With time a more precious commodity than oil, and money tighter than a Democratic primary, no wonder the concept of a day spa has been taking the beauty industry by storm.

Weeklong trips to fancy spas for rest and rejuvenation are not a possibility for most women.

But a drive to Treesdale, McMurray or Mt. Lebanon is certainly within the realm of accessibility. In fact, Salon Vivace has been so successful with its day spas that it now operates 13, including the first that opened in Los Angeles in 1995. Other locations include the exclusive Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., Toronto, Charlotte, N.C., and Beverly Hills, Calif.

Owner Joey Imbarlino and his four partners grew up together in Pittsburgh and worked in the salon at Horne's before establishing their enterprise. As different partners moved around the country, Salon Vivaces followed. In addition to Mr. Imbarlino, who handles marketing for the chain, partner Glenn Rengers serves as director of education and training from the South Hills location.

"We had a reputation with hair," explains Mr. Imbarlino. "We're all very good with hair and did hair shows with major manufacturers all over Europe. We knew there was a change. Salons were turning into salons with facials and cosmetics. We knew the next step was a place where you could actually go and relax, spend the day and have multiple services. "

Salon Vivace in Treesdale even offers consultations with Dr. Richard Razewski, a board-certified plastic surgeon who maintains an office on the premises. Mr. Imbarlino says it was a logical move because the spa offers physician-assisted services, including skin peels and other procedures that are precursors to plastic surgery.

The most popular treatments at the spas involve anti-aging services such as micro-dermabrasion. "We like to call them wellness procedures," says Mr. Imbarlino. "They really do make you look younger, and we do the hands and feet to match."

Other favorites are the hot mineral stone massages, Vichy showers, body wraps with seaweed or mud, collagen Hydroloage masks and auto-bronzant application. Assorted manicures and pedicures also are offered, along with more standard salon fare such as haircuts, color and products by Salon Vivace, Prive, Rene Furterer and the Yonka skin line from Paris.

"It's a soothing, calming place. What it amounts to is a little escape from everyday life. Some people come for a small vacation in the middle of the week or after a hard day's work or a day at home with the children. The ideas is to leave much more relaxed than when you first came."

For salon information and locations, check www.salonvivace.com.