Dark spots are one of the hardest skin problems to treat. The quest surges on for a treatment to dismantle this roadblock between you and beautiful skin. No matter how much concealer or makeup you apply, unwanted spots always find a way to show through.

Today I tried out an IPL Treatment with a SCITON Phototherapy BBL Broadband Light. Sound like jibberish? Here’s what you need to know: This treatment is proven to diminish/remove brown spots and freckles, and can reduce scarring, according to the experts at Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa on New York City’s Upper West Side. Now, I do have a few beauty marks on my face that I would never want to zap away, but it also helps treat sun damage, age spots and redness, any of which I would very much like to banish.

If you watch below, you’ll see I got a little freaked out because they are required to tell you that there is a slight chance of a reaction that could last up to 5-10 days. So, please ignore the inner panic attack and know this: it didn’t hurt, it’s a proven treatment that they do all the time, and if my skin doesn’t react I’d definitely like to do it a few more times in full to get rid of my sun damage.

This treatment, along with Botox or Dysport fillers, an Eyebrow lift, Chermical Peel, and laser hair removal will be offered for $50 during Spaweek. If this sounds like something you would want to try, watch below for the scoop from Jeanette, my esthetician, as she blindfolds me, zaps me with spa love, calms my nerves and answers burning (ha) face-zapping questions.

Orchid Aesthetics Medical Spa
15 West 84th Street, Suite 1F
New York, NY 10024
212.595.1958
http://www.orchidaesthetics.com

Guest Contributor: Miss Cozy

Your nails are likely to become brittle as the weather changes. Keep them well filed to avoid snags that lead to ripping and breakage. Also avoid fast drying nail polishes as they contain isopropyl alcohol (IPA) which causes them to become even more brittle and flaky.

Moisturize your nails and hands with a thick natural moisturizer. Sesame oil is wonderful, you need just a few teaspoonfuls. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to help keep harmful bacteria away (especially from your toenails).

Check out CozyWallet.com for more swank ways to save money and look doing it.

If you have the chance, try to stop by one of these great events this weekend:

Phoenix, Arizona – If you’re looking to expand your business and connections, stop by the Arizona Farmer and Chef connection this Monday, October 4th 2010.  This is meant to be “a gathering designed to foster collaboration and wholesale direct market opportunities between local farmers, ranchers, chefs and other food buyers who are committed to expanding and strengthening local and seasonal food networks.”  Check out their featured speakers, breakout sessions, networking, and a wine and cheese reception at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa – 4949 E Lincoln Drive – Paradise Valley, AZ 85253  Click here for more info.

Los Angeles, California - Thanks to the LA County Fair, this rustic festival encourages us to forget those soy lattés and milk some cows, pet some horses, and enjoy some wine, beer and an array of food.  Some extra features include the Budweiser Clydesdales, the all Creatures Barnyard Racers – a group of fast racing pigs run through the mud, live music performances from the Summertime Concert Series – some headlining performers have included Jessica Simpson and The Village People, special performances like the aerial high wire show put on by The Pirates of the Colombian Caribbean and Circus regulars like the Stars of the Peking Acrobats from China perform. Click here for more info.

Denver, Colorado – “Dust off your running shoes and set your alarm for Sunday, October 3 when 60,000 participants are expected for the 18th annual Komen Denver Race for the Cure. The race, which starts and ends at the Pepsi Center, has three events: the 5K Co-Ed Run/Walk at 7:00am, 5K Co-Ed Walk at 8:00am and the Family 1-Mile Fun Walk at 9:00am.” Click here for more info.

New Orleans, Louisiana – Oktoberfest is done New O’leans style..  Featuring live bands, German food and beer, wine and schnapps, and Souvenirs from Germany – it’s held every year at Deutsches Haus, which is located at 200 S. Galvez Street in New Orleans. The Haus opens at 5:00 PM each Friday and 1:30 pm Saturday through October 25th – Meals are available at 5:00 PM until 10:45 PM. Click here for more info

St. Louis, Missouri – The best restaurants in town will be showing off their finest dishes at the 2010 Taste of St. Louis. This three day event features food, art, music, cooking demonstrations and more. The Taste of St. Louis is held at Soldiers Memorial at 12th and Market Streets in downtown St. Louis. Click here for more info.

Want a J-Glow? Do as she does and get a Placenta Facial.

It’s our 13th season of Spa Week and each year we strive to keep the treatments fresh, unique and always beneficial. Dyanna Body Nail Salon & Spa in New York City has stepped up to the challenge by offering a daring beauty treatment which hits all the marks: Placenta Facial. Yes, the fetal anatomy between mother and child is known to work magic on damaged skin.

Before you get freaked out, there is evidence to explain why estheticians across America are using afterbirth as a facial cream. The use of placenta is beneficial even beyond the scope of beauty. It’s full of protein, iron, and tons of vitamins and minerals, which make them excellent for the health of hair, skin, and nails. New American Idol judge, Jennifer Lopez has been known to use it to reverse signs of aging. Momlogic has also given the active ingredient a golden star with reports of a popular practice called placentophagia in which a mother eats placenta to help post-partum depression and contract the uterus after birth.

Bio-banter aside, we know you’re curious of the beauty benefits of a placenta facial.  The Placenta Recovery Essence Facial smoothes wrinkles, postpones aging processes, and actively nourishes skin. It also helps regain vitality and youthful texture. The results from just 1 treatment are dramatic and clients can’t believe what a difference they see in their face after the treatment. People have been using the placenta of sheep and horses as beauty aids for time immemorial, in fact. Treatments like this are more natural and they truly deliver!

Snag your chance to glow like J-Lo for $50 at Dyanna Body Nail Salon & Spa (212.995.2355‎) during Spa Week October 11th – 17th.

Image Courtesy of Silk Road Cosmetics

As we’ve previously discussed, spas are implementing advanced machines and technologies to provide better experiences for you.  Could one of the oldest salons founded on the Champs Elysees of Paris in 1956 by Jacques Dessange be on the cutting edge of modern spa technology? Why, of course. Dessange Paris Salon & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, FL  is a prestigious spa and salon which incorporates it’s rich luxury brand’s history to provide customized, high tech services for its clientele.

The spa specializes in enriched face care, body care, hands and feet beauty, waxing and makeup. We spoke with Bertha Walther who gave us the scoop in the spa’s newest tech addition, the Desslift Machine. “This treatment rejuvenates tired cells with a treatment based on energy that tones and purifies the skin and gives oxygen and light back to the cells. Real stimulation of the cellular exchanges, provides and instant glow and tonicity. Wakes up the complexion and eliminates tired look.”

The Desslift Machine Eliminites Skin Impurities

1. How does it work? The device has 2 functions to Optimize cell interactions to improve the functioning and the cutaneous aspect. 1st Function – DETOXIFYING To clean in depth the skin, eliminate all the skin’s impurities and toxins (when we see the gray color in transparency through the skin) thanks to the magnifying effect of the device’s “magic sponges”. The Dess’lift treatments help purify and bring back a luminous, toned and radiant complexion. Also by strengthening the cell’s energy by cellular currents that will be added to those already existing in the cellular membrane that help energize the cells. This luminous effect will increase within the next 3 hours after the treatment (necessary time to boost cell interactions). 2nd function – TONING To restructure the face lines, and give an amazing face-lift effect.

2. IS IT PAINFUL? No, because this device uses galvanic currents, same as the electrical energy ones naturally existing in the body. During the treatment the color gray on the cotton that shows all the toxins elimination. With a mirror you can view the difference between the half of the face treated and the other half.

3. Who’s eligible for these treatments? People with Rosacea (50 % improvement guaranteed) , a lot of toxins (smokers, oily skin, all the cutaneous eliminations) or dull skin. This treatment effect will last several days (approximately 10 days), if it is regularly done (sessions), it will improve in long term the cell interactions and the cutaneous aspect. Immediate results show in 3 hours.

4. When should we have the DESS’ LIFT treatment? When we feel tired, dull and congested skin, at a changing season, for a luminous complexion before an event. Wakes up the complexion and eliminates a tired look! Rejuvenates tired cells with a treatment based on energy that tones and purifies the skin and gives oxygen and light back to the cells. An energizing treatment for a beautiful complexion instantly.

Check out the Desslift Machine yourself during Spa Week (Oct 11th- 17th) at Dessange Paris Salon & Spa in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Choose a 60 Minute Glowing Facial, 60 Minute Dess Lift Facial or 60 Minute French Body Polish for $50.

Bridal Advice from Mindy Weiss, Celebrity Wedding Planner

As one of the most sought after wedding planners in the business, Mindy Weiss has seen the good, the bad and, well, the unfortunate when it comes to bridal beauty. Working with more than 60 bridal clients a year, Mindy has teamed up with Dove Deodorant to share her bridal beauty wisdom to help brides feel wedding day ready.

1. Test run early. Select beauty products four to six months prior to the wedding day and do not switch at the last minute. Yes, that new night cream is tempting, but risking skin irritation will not be worth it in the end.
2. Don’t overlook underarms. Shaving removes 20 percent of underarm skin every time you shave. Dove Ultimate is the only anti-perspirant/deodorant that contains a tri-moisturizing system that not only soothes shaving irritation and helps replenish delicate underarm skin, but also alleviates white marks while delivering 24-hour odor and wetness protection.
3. Exfoliate to look great. A month before the big day, begin incorporating a gentle exfoliating body wash in your shower routine for smooth and soft skin.
4. Strut your stuff. Practice sauntering around in your wedding shoes so all you have to concentrate on is the good looking groom standing at the end of the aisle. To avoid blisters apply Vaseline to the areas on your feet where rubbing is prone and walk around the house two – three weeks prior to the big day- your feet will thank you!
5. Preparation is key. Whether it is a chipped nail, chapped lips or a loose curl it is always a good idea to be prepared for the inevitable. Create an emergency kit that bridesmaids can carry filled with safety pins, breath mints, bottled water, aspirin, nail file and polish for unexpected chipping.

For more information on Dove Ultimate Beauty Care Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant visit www.dove.com/deodorant.