Top 10 Spa Tricks
Who knows more about pampering than spa aestheticians, manicurists and massage gurus? Use their how-tos, here, for treating your entire body right.
By Mary Bemis
1. Boost A Dull Complexion
SPA FIX Chances are, your skin looks less than radiant thanks to overexposure to harsh environmental conditions (wind, cold air and sun) paired with a lack of exfoliation. The best way to revitalize a dull complexion is with skin-polishing fruit extracts. At New York Citys earth-water spa, Ohm, grapefruit is the key ingredient in their Asian-inspired 60-Minute Skin Makeover ($109; ohmspa.com). Grapefruit extract is applied to boost skins radiance. The vitamin C in it helps activate the pigmentation cells in the skin, which brings about a healthy glow.
AT-HOME TRY Exfoliate twice a week (after cleansing) with Grassroots Sweeping Success ($15; kohls.com), which packs skin-sloughing coconut-shell powder; or Aquatanica Spa Sea Moisture Facial with polishing pearl protein ($18; bbw.com).
2. Smooth Fine Lines And Wrinkles
SPA FIX As you age, your skins texture and tone change, a result of the breakdown of tissue-rming collagen and elastin, as well as overall muscle tone and the general quality of the skin. Exhale Mind Body Spa in New York City offers an Acu-lift facial ($210; exhalespa.com), which is derived from holistic traditions in Chinese and other Asian cultures. In this facial, small needles are inserted into the skin to irritate the outer layer; the skin then responds by attempting to produce more collagen and elastin, says Robert MacDonald, M.S., L.Ac., director of healing at Exhale.
AT-HOME TRY Help firm skin with Christian Bretons Face Lift ($60; 800-848-6835), a serum that contains caffeine; or LOreal Paris Revitalift Double Lifting Pump ($16.59; at drugstores), a duo with a mineral-derived skin-tightening ingredient, and a Pro-Retinol A wrinkle-fighting cream.
3. Calm Rough, Dry Skin
SPA FIX Ohm Spa owner Jonathan Ho raves about honeys hydrating benefits. Our most nourishing, moisturizing facial features manuka honey [$129 for 60 minutes; ohmspa.com], Ho says. This form of honey, which has been used in New Zealand for centuries, helps attack bacteria without drying out the skin. Ho cleanses, tones, exfoliates, massages and steams the skin before spreading the honey over the face and neck. This sweet ingredient is not only nourishing, it helps lock in moisture.
AT-HOME TRY Apply a honey-infused treat like Nuxe Reve de Miel Facial Cleansing Gel ($22; beautyexclusive.com) with lime blossom and peach; or LOccitane Honey Comfort Mask ($30; usa.loccitane.com) with skin-nourishing royal jelly (a blend of proteins and bee-derived amino acids).
