A good spa treatment will leave you looking and feeling revived, pampered, and relaxed — like you've had a mini holiday. But how do you choose from the tempting array of spa options? Here's our guide to help you decide — so, why not treat yourself?
Facials
Why have one
Regular facials can help your skin to reach its optimum condition. The products and techniques used ensure that active ingredients are absorbed deep into the skin for dramatic results.
Benefits
Facials can be tailored to suit all skin problems, including oiliness and acne, dry or sensitive skin, and ageing concerns like wrinkles, loss of elasticity and pigmentation. Regular treatments should show a marked improvement.
What happens
A facial usually begins with cleansing and toning to remove grime and make-up, followed by exfoliation which allows skin to efficiently absorb the products to be used. A mask is applied next, or an infusion of a concentrated serum.
A facial massage further aids absorption of products, kick-starts microcirculation, aids lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and boosts skin radiance. A day cream and an eye cream are applied.
We love
- SkinCeuticals New York Vitamin C Facial, around $150 for one hour. Targets signs of ageing with vitamin C products after skin has been prepared with a light micro-dermabrasion. Call 1800 242 011.
- Dermalogica Skin Brightening Treatment, around $75 for one hour. Evens out pigmentation by infusing vitamin C, liquorice and wheatgerm extract deep into the skin using gentle electric galvanic current that works like a magnet to draw actives into the skin. Call 1800 659 118.
- Payot Purifying Anti-Imperfections Treatment with Masque Purete, around $120 for 90 minutes. Treats oily skins. Includes steaming and extractions and a high-frequency current. Call 1300 367 969.
The body scrubs
Why have one
A body scrub is the perfect way to renew skin that's looking dull and feeling dry and flaky. No matter how diligent you are about exfoliating at home, you can never reach all the spots, or do as good a job as a therapist can.
Benefits
Skin feels silky smooth, soft and hydrated, and the action of being gently scrubbed and moisturised all over is both invigorating and relaxing — a truly indulgent experience.
What happens
You lie down and relax, covered in towels to keep you warm, while the therapist massages the scrub into one area of your body at a time. She then removes the scrub, usually with a warm wet towel. Your body is scrubbed front and back. Once you have been scrubbed, the process is repeated with the application of a body cream, lotion or oil.
We love
- Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, $100 for 30 minutes. An exotic body scrub that includes body-brushing and warm oil dripped over the body. Call 1800 802 036.
- Heritage Healers Wattle Husk Body Polish Treatment, $125 for one hour and 15 minutes. This treatment combines the use of Australian wildflower essences to help bring your mind and body into balance.
Call 1800 685 050.
The body wrap
Why have one
A body wrap goes one step further than a scrub. The application of an all-over mask can be targeted to suit specific concerns such as dry skin or cellulite.
Benefits
Skin is left feeling super soft and, depending on the type of wrap you have, you may even feel firmer and more taut. Some wraps that target cellulite are detoxifying and may have temporary slimming effects.
What happens
Skin is prepared with an exfoliant so it can absorb as much of the ingredients from the wrap as possible.
The body wrap (like a face mask for the body) is applied all over, either with a brush or by hand. You may be wrapped up in plastic, aluminium foil, or covered in hot towels to keep you warm and aid absorption of the ingredients.
The wrap is removed after 20 to 30 minutes either with hot towels, or you may take a shower or have a Vichy shower (a horizontal shower panel that sits above the bed in the treatment room).
A body wrap finishes with the application of a complementing body cream.
We love
- Decléor Aroma Envelopment, around $150 for one hour. The body is treated to relaxing, draining or stimulating techniques (depending on your needs) plus a rich, creamy all-over mask with plant extracts. Call 1800 808 993.
- Li'tya Sapphire Sea Wrap, $175 for 90 minutes. A luxe all-over anti-ageing experience using warm, vitamin-packed pearl and kelp body mud. Treatment includes a scalp massage and rhythmic body massage. Call (03) 9587 7088.
Quick tip
Remember, a spa treat is meant to send you in to a state of total bliss. If at any time you are too hot, too cold, or uncomfortable be sure to tell your therapist immediately to avoid missing out on maximum benefits.
What's your mood?
Most treatments that use essential oils are tailored to how you're feeling on the day. You'll be asked to fill in a questionaire prior to treatment, or the therapist will ask questions to determine whether oils used should be relaxing and de-stressing, or uplifting and invigorating.
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