Day Spas: What to expect

In My Humble Opinion
21

My facial was done under a soft jet of steam – not too hot, just enough to make your face feel damp and to open your pores. I’m sure that’s standard. Pleasantly scented cleanser, exfoliant, a mask, extraction from clogged pores, toner, moisturizer. Maybe a special eye treatment. They probably have some optional add-ons like that. The moisturizer was pretty intense at first, but the lasting effect on my skin was very nice.

The extraction was kind of uncomfortable. They use a little U-shaped tool to squeeze blackheads and other impurities out of your pores. It doesn’t feel that great in the moment, and my face was still kind of red in places when I left, but the redness went away after awhile and my skin felt so soft. I’m sure they will do or not do whatever you’re comfortable with.

All the products smell great, and they will match products to your skin type(s) and try to match your scent preferences. Before my treatments they had me fill out a questionnaire about all that stuff and they were very accomodating. I have sensitive skin and I’m VERY sensitive to perfume and flowery scents, and I had no problem. They stuck to mostly citrus and mint scents for me, which I like and tolerate easily.

I had a facial and a massage on the same spa trip about two months ago. The whole thing was so relaxing and aromatherapeutic that I went home and took a four-hour nap afterwards!

22

well, just before I’m about to pop, I tell her, and…

Wait. Never mind. :smiley:

I am now going to look for one of these in the Pittsburgh area. I think it will be a GREAT birthday present for my wife.

23

Actually, they are great presents for yourself (even if you’re a guy). My wife and I did a “day at the spa” together and it was great. Massage, shave and facial for me, even the manicure and pedicure. They could have slipped me under the door at the end of the day - complete and total relaxation.

24

Yes, the extractions can be rather painful; you can ask the esthetician to skip that part if you wish.

25

I STRONGLY recommend scoping a place out before you book your appointment! Some spas are more private, others are very “communal”. Some are formal and fancy, others are girl’s clubs. You should be able to get a feel for the place with a very quick tour and a few questions. People have different tastes and expectations and you will feel very ripped off if you don’t get what you are expecting. The reason I say this is because there is a spa I like that I recommended to a friend and all the things I liked about it, she hated! She was mad about spending $200 dollars and being able to overhear other people while getting her massage and bath. If I had known sher wanted utter peace and tranquility I would have never recommended the place to her as it is one of those “girl’s club” type atmospheres.

ETA: And now that I’ve read the entire thread, I see that you’ve already made your appointment. Well, at least scope out the place to see what to expect. And enjoy!

26

It was fun, if a bit long, four hours. The same lady did all three, the facial, the mani, and the pedi.

The pictures on the website are a little misleading…the space is a lot more cramped. But Michelle was very nice, telling me what she was doing at each step. She said they don’t do massages on sick people because it opens up the lymphatic system, and you don’t want the lymphatic system opened up to any nasty stuff. I’m not sure I entirely buy that, but okay.

She didn’t do an extraction on my face, just the steam and the terra cotta clay and the vitamin oil and the mint mask (very cooling and nice) and while she was waiting for the various face things to do their thing she massaged my hands and feet.

Then, my pedicure. She had to do a lot of prep work including removing my existing polish, but she got my nails looking very nice before she painted them. I got a nice cheese/crackers/fruit snack with pomegranate-mango juice to drink. Then I got dressed (I had a robe on over my underwear and bra) so she could do my manicure.

I would say it was a mix between a tranquil and a girly spa. While I was getting my pedi two other women were getting pedis, and we were all chatting with the techs. Then, both ladies left and it was just me and Michelle, and we had a nice time talking about families and trips and stuff.

All in all, I had fun, but it was a little too long. I’m glad I didn’t do the six hour full treatment. Michelle did warn me my face might break out now that we’ve unclogged the pores, but that’s normal.

I might do the pedicure again, or just the facial, or just the manicure, but all three at once is a bit much.

But yes, I did feel pampered and I’m glad I did it.

27

[hijack] When I was going for physical therapy last winter, the PT was telling me about his other location, at a hospital. He said the doctors all grabbed the trashy magazines right off (need something to read while hooked up to muscle stim or under the heat wrap), but about 3/4 of them slipped them inside a more reputable magazine. :stuck_out_tongue: [/hijack]

Glad your day o’ pampering went well. I myself am in dire need of a massage. I’ve discovered, though, that the spa that I go to gives enough of a mini hot stone massage with the purchase of a facial to make it worth it for me to just get the facial.

28

Glad you gave yourself some pampering, ivylass. Feels good to do that now and then.
Take care.

29

I’m glad it was nice, ivylass.

I didn’t know there were any “girls’ club” type spas. I don’t think I would like that as much. The one I go to is very private, except for the communal relaxation room which seats a whopping four people. And there’s very little talking there, as everyone is absorbed in US Weekly. :wink: