Ask Mary is an advice column for readers to ask Editor, Mary Hughes, for answers to their spa-related questions. Spa professionals and readers are invited to ask for advice at: [email protected]
Q: I had a wax treatment at a spa and it pulled a piece of skin off and it got sore. I emailed the spa and all they did was to offer me my money back, but that wasn't what I was looking for, I was looking for a remedy on how to treat my sore.
Anne from Mississauga, Ontario
A: Sometimes things get lost in translation Anne. Accidents do happen and I'm sure it wasn't the spas intention to tear some skin off of you. The spa should have explained due to dry skin, warm wax, loose skin, how you hold the skin, if you normally tweeze or shave that area, medications people take etc., all effect treatments. Then they should offer suggestions on how to remedy it. They could have suggested using tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic, aloe of course in any form, Polysporin an antiseptic cream you can buy at the drug store would all be good suggestions. Wash the area first and then apply the remedy two to three times to the skin for three days and that should help heal the sore. Then the spa should offer that they will check in with you to see how you're doing and follow up with the client in two days. If the client is still unhappy and seems inconsolable then at that point the spa could offer a refund or a gift certificate towards a different treatment.
Q. Mary what is your favourite treatment at a spa?
Sue from Kitchener Ontario
A. Well Sue that is a fun question. It is hard to answer because I am normally at a spa doing a review and I am working, so I really don't get to go anonomously to be myself and relax. But the odd time I do I love to receive a pedicure. I enjoy having my feet pampered and to sit and read a magazine and have a cup of tea is a real steal of time for me.
But if I am in need of some really good down time this girl loves a facial. I get to lie down and relax have my hands massaged or my feet depending on the treatment if I have a mask drying the spa therapist usually gives a hand or foot massage with it. I normally go to sleep and embarrassing as this sounds I may even have a little snore! How's that for TMI! I really enjoy zoning out and a decadent facial is such a treat for me and franlkly I am overdue for one!