Massage And Facial Pros Share The Best Treatments To Get On Vacation

If you’re planning a relaxing vacation, one thing that’s likely high on your list is a trip to a spa. You’re not alone — Statista found that the spa industry is expected to expand globally from $95 billion in 2021 to over $185 billion by 2030.

With so many offerings available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about which treatments to invest in when you’re away. We asked skincare experts what their go-to services are when they’re on a well-deserved vacation, and their advice on what to keep in mind when booking a spa service on the road.

Skincare is buzzy and booming across all social media networks, with new treatments always on the horizon. A vacation is the best time to prioritize your skincare with a facial, right? Maybe not.

Olivia Pipala, a Hydrafacial and SkinCeuticals master aesthetician, says to err on the side of caution. “The last thing you want to do while traveling is to try something new with your skin [because] you don’t know how your skin [will] react,” she told HuffPost. Additionally, she says location matters. “If you’re traveling to somewhere tropical where the sun and sand [are] primarily your vacation, be super cautious on exfoliative treatments since your skin can be compromised from sun and saltwater exposure.”

When booking a service, the spa often pairs you with your esthetician. But Angela Caglia a celebrity esthetician and founder of Angela Caglia Skincare, suggests asking for the most experienced esthetician.

“Many hotels will hire new estheticians and pay them hourly, so it’s important to ask for the most requested or seasoned esthetician when booking. This is more important than the facial itself, as the esthetician can guide them into the facial that’s best for them,” Caglia said.

Shani Darden, a celebrity esthetician and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care, says products matter, so don’t be afraid to ask questions about what will be used during your service before it begins. “If you are someone who is actively breaking out, you wouldn’t want comedogenic products such as oils used on your skin that could only aggravate your current condition,” Darden said.

For all of our skincare experts, a massage is the universal go-to. “While on vacation, I love to splurge on body treatments like massages, body scrubs or even mud baths,” Pipala shared. Why? She says the skin on our body is more resilient than on our face, so she’s more willing to try new things for the body. She adds that for sensitive skin types, traveling can wreak havoc on the skin with the changes in the environment, stress from flying and jet lag.

Lymphatic drainage is Pipala’a top pick, as she claims it can be excellent for easing stress and enhancing blood flow, subsequently easing swelling.

“I usually opt for a [deep tissue] massage,” shared Dr. Jennifer Levine, a double-board certified plastic surgeon who opts to do her beauty prep prevacation.

For Darden, deep tissue massages are her choice, too. ”[Deep tissue massages] help to relax [my] back, arm and neck muscles that can get sore [and] tired from giving facials all day.”

And, there’s an added benefit: The Mayo Clinic found that a one-hour massage lowers cortisol and helps the body release serotonin, the feel-good hormone.

Spa days can get expensive. After booking a weeklong trip, a massage or facial might not be in the cards. However, if you’re on a budget but still want to experience the spa, Levine has a suggestion. “A lot of times, the spas offer a day pass to enjoy some of their other services, such as steam rooms, saunas, jacuzzis, etc.,” she told us. “The environment is an experience in itself. Having that day pass allows you to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and engage in some activities you may not normally have time for or make time for without receiving any sort of cosmetic service.”