elasticity
13. Evens and smoothes skin texture

Mental and Emotional Benefits:

For most of you, when you look better then you feel better too. See the 13 main benefits above? Personally, I have concerns with #2, #3, #4, and #9. I get regular facials every 4-6 weeks at my spa. Additionally, I use six (6) specific Pevonia products to control my problem areas. My skin looks better and feels better and I feel more confident. To me, that is the greatest mental and emotional benefit of all. We will make you look better and feel better too.

Now you know what to expect from us. The next thing to do is call to schedule your facial. 678-721-4244 and ask for Brooke.

Top 5 Things You Should Know Before Purchasing a Massage

If you are new to Massage Therapy and you are seeking information to help decide what is best, then you are in the right place. Technically, a "Massage" is the systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body, which includes muscles, joints, ligaments, and connective tissues of the body. That's great to know, but what are the most important things to know when you're looking to try massage therapy yourself or purchase one for a loved one, friend, or associate?

1. Education, training, and qualifications of massage therapists
2. The problems and conditions that massage therapy helps
3. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of massage therapy
4. What to expect, prior, during, and after your massage appointment
5. How to get the best results for your body from massage therapy

By knowing those five simple things, you will know the information you need to make the best possible buying decision when purchasing a massage for yourself or as gift for someone else.


Education, training, and qualifications of your massage therapist

You should look for a massage therapist that is qualified, educated, and well trained. This means that the therapist has completed a minimum of least 720 hours of education and training to receive a valid certification. The only way to accomplish that is to attend a reputable institution for massage therapy, such as The Atlanta School of Massage, Medix, or Georgia State University. Here at these schools, massage therapists learn human anatomy and physiology, inter-personal skills, various massage modalities for relaxation, stress reduction, treatment of physical conditions, and pain relief. These techniques include but are not limited to swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, couples massage, hot stone massage, neuromuscular massage techniques, deep tissue massage, sports massage, pregnancy massage, tui na massage, thai massage, shiatsu, acupressure and reflexology.

If you are wondering about a massage therapists qualifications, just ask where they attended massage school, what massage techniques they are trained in, and how many hours of training they received. At Greenleaf Day Spa, our massage staff consists of only qualified, educated, and well trained massage therapists. We care a great deal about the pursuit of perfecting our skills as massage therapists. All of our therapists have gone to massage school and received certification in massage therapy. We proudly display our massage certification certificates in the treatment rooms. Our massage therapists continue to hone their skills by receiving ongoing in-house training, taking continuing education classes, and learning the newest and latest of techniques available by attending massage workshops and annual trade-shows.

The problems and conditions that massage therapy helps

Massage therapy fills a huge void in the health care industry. It would literally take thousands of words to list and describe each and every physical, mental, and emotional problem that can be treated. That being said, I am going to list the most common physical and psycho-emotional problems that are treated. In future blogs we will discuss the many other conditions massage therapy helps and in great detail.

12 common physical conditions that massage therapy helps:

1. General Stress
2. Fatigue
3. Neuromuscular Pain
4. Muscle Injuries
5. Chronic Muscular Pain
6. Muscular Tension/Aches/Pains
7. Hypertension(High Blood Pressure)
8. Headaches and Migraines
9. Fibromyalgia
10. TMJ
11. Pregnancy Discomfort
12. Arthritis


7 common psycho-emotional conditions that massage therapy helps:

1. Anxiety
2. Nervousness
3. Irritablility
4. Frusration
5. Anger
6. Memory
7. Concentation


The physical, mental, and emotional benefits of massage therapy

Having a basic understanding of the benefits of massage therapy and even some knowledge about specific massage techniques is important when you are trying to decide what type of massage bodywork is best.

Do you suffer from high stress, tense or tight muscles, headaches, chronic pain, poor circulation, insomnia, fatigue, or depression? If you answered, “yes”, to any of those conditions, getting a massage will benefit you. Massage helps to reduce stress and increase relaxation, relaxes tense muscles, increases blood and lymph circulation, decreases pain, strengthens the immune system, improves nerve function, helps you sleep better, and even improves skin tone.

What kind of massage should you get? It depends on what your problem or problems are and the results you are looking for from the massage. Some people are seeking pain relief, some are seeking to relax and take a break from the stresses of daily living, and some are seeking both of these things. You decide what results you are seeking and then communicate that to your therapist.

We provide custom bodywork to help you relax, reduce pain, or both. In general, our Essential Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Couples Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, and Hot Stone Massage are for relaxation, stress reduction, and minor pain relief. For specific bodywork designed to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and increase range of motion, our Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular/Sports Massage is most appropriate. No matter what your needs are, we take the time to find them out before starting your bodywork and customize your session as needed.

What to expect prior, during, and after your massage appointment

Many people who have never had a massage don’t know that a complete massage therapy session should always be a three-step process. The first step is the pre-appointment consultation. The second step is the actual massage session itself. The third step is your post-appointment recommendations.

Unfortunately, many places skip the first and third steps. This is truly inadequate and is doing you, as the recipient of the massage, a great disservice. Described below are each of these three steps in detail to inform you of their importance.

Prior to your massage appointment:

Your pre-appointment consultation involves collecting information about your problems, concerns, and frustrations with your body and the reasons why you are seeking massage therapy. In addition, this is a very important step in determining whether or not you should be receiving a massage. For instance, a woman who is less than 12 weeks pregnant should never get a massage until she is through her first trimester. If you’ve just had a bodily injury, have body implants, surgery, or health problems that are contraindicative for receieving massage, then it is important to find this out before you receive any bodywork.

We always have a pre-appointment consultation with you prior to your massage. We do this by having you complete our online consultation form on this website or you can fill one out at our facility just minutes prior to your session.

During your massage appointment:

The second step in the massage therapy session is the massage session itself. You should expect to be asked to arrive about 15 minutes early prior to your appointment. This is to ensure that you have enough time to complete your consultation form, if you didn’t complete one from our website. You will discuss your bodywork needs with your therapist, visit the restroom, get a drink of water, etc. This helps to ensure that your treatment expectations are met and that you start and end on time.

You will be asked to remove your clothing for your massage. People always ask, “How far do I get undressed?” The answer is that some people prefer to get completely undressed and some people prefer to leave on their panties/briefs. Your therapist leaves that preference up to you. Either way you choose, you will always be appropriately covered because we use a technique called "draping". Draping is a technique that uses a sheet, which initially covers your entire body, to tastefully expose an area of the body being massaged, while at the same time leaving the rest of the body covered by that sheet.

Our therapists assume you are here to relax and as a rule, refrain from talking or chitchatting during your massage. However, your therapist may ask you how the pressure feels in an area or remind you to breathe. Generally speaking, we make it a point not to talk during the massage, but if you feel you must communicate something, then please do.

After your massage appointment:

The third and final step in your massage therapy session is your post-appointment recommendations. This is something we always do. After your massage session, your therapist will greet you with a refreshment. If you have any questions or concerns at this time, you can discuss them with your therapist and they will provide you with answers, suggestions, and recommendations for future treatment and home care.

How to get the best results for your body from massage therapy

The question: “How often should I be coming in for a massage?” is often asked of massage therapists.

Typically, once a month is good for general maintenance and stress reduction. However, if you have chronic pain or certain specific physical conditions then you may need to come in as often as once a week for optimal results.

There are 6 major causes of muscular pain. They are: ischemia (poor circulation), trigger points, nerve entrapment and/or compression, postural problems, poor nutrition, and general stress.

You could be suffering from any one of those, or several of those factors all at the same time. The good news is that massage therapy directly helps 5 out of the 6. We have no influence on your nutritional needs or the ability to remove all the stress from your life, but regular massage therapy does help decrease ischemia, relieve trigger points, free nerve entrapments/compressions, decreases the negative impact of postural problems, and increases relaxation and reduces stress at the same time.

Some other things to consider that aren’t as critical as the top five things you should know, but are still important, are discussed below:

The atmosphere for receiving a massage is critical for relaxation

The atmosphere that you receive your massage in should be a relaxing one. The atmosphere includes: the general environment in which you receive your massage and the treatment table you are lying on. Overall, these are very important factors to consider before getting your massage. There is a big difference between the atmosphere and ambiance in a noisy hair salon, gym, or medical office versus a day spa designed for serene quiet sessions. Where would you rather have your massage?

At Greenleaf Day Spa, we strive to provide a relaxing atmosphere for your massage therapy sessions. Our treatment rooms are larger than most, about the size of a guest bedroom in a modern home to ensure our clients feel like they have plenty of room to move about. They are dimly lit by candle light, and the smell of pure aromatherapy oils always fill the air which enhance your sensory journey, and hypnotic tones of relaxing music are sure to help soothe and calm you throughout your stay with us. The treatment table, which is where you receive your massage, is extremely comfortable because, in addition to the standard cushioning it already has, we have added egg-crate cushions and memory foam toppers for extra body support. Your body will gently sink into the treatment table when you lie down. We know you will agree that atmosphere is important. Most of our guests tell us they were about to fall asleep before we even start the massage!

Consider the quality of massage cream/oil used on your body

The quality of massage cream or oil used on your body should be something you consider before receiving bodywork. Your skin is an organ, the body's largest organ in fact, and it is very important that you take care of it. At the very least, when you receive a massage, you should be receiving a product that is good for the skin that nourishes, hydrates, and feeds it.

Ufortunately, many places don’t use high quality products. Some places use products that contain mineral oil. In case you didn’t know, mineral oil offers absolutely no benefit to your skin at all. Your skin absorbs most anything you put on it if the molecules in the product are small enough. The molecules in mineral oil are too big to be absorbed into the skin. This means that when mineral oil is applied on your skin, your skin will not absorb it and it just sits on the surface of your skin, clogging it. Not only does this not benefit your skin, it leaves you feeling oily and greasy afterwards.

We always use high quality massage creams and oils during your massage sessions. Our Pevonia Botanica massage cream is a micro-emulsified massage oil. "Micro-Emulsified" means that the product has been produced using a process that breaks down the molecules of the product so that they are small enough to be absorbed into the skin. This means that your skin will absorb the nourishing botanical ingredients contained in our products, your skin will be moisturized, and you won’t feel overwhelmingly greasy or oily after it is applied. You will love the way our Pevonia Botanica products smell and feel.


I hope this information has been helpful, educational, and informative. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments concerning massage therapy. We are here to serve you!

New Massage Therapy Law in Georgia

Georgia State Legislature Passes the Massage Therapy Practice Act, SB 110 MCLEAN, VA – May 27, 2005 – The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) celebrated the Georgia State Legislature’s decision to pass the Massage Therapy Practice Act, SB 110 earlier this month and, is pleased to announce that National Certification will serve as one of the qualification requirements for the State’s licensure of therapeutic massage.

Senators Unterman, Thomas and Smith introduced SB 110 January 2005. “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Senators and Representatives for their support and to the many practitioners who contributed to the passage of this bill,” said Jane Johnson, a Nationally Certified practitioner and the Government Relations Committee Chair of the American Massage Therapy Association-Georgia Chapter. “Relationship matters to our industry. Massage therapists collaborated with bodywork practitioners – we crafted the bill so that it spoke to our professional differences without limiting our practice,” said Johnson. “We wouldn’t be celebrating this momentous event if it hadn’t been for everyone’s persistence and unwavering support.”

Georgia becomes one of 35 states and the District of Columbia to regulate massage therapy. “On May 10th, Governor Sonny Purdue proclaimed safety first by signing SB 110 into law,” said Garnet Adair, Chair of the NCBTMB. “We applaud any law that protects the public and are honored that National Certification will be used as a benchmark for entry-level massage therapists in the state of Georgia.”

National Certification is awarded to practitioners who complete a minimum of 500 hours of in-class, supervised training from a state-approved school or present a portfolio demonstrating equivalent training and experience, pledge to uphold the NCBTMB’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, and pass the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB).

To become licensed as a massage therapist in Georgia, applicants must show evidence to the following:

Be at least 18 years of age;

Possess a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent;

Prove US citizenship or permanent US residency;

Demonstrate good moral character (i.e., professional integrity and conduct that relates to the applicant’s fitness to practice massage therapy);

Agree to provide the Georgia State Board with any and all information necessary to perform a criminal background check, and consent and authorize the Board or its representative to perform a background check;

Successfully complete an education program recognized by the Georgia State Board consisting of a minimum of 500 hours of coursework and clinical experience.

Satisfactorily pass the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCETMB), an equivalent test approved by the Georgia State Board, or an examination administered by another state or jurisdiction whose license requirements meet or exceed those of Georgia.

Public safety is at the heart of the Georgia bill and other recent massage therapy laws spanning across the nation. “These important changes are in alignment with the NCBTMB’s efforts to increase consumer confidence in the skills and competence of their Nationally Certified practitioner,” said Adair. “Passing SB 110 is good for the State, good for practitioners, and most importantly, good for those we serve.”

About NCBTMB:Founded in 1992, the NCBTMB is an independent, private, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to foster high standards among professionals and protect the health and safety of consumers. The NCBTMB has certified more than 90,000 professionals in the United States, is a member of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) since 1993.

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