ADVERTORIAL

FOR YEARS , MARKETING CAMPAIGNS TARGETING the spa industry have emphasized a product ’ s physical appearance . Sleek finishes and eye-catching design have often been paramount when purchasing equipment , while science has taken a back seat .

Some would argue that this has been a blind spot in the spa industry for years .

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need to prioritize proven science so that staff and guests remain safe . Spas can no longer overlook medical education , and this new era has illuminated the value of certifications and the importance of verifiable green manufacturing .

Medical-grade solutions inside a treatment room are no longer a luxury — they are a necessity . As a result , innovation that normally would have taken years has instead taken just a few months .

Spa directors , for example , now care deeply about understanding regulatory requirements for a quality management system specific to the medical devices industry ( ISO 13485 ) and are seeking to add medical-grade accessories to their facilities .

In addition , spas need affordable solutions to the other challenges associated with COVID-19 . With guests and staff hyper-sensitive to the cleanliness and disinfection , what is a spa to do with an outdated , damaged massage table ? How will guests react to being in a spa with cracked face cradles or stools ?

Medical-grade solutions inside a treatment room are no longer a luxury — they are a necessity .

Oakworks , which since 2008 has equipped hospitals and healthcare professionals with FDA-listed equipment , has been a leader in innovation during the pandemic . The medical-grade , ISO-certified equipment it offers to spas comes with the same certification used in hospitals . It provides the safety that will protect a spa ’ s investment in new equipment .

One unique challenge facing spas today is how constant disinfection wears down the tops of tables . That ’ s why Oakworks created replaceable tops that provide the feel of a new table at a fraction of the price . Also , Oakworks tables are seamless , which prevents bacteria from penetrating the foam — another innovation adapted from the medical market . Its medical shield can be used for facials , manicures and pedicures .

To meet the new demands of COVID-19 , Oakworks recommends that spas perform a 360-degree equipment check to ensure their equipment meets a high standard . Oakworks is available for consultations and can provide minor upgrades in accessories that will make a major impact on safety .

Though the demands now facing spas are intense , the industry is meeting the challenge by innovating and making upgrades that will enhance the guest and staff experience for years to come . n

Talise

Britta