Looking Fit 08/2004: Sybaritic, Inc.

Sybaritic, Inc.
Skin Moisturization, Sybaritic Style

by Wendy Craft

Spa equipment manufacturer Sybaritic, Inc. is launching the Hydration Station™, a skin moisturization experience beyond the level of creams and lotions. The station—the first Sybaritic machine developed specifically for the tanning industry—is designed to help tanning salon clients achieve a deeper, richer, longer-lasting tan and help salon owners boost profits.

The conceptualization of the Hydration Station is derived from the spa-system company’s past repertoire, spanning more than 14 years, says Nielle Arnold, Sybaritic’s national sales director. During the last 10 years, Sybaritic has manufactured more than 25 spa systems to serve all kinds of clients in the spa, medical, chiropractic and physical-therapy industries.

“We have a unit for everything, but we are so excited about this new concept” she says. “We specifically customized a machine that addresses deep skin hydration and rejuvenation for a much darker, richer, longer lasting tan. It’s the ultimate in moisturization for the tanning clientele.”

The Hydration Station is based on a few key concepts, the first of which is Hydrofusion™, a powerful vortex of energy that combines infrared heat and steam. Humans are walking bodies of water, and water absorbs infrared very naturally; therefore, the body is heated from the inside out, Arnold says.

“The Hydration Station will balance skin’s pH by cleansing and detoxifying, boosting circulation and opening pores, leading to deeper product penetration,” she adds.

The system also uses chromo-therapy, through LED technology, providing color-bath therapy. The Hydration Station uses six unique colors, which include blue and red light therapies. Utilizing blue light therapy kills surface bacteria on the skin, and red light penetrates product deeper into skin, Arnold says.

For oxygen therapy, Sybaritic will showcase a line called OxyTan™. OxyTan consists of specific concentrates that are poured into the water to create a moisture blanket of steam containing active oxygenated ingredients including vitamins, botanicals, aloe and rich humectants. Spa and salon owners can customize this idea to meet individual needs of clients.

Aromatherapy is popular for relaxation, energy and detoxification, and always has been one of the core components of Sybaritic spa systems, Arnold says. In fact, the company has its own aromatherapy blends, which are created at its world headquarters in Minneapolis. Salons can purchase between 10 and 16 aromatherapy blends and notes, made of true essential oils. Some blends available are vigor, cleansing, health and relaxation; single-note aromatherapy choices include lavender and clary sage.

In addition to oxygen therapy and aromatherapy, the Hydration Station features vibratory massage. “The vibratory massage increases circulation of the blood and the lymphatic system,” she says.

Each program—including Prepare, Prolong and Protect— also will have a specific OxyTan concentrate infused into the steam that is delivered during treatment. “It’s very easy for the client to use,” Arnold says. “The client can actually utilize this from inside the system, meaning no technician is needed.”

The Hydration Station also may prove profitable in the off-season. Clients suffering from psoriasis, acne or sleep disorders might find relief from symptoms by using the Hydration Station. “Oxygen is a natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial,” she says. “Killing surface bacteria and balancing the skin’s pH are two of the most important concepts when treating acne.”

The system is efficient and requires no plumbing. In between sessions, technicians just add purified water to a small valve along with the OxyTan concentrate. “It should take between 30 and 45 seconds to prepare for the next client,” Arnold says. “It has very low maintenance, is very easy to operate and very user friendly, but offers fantastic results in deep hydration.”

The key marketing tool of the Hydration Station is: “Pick a product, pick a program and achieve a long-lasting, ultimate tan,” Arnold says. The goal of tanning salon owners will be to sell a series of sessions and to tell clients how, together with tanning, this creates a natural extension of the their tanning protocol, she adds.

The Hydration Station, which will be available in fall 2004, will change a tanning salon owner’s approach to marketing the salon’s services, Arnold says. “Clients are becoming more aware of the importance of protecting their skin and preventing the aging process. This is that solution—Prepare, Prolong and Protect your fabulous tan.”