What to do AFTER a spa treatment!

For all the admonishments we get to arrive at least 20 minutes before the appointment, switch off the cellphone, steer clear of the razor, and clearly communicate any discomforts, there is surprisingly little advice dispensed at the end of spa treatments on what to do at the hours ahead!

But ignorance does not make for spa-bliss. Since your body is most vulnerable immediately after a massage or scrub, taking precautions is important.

Here’s my go-to routine, informed by some nifty academic insights, to make the most out of my spa treatments. This will not only help avoid damage to your skin but also optimize the skincare, wellness, and feel-good results you paid for (often through your nose!).

Hydration is your BFF

First things first: hydration! It’s a no-brainer that your body releases toxins during a massage or a facial. According to the National Institute of Health, hydration helps flush these toxins out of your system. It can also prevent muscle soreness and support overall muscle recovery.

So, I make it a point to drink plenty of water right after a treatment, especially during the immediate 24 hours following the spa visit.

And when I say water, I mean good old H2O (and maybe some green tea)—no sugary sodas or caffeine-loaded temptations.

Eat light!

Now, let’s talk food. Following a spa treatment, the body requires nutrients from light and healthy snacks to aid the healing process.

Avoid eating a heavy meal for a few hours after the treatment, as your digestion needs all its power to eliminate toxins.

I usually opt for a salad loaded with greens or a smoothie packed with fruits and veggies—delicious and digestive-friendly! 

Or think brown rice with chicken and broccoli, or salmon with asparagus if the treatment is not in the morning. These foods are not only nourishing but also contain properties like magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids that can help lower blood pressure and promote a state of calm.

You can also swap dessert for a platter of fresh fruits. Chock full of vitamins, enzymes, and water, these are the best options for maintaining the health effects of any spa treatment.

Rest, rest, rest… and then rest some more!

Exercise might seem like a good follow-up to keep the energy flowing, but you should be taking it slow. According to Spa Theory, light activities like a gentle walk or some easy stretches are best. They keep the blood flowing without putting too much strain on freshly pampered muscles.

The reason? The body is in a state of deep relaxation, and jumping into intense exercise might be jarring and counterproductive. Heavy exertion, like lifting weights or rigorous cardio, can increase inflammation and muscle soreness, negating the spa benefits. 

Plus, any strenuous, rigorous, or exciting activities that make you sweat will cause dehydration, leading to extreme fatigue. 

Instead, indulge in quiet, relaxing pursuits like getting lost in a book or zoning away to music for 24 hours after your spa visit.

Sleep it out!

A good nap rounds out my post-spa ritual perfectly. This isn’t just about indulging in laziness—though let’s be honest, that’s a pretty nice perk. 

Several sleep scientists have affirmed how critical sleep is for physiological recovery and repair processes. So, when I snooze after a spa visit, I’m not just resting; I’m optimizing the spa’s benefits!

Avoid Touching Your Skin

The skin is often more sensitive than usual after treatment. Resist the urge to touch, pick, or scratch the skin. This helps prevent the introduction of bacteria that can lead to breakouts and irritation. It’s especially vital after treatments such as peels or scrubs, which can leave the skin more vulnerable.

Skip the Shower

Although it may sound counterproductive, if you have any treatments that use essential oils, creams, or botanicals, you should skip the shower immediately after the spa treatment.

As NewBeauty suggests, showering may strip away nourishing oils and serums before they’ve had time to act, reducing the effectiveness of the service. This allows the skin to absorb oils or serums used during a treatment fully. 

Avoid Hot Baths

Similarly, one should avoid hot baths for a period post-treatment. Hot water can irritate freshly treated skin and may also promote swelling.

According to SpaSeekers, gentle warmth is fine, but anything more risks negating the calming effects of the spa therapy.

Skip the steam and sauna

You’ve been cleaned and steamed… heating up the face and body will strip away that just paid-for glow. And that’s highly avoidable, right?

Stay off the alcohol and cigarettes

Most spa treatments expel toxins by releasing them into your bloodstream, from where they are gradually pushed out of the body — usually over 24 hours. Drinking alcohol and smoking can dehydrate your body and further increase toxicity, so avoid these for at least a full day.

Stay out of the sun

After a massage, peel, or scrub, you’ve got a whole new batch of vulnerable skin cells that can easily burn in the sun. It’s better to stay in the shade and avoid the skin damage.

If you absolutely need to step out, Well+Good suggests using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield the newly exposed skin cells and prevent premature aging and hyperpigmentation.

Do you love a spa treatment as much as I do? What’s your favorite massage style? Mine is hot poultice — I can just feel my tight muscles melting away under expert hands!