Advanced Spa Services – SS3 Beauty & Cosmetology Lesson Note (Second Term)

Advanced spa services are whole-body treatments that improve skin health, reduce stress and leave the client relaxed.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. State the goals of a body treatment.
2. Name the types of body scrub exfoliants and say when each is used.
3. Describe how to apply a professional body scrub.
4. Explain why a body wrap is done and name common wrap materials.
5. Describe aromatherapy, hot stone therapy and reflexology.
6. List the contraindications and the room setup rules for spa services.

What are advanced spa services?

Advanced spa services are treatments for the whole body, from the neck down, that care for the skin and calm the mind.

• Body scrubs: remove dead skin and leave the skin smooth.
• Body wraps: coat the body in a treatment product and wrap it to keep in warmth.
• Holistic therapies: include aromatherapy, hot stone therapy and reflexology.

What is the goal of a body treatment?

The goal of a body treatment is to care for the skin, the largest organ of the body, and to relax the client.

• Exfoliation: removing dead skin cells.
• Hydration: putting moisture back into dry skin.
• Detoxification: helping the body sweat and so release impurities.
• Relaxation: calming the nervous system.

What is the professional mindset of a spa therapist?

A professional therapist earns the client’s trust by keeping the client warm, covered and comfortable throughout.

• Keep the room warm.
• Use clean towels for every client.
• Keep the client covered (draped) at all times.
• Ask about health problems before starting.

What is a body scrub?

A body scrub, also called a “glow treatment” or “body polish”, is a treatment that uses a gritty material to rub away dead skin.

What are the types of body scrub exfoliants?

There are four common types of exfoliant (the “grit”): salt, sugar, coffee and natural fibres.

How do you apply a professional body scrub?

A body scrub is applied one body part at a time, starting from the feet and moving upward toward the heart.

1. Ask the client about contraindications.
2. Drape the client with towels and uncover only the part you are working on.
3. Start at the feet and work upward toward the heart, which supports blood circulation.
4. Use circular motions.
5. Be gentle on thin skin (such as the chest) and firmer on thick skin (such as the feet).
6. Rinse off in a shower, or wipe clean with warm, damp mitts.
7. Moisturise the skin, which now feels smooth.

What is a body wrap?

A body wrap, the “cocoon” treatment, is a treatment in which the body is coated in a beneficial substance and wrapped in plastic or thermal blankets for 20 to 30 minutes.

Why is a body wrap done?

A body wrap is done to trap heat so that the skin can take in the product.

• Opens the pores: the heat helps the ingredients soak into the skin.
• Causes sweating: this helps with “water weight” and detoxing.
• Relaxes the client: the warm, snug feeling calms the body.

What are the common body wrap materials?

There are four common wrap materials: mud or clay, seaweed or algae, moisturising wraps and aloe vera wraps.

What are the steps of a body wrap?

1. Check for contraindications, especially high blood pressure and claustrophobia.
2. Apply the wrap product to the body, part by part.
3. Wrap the client in plastic, then in a thermal blanket.
4. Leave the client wrapped for 20 to 30 minutes.
5. Unwrap, then rinse off the product.
6. Moisturise and give the client water.

What does the therapist do during a wrap?

The therapist stays in the room and gives the client a relaxing massage while the client is wrapped.

• Scalp massage: relaxes the head and neck.
• Foot massage: relaxes the feet, which are usually left uncovered.
• Checking the client: the therapist watches for signs of overheating or panic.

What is the difference between a body scrub and a body wrap?

A body scrub removes dead skin by rubbing. A body wrap treats the skin by covering it and keeping it warm.

What are holistic therapies?

Holistic therapies treat the mind, body and spirit as one whole, because “holistic” comes from the word “whole”.

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils extracted from plants to improve a person’s mood and wellbeing.

What is hot stone therapy?

Hot stone therapy is a massage that uses smooth, heated volcanic stones to ease muscle tension.

• Placed on the body: stones rest on set points of the back.
• Held by the therapist: stones are used in the hands during massage.
• Effect: the heat goes deep into the muscles and helps them relax.
• Safety: test the stone temperature before placing it on the client.

What is reflexology?

Reflexology is a treatment based on the idea that points on the feet and hands match different organs of the body.

• Method: the therapist presses these points with the thumbs and fingers.
• Aim: to help the whole body feel better and more relaxed.

What safety rules apply in spa services?

Safety comes first in spa services because they involve heat, oils and the whole body.

What are contraindications in spa treatments?

A contraindication is a condition that makes a treatment unsafe, so the therapist must ask about it before starting.

• High blood pressure: hot wraps can be dangerous.
• Pregnancy: some essential oils and high heat are not safe for pregnant women.
• Skin infections or open wounds: never scrub over broken skin.
• Claustrophobia: some people panic when wrapped tightly in a blanket.
• Allergies: the client may react to an oil or wrap ingredient.

How should the room be set up and the client draped?

Draping is the use of towels to cover the parts of the body that are not being treated.

• Draping: keeps the client warm and protects their modesty.
• Temperature: keep the room warmer than usual, because the client is undressed.
• Clean towels: use fresh towels for each client.
• Hydration: give the client water after a scrub or wrap, as sweating can cause light-headedness.

Evaluation

1. State four things body treatments help with.
2. Which scrub is gentler and better for sensitive skin or use after shaving?
3. In which direction should you apply a body scrub, and why?
4. Why is heat important in a body wrap?
5. List four contraindications for spa treatments.

Assignment

Write a short guide for a trainee therapist. First, match each essential oil to its use: lavender, peppermint and eucalyptus. Then explain what draping is and give two reasons why it matters.