Spa Treatments Products Buying Guide
There's nothing quite like the soothing, stress-relieving qualities of a spa treatment in a salon (gift certificates  are fabulous and thoughtful gifts), but not everyone has the time and money to go to a spa every time they need to unwind. With the multitude of spa products on the market you can literally transform your ordinary bath tub into a scintillating spa. Here you can find out how to combine indulgence and luxury without overspending so you'll be on your way to pampering paradise. Here are a few places to start whether you are shopping for yourself or that special someone. If you are in the gift giving mood, remember to check out the bath and body gifts guide for more ideas!
Choosing Spa Treatments- Choose your battles. Do you want to just relax and unwind or would you rather give yourself a beauty overhaul from head to toe? When planning your spa experience you should come up with a plan for what exactly you want to get out of it. For relaxation, aromatherapy candles and a good warm soak in a tub full of soothing oils is a great way to chill out. If you feel like something luxurious, choose some opulent bubble baths, a succulent face mask and a great mani/pedi kit.
- Allow a reasonable budget. A spa day for yourself is meant to be a treat, so when you're shopping try to act like you are giving yourself a gift. Don't worry about indulging just a bit (as long as you can afford it). If you're on a tight budget, keep the majority of products you choose on the cheap side and then invest some money in the one thing that you've been dying to have.
- Be practical. One of the best ways to make a home-spa experience more economical is to stay practical. Products that will eventually be used down the road are always useful. Spa appliances on the other hand, may not be something you are ready to invest in if you don't have the money or don't plan on using them that often. If you plan to buy an appliance, make a promise to yourself that you'll take the time out to actually use it once in a while.
- Don't forget about the basics. Since you're dealing with your skin, you can't forget to pay attention to what you're putting on it, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Read up about various products in the bath and body and skin care sections to learn more about what is best for your skin type.
Spa Treatment Types
Relaxing Spa
Creating the mood for a spa session in your own home is of primordial importance. Without the right mood, a bath is just a bath.
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Dim Lights
Tea lights and votives are perfectly sized to be placed around the tub. Just keep them away from where your head will be resting. |
Comfort
A bath pillow makes lounging in a tub so much more comfortable. Usually the cloth covered kind are best. If you don't want to buy one, simply roll up a fluffy terry cloth towel. |
Soothing Products
A hydrating bath oil with your favorite scent or even a bubble bath will help nourish the skin and soothe the senses. See below for more information on products. |
Massager
Nothing says relaxation like a massage. Waterproof massage creatures (shown) are inexpensive and they feel great when used with some bath oil. Also check out massage mitts. |
Zzzzs...
An aromatherapy eye mask has so many benefits. It helps soothe the senses and calm tired eyes as well as block out light so you can forget about everything else going on. |
A Full Facial
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Open the Pores
A facial sauna is the first step in a facial, opening up the pores so that you can clean deep down to get out all the grime and grit of daily life that builds in the skin. |
Exfoliate
After steaming, use a gentle facial scrub to slough off dead skin. You can even opt for a chemical peel or a microdermabrasion treatment if you wish. |
Nourish
A hydrating facial mask is just the thing to soothe skin after exfoliating. Make sure to sit and relax with some cucumber slices on your eyes too. |
Cleanse
Before starting any treatments, make sure to clean the face thoroughly and gently pat dry with a clean towel. Use your favorite face cleanser or a specialty product of your choice. |
Treat
After you've put your skin through the ringer, be sure to give it the final touch with a treatment of your preference, usually a great moisturizer suitable for your skin type. |
Body Betterment
Your face gets treated to quality products everyday, but what about your body? It too needs a little TLC once in awhile.
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Exfoliate
Use a scrub or a body polish to slough off dead surface layers to reveal younger, smoother, more radiant skin. |
Nourish
A body mud hydrates the skin, removes impurities and detoxifies the skin. |
Indulge
For a long soak to soothe sore, aching muscles, just pour a little bath oil into the tub and let your stress melt away. |
Seal the Deal
Out of the tub enjoy massage oils or massage bars to rub away tension and lock moisture into the skin. |
Call it a Day
A thick body butter adds extra hydration to keep skin smooth and supple. |
Additional Services
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Hair Treatment
Don't leave your noggin' out of the fun. A deep conditioner or hot oil hair treatment can turn frizzy locks into soft, supple strands. Apply and cover with a shower cap and warm towel while you relax. |
Foot Massage
Treating your feet has never been so good than with a foot massager or foot spa. These devices can be used as part of your spa treatment or to help revlieve sore tired feet after a long day standing on your feet at work. |
Neck Massage
Human hands are the best, but there are some great machine massagers that are relatively inexpensive and effective. One favorite is the kneading Shiatsu massager. Just lie back, relax and let it do the work. |
Manicure and Pedicure
Spa treatments don't stop at the ankles and wrists. Manicures and pedicures shouldn't be overlooked. Opt for kits that come with all of the accessories or a spa bootie or manicure glove, like Bliss Spa's Glove Me Tender kit. |
Hair Removal
Home waxing kits are a nice addition to a spa treatment. It doesn't have to be done often so it will fit in with a bi-weekly spa date. Plus, because it's irritating, all the extra pampering of a spa goes along with it perfectly. |
Spa Clothes and Accessories
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Stay Warm
Look for a toasty robe made of terry cloth or Egyptian or Turkish cotton. Avoid fleece because it sticks to moisturizer and forget silk if you are using body oil since it can stain the fabric. |
Protect the Feet
Spa slippers or very thick socks are a great thing to have when you are enjoying a spa. They keep feet warm and give you traction on a potentially wet floor. |
Keep Hair Out of the Way
You can use a hair wrap for a hair treatment of just to keep the hair dry while bathing or applying body treatments. A towel works too but make sure to secure it well. |
Call It a Night
When you've finished all your treatments and all the moisturizer and body oil has absorbed completely into the skin, dress up in some luxurious silk pajamas and get your beauty rest. |
Bath and Body Oils
Body oils are great to use in the tub while taking a bath to give your skin a nourishing soak or after a bath or shower to help lock in moisture. They are a must have for people with dry skin, while those who are acne-prone or who have oily skin should probably steer clear of these possibly pore clogging products. Since there are few pointers that can be given for buying body oil, here you will find some excellent products that deserve an honorable mention instead. These quick picks have been well-rated for their scent, their quick absorbing qualities, and the light, non-greasy feeling with which they leave on your skin. Don't forget that there are many other skin-replenishing essential oils that are infused in bath products like almond, green tea, jojoba, lavender and tea tree. There are also body oils used for massage, including self-warming oils that help loosen up the muscles and give a relaxing sensation. Whichever is most appealing to you will no doubt be a treat for tired skin. On the other hand, why not treat someone else by offering him or her a high-end body oil to be pampered with?
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils made from plants and herbs for relaxation, meditation, massage, and more. There are different fashions for reaping the benefits from using aromatherapy from products that contain essential oils to burning the oils themselves. To find out which scent is right for you, see this guide at SpaMagazine.com.
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