"Cleanliness is next to godliness"-- or so the saying goes. However, each spring we clean our homes and invite in new energy and fortune into our lives; we cleanse our bodies with whole foods and detoxification treatments; we exercise our bodies and our minds with vigorous activity and the quiet solitude of meditation. In all of these ways we promote cleanliness in our lives, bodies and spirits. But what about the position we place our bodies in when we frequent businesses like spas or nail salons? What should we, as consumers, be looking for to protect ourselves and keep our health intact? I teamed up with Spa Velia, San Diego's best Day Spa and leaders in client satisfaction, for a closer look at the question of cleanliness and sanitation.

"The best way to be aware of a facility's cleanliness is by careful observation, with a discerning eye", says Dana Stallings, Principal of Spa Velia. Spa Velia's sanitation standards are of the utmost importance to their business culture and ethics. Based upon their practices, here are a few ways you can observe the facility itself:

Look for dust. When shopping through the retail area, notice shelves and product lids and packaging. If products are dusty they may have been sitting there for too long and not as fresh, which means you may not be interested in spending your money on them. Corners and floorboards should be clean and clear of dust and cobwebs. Restrooms, showers, lounges, lockers and other common areas should be completely clean -- even in darker lighting! One thing you can consider about dust is: if you can see it and it is not being taken care of, what else is falling through the cracks (so to speak)? Floors should be steam cleaned monthly or bi-monthly and a record should be kept.

Linens: All linens should be clean and free of any kind of dirt and stains and should absolutely be without any frays or tears. Linens should be stored in cabinets, closed containers or put away. They should not be stored in open spaces to collect dust.

Sanitation: In Esthetics rooms, there should be some sign of a sanitation container. All instruments that touch the skin (ie. Brushes; extractor tools; tweezers) must be washed with soap and warm water, and sanitized using a hospital grade disinfectant, after they are used on each client. In addition, each product and piece of equipment should be sanitized with an isopropyl alcohol after each and every client. Bottles that look like they have been used without being cleaned off are breeding grounds for bacteria. Take a close look when entering the room.

In lounges, brushes and combs should be in a sanitization container with appropriate disinfectant and should always be rinsed before and after use. If you have questions about sanitation, just ask. Every facility should feel confident in their sanitation procedures and your inquiry to keep yourself safe. Find out what kind of disinfectant they are using. The most popular are barbicide and cavicide. The facility should also be able to tell you how often these sanitation containers are cleaned and new sanitary liquid is replaced.

Wax: Wax pots should be visually clean. There should be no wax drippings anywhere on the warmer and there should be a clean wax collar around the wax can. In addition, a new wax stick should be used each time it is applied to the client's skin. This is the 'double dipping' concept - and it is a 'no - no' in the sanitation department. So, be aware during your waxing service. If the technician is using the same stick multiple times, you may want to reconsider where you frequent.

Technicians: All technicians should wash their hands before touching clients. Estheticians, massage therapists, nail technicians, hair stylists - everyone. We can pick up so many germs by just touching door handles or telephones. If a technician sneezes or coughs, the hands should be washed before continuing the service. Washing hands is key to being sanitary. Also look at their visual presentation. Uniform should be clean and each person should be well groomed and put together. If there are any visible cuts on hands - gloves should be worn to protect both parties. You should also be able to see the Technician's license in the room you are treated in. These are required to be on display, posted in public view. All working professionals should have non-expired licenses that are up to date.

Wet treatment rooms: These are rooms in which body treatments, wraps and body scrubs are performed. And, because of the water element - they will show signs of lackluster cleaning. Shower heads, counter tops, floors and drains should all be visibly sparkly and smell nice. Plastic and linens used in wet treatments should be disposed of or completely sanitized. The standard in the industry is to throw away any plastic, wash any linens and sanitize any synthetic blankets.

Overall these are not practices that are out of the ordinary. We give our homes, offices, cars, and clothing a good cleaning once weekly. So, consider all of the things you do to keep your environment clean and sanitary and take it to the next level when observing a business such as a spa. Keeping our health intact is one of the most important things we can do and paying attention to the details when allowing others to touch us is extremely important. Ask questions about the facilities you patron. They should all respect your interest in educating and keeping yourself safe. Watch closely to the way in which things are cleaned and handled. The facilities you notice that are following the above standards definitely have their and your best intentions at heart. And, I guarantee you will receive a much higher quality treatment and experience.

Tara Manna is a working Aesthetician at Spa Velia, San Diego's favorite, award winning, luxury day spa, In addition to developing a loyal following of devotees Spa Velia has been honored with a string of notable awards including San Diego Citysearch's Best Facial and Best Relaxation Massage 2008, San Diego Citysearch's Best Day Spa 2007, and Day Spa Magazine's Diamond Day Spa of the Year - December 2007. Spa Velia opened in October of 2005 and is located at: 401 West A Street, Suite 180 in San Diego (619.235.0000) www.spavelia.com.

Tara also is co-founder of Aesthetic Professionals Alliance, a network organization dedicated to all Aesthetic professionals worldwide. She is a spa industry leader who is seen writing articles for major magazines and speaking on the professional trade show circuit. She is passionate about education and sharing knowledge with others. Through her results-oriented approach Tara is dedicated to educating her clients and creating a partnership to find solutions to their skin, health and relaxation needs. "When a person feels their best they exude a glow that is priceless - this is my goal for every client at the end of every Spa service."