Don’t fall into the trap! Common Retail Mistakes

Retail as an afterthought
Many still don’t consider a true retail presence to be a lucrative opportunity. The reality is that selling retail products will bring you extra revenues with high profit margins. It is an option that should be highly considered. When implemented properly, a retail presence can generate revenues year round in a consistent fashion.

Improper presentation
If you are considering a retail section in your spa and you are not an expert in how properly to set up a retail outlet, get help from professionals. A retail presence goes beyond simply putting products on shelves. The positioning of the products is key, the lighting displaying the products is extremely important and knowing what products to carry is essential in a successful retail outlet.

Inadequate signage
Properly describing a promotion, sale or specific details of a product your selling is an art form. Too much information will detract from the product, while not enough information leads to skepticism. It’s a fine balance that will ultimately lead to established client trust and increased sales.

Products Displayed in behind locked shelves
When your clients walk into your retail outlet, they should “experience” the products you have available to sell, not just look at them.

SOS For Winter Skin: Antioxidants Go Skin Deep

With record cold temperatures across the globe this winter, it may be our appearance that will suffer the most. Our skin is the first defense against any harsh environment whether its sun or frost. During the winter moisture levels drop in the atmosphere leading our skin to lose hydration and become chapped or red. Nurturing your skin inside and out is an essential part of keeping your skin radiant during cold months. As nutraceuticals enter the spa industry with more open arms the idea of preventing troubled skin from the inside out is becoming a more mainstream option. Antioxidants can improve nutrient uptake at the cellular level, which means your skin cells get the moisture and nutrients it needs to stay supple and youthful even in harsh weather.

Antioxidants and their role inside and out

Supplementing your diet with antioxidants can be just as important as topically adding these nutrients on your skin. As we age our skin loses elasticity and vibrancy and supplementing becomes an integral part in maintaining a healthy looking appearance. So how do we age healthfully and look ten years younger?

As advances continue in both the nutritional and Cosmaceutical industry the connection between them becomes clearer. “Most scientific evidence shows that what we put into our body impacts our skin more than what we put on it”, says Dr. Tieraona Low Dog, director of botanical medicine at the University of Arizona’s integrative medicine program.

Eating healthier with skin nourishing foods can prolong the suppleness of your skin. The lifestyle choices we make today will make the difference for our skin’s appearance tomorrow. Try avoiding sodas, excessive sun, alcoholic beverages, sugar, caffeine, fried foods and replace them with raw and fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and white meats. Even the healthiest of diets may still lack some important nutrients due to over processing, soil depletion, pollution and modern transportation of produce. Keep in mind that using a multi-vitamin/mineral and antioxidant supplement can also be a beneficial insurance policy.

Antioxidants To Supplement With:

Vitamin A, C, and E: Promote skin health and may prevent skin from aging.

Acai: It has twice the level of antioxidants present in blueberries and 50% more antioxidant than pomegranate. Also contains beneficial omega 6 and 9 fatty acids, fiber, calcium and other vitamins.

Cocoa: Contains several trace minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium. Cocoa contains natural caffeine, which provides high energy and as an antioxidant, it enhances the immune system.

Cranberries: Rich in vitamin C, fiber, citric acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, B-vitamins and vitamin E. Also contains anthocyanins, which is helpful with bacteria build-up.

Grape seed: Many nutrients are found in grapes especially antioxidants that promote heart health by acting as free radical scavengers, promoting healthy cholesterol levels and providing support for healthy blood vessels, veins and arteries.

Mangosteen: Contains xanthones, a family of phyto-nutrients. They have been researched to promote healthy digestion, immune response and joint flexibility. Mangosteen has also shown to be a good for the respiratory system.

Olive: This wonderful fruit contains phenolics, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-clotting properties, which provides support for the cardiovascular system.

Pomegranate: A very good source of antioxidants, fatty acids and botanical estrogens. Contains high level of polyphenol antioxidants and helps neutralize free radicals, which can cause damage to the skin. It helps repair aging skin by reversing the damage and retexturing the skin. In addition to health benefits, it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Turmeric: This spice helps support the joints from inflammation, boosts immunity and provides support for mental clarity and memory.

Selenium: Selenium is an essential trace mineral in the human body that protect cells against the effects of free radicals that are produced during normal oxygen metabolism. Selenium is also essential for normal functioning of the immune system and thyroid gland.

Lutein: A recent human clinical study showed 10 mg of lutein daily increased skin hydration, elasticity and skin lipid content.

Lycopene: A relative newcomer to the world of skin care, belongs in the carotenoid family. Lycopene is a powerful free radical scavenger, which has shown to provide benefit in improving skin texture.

Tea (green, black and white): Rich in antioxidants epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), providing anti-aging benefits. It is 200 times stronger than vitamin E and 20 times stronger than vitamin C. It helps restore our radiant complexions.

Another essential nutrient is water. Though not an actual antioxidant, water is one of the most important sources of maintaining a healthy complexion. Plus, well-hydrated skin keeps us looking younger and vibrant year round.

SEQUENCE XO’S HELPFUL TIP:
Find these wonderful antioxidants in Sequence XO’s Fusion and Radiance. To find out more information on these great products click here.

A New Year Brings New Resolutions

The parties are over, the buffet tables are safely stored away and the only signs of cookies are the crumbs left behind. Now that a new year is here our resolutions for 2008 can come in many ways. From vowing to eat healthier to exercising five days a week, to finding a way to detoxify any remaining eggnog we have stored up for the winter. When it comes to our New Year’s resolutions staying positive and realistic can mean the difference of giving up in February or letting them stick for life.

Tips on keeping your New Year’s resolutions

Recent studies have found that the most common resolutions people hope to attain in a new year are: spending more time with family and friends, getting fit, losing weight and quitting smoking. The problem with many of the New Year’s Resolutions is that our commitment wobbles for either lack of motivation or setting unattainable goals. Here are a few tips on getting yourself on the right track.

Tip One: Do it for yourself
Any time you are trying to accomplish something for someone else you may face some motivational challenges down the road. You need to want to do it for yourself, and the payoff will be much more rewarding!

Tip Two: Keep to one resolution instead of too many
Trying to lose weight, go to the gym, start a new business and trying to spend more time with the family may get you overwhelmed quickly and start losing motion for all your goals. Instead go for one goal at a time, once you mastered it move on to your next goal.

Tip three: Choose realistic goals
If you want to lose 15 pounds by March, you may start feeling discouraged after a couple of weeks if you don’t see immediate results. Instead set smaller goals for the year that are more attainable, such as losing five pounds by March, five pounds by June, and another five pounds in September.

Green Tea Extract, a healthy antioxidant for weight management

Adding antioxidants in your diet will not only keep your skin looking healthy, vibrant and hydrated but certain antioxidants can be beneficial for those wanting to lose weight as well. Recent findings suggest green tea extract helped reduce body fat mass, visceral fat and subcutaneous fat in a 12-week, double-blind study of 195 healthy normal to overweight men and women, aged 24 to 64 years old.

Green Tea’s powerful antioxidant power

Green tea extract is rich in catechins and eigallocatechingallate, known as very powerful antioxidants. These compounds increase thermogenesis, or the body’s rate of burning fat calories, according to a recent study by professor Abdul Dulloo of the Institute of Physiology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland. The antioxidant power of green tea extract is 200 times more powerful than that of vitamin E, and 25 to 100 times more powerful than the antioxidant effect of vitamin C.

When green tea extract and grape seed extract are combined not only do you have more antioxidant activity you can actually reconstitute more vitamin E and C for your body to use in rebuilding cartilage, connective tissue and help fight off the signs of aging.

Sequence XO’s Fusion and Radiance are formulated with both green tea, white tea and grape seed extract and other nutrients to maximize your antioxidant intake. Each formula has its own unique benefit within the body. Use the two formulas together for extraordinary results. See your skin increase in hydration and elasticity with Radiance. Use Fusion to increase energy levels naturally and provide a formula that will complement your weight management goals. Radiance at only 30 calories per serving is a great alternative to fruit juice in the morning. Use Fusion at lunchtime for an added energy boost in the afternoon.

To learn more about Sequence XO’s products click here.

De-stressing inside and out!

Stress relief is important to the overall health of our bodies from sleeping to weight loss and even the health of our skin can be attributed to our stress levels. There are many techniques available to help us with stress relief. Going to the spa, eating healthy foods, exercising and using supplements can all aid with stress relief. According to the ISPA spa goer study, the number one reason why individuals choose to go to the spa is for stress relief. De-stressing goes beyond just feeling better and dealing with difficult situations. There is an entire other side to stress that occurs on the inside of your body.

Stress within the body
The accepted definition of stress is the emotional and physical strain caused by our response to pressure from the outside world. Stress begins in the brain by intense hormone surges and neurological signals and from there, it can begin to trickle its effects to other parts of the body. Ultimately, too much stress will negatively affect the functionality of every bodily system including the circulatory, nervous, digestive, and immune and even our muscle and skeletal system.

When we go through stress every function in our body is disrupted. Our nutrient absorption is affected in two ways – one by choosing the wrong foods during stressful times and two our blood vessels begin to constrict, which raises our blood pressure and decreases circulation. When circulation isn’t at its optimal performance our body does not obtain the vitamins or minerals needed to overcome the negative effects of stress. Hormone release is interrupted causing digestive functions to be interrupted. Finally, our immune system can be negatively affected due to lowered white blood cell count making us more prone to infections.

The power of nutrients to help the body cope with stress
An imbalance in our diet or a vitamin deficiency has been linked to damaging the stability of the human body. Now add stress or even chronic stress to the picture and the imbalances increase from hormone secretions to neurotransmitters sending wrong data to our brain. With the right combination of nutrients the body can overcome some of these abnormalities and provide the body with nutrition it needs to handle stress at the cellular level. Here are some of the nutrients found in Calm to help your body combat stress.

Lactium®
Lactium is a milk protein hydrolysate that contains a bioactive peptide with anti-stress properties. It has been tested in several human clinical trials with positive results depicting stress relief. Lactium is a food grade ingredient that has no side effects and is lactose free. In addition, studies have shown that Lactium results
in a significantly positive evolution of stress symptoms in 5 different areas: digestive, cardiovascular, mental, emotional, and social. For more information please visit www.lactium.com.

B-Complex Combination
B vitamins have been well researched for their anti-stress properties. B1 (thiamine) is essential for nervous system support, muscular function, and cardiovascular function, all of which are adversely affected by stress. B2 (Riboflavin) is essential for the proper functioning of the adrenal gland and digestive system. Niacin, or vitamin B6, is essential in production of hormones related to libido and stress. It is a natural source of energy and provides support for enhancing circulation and stabilizing cholesterol levels. B12 is integrated in the formula to assist in the maintenance of healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. Vitamin B5, Pantothenic acid assists in the normal production of
neurotransmitters. Deficiency in any of these B-vitamins can cause abnormal neurotransmitter production resulting in difficulty of dealing with stressful situations.

Inositol
Inositol has been widely researched clinically to assist neuro-functioning. Inositol acts as a guidance signal for neurotransmitters, produced by the brain, for proper cellular communication to support stress relief.

GABA
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) has been researched since the 1950’s as a neurotransmitter regulator in the brain. The regulation of neurotransmitter release from the brain aids in preventing restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and seizures. GABA is able to induce relaxation without any sedative effects.

Rhodiola rosea
This ancient herb has been the topic of many research and clinical studies. It has been used for centuries by European and Asian civilizations to support conditions of fatigue, depression, gastrointestinal ailments, and nervous system disorders. Further research has indicated that Rhodiola rosea protect animals and humans from mental and physical stress and toxins and colds. Neurologically, this herb has been shown to relieve fatigue and increase attention span, memory and work productivity.

Panax Ginseng
Popularly referred to as “adaptogen”, stress aiding nutrient. Ginseng has been studied to increase resistance to physical, chemical, and biological stress. Ginseng has been traditionally used in ancient Chinese medicine for thousands of years to prevent weakness and fatigue.

Ashwangandha
This herb is a well-known Ayurvedic herbal ingredient. It comes from a plant used therapeutically by people in India and Africa for boosting immunity, mental clarity, and total body rejuvenation. Clinically, it has been researched to aid in mental deficiencies, cognition-enhancing and improving memory.

Magnesium
Magnesium is a well-researched mineral responsible for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body. Magnesium has been shown to help maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium regulates blood sugar levels, and promotes normal blood pressure, which provides support in stress relief.

Calcium
Calcium’s benefits cover a wide range of health issues including stress. Calcium supports the optimal function of the nervous system, aiding in the production of energy, stabilizing proper heart rate, and supporting normal muscle contraction and calming nerves.

Sequence XO’s Calm – the anti-stress tonic
Calm has been specifically formulated to assist the body’s natural ability to handle stress. Our formula includes every ingredient listed above in effort to provide a formula that provides stress and tension relief at the cellular level. Calm has been designed as an effervescent tablet to create a tastefully satisfying anti-stress tonic to help melt your stress away.

The 3 D’s to Healthy living – De-stress, Detoxify and Defend

Relaxation can be hard to come by, especially if our body is dependant on caffeine or nicotine to keep us on our toes all day. Many of these internal and external toxins can disrupt our natural equilibrium flow, which potentially alter the key to maintaining good health. Toxins present an added burden on the body that deplete our energy and disrupt the normal functioning of the body. By simply adding a detoxification program, exercising and treating yourself to a spa treatment can keep you healthy, energized and feeling younger.

The detox factor for a healthier immune response

Detoxification through proper digestive function plays a key role in our ability to live healthier. Research has shown that keeping a healthy, clean colon is an effective tool. Remember, our blood has direct contact with our colon. If your colon is packed with toxins (waste), then that waste is releasing toxins into your blood, which ultimately travels throughout your entire body. Colon health is directly related to proper digestion and a healthy diet. It is difficult to keep a detoxified body in the world we live in today. Our food is packed with preservatives and sugar, while being treated and controlled with pesticides and genetic alterations. Additionally, we are trained to take prescription or over the counter drugs to mask effects of almost any condition. Now more than ever is the time for all of us to take a proactive approach to detoxify. With proper detoxification we can have a more optimal digestive system, immune system, and circulatory system.

With stress relief and proper detoxification, our bodies will spend less time trying to clean and release stress and more time helping us protect against infection and disease. Remember, our body is a living machine, always repairing and defending. If we can help it by having it focus on building a stronger immune system, then we can live a longer, cleaner, and a more stress free life.

Did you know?
The normal transit time of waste through the digestive tract is 24-48 hours. Low fiber diets can increase the normal flow up to 96 or more hours. When waste is impacted in the colon the toxins can be reabsorbed into the blood stream and begin to pollute our blood and organs, which can lead to the poisoning of the body.

Spa Nutrition: Sequence XO’s de-stressing and detoxification solutions

Radiance – Age Defying Formula

Dubbed as our internal skin care product, Radiance has an array of health benefits that positively affect the health of our bodies that have a direct reflection on our skin. Radiance is sweetened with fructooligosaccharides also known as (FOS) or sweet fiber. FOS are extracted from fruits and vegetables and known to contribute to our dietary fiber intake. Provide your body with great nutrients on the inside and see the beautiful results on the outside!

Calm - The 15-Minute Relaxing Fizz

Calm is an effervescent nutritional supplement created with the right combination of B-vitamins, adaptogenic (stress-aiding) herbs and proper minerals to provide stress relief

Fusion – The Antioxidant Solution

Fusion is a formula developed with the world’s most effective antioxidants including Acai berry, pomegranate, grape seed extract and green tea for immune support, enhanced circulation, and detoxification for healthier looking skin.