For some reason, probably dating back to the austere days of our founding fathers, traditionally the United States has viewed personal care as vanity and extravagance; a luxury confined to those with copious amounts of free time and disposable income. Thankfully, we are seeing a shift in that mentality. Doctors have recognized the role stress plays in disease and health insurers are now encouraging employers to incorporate “wellness programs” into their plans, promoting everything from weight control to alternative therapies including acupuncture and massage to reduce the high costs associated with managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

From our inception, Brad Duncan Skin Care has always practiced a different approach to personal care. For the most part, the clients we see daily are looking to make real changes to their skin. We have long recognized and promoted the role of limited sun exposure, clean eating and the use of probiotics along with regular facials and a comprehensive home care routine. We were all about wellness before it was fashionable to be all about wellness.

When new clients come into our practice, they are often curious as to why we ask for so much information not only about allergies but also physical conditions and any medications they are taking. As an integrated spa, continuing education and a keen interest in the health of those who come through the doors is very important to the success of our staff. By example, over the past year we have been seeing a client with moderate to severe acne. She has been diligent about her visits and home care and was making remarkable progress in clearing up her skin. Then we began to see a regression in that progress. When pressed by her esthetician, she disclosed that she had recently gone back on a medication for a completely unrelated condition. The esthetician was curious and did some research, only to find that a common side effect of the drug can be severe acneic breakouts. Unless you’re reading the fine print packaged with your prescriptions, you might never make the connection. Because here at Brad Duncan we have an individualized approach to each client, we go the extra mile to understand what’s happening with our clients beneath the surface of their skin.

Our differentiated service has always stemmed from our individual approach to every client. I often tell new clients that even if you become a regular, you may not get the same facial twice. Because your skin is the largest organ in your body, it is continually impacted by harsh conditions related to stress, hormonal shifts and environmental factors including seasonal changes and pollution. Our job is to monitor those changes and to adapt our treatment protocols accordingly.

More recently, we have expanded our service offerings to include integrated massage therapy. Just like our approach to your skin, we recognize that clients' needs relative to the health of their bodies vary. We incorporate alternative therapies like Cupping, Myofascial Release, Facial Massage and the use of CBD to reduce inflammation within muscles and joints. And like our facials, these treatments can be combined for a customized experience within a full 60, 75- or 90-minute massage. And we are now able to offer specialized massage targeted to clients suffering with pain from injuries chronic conditions and immune disorders.

Yesterday I went back and watched one of my favorite Ted Talks from 2005 by Carl Honore, a Canadian journalist who wrote the book “In Praise of Slow." I've had it bookmarked for years and when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I like to go back and watch because it reminds me to stop speeding through my life. It also reminds me that taking time for relaxation, meditation and good old fashioned self-care makes me a better, kinder, more creative and more productive human being. Not a bad message to come back to…  

Be well and we look forward to seeing you soon!  

Jill