Medical Spa vs Day Spa: What’s the Difference?
A spa is a spa, right? Actually, no. Depending on the context, the word “spa” can mean very different things. The word no longer refers simply to a place where you can get a massage; depending on the phrase is associated with, it could mean a backyard getaway, a medical service facility, a weight-loss destination, or, yes, a venue that offers facials and massages. With all the spa terminology out there, it’s no wonder the average consumer gets confused!
What’s a medical spa?
The most common question we get here at Glow is, “what is a Medical Spa?” Great question! A medical spa is a cross between a cosmetic surgery center and a traditional spa – yes, the kind with massages. Medical spas offer beautifying treatments like laser therapy for skin, BOTOX, dermal fillers,chemical peels, microdermabrasion treatments. Most of these treatments should be performed by a licensed physician, or at least by a trained esthetician who’s overseen by a doctor. Many medical spas offer massages, basic facials, and other non-medical spa treatment too, although they may have more of an institutional feel because of the strict sanitation requirements. Note that medical spas are sometimes called medispas, medspas, and cosmetic treatment centers.
What IS a day spa?
A day spa is probably more in line with what you think when you hear the word “spa.” These establishments offer non-medical treatments like massages, facials, body wraps and scrubs, spray tans and make-up and Eyelash Extension services. What sets a day spa apart from similar resort spas and destination spas is its limited hours of operation. A day spa will only be open during business hours; no overnight accommodations are available.
Some treatments available at medical spas:
Microdermabrasion – This exfoliating technique uses a small, crystal-lined wand to buff off dead layers of skin on the face.
Chemical peel – Another exfoliating treatment, chemical peels coat the face with a mild acid product to draw up toxins and slough off dead skin. They cause the skin to peel off a few days after the treatment. Botox – Botox reduces the appearance of brow lines by limiting the movement of certain facial muscles. It’s an injectable treatment that takes just 10 minutes to perform, but can last up to four months. Dermal fillers – Other injectables offered at medical spas are fillers like Juvederm and Restylane. These products fill in lines and wrinkles on the face, giving a fuller, more youthful appearance without permanent effects. Laser hair removal – One of the most popular medical spa treatments, laser hair removal permanently eradicates hair on any part of the body. Laser resurfacing – Resurfacing treatments are like face lifts without the scalpel. With this service, a laser is passed over the skin to burn away outer layers of dead cells, revealing new, undamaged skin below. The treatment reduces lines and wrinkles, dulls the appearance of scars, treats sun-damaged faces, and can help even out discoloration.
Some treatments available at TRADITIONAL day spas:
Massages – Massage therapy is great for relaxation and pain relief. While there are multiple varieties of massage available, most use light strokes with the hands to apply pressure to customer’s backs, necks, and shoulders. Look over a spa’s menu of services to find a massage that’s right for you. Facials – These treatments cleanse, clarify and exfoliate the face without invasive procedures. Most day spas won’t include a chemical peel with a facial treatment, but they are sometimes available. Body treatments – This broad category of day spa services includes body wraps, scrubs, waxes, and polishes. Wraps moisturize and detoxify; scrubs and polishes exfoliate; waxes remove hair. All body treatments have one goal in mind–to get your body in the best shape. These treatments are a step up from their equivalents at neighborhood nail salons. In many cases, they include arm and leg massages, aromatherapy, wax dips, and even mini salt scrubs.
Which TYPE OF SPA should I choose?
Can’t decide between a medical spa and a day spa? You don’t have to! The only choice you have to make at Glow is which services to indulge in first. If you want relaxation, help with pain, or naturally beautiful skin, start with our day spa offerings. If, on the other hand, you want to look your very best with the help of modern science, our medical spa advanced therapies are your best bet. We are her with you every step of the way to help you glow!
