Spa Treatment Basics

What is Exfoliation?

Spas are always talking about exfoliation. But what is it? Why is it important? And can you overdo it?

Exfoliation is the removal of the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface. When done correctly, exfoliation leaves the skin smoother and fresher looking. It also makes penetration easier for products like serums that nourish the skin.

Exfoliation is an important part of facials and body treatments.

There are two forms of exfoliation:

1) Mechanical Exfoliation. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive. Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds, or skin brushing.

Products for the face should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads.

2) Chemical Exfoliation. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. They can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the product is.


Why Is Exfoliation Important?

The skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sending them to the surface (the epidermis). As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin.

The keratinized skin cells are essential. They give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.

As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.

It is possible, however, to overexfoliate, especially on the delicate skin of the face. Overexfoliating will dry and irritate the skin.

What You Should Know About Facial Exfoliation:

-Be extra careful with the delicate skin of your face.
-It's easy to overexfoliate. Talk to a good esthetician about the product and frequency that is best for your skin.
-Never use body scrubs on the face. They're too rough.
-Be very careful with peels. Don't get one peel and then go somewhere else to ask for another. You can remove too much of your protective layer and end up exposing the living dermis.
-Never wax if you've had a peel recently. It might also expose raw, living skin, which will have to scab over to heal.

What You Should Know About Body Exfoliation:

-You can use a body scrub once or twice a week with no problem.
-Body brushing every morning is a gentle way to exfoliate -- and wake up!

What Is Massage?

Massage has been around for thousands of years. The word “massage” comes from the Greek root “masso" -- to touch. Today it is the most popular spa treatment.

Swedish massage best for beginners

Swedish massage is the most popular style of massage in the U.S. It is very relaxing and a good choice for first-time spagoers.

A basic Swedish massage is 50-60 minutes long. It involves the stroking of skin and kneading of muscles. It is performed by a licensed massage therapist, who uses oil to lubricate the skin. You are usually nude but covered by sheets.

The cost of massage varies, depending on geographic location and how luxurious the spa is.

Other types of massage

There are many different types of massage, including deep tissue, sports massage, hot stone , aromatherapy , lymphatic drainage, trigger point therapy ,craniosacral therapy, neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release, watsu Rolfing, reflexology , Shiatsu, Thai Massage and Ayurvedic massage like abhyanga.

Many people consider massage a pampering experience, but it has important health benefits. In fact, you get the greatest benefit when it is part of your regular wellness routine.

What Is A Facial?

A facial cleans, exfoliates and nourishes the skin to promote clear, well-hydrated skin. A facial is the second most popular spa service after massage.

The Basic Steps of a Facial

A facial involves a few basic steps:

-cleansing
-skin analysis, where the esthetician puts eyepads over your eyes and looks at your skin through a brightly lit magnifying lamp
-exfoliation, usually while a steam vapor is directed at your face.
-extraction of blackheads if you want it and it's suitable for your skin type. (It can cause broken capillaries.)
-facial massage to relax you and stimulate your skin and facial muscles
-a mask targeted to your skin type (dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature.)
-application of toners and protective creams
-advice on home skin care

Who Gives A Facial?

A facial is given by a licensed esthetician with special training in skin care.

How Much Does a Facial Cost?

A facial usually starts around $75 at a day spa in a smaller city. Prices will be higher at destination spas, resort and hotel spas. Special masks and serums also make the price go higher

How Often Should I Get A Facial?

Ideally, get a facial every four to six weeks because that's how long it takes the skin to regenerate. Try to have a facial at least four times a year, as the season changes. You may need it more frequently if you are trying to clear up a case of acne, especially at the beginning.

Variations on the Classic European Facial

Variations on the classic European facial include the "mini-facial" (cleansing without extractions) and specialty facials. Add vitamin C, and you have an "age defense" facial. It's an "oxygen facial" when a mist of pure oxygen is part of the treatment, and a "collagen facial" when special collagen sheets are placed on the skin. An acne facial will pay special attention to extractions.

What Is A Body Treatment?

Body treatments are essentially a facial for your whole body. It is just as important to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin on your body as it is the skin of your face.

The most popular body treatment is a salt glow or sea-salt scrub. This is an exfoliating treatment that takes place on a massage table covered with a sheet and a large, thin piece of plastic.

As you lay on your stomach, the massage therapist rubs a mixture of sea salt, oil, and aromatics like lemon into your skin. This exfoliates the skin and leaves it feeling velvety soft.

Once your whole body is scrubbed, which takes maybe ten or fifteen minutes, you shower it all off without soap, leaving a nice coating of oil.

It's an invigorating treatment, and it's a good idea to get your scrub before your massage if you're having both.

Variations can come from the essential oils or scrub materials: you might get an orange blossom/peppermint salt glow or a cucumber salt glow, or a body scrub done with coffee grounds, finely ground pecan shells or Napa Valley grape seeds.

A body mask and body wrap often takes place after a scrub. After you rinse off the salt you return to the treatment table. If you're slathered with mud, algae, or seaweed and wrapped in a thermal blanket, it's a "detoxifying" treatment that stimulates your metabolic system, speeding its ability to carry away waste products. If the product is cream or lotion, it's a "hydrating" treatment.

A body wrap can also be a wrapping treatment used to treat cellulite. It sometimes has a diuretic effect that aids in temporary weight reduction.

The Perfect Spa Manicure and Pedicure

A manicure and pedicure at the spa is generally more expensive than what you get at the local nail salon. A spa manicure might be $25-$35 vs. $10 at the corner nail salon, while a spa pedicure might be $45-$55 or even more. What are you getting for your money?

Why Is The Spa Manicure and Pedicure More Expensive?

You are paying in part for a more luxurious atmosphere. Instead of flourescant lights and noxious fumes from airbrushed nails, you have pretty light fixtures, good design, and a handsome pedicure chair in a quiet corner.

You probably won't get the full robe and slipper treatment if you are only purchasing nail services. But spa owners do go to great lengths to find technicians who can give you a special experience. They can give you beautifully shaped nails and suggest the perfect color for your skin and the season.

Their work lasts -- no chips or bubbles. And they should have a very nice manner.
A spa manicure and pedicure usually has a few extra steps -- an aromatic salt rub, or hydrating mask or paraffin dip -- that can make it last longer and feel more luxurious.

If you need to save, get a spa manicure or pedicure as a special treat and do you regular maintenance at home or with your corner nail or beauty salon.

What Is A Spa Treatment?

Spa treatments are the services that a spa provides.

The most popular spa treatment in the United States and a good place to start is massage. It has been around for thousands of years and has a number of health benefits.

Other popular spa treatments include facials and body treatments like salt glows and body wraps.

Most spas have a nail salon offering spa manicures and spa pedicures . Spas with salons offer hair cutting and styling services.

Once you've tried the basic spa treatments, you might want to branch out to different types of massage like Thai massage , hot stone massage or reflexology. You should talk to your esthetician about what facial services or body treatments would be most appropriate for your skin type.

Remember, the most important thing you can do to enjoy your trip to the spa is arrive at least 15 minutes before your treatment is scheduled to begin. That way you can check in, change into your robe, and start to relax. If the spa has facilities like a sauna, steam bath, or hot tub, arrive even earlier.