Many people think of spa treatments as a luxury, not a necessity. Facials, massages, mani/pedis, or any service that helps us look or feel better can be misconceived as something decadent to do on special occasions, like on vacation or when we need to right a wrong in the world like the cancellation of ABC’s Bless This Mess. But ask yourself: Why should lavender scented organic bamboo sheets, music that tricks us into thinking we are suddenly and blissfully in nirvana, and a therapist with the hands of an angel be something we should only do in moderation or when we “deserve it”?
Some people even admit to feeling guilty about getting regular spa treatments, as if it makes them less of a wife, mother or boss if they take time out to get their eyebrows tinted or have their face dermaplaned. Well, let’s strip down and robe up to all the reasons why we need monthly spa treatments:
- Saves you money down the line
I can personally attest to the roll-back-the-clock magic and moneysaving benefits of monthly skincare treatments. I joined a monthly program over a year ago and get the HydraFacial, a great resurfacing treatment comparable to getting a microdermabrasion, light chemical peel, and facial all-in-one (and with no downtime). Typically, a HydraFacial costs $180, but the beauty of joining a monthly program is the discounted price on services (e.g., my monthly HydraFacial only costs $99). By joining a monthly maintenance program, I have also found that I am less likely to spend money on the latest fad anti-aging cream; I only spend $1,200 a year (which is almost half the cost of more aggressive yearly treatments); and I am more likely to wear sunscreen (i.e., less likely to develop skin cancer)—just to name a few penny-pinching plus column items. In addition, as many estheticians will point out, our skincare needs change constantly because of our genetic predisposition, our environment, our internal health and, of course, our chronological age. Consistent monthly treatments allow us to constantly assess and respond to our unique skincare needs and are essential to aging gracefully and even correcting skin concerns and conditions.
- Becomes an integral part of your overall wellness plan
According to an AMTA Consumer Survey, “Sixty-seven percent of individuals surveyed claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the previous 12 months was medical.” Medical can mean anything to treating physical conditions like neck pain to mental health issues like stress or anxiety. (And take it from me, if you have chronic neck pain, it affects your mental game, too.) Furthermore, treatments like a monthly massage work symbiotically with a good diet and exercise. The better your mind and body feel, the more likely you are going to opt for the vegan poke bowl and feel like going for that beach walk, group run or bike ride. Inasmuch, regular bodywork improves your circulation, lymphatic system, mood, and sleep.
- Is a component of self-care
As my favorite yoga teacher explained, “Self-care is vital to mental and physical health. If we don’t take care of ourselves first, our relationships with friends and family will be at risk. Taking care of yourself first is an act of self-love which we can then share with others.” Self-care comes in many forms, but my favorite method is through acupuncture and massage. After a session, I almost feel like an Etch-A-Sketch that went from having a continuous confusion of lines to a blank slate.
- Helps you de-stress
You could put 100 people in one room, and they would have one thing in common: stress. It’s pervasive. To mitigate stress and therefore be the best version of ourselves, we all must make time to de-stress. When we get spa treatments, we receive the power of touch from a therapist or esthetician. An article in Psychology Today, which examined the power of touch in our society and its direct effects on the brain, found that oxytocin levels go up, heart rate drops, and our sense of trust and confidence increases with human touch.
Becca Edwards is a wellness professional, freelance writer, and owner of Female IQ (femaleIQ.com).
