Day Spa: What Is It And What To Expect

Never been to a spa? Not quite sure what’s even involved? No need to fret; the main thing you need to remember is to just relax! Day spas are establishments specifically tailored to pamper you in health, fitness, weight loss, beauty and relaxation. They are usually stand-alone while spas found in hotels and motels are often called destination spas. Learn the spa treatment basics and some not-so-standard extras that’ll have you blissed-out in no time!
Aromatherapy – This delightfully-scented treatment is based around essential oils (ex. lavender) and their abilities to improve a person’s mood through exposure to certain ones. Spas often offer aromatherapy as an additive to your massage.
Body Wrap – This type of treatment usually includes cocooning the entire body in a form of wrap designed to hydrate, slim, firm and soothe your skin and muscles. Popular wraps incorporates mud, thought to lessen water retention and clean pores, as well as skin-nourishing and firming seaweed.
Chemical Peel – Meant to improve and smoothen facial skin, this spa treatment uses a chemical solution that promotes sloughing of dead skin. After the skin peels, it reveals smoother, softer and less wrinkled skin. Different types include the less invasive fruit acids and the deeper penetrating retinoic acid peel meant to remove scars and pigmentation problems.
Facial – A facial is a common spa treatment that involves a variety of yummy-smelling and beneficial creams, lotions, masks and peels meant for hydration, detoxification and overall skin health. They are usually made up of minerals, vitamins and fruit extracts. Facials may also include blemish extractions, steams and massage.
Manicure – Your fingernails and hands are pampered during this cosmetic treatment. A basic manicure usually involves nail filing and shaping, as well as cuticle treatments, massage and fingernail polish application. Deluxe manicures sometimes include hot stone massage on the hands and forearms and paraffin wax treatments for smoother skin.
Massage – Massages are one of the base treatments you’ll find at spas. With so many selections to choose from, it might be hard to narrow it down. Here are some common massages you might come across:
Acupuncture – As a traditional Chinese medicine, this form or massage includes applying pressure using very thin needles to certain points of the body. Pressure point include shoulders, temples and feet.
Balinese – This treatment uses gentle techniques including kneading, skin rolling and stroking. Aromatherapy oil is often used. This is a great beginner’s massage!
Deep Tissue – If you have constant aches and pains or severe muscle tension, this massage is for you. It focuses on intensely massaging the muscles below the top muscles.
Lomilomi – Originating from Hawaii, the lomilomi is a traditional massage used with palms, forearms, fingers elbows and sometimes sticks and stones.
Reflexology – This soothing massage focuses on the reflexes in the hands and feet. It’s based on pressure points.
Shiatsu – Similar to acupuncture, Shiatsu uses the same energy points, but instead of needles, pressure is applied with thumbs, fingers and palms. It also incorporates stretching, rolling, brushing and grasping.
Stone – This type of massage can include both cold or hot smooth stones. They are applied with pressure to the body either with or without oil in a variety of massaging strokes. Hot stones are usually placed on the spa- goer’s back, meant for deep heat penetration and muscle tension relaxation.
Swedish – The Swedish massage uses five basic strokes that include long, flowing movements, as well as kneading, rhythmic tapping, friction and vibration or shaking. It is best for relieving joint stiffness and poor circulation.
Microdermabrasion – Similar to chemical peels, microdermabrasion helps to remove damaged skin, scars and unwanted pigmentation. The skin (usually face) is lightly abraded using crystal- or diamond-surfaced wands or machines. Most people who receive microdermabrasion have multiple sessions for maximum results.
Pedicure – Feet come first with during pedicures. Much like manicures, this toenail and foot treatment involves nail filing and shaping, cuticle treatments, massage and polish application. Deluxe pedicures also sometimes include hot stone massage and paraffin wax treatments.
Skin Exfoliation – Sugar and salt scrubs are usually part of this skin treatment. Skin exfoliation helps to slough off dead skin, making your face and body look radiant and feel smooth. Often scrubs are used during deluxe manicures and pedicures.
Waxing – Multiple hair removal treatments are usually available at spas for facial and body hair. Using hot wax to pull the hair from the roots is the most common form of spa semi-permanent hair removal.