Spa Treatments
Spa Treatments are the most common forms of organized skin health procedures in the United States today. In addition, spas have been in existence since the beginnings of ancient Greece. The term "spa" as it is referred to today originated in England in 1596. Originally a means to cure disease and cleanse skin ailments through bathing and the drinking of medicinal waters, spas have developed into institutions that offer a wide variety of services all aimed at improving bodily health.
The kinds of skin and beauty treatments that are offered at each spa very greatly. In general, larger spas tend to offer many different types of the basic treatments such as facials, mud baths, massages and manicures/pedicures.
In addition to the basics, some spas even offer laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion and chemical peels. It is helpful to have a simple understanding of the basic treatments that a given spa provides before making your first appointment.
How do Spa Treatments Work?
Spas use a variety of methods to rejuvenate your skin and body while smoothing skin and reducing the appearance of defects. They offer services in packages or individually to meet your needs.
Facilities often have hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms so that you can relax between treatments. Depending on the size of the spa you are attending, they could even have restaurants that address proper nutrition and exercise facilities.
Spas consider two basic principles: the removal of toxins from the body and the removal of dead cells from the surface of the skin. In addition, spas also address muscle relaxation and hydration.
When you visit a spa, the idea is to get a full body rejuvenating treatment that leaves you feeling clean and refreshed. The entire process only takes a few hours and most individuals feel that the time spent is well worth the money.
Types of Spa Treatments
Destination: These spas are typically the largest and utilize the most variety of different methods of skin and body rejuvination. People typically visit these spas as a vacation for 2-3 days.
All aspects of health (nutrition, physical fitness, relaxation, mental, etc.) are addressed. In addition, spas of this type will typically offer various health and wellness packages that you can choose from, hence, you will be able to somewhat customize your treatments.
Resort: Usually located in hotels, these spas offer short term services like facials, massages, pedicures, manicures and fitness classes.
Day: The most common type of spa. They typically offer the same services as resort spas but generally utilize several different techniques over the course of a day to refresh and revitalize skin.
Health: These spas focus more on the big picture. Health professionals assist visitors in all aspects of a healthy body through massages and classes.
Medical: Botox Injections and Laser resurfacing treatments are typically found at medical spas. Some patients choose to take advantage of the recovery services that these spas usually provide.
Mineral Springs: These spas focus on organic means of refreshing the skin. The use of different types of water is employed for optimal skin health.
Treatment Services Normally Offered By Spas
Facials: Spas often use organic, light chemical peels and warm stones to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and draw impurities from the different layers of skin. Face masks made from fruits and oats are also fairly common.
Massages: Many types of massages are offered by spas. While most of them are geared towards the relaxation of muscles, some types are thought to stimulate collagen growth and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Microdermabrasion: Most spas use creams and machines to remove dead cells and reduce the appearance of small wrinkles, lines and blemishes.
Body Scrubs: Some spas offer full body scrubs using lotions and salt products to remove dead cells and unclog pores while hydrating the skin.
Advantages of a Spa Treatment
Spas offer a wide variety of services that can be combined to address a wide variety of skin conditions and ailments. A trip to the spa can solve several issues at once.
Spas are usually very relaxing. Besides the obvious benefit to your skin, most people leave feeling refreshed and clear minded.
A spa is normally operated by trained professionals that are experts in their particular techniques.
Spas are a great place to learn new ways to take care of your skin. Many of the treatments that are performed at spas can later be duplicated at home or elsewhere.
Treatments can be hand tailored to your individual needs. Almost every spa treatment is designed to be changed based on the specific issues you have with your skin.
Spas that offer recovery suites after deep chemical peels and laser resurfacing can be pricy but are nurturing environments to ensure a successful recovery.
Disadvantages of a Spa Treatment
While spa prices can vary greatly, they are usually very expensive. Half day packages (actually usually lasting 2 hours) usually cost about $280. Full day packages (about 4 hours) can run as much as $450.
Many people cannot find the time to donate to a spa as even the shortest sessions tend to last 50 minutes.
With exception to medical spas, most spas cannot address skin conditions that require more in depth non-surgical treatments. A coconut facial may rejuvinate the skin but will do little to reduce the appearance of blemishes or scars.
Treatments that are already expensive at medical facilities tend to be even more expensive when performed at spas. A 2009 study found that the average mark up for chemical peels at spas as opposed to normal facilities was $74.
Although spa employees are professionals, some people are uncomfortable with services like full body scrubs that may require full or partial nudity.
Choosing The Right Spa For You
There are many considerations when choosing a spa. You want your experience to be as relaxing and beneficial to your individual needs as possible to reap the facility's full benefits. Feel free to ask an attendant these questions before setting an appointment:
What sort of services do you offer for wrinkles, blemishes and other skin conditions?
How effective have your techniques been in the past?
Are their specific services that I should try for fast results?
How much training do your employees have or receive?
What are some things I can do to get the most out of my experience?
Is a Spa Treatment Right for You?
If you have the time and money, spa treatments can be rejuvenating and relaxing. Some people use spas as a welcome vacation or a way to unwind after a hard day at work.
While many of the skin and body techniques may not serve as well as others to address skin conditions that require laser resurfacing or chemical injections, many of the services can reduce small wrinkles or fine lines on the face. Coupled with the relaxing environment, many individuals find spending an afternoon at a spa well worth the money required to do so.
Research the spa that you would like to visit to find out their prices, the services and procedures that they offer, their certifications, and their policies so that you are prepared when you get there. Many spas will offer free tours that are open to the public, making it convenient to learn the various skin care procedures that they perform. In addition, by taking a tour beforehand, you will be able to discuss the expected results and the costs associated with each type of treatment.
Spas often offer many services that can be repeated at home. Using a spa as both a cleansing and rejuvenating vacation, while still serving as a learning session, can help you to get the most out of your visit.
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