How to "spa" - Part 2

Sometimes you'll get a hand and foot massage while the masque is drying. Then it's removed, and your face is wiped clean. Next comes everyone's favorite part -- extractions. This involves having your aesthetician remove all those pesky blackheads from your otherwise-lovely skin. This is the only part of the treatment that is uncomfortable -- it can actually hurt! Speak up if she's using too much pressure -- you're the boss.

 Facials can also involve other elements, like aromatherapy (the use of essential oils to soothe, relax or energize you), glycolic acid treatments (which can help refine your skin), a scalp massage, or the application of herbs or concoctions that are supposed to make your skin look better. For starters, you might want to choose a basic European facial (which means the products have French-sounding names).

Some spas also offer facials to address a variety of skin types -- for dry, older, oily or teenage skin. Ask how they differ from the regular facial if you have any questions.

Facial precautions
Be warned that your face will be a bit red for a day or two after you treatment, especially if you had many extractions. Don't schedule a facial right before a big event (like your wedding or high school reunion) unless you want to go looking like Raggedy Ann with big red splotches on your cheeks. However, regular facials can actually make your skin's texture improve and reduce your breakout episodes.

If you are pregnant, are wearing contacts, have any allergies or other health concerns, mention it to your aesthetician beforehand. If you have very sensitive skin, you might want to skip a facial and try another treatment, like a massage (see below).

Massages
If you want to feel like you've died and gone to heaven, try a massage - any massage. Whether you're experiencing tight muscles, back pain, stress or headaches, massages can help you feel your best.

Massages run from 30 to 90 minutes and are usually done on a special massage table that makes it comfortable for you to lie on your stomach -- they have a little headrest that you place your face into.

Most massage therapists understand that you might feel a little uncomfortable in the buff, so they operate at the height of discretion -- leaving the room while you undress, and working on only one part of the body at a time while the rest of your limbs are under a sheet or blanket.

If it will help you relax, ask for a female masseuse (I always do -- I don't think I could relax with a male worker touching my naked body!). If you are especially modest, you can leave your underwear on. I suggest removing your bra, though, as it's hard for the masseuse to work around your straps. Remember, though, that the whole point is for you to be relaxed -- whatever helps you achieve that state of bliss is okay.

Massage therapists have a variety of different approaches -- shiatsu, reflexology, aromatherapy, sports massage, and energy work, to name just a few. One of the most popular is the Swedish massage, named in honor of the country where the long, flowing strokes first originated -- not because it's given by a blond-haired god-like creature named Hans.

Swedish massage focuses varying pressure levels on your muscles, and works at loosening them up and elongating them. Most therapists start with medium pressure, so ask them to go deeper or ease up. Usually it will feel good, but every once in a while they might hit a muscle knot, and loosening it will call for deep breathing on your part.

More information
There are a range of options you might want to try once you're accustomed to the spa environment. For instance, you could choose a variation of a facial or massage, or a combination of the two (many spas give a discount when you book two or more treatments for the same day).

Whatever you decide, come prepared to relax. Arrive about fifteen minutes early so you can fill out some paperwork (you'll be asked about medical problems and any areas of concern). Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and don't bring any valuables, as you may be leaving your personal items in a common dressing room. Ask about locker facilities when you schedule your appointment so you know what to expect.

Ask beforehand how much the treatments will be. Facials can range from $45 to $90, and massages are about a dollar a minute. You'll need to tip about 10 to 15% of the treatment price.

The most important thing to remember is that this day is about YOU. Ask questions if you don't understand what your therapist is doing, don't feel pressured into buying any of the spa's products, and speak up if you feel uncomfortable at any time. Whatever you want, you should get - within reason.

And that just might include a god-like masseur named Hans.