Good-looking skin important as locals shed clothes for summer

Less is more when it comes to the sun. But for local salons, the summer sun is meaning more business as Americans begin to understand the benefits of taking care of their skin as the summer heat beats down.

A recent report based on 960 salons across the country by financial analysis company Sageworks shows that salon sales grew 5.4 percent in the last two years. That's up from a 2.3 percent sales increase in 2009.

Local salons have seen more locals taking advantage of their services in the summer as good skin health has become a hot topic. There are varying degrees of treatments available across the valley, from the affordable scrubs to the more intensive cosmetic peels.

"This summer I would highly recommend getting a hydrating MoroccanOil body scrub and wrap," said Lauren Boteilho, assistant spa manager at Spa Mio inside M Resort. "The treatments include products from MoroccainOil's new body line that we have available at Spa Mio."

"The body buff is infused with argan oil blended with vitamin E and avocado, also with grape seed, safflower, sesame and sweet almond oils," Boteilho said. "This treatment is a great way to get your skin polished and hydrated for summer so you can feel confident to show a little skin or a lot."

For guests on a budget, she recommends the 25-minute refresher massage.

"This treatment will be just what you need to relieve you of some stress, all within staying in your budget," Boteilho said.

The treatment is $65 and comes to $48.75 when you present your valid Nevada ID at check out.

For those looking to splurge, she recommends going all out on top.

"A great way to indulge at Spa Mio would be on your hair with our keratin treatment," she said. "The treatment encases the hair follicle with a keratin bond to promote healing and helps keep toxins in the environment from entering the hair. The keratin treatment is a perfect service to splurge on this summer because of the care-free maintenance. You are able to jump in the pool and let your hair air dry and stay frizz-free. This luxurious treatment starts at $300."

Spa Mio's most popular treatment for summer is its shellac manicure and pedicure. 

"Shellac is a perfect way to have a chip-free manicure and pedicure poolside," Boteilho said. "This nail service also offers a zero drying time, so you're ready to go from the salon right out to the pool."

Once dry skin sets in, a scrub cannot only be revitalizing but healthy, said Blake Feeney, spa director at Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Venetian and the Palazzo.

"A Moisturizing Cocoon (exfoliation and body wrap) can replenish lost moisture and soothe skin that has been too long in the elements," Feeney said, recommending a scrub at least once or twice a summer. 

A conditioning body scrub is not only budget-friendly, it also exfoliates dry skin and includes a hydrating treatment. 

Feeney also recommends applying a body scrub as part of your shower routine to slough off dry skin, paying special attention to rough areas such as heels and elbows.

"After the shower, while the skin is still damp, apply a nourishing body oil to seal in the moisture and finish with a rich body cream," Feeney said. "Health food stores carry a good assortment of natural body products."

As we age, skin can require more maintenance. Stephen W. Weiland, M.D., of the Weiland Group recommends light medical peels or a hydrating facial at least once a month, depending on your needs.

"Your skin starts a new cycle every 28 to 30 days, so to keep up with that process it's important to make sure your skin is balanced," he said.

He recommends a good moisturizer as a daily maintenance tool.

"Rather than the heavier oils that work in winter, lighter creams are more preferable in summer that will tend to not block your pores, leading to breakouts," he said. "Moisturizers are important as chlorine from swimming tends to dry you out and replenishing the moisture is important."

Weiland also recommends alternating exfoliation treatments with hydrating facials, to be increased in frequency to every (two to three) weeks in the summer to achieve and maintain a glow."

Treatments don't need to be expensive, he said. The Weiland Group offers a vitamin C boosting facial for $65.

"The result from the vitamin C boost facial provides you with a nice bright glow," he said. "It's great to do if you have an event or special day coming up, an affordable way to prepare for a special evening."

A one-time quick treatment that can give a fresh-faced look after about a week is the Laser MicroPeel.

"The top few layers are evaporated and the fresher newer cells are then brought to the surface for a refreshed look," Weiland said. "Also, depending on each client and what their skin could tolerate I would say either a MicroPeel or the Vitalize Peel."

Expensive or budget-friendly treatments are good for those looking to take good care of their skin through the harsh desert summer months, however, an old standby should probably be first and foremost in your arsenal of summer skin care tools.

"The most important product for the summer season is to invest in a professional, medical-grade broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater," Weiland said. "Proper sunscreens are most important when I think of healthy skin during the summertime. I recommend wearing at least an SPF of 30 or higher. If you're outdoors a lot, use at least an SPF 50.

"You should also apply your sunscreen every two hours. It is also important to note that those bottles from last year are probably no longer effective and should be replaced each summer."