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Learn the three R's--relax, refresh, renew--at A Day Spa
by Susan Klann

Their maxim is "relax, refresh, renew." And after a facial from aesthetician Nancy Barnes and a massage from massage therapist Suzan E. Dee, itapostrophes mission accomplished.

From their warm-toned day spa in the bustling community of Stapleton just east of downtown Denver, Barnes and Dee are sharing with clients the skills and passion they have nurtured in their “second careers.” Several years ago, both of them faced turning points in life. Originally a teacher and then busy raising a family and trying out other careers that never felt quite right, Dee knew she wanted to put her hands on people, so to speak. She became a certified massage therapist, earning her certification at Colorado’s Crestone Healing Arts Center, which graduates students committed to positively impacting their communities through service and healing. She is an integrated massage practitioner, devoted to incorporating both spiritual as well as technical aspects in her work so the body gets “the full deal,” as she puts it.

“The number one cause of disease and sickness is stress,” she says. “Women need to take the time for themselves to relax.” In the colder months, hot stone massages are especially popular treatments. She notes that “computer shoulders” are ubiquitous year-round—sometimes clients stop in for just a half-hour treatment to relieve the problems in their neck and shoulders caused by working at a computer. She uses reflexology, acupressure, and Shiatsu techniques involving the body’s meridians so that her massages are a total experience. She is skilled in pre- and post-natal massage as well.

A facial from Barnes likewise bestows the gift of relaxation as well as rejuvenation of the skin. A gemologist in her previous life, several years ago Barnes also found herself seeking a new career she could feel passionate about. Despite a concern that she might be one of the older students as she pursued certification as an aesthetician, she knew it offered the hands-on work with people that she would enjoy, and she persevered. Today, she treats her clients to a full range of services, from anti-aging treatments for the face to a complete menu of wax treatments, to wraps and polishes for the body, to European and specialty facials. She uses Dermologica and Sanitas products in her facials, depending on needs. She is also a font of knowledge about skin care products and will advise on individual issues. Barnes is constantly seeking out the best products she can find and recently discovered a reasonably priced moisturizer she loves sold at Walgreens called “Yes to Carrots.”

How often should one have a facial? “At least once a month,” says Barnes. “They are therapeutic and relaxing. It’s also important to have your skin deeply cleansed once a month. More aggressive treatments such as beta peels can regenerate skin and leave it fresh and clear and youthful. Skin treatments also give you a chance to relax and relieve stress. The extra stress women have today is the cause of the increase we see in adult acne—we have treatments for that as well.”

Dee and Barnes bring a special blend of skill and personal commitment to their work at A Day Spa at Stapleton. Their professional, attractive retreat offers a respite for women from the challenges and demands of day to day life and in their capable hands, clients find that valuable chance to relax, refresh, and renew.

A Day Spa is located at 7505 E. 35th St. #390, Denver. You may reach Nancy Barnes, licensed aesthetician, at (303) 726-9173, or aesthenancy@gmail.com; and Suzan E. Dee, certified massage therapist, at suzan_dee@hotmail.com or (303) 343-0562 or (970) 470-3921.