You probably already know that Chicago’s Spa Space is one of a kind. We have been lauded as the best day spa in Chicago many times and we like to think that is because of our personalized customer service as well as our innovative spa treatments. We can respond to our customer’s unique needs and introduce new types of spa massage for Chicago’s most discerning spa-goers because we are a small, local business.

Small businesses like ours are what give Chicago’s distinctive neighborhoods their flavor and flair. And, as you have no doubt heard, the pandemic has been hard on them.

So, if you have shopping to do – whether you want to do it in person or online – consider starting with some of our homegrown shops and local services.

3 Reasons to Shop Local

1. More responsive customer service. Spa Space isn’t the only local business that makes it a real point to offer outstanding customer service. Small businesses like ours are part of the community. The people we serve could be our neighbors, our kids’ teacher or a local influencer – and we want them to come back. Plus small businesses like ours usually have more flexibility to meet customers’ needs.

2. More of the money you spend stays in the community. According to The Local Good, for every $100 spent at a locally owned small business, $68 stays right there in that community, contributing to the local economy. When you shop at a national chain store, they say, only $43 stays in the community.

3. Small businesses create jobs. “Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally,” The Local Good says.

Of course, this year there is another reason to shop local that might be even more compelling. Many small businesses won’t survive the economic challenges associated with the pandemic. By shopping at locally-owned shops in Chicago you can invest in your community and help them make it.

And while you are shopping, don’t forget that gift certificates from Spa Space, an innovative day spa in the heart of Chicago, make great gifts.

During the winter – especially if you are spending that winter in Chicago – you need to up your skincare game. And your friends at Spa Space Chicago – voted the best day spa in Chicago – are here to help.

It’s not enough to cover up your skin with an assortment of gloves, scarves, hats, and coats to protect it from the harsh winter weather in the Windy City. Conditions inside your home or workplace this time of year can also be hard on your skin.

Understanding why dry skin can be such a problem this time of year can help you plan an effective strategy to combat it.

The Role of Humidity

Humidity levels – both inside your home and out in the cold – are a big part of the reason why all seem to be plagued with dry skin this time of year.

“Outdoors, the cold air holds less moisture,” the Washington Post reports. “Indoors, heating systems also dry out the air.”

It is sad to think that the heating system that you give thanks for every time you walk in the front door is contributing to your dry skin, but don’t despair. You certainly don’t want to turn the heat off – and you don’t have to! There are simple steps you can take to protect and soothe your skin.

You probably can’t do much about the humidity levels in the air while you are at work – unless of course, you are working from home. In that case, a simple humidifier can be a great weapon in your battle against dry winter skin.

Daniela Kroshinsky, a Harvard dermatologist, told the Washington Post that a high-capacity machine is the best way to go. “Smaller units probably don’t change the humidity level effectively,” she told the paper.

The reporters at the Post really did their homework. “A review of the scientific literature on climatic conditions found this general truth: Low humidity and low temperatures reduce the skin’s capacity to serve as a barrier and increase the risk of dermatitis — itchy, dry and often inflamed skin,” they say.

Moisturizing your skin twice a day should definitely be part of your winter skincare routine.

If you have questions about what products you should be using for your type of skin, call Spa Space Chicago at 312-465-5987.

Make Your Next Snow Day a Spa Day

There are crazy, stressful days in Chicago when a spa massage is all you can think of. But there are times when it’s just not possible to visit your favorite spa in downtown Chicago – or any Chicago day spa for that matter. Those are the times that you need to create a spa space in your own home, where you can relax, let go of the stress, and refresh your spirit.

Let’s face it, this probably isn’t the year for big aspirational resolutions. Between the pandemic and a fierce Chicago winter, you have enough on your plate just getting out of bed in the morning. And, of course, those cold, grey, snowy days in Chicago are when a spa day would be a real lifesaver are the days when you can’t possibly get here.

If you really do want to make a resolution, though, you might want to go with something like, “I resolve to maintain my sanity!” And knowing how to create a spa-like ambiance in your home can definitely help with that.

Make Your Place a Spa Space

The folks at AARP (hey, respect your elders!) offer 10 Steps to the Perfect DIY Spa Night that has some great ideas.

“If you’re a bath lover, apply face and hair masks before that dreamy soak and maybe end with a clear water rinse under the bath faucet,” they say. “Prefer showers? Do your masks and let them work while you read a book, write in a journal or daydream before spray-time. Adapt the schedule, agenda, and products to suit your needs of the moment.”

We would probably opt for the bath. You can find some lovely (and inexpensive) mineral salts at your local drugstore – or treat yourself and have them delivered, along with some aromatic oils or candles to help set the mood.

And, when the snow melts and it’s safe to venture out, you can book a spa day at Spa Space Chicago!

Do you like a deep massage or do you prefer the relaxing rhythms of Swedish massage at Spa Space of Chicago? Everyone has their own preferences when it comes to massage therapy – even Santa!

December is obviously a very stressful time for St. Nick. We’ve heard that he helps keep his jolly on with regular massage treatments and that his preference is for Swedish massage.

Massage Techniques Explained

There are many different types of massage, each of which offers unique benefits. Here are a few of the most popular:

• • Swedish Massage

As the folks at WebMD explain, Swedish massage is the most common form of massage. “It involves soft, long, kneading strokes, as well as light, rhythmic, tapping strokes, on topmost layers of muscles. This is also combined with the movement of the joints. By relieving muscle tension, Swedish therapy can be both relaxing and energizing. And it may even help after an injury.”

• • Deep Tissue Massage

If you have chronic problem areas, like tight shoulders or pain in your lower back, deep tissue massage might be for you. This method targets deep, underlying layers of muscle and the connective tissue surrounding the muscles. “Deep tissue massage techniques are used to break up scar tissue and physically break down muscle ‘knots’ or adhesions (bands of painful, rigid tissue) that can disrupt circulation and cause pain, limited range of motion, and inflammation,” VeryWell Health says.

• • Neuromuscular Massage

“Neuromuscular therapy is a form of soft tissue manipulation that aims to treat underlying causes of chronic pain involving the muscular and nervous systems,” the medical experts at WebMD say. “This medically-oriented form of massage addresses trigger points (tender muscles points), circulation, nerve compression, postural issues, and biomechanical problems that can be caused by repetitive movement injuries.”

• • Stretching Massage

Stretching doesn’t just feel good, it can enhance your overall health and fitness. “Assisted stretching uses specific techniques to increase mobility and flexibility of a muscle or group of muscles,” Massage Magazine says. “It requires advanced training in the way the body moves.”

Every massage at our Chicago day spa is a custom massage, so you don’t have to decide on just one. Talk to your massage therapist about your goals.

Spa Space Is Thankful for Chicago’s Essential Workers

All of us at Chicago’s Spa Space – from the therapists who deliver the best massages in Chicago to our skincare experts and from our manicurists and spa attendants to our managers – would like to sincerely thank all of the essential workers who have been showing up and taking care of the city day after day, ever since we first heard of Covid-19.

The pandemic is hard on everyone. Some people are dealing with crippling isolation. For some, the challenge comes from not being able to work. And for others – for our essential workers – the challenge lies in showing up for the community they serve despite the risk to their own health and safety.

You Have Our Thanks

The healthcare workers caring for Covid-19 patients are at the top of our list. The doctors and nurses in Chicago’s hospitals have demonstrated incredible compassion and grit as the pandemic stretches on and on. We are grateful to them – and to all of the support people who work in the hospital from the respiratory therapists to the cleaning crew.

They really are heroes. And we are thankful for all that they are doing.

There are countless others all across the city who are also leaving the safety of their homes and heading off to work at grocery stores and gas stations. There are people delivering everything from your mail to your pizza (not to mention all the boxes of stuff you have ordered online!).

Chicago’s first responders continue to put their lives on the line. And there are amazing people who venture out to volunteer at food banks and distribution sites.

If you would like to join the management and staff at our downtown Chicago spa in thanking essential workers, the United Way has put together a list of ways you can thank essential workers. Of course, the best way to show your appreciation is by wearing a face mask, maintaining a distance of six feet from others, and washing your hands frequently.