Category: Uncategorized

story by Jordan Pupa

While the holiday season is full of good cheer and good company, it can also be a very stressful time. Lucky for us, Serenity Touch in downtown Lake City specializes in massage treatments, the perfect tool for staying healthy in the new year. Sheriko Jernigan’s journey with Serenity Touch began 2013 when she took a chance and rented a room out of S0-Lace Salon. The opportunity was a step in the right direction for building her own business, which she opened in 2017.

Sheriko was inspired to get into massage after her husband’s back surgery. He complimented her massages and suggested she look into furthering her education. In 2010 she attended and completed Avalon School of Massage. Two years later she obtained her SC State license to become a massage therapist. In October of 2017 Serenity Touch opened its doors at 106 W. Main St. in downtown Lake City. Serenity Touch offers massage therapy, spa treatments, massage packages, and memberships. Massage treatments include therapeutic, swedish, cupping, hot stone, deep tissue, and sports massage. Spa treatments include facials, body scrubs, paraffin wax wrap, body wrap, and ear candling. 

Sheriko explains how massages are a great health benefit for the body, mind and mental state. Benefits include improvement of blood circulation, relaxation of the muscles, stress and anxiety reduction, sleep improvement, and the release of endorphins and toxins. Additionally, massages can help build enzymes and lower blood pressure. For those of you who have chosen self-care as your New Year’s resolution, this may be what you need. In order to get the most out of massage treatments, Sheriko suggests scheduling regular sessions, weekly or bi-weekly. Of course, getting a massage anytime within a month is better than no time at all!

The thought of getting a massage can make some people uncomfortable or nervous. Sheriko’s advice is to look for highly recommended massage therapists by reading online reviews and to visit different locations to get a feel for the therapist and the environment. “A welcoming, relaxing, and rejuvenating environment helps people to feel more comfortable and willing to give it a try,” says Sheriko. “Use your instincts. Always ask questions and if willing, give different therapists a try to see who suits you best.” Sheriko strives as a business owner and professional to make every person that calls or walks through her door to feel comfortable and safe.

Overall, massage treatment is not just a luxury. Massages are a major health benefit and should be part of everyone’s overall wellness plan. “As a massage therapist, I take great joy in helping people feel better,” explains Sheriko. “When a client comes out of my room with a smile on their face, it makes me feel good that I helped them. I thank God, my family, and my clients for all the support and love on my journey.” If you’re interested in learning more about massage therapy, Sheriko is happy to help. Do your body a favor and schedule a session today!

Apart from being a business owner, Sheriko is also a wife to a loving and supporting husband, Chris, and a mother of two wonderful children, Christopher (14yrs) & Dakota (12yrs).

Serenity Touch | 106 W. Main St., Lake City | 843-374-8898

serenitytouchlc@yahoo.com

www.serenitytouch.com

Facebook: @serenitytouchlc

Each year, we all make resolutions to better ourselves. Let this new year be a new start for your skin, too. Here is a list to help you reach your skin care goals and obtain that glowing healthy complexion! 

1.) Get to know your skin and choose the correct products to address your specific concerns. If you have trouble deciding which products are best for your skin and are overwhelmed with all of the options, a licensed aesthetician or a skin care specialist can help you. The appropriate skin care regimen and consistency are crucial for reaching your skin goals. 

2.) Wear sunscreen everyday!!!! It doesn’t matter what   time of year it is, what the weather is, or what your plans are for the day, a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays is a must! More than 90% of aging is caused by sun exposure, This includes tanning beds! Sunscreen is your #1 anti aging product. Look for a lightweight formula with a spf of at least 30. I prefer hydrating ones containg zinc oxide. 

3.) Incorporate an antioxidant serum like Vitamin C and a retinoid into your skincare routine. The most common skincare antioxidant is Vitamin C which benefits the skin by evening out skin tone, creating a shield against environmental aggressors, and improving hydration. Tretinoins and retinols stimulate collegen production and cell turnover which aid in clearing up acne and minimizing fine lines and discoloration. 

4.) Don’t forget your neck, declotte, and hands. The aging process shows up here as well. Whatever you do to your face, do to your neck and chest and the back of your hands. There are also many products and procedures that are specefically used to treat these body parts. 

5.) Skip the sugar (and dairy if acne is a concern). Diet also effects our skin. Sugar is bad for our waistline and our skin! It contributes to both aging and acne. Too much sugar leads to inflammation which causes the breakdown of collagen and elastin, resulting in wrinkles and sagging. Sugar stimulates the production of certain pimple inducing hormones, too. Dairy products are also acne producing culprits. 

6.) Stay hydrated. A lack of hydration contributes to the look and feel of our skin. Our skin cells, like all of the cells in our body need water to function properly. If these cells are dehydrated it can present itself as dry, flaky, and tight skin with more noticeable wrinkles.Water also helps our body to flush itself of toxins. Not drinking enough water can lead to a build up of harmful substances that can cause breakouts. 

7.) Exercise on a regular basis. Exercise appears on most everyones resolution list for obvious reasons, but it positively effects our skin, too. It stimulates cell regeneration and helps remove those pesky toxins. Good exercises to try are strength training like yoga, barre, pilates, and TRX and cardio like jogging on shock absorbing surfaces, swimming, cycling, and HIIT training. 

8.) Get plenty of sleep! Nighttime is when our body is in repair and renewal mode.It gets rid of toxins and produces collagen and elastin to keep breakouts and wrinkles away. At night, our body also increases blood flow leading to a healthy glow. Lack of sleep leads to dull skin, wrinkles, puffiness, and dark under-eye circles. Remember that it is never a compliment when someone says that you look tired 

9.) Always wash your face before you go to bed! Help your skin rejuvenate itself by removing the dirt and grime of the day. Clean skin leads to healthy skin. 

10.) Realize the importance of in-office treatments. There are many non surgical options to address all of your skin concerns some with instant results and no downtime. This is where a skin expert can customize treatments and procedures for your skin. Together you can achieve lasting, glowing results. 

Genesis Cosmetic Laser Center • 1273 Celebration Blvd, Florence • 843-669-2220