Say ahhhh
Looking for a little indulgence, some professional pampering? Lee County spas have you covered, whether you’re longing for a massage, hoping for a golden tan, or in the market for glowing skin. Although spas often offer similar services, we asked each spa to recommend a favorite.
180 Wellness Spa
1100 S. College Suite 204, Auburn.
887-1180
Facials: Owner Jana Gwin recommends the spa’s targeted facial treatment. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. First, clients fill out a form that covers everything from breakouts to sensitivity. Then a chat with the esthetician helps determine where the focus will be. “I don’t push a series of treatments on people,” Gwin says. “I don’t want anyone to feel they have to come here six times.” For some clients, Gwin says, she’ll infuse hydration and antioxidants. For others the focus is on removing dead skin cells. Facial services may include microdermabrasion — a step-up from simple exfoliation, sort of like careful sandblasting — or other techniques reported to improve the skin. Cost: $50 to $100
Spa Auburn
778 N. Dean Road, Suite 400
501-2221
Laser Skin Treatment: Lee Ann Pettit, owner of Spa Auburn, says women who want to erase some effects of aging have two laser skin treatments available at Spa Auburn. These are medical procedures, done under doctor’s supervision. Pettit is not only an esthetician but a registered nurse.
The newest treatment, approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in August, uses what’s known as a fractionated laser to enhance collagen production and reduce the appearance of lines. Because the treatment essentially injures the dermis to induce collagen formation, there can be pinpoint bleeding immediately after and the client’s face can be red for five to seven days, Pettit said. Most people can begin using makeup after four days. Improvement from the treatment is progressive, as the body produces more collagen over time, plumping up the skin and gradually filling in lines and scarring, Pettit said. Because the treatment is new, little data is available about how long the improvements continue. Alternately, clients can try the Pearl laser resurfacing technique. The Pearl laser doesn’t penetrate as deeply as the fractionated laser. Pettit said it is also useful for fine lines, age spots, or other signs of sun damage. Each treatment takes about an hour. Cost for either treatment is between $500 and $1,000.
Aroma Therapy and Massage Center Inc.
1147-A Opelika Road, Auburn
821-4700
Body glow: Sarah Thomas of Aroma Therapy says for maximum rejuvenation, you can’t beat the body exfoliation and hydrotherapy that comes with the Body Glow. It starts with a thirty minute sea salt or sugar scrub. “Your skin feels like baby skin after,” she said. Then, it’s into the whirlpool tub for a thirty minute soak to remove the scrub and relax. Cost: $45.
Mint Julep Salon & Day Spa
124 S. 8th Street , Opelika.
749-5925
Deep Scalp Conditioning: Allie Livingston, the esthetician for Mint Julep, says there’s nothing like deep scalp exfoliation and conditioning to rejuvenate your hair, and your mood. You can include the service with styling, or just come in for a pick-me-up that includes deep scalp exfoliation, a deep conditioning shampoo to get rid of dry skin and product buildup on the scalp, a head and neck massage, and a conditioning mask to return moisture to your scalp. The whole thing takes twenty to thirty minutes without styling, and about an hour if you have your hair styled. Prices begin at $20.
Create a Spa Naturale
119 North College Street, Auburn
826-4011
Natural spray tanning: It only takes minutes to create a tan that will last a week, said spa manager Sonya Hildreth. “I develop my own colors. I can control the darkening,” Hildreth said. Spray-on tans avoid the pitfalls of home tanning creams: missed areas, uneven application, and streaks, with a golden bronze — never orange — glow. The spray-brush tan takes ten minutes to apply and ten minutes to dry . After the tan, Hildreth encourages clients to use a gel when they shower and pat dry rather than rub to maintain the look as long as possible. She called it the best and safest alternative to sun tanning and tanning beds, both of which age the skin and increase risk of skin cancer. Cost: $25 per session or three sessions for $60.
Re:new Medical Spa
2272 Moores Mill Road # 206 Auburn
502-7253
Signature Custom Facial: “We take the guess work out,” said master esthetician Katy Hortenstine. “If you come in for a customized facial, we’ll tell you what you need. We are the experts.” In fact, a facial is often the best way for the esthetician to determine exactly what your skin would benefit most from, Hortenstine said. “I don’t feel like I can truly analyze what anyone needs by just sitting and looking at them. I want to feel the skin,” she said. Facials generally include a hot steam towel and a massage that includes the scalp, shoulders, arms, upper back, feet, and legs. A relaxation ritual helps get customers in the mood to enjoy the facial’s full benefits. Deep cleansing follows, using a brush featuring ultrasonic waves, and exfoliation, sometimes with a scrub, sometimes with an enzyme peel, depending on skin type. Steam treatment and aroma therapy are included, and a mask for deep cleansing. Toning, moisturizer, and a sun screen provide some of the finishing touches. $75 for an hour, $40 for a less-extensive half-hour massage.
