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By Susie Galvez
In-SPA-rations
Once thought to be perhaps frivolous or self-indulgent and reserved for the rich and famous, a spa visit is now considered a wonderful way to de-stress, relax and rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit. This shift is primarily because of advancements in skin-care technology in the last 20 years. Beauty industry reports show that more advancements have been made in skin care since 1990 than had been made from the days of Cleopatra — more than 2,000 years ago — to 1989.
A spa treatment is no longer about your mother’s cold cream or mudpack. Treatments today provide scientific techniques and products designed to keep your face and body looking and feeling radiant and youthful. It is no wonder that the number of day spas in metro Richmond has grown from two in 1990 to 25-plus today. And if you combine all of the spa menus’ treatment offerings, it is easy to see that even the most seasoned spa guest could get confused.
To help keep it simple, whether you’re choosing a gift certificate or looking to enjoy a spa treatment personally, here are the top requested spa treatments, which offer the best value in price and longest lasting results, according to spa industry experts.
 MASSAGES
Full-body massages work on underlying muscular structure, stretching tight muscles and easing away tension  knots and stiffness in the joints. Adding specialty elements such as an aromatherapy blend of essential oils will aid in healing, beautifying and soothing the skin.
Stone therapy massage is very popular for even deeper muscle relaxation. Lava stones heated in water are strategically placed along
the body pressure points to warm the muscles and ease tension.
Treatment length: one hour or more
Results enjoyed: two-plus weeks
Cost: $65-$95 for basic massage
$95-$135 for specialty massage
FACIALS
Facials are designed to deep cleanse, exfoliate, tone, hydrate and massage the face, neck and décolleté skin. All skin types benefit from a facial treatment, as every facial is customized to an individual’s skin type, sensitivity and condition. The application depends on the spa’s philosophy and esthetician training.
Techniques range from completely hands on to machines using micro-current electricity and micodermabrasion to chemical peels.
Treatment length: one hour average
Results: three to four weeks
Cost: $75-$150
BODY POLISHING
The body is bathed in a purifying, scented scrub combination of salts, sugar and other exfoliation ingredients that gently remove dead skin cells, detoxify and reveal new revitalized skin. This treatment is a wonderful way to begin a massage or body wrap, because the new skin will more effectively absorb the nutrients from spa treatments that follow.
Treatment length: 45 minutes
Results: two to three weeks
Cost: $85-$120
PEDICURES
Spa pedicures clean, repair and hydrate the feet and nails. After feet are soaked in an anti-bacterial foot bath, a gentle exfoliating product removes dead, calloused, dry skin from the knee down, to allow absorption of hydrating products. A paraffin wax is applied to the feet to promote deep moisturizing and nourishing. An application of polish completes the pedicure.
Treatment length: one hour
Results: four weeks
Cost: $45-$75
WAXING
While not a glamorous-sounding treatment, waxing is priceless to those in need of a little extra help in removing excess hair. Using a combination of hot and cold wax, based on the area treated, waxing removes the hair from the root, allowing the area to be hair-free for up to four weeks — a gift in itself.
Treatment length: 15 to 45 minutes
Results: three to four weeks
Cost: $15-$85
EYEBROW DESIGN
Having the brows professionally shaped to your facial features and personal style is one of the best gifts you can give or get. The aesthetician will work with your features and create the perfect eyebrow for you. The best part is the aesthetician will show you how to groom and style your brows to keep them looking their best between visits.
Treatment length: 15 to 20 minutes
Results: four to eight weeks
Cost: $35-$75
MAKEUP LESSON
A lesson is a professional and timesaving approach to applying makeup. The makeup artist teaches you how to create your own signature look on one side of your face. You practice by completing the look on the other side. Once you master these easy-to-learn techniques, you will enjoy this valuable skill for a lifetime.
Treatment length: one hour
Results: lifetime
Cost: $75- $125
Today’s spa treatments have countless therapeutic benefits for body, mind and soul, so whether it is to detox and revive, relax and unwind, or restore and heal — the choice is yours. Enjoy!
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Susie Galvez is an international image consultant, speaker, author, beauty industry expert and radio cohost for "Girlfriend We Gotta Talk!". For more, visit www.susiegalvez.com.
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