Your self-care journey is not over once you leave the spa. In fact, it has just begun!
After your luxurious pampering services– whether it be a massage, facial, mani or pedi– appointment has ended, there are still some important things you must do to help your body recover and maintain its new glow.
Hotspots Magazine offers these simple ways to keep that spa vibe going (Photo by Ivan Samkov).
After a massage…
Hydrate
The most important thing you need to do after your dreamy massage is to drink water. Massages are dehydrating, so you need to replenish your body with a steady flow of liquids. Of course, this does not include alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which will only dehydrate you further. Staying hydrated will also help you avoid any soreness you encounter.
Ice it up
Sometimes a good deep tissue massage can leave you a little sore, whether you are hydrated or not. This is where a cold compress can really make a difference and soothe those tender, achy spots. A frosty icepack is just the thing to put on sore, but happy muscles. You’ll be feeling better in no time.
Relax
Keep that chill vibe going by taking things slowly, listening to calm music and generally relaxing yourself. Find a comfortable spot at home and push all of your worries away. It’s a good feeling and you’ll want to keep it as long as you can so try to avoid anything stressful, including thoughts of work, chores and especially anything involving dramatic friends and family.
After a facial. . .
Hands off!
Try not to touch your face after a facial. Your pores have just been cleaned and your skin is vulnerable. Keep your mangey paws off that pristine puss.
Be patient
After a good facial, your skin might look worse at first because it has been expertly cleaned out and things are coming to the surface.This is all part of the treatment so do not stress. It will all be worth it and you and your currently raw, post-facial mug are well on the way to glowy flawlessness. Just give it some time.
Use sunscreen
Right after a facial, your skin can be more vulnerable to the sun. Make sure to protect your punim with a 30+ SPF sunscreen.
After a mani/pedi
Keep it soft
They used the cheesegrater on your heels and the extra strength moisturizer on your hands to smooth your callouses – what next? If you want to keep that smoothness going, invest in a super emollient hand and foot cream. However, a nail expert once told me that slathering your feet at night with Vick’s Vapor Rub and then sleeping with socks will also do the trick. Several companies make special gloves and socks to protect your extremities as well.
Avoid harsh products
In the 1950s, Madge the Manicurist recommended Palmolive to her clients to keep their manis safe while doing the dishes. Things change but the sentiment remains – harsh chemicals are terrible for hands and nails. Invest in more natural, less harsh products. Most beauty shops and drug stores should stock an array of natural soaps and other related products.
Keep those cuticles cute
Wasn’t it nice when your manicurist used a lovely-scented oil on your cuticles? You can– and should– do the same at home. Keep them smooth with a nail oil of your choice. Daily use will definitely do wonders to keep your nails hydrated and improve the smoothness of the skin around them.
Ask the experts
And the biggest advice to take care of yourself after these pretty procedures – is to ask the experts. Before you leave your massage, facial, manicure or pedicure, don’t be afraid to ask your spa technician for advice on how you should take care of yourself afterwards. Typically they will tell you before you even ask.
