When thinking about a spa and spa treatments, the one word that comes to most minds is relaxation. Day spas treatments are one way to achieve that state while being time conscious. According to the International Spa Association, a day spa is that that offers "a variety of professionally administered services to clients on a day-use basis. Day spas offer many of the same services and procedures as cosmetic spas." This means the body and beauty treatments that one would find at a destination spa are available closer to home.
Facials
Facials are common day spa treatments, and their purpose is to rejuvenate the skin. A basic facial incorporates massaging the face, cleaning, toning, steaming, exfoliating and moisturizing the skin on the face. Variations on the basic facial can include using masks to remove the top layer of dead skin and pave the way for new growth or to increase hydration. Other types of facial treatments include deep pore cleanses, collagen facials, acne facials and anti-oxidant facials.
Massages
Massage treatments at day spas are used to help reduce stress and relax muscles. Massages manipulate the soft body tissue, and there are several kinds of massages to target specific body issues. When massage is used for physiological, mental or mechanical benefits, it is called therapeutic massage. Different types of massages include pregnancy massage, acupressure massage, aromatherapy massage, stone massage, orthopedic massage and shiatsu massage.
Manicures
A manicure is a nail treatment to clean and shape the nails, while also working on the cuticles and overall appearance of the hands. A day spa manicure has more tasks associated with it than a traditional salon or at-home manicure. Day spa manicures include longer soaks, more exfoliation, longer moisturizing treatment and sometimes masks or dips to enhance the experience. This makes the treatment more relaxing and longer lasting.
Pedicures
A pedicure is a treatment for the feet, legs and toenails. The treatment removes dead skin, softens any hard areas like calluses and shape and care for the toenails. The feet are soaked in warm water and then massaged. An exfoliating treatment or scrub is done to prep the skin. A pedicure ends with the shaping of the toenails and an application of nail polish.
Body Wraps
A body wrap is a non-medical body treatment that involves applying a full-body mask of herbs and minerals, and then wrapping the body in soft plastic or blankets. Body wraps are done to improve the texture and appearance of the skin by getting rid of excess fluids and toxins. The body wrap procedure normally includes having the legs, arms, neck and torso wrapped tightly around the body to induce sweating.
Considerations
Day spa treatments are not for medical purposes. Certain medical conditions like allergies or high blood pressure make some day spa treatments inadvisable. Always consult the ingredients list for any treatment if you have a known allergy. Available day spa treatments and costs for any day spa treatment vary by location, and many services can be combined as a package. Check the day spa facility for their accreditation. All day spa technicians need to be licensed by the Department of Health.
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