Spa Day

[BlackMagicRose]

My mom and I have decided to go to a spa for a nice mother daughter day in July (when I go to Pennsylvania for a visit). I am really curious about what all of you normally get done at a spa. I am particularly interested in getting a facial.

So my questions are:

-What types of facial treatments do spas usually offer?
-Which ones have you had, which ones do you like or not like and why?
-Have you ever had the hot stone treatment? This looks so relaxing to me.
-What other types of things do you like getting done at the spa?

Anything else you would like to add I would be greatful! I am 26 years old and it will be first spa experience, so I am kind of excited. :)

[keska]

Every spa is different in what they offer as far as facial treatments, though they usually categorize them based on type of skin or effect. For example, they will have special facials to treat oily/breakout prone skin or anti-aging facials. Many will have a basic or "signature" facial that is for people who aren't looking for something specific. Check out your spa's website. Chances are they have all their services listed along with descriptions.

In addition to the regular facial treatments included in most facials, like masks and extractions, they'll offer things like oxygen treatment, peels, and microdermabrasion. I don't think oxygen treatments really do any good. I don't mind them if they're included in the facial but I wouldn't pay for one as an add-on service. Some people really like peels and microdermabrasion. I haven't done either because I use a topical medication from my dermatologist and those sorts of meds make your skin too sensitive to do some of the more serious skin procedures. Definitely tell your esthetician what medications you are taking before you start a facial. Personally, I usually go with a basic facial or one for oily skin.

I've had hot stone massage. It was something my massage therapist suggested during one of our sessions. I wasn't really excited about it when he brought it up but it felt great. I wouldn't want the kind of stone treatment where they just lay the stones on you and let you relax.

I like to get pedicures and sometimes manicures when I go to the spa. Once, DH got me a whole spa day certificate that included a massage, body scrub, facial, mani/pedi, haircut, make up application and a light lunch. The body scrub made my skin feel awesome but just weirded me out to have someone scrubbing me. I probably wouldn't do that again. I also wouldn't go to my spa for haircuts or make up, though it was fun for a one time thing. I mostly use the spa for massages and pedicures in the summer.

[PG-rated]

I love facials - I get one every six weeks or so. I have combination skin with easily clogged pores, so I get a deep-cleansing facial. Most spas offer some version of this, plus a hydrating facial, an anti-aging facial, and a calming facial (for sensitive or sunburned skin) and then they often have a couple of "specialty" facials. The "standard" facial is often called a European facial. If you tell them what kind of skin you have, they'll have a version for you.

I would say a "basic" spa day would consist of a facial, mani/pedi, plus maybe a massage. I always destroy my manicures, so I just do them myself at home and have the pedicures done professionally. It all comes down to what you think you'll enjoy doing most - no sense in paying for a treatment that you'll just be waiting to get through!

[laura]

I love facials, too. I just got one last Saturday, and it was hea-ven. Here is the desc from the website of my salon, I got the "spa facial":

Basic Facial
Deep cleansing, exfoliation, toning, botanical masque and moisturization are completed with refining masque and detoxifying massage.

Replenishing Facial
Our basic facial plus extraction and a deeply relaxing shoulder, neck and facial pressure point massage to release toxins and help clarify your skin.

[Salon] Spa Facial (1.5 hour)
Enjoy the attentions of our Replenishing Facial plus the rewards of an extended massage and a tension-releasing hand and foot treatment.

The most important part of a facial for me is extraction, so I wouldn't want the basic facial, which does not include that. I've also had lots of other facials at other spas, but the above desc is the general gist. I've also had aromatherapy facials, and those are pretty relaxing. That's my mom's fave. Usually the spa person who books your appointment will be helpful in helping you choose which facial will meet your needs.

A 'spa day' for me would probably be massage, facial, mani/pedi. I don't like wraps or polishes, but there are places where you can take a relaxing [whatever - like lavender or rose petals, etc] bath before or after your treatments and I might consider that. I've never been to a spa that offers that, but I was just reading about one yesterday. I am pretty basic when it comes to treatments, so I would probably upgrade time on a massage or facial (or both) before considering adding another service.

No hot stones for me, so no comments there.

[laurenc]

re: hot stone massages: i had one. i walked away with burns (like sunburns) on my lower back. during the massage, i thought, "boy, that's *really* hot!" but it wasn't hurting at the time (maybe because i was so relaxed?) so i figured maybe my senses were heightened and i only perceived it as being really hot, or maybe it was supposed to be that hot... so, my fault, i didn't say anything. a half-hour after the massage, at home, i discovered the red patches on my back, and noticed that they were starting to feel painful. by the end of the day i was putting aloe on it to try and soothe the pain, and it took a few days to clear up.

anyhow, all i can say is, if you go with a hot stone massage, be very explicitly communicative with the masseuse about your comfort level regarding the hotness of the stones. and the second something feels not quite right, speak up. i should have opened my mouth the minute i felt unusual, and i ended up with a $180 sunburn. (i had a giftcard, though, so it wasn't as if i paid $180 of my own cash :)

[Katy]

I love spa time (in fact, I have a package for next week or so). My choices, in order: massage, facial, scrub, wrap, pedi, then mani.

I'd suggest you do a search on this, as I'm certain this topic has been discussed a time or two before now, and you might get some more insight.