Spa dictionary | Spa dictionary

Don’t know your esthetician from your Brazilian? No idea what the difference between acupressure and acupuncture is? My spa guide is here to provide the answers you need to get the most out of your spa experience with our Spa Dictionary.

A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

Acupressure

A blend of acupuncture and pressure which uses the practitioners' fingers to press on key meridian points used in Chinese Traditional Medicine to relieve pain and stress.

(see also Acupuncture)

Acupuncture

The Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association describes acupuncture as 'the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific sites (acupuncture points) along the body's meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of qi (energy) through the individual.'

Sounds pretty scary but the needles are so fine that they don't cut through the skin they simply push the skin cells apart and most people describe this as fairly painless. It can be a very relaxing process and fans believe that acupunture can be successful in the treatment of fertility issues, migraines, back ache as well as many other ailments.

(see also Acupressure)

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy harnesses the powers of essential oils to relax mind, body and soul. Essential oils can be used during massage when added to a cream or base oil and applied to the skin or they can be added to a bath or inhaled through steam vapour.

(see also Essential Oils)

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

Using their natural exfoliating properties AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids are said to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone as well as unblock and cleanse pores. AHAs occur naturally in sugarcane and fruit juices and have been used to soften skin throughout history. The extent of the exfoliation depends on the acidity levels caused by the concentration of AHAs. Too high a level of concentration in a product can cause redness like sunburn, itching and scarring. AHAs are used in many anti ageing products as well as being used in chemical peels.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are used in some spa products for their anti ageing properties. Vitamin C and E contain high levels of antioxidants and are frequently used in facials.

(See also Vitamin Booster – Vitamin C)

Alkaline Wash Hair Removal

Alkaline Wash Hair Removal is a painless method of removing and retarding hair growth. It can be used all over the body except the eyebrows but it works best on downy hairs on the face and arms. Skin may be red and warm after the treatment and it takes several treatments before hair is completely removed and regrowth is stopped. How many treatments it takes depends on the individual’s hair. Alkaline powder is mixed into a paste and applied to the area and left for a length of time determined by the therapist based on how coarse the area of hair is.

Baths

Baths have been an integral part of the traditional spa experience throughout history. In a spa, your bath will probably be bigger than at home, and will certainly feel more luxurious than the one at home. The whole room will be specially lit, scented and heated ready for you. Whilst just being in warm or hot water cleanses and relaxes you, it is what you add to the water, and the ritual and time you take over it, that really distinguishes it.

There are many kinds of bath including aromatherapy, brine, flower, foot, herbal, mineral, mud and algae.

Brazilian

A waxing treatment for ladies removing all hair from down there!

Botox

Botox is a brand name for a laboratory-produced chemical called botulinum toxin. It is injected into the muscles which then relax and "freeze". Botox is used in spas to get rid of facial lines and wrinkles however in a medical setting it is also used to treat people with excess sweating as well as headaches and migrates and facial twitches.

Its effects on lines and wrinkles take a few days to develop after first being injected and you can expect the results to last for a few months.

Botox should only be administered by a qualified professional following a full consultation advising you of all the possible risks and side effects.

Bikini

A classic woman’s waxing treatment tidying up the bikini area. Waxing usually lasts approx 4 to 6 weeks

Body Brushing

Body brushing is one of the simplest spa treatments to do yourself at home on a regular basis and is a great way of keeping your skin in gorgeous condition. Using a soft body brush to make short upwards strokes with the brush stimulates blood flow and fans believe it can reduce cellulite.

Brow Tint

Brow tinting uses dye to tint eyebrows to a darker shade. This is a quick and painless procedure which can really enhance your eyes. Usually lasts for 4 to 6 weeks.

(see also Lash Tint)

Body Polish

A scrub or body polish is an exfoliation treatment for the body. Sugar or sea salt are usually mixed with warm oil and massaged over the skin to remove dead and damaged skin cells before being showered or towelled off leaving your skin smooth and baby soft. Coffee grounds or rice are also used in polishes.

(see also Body Scrub, Vichy Body Polish)

Body Scrub

(see also Body Polish, Vichy Body Polish)

Botanical

Spa products derived from plants.

Bowen Therapy

A thoroughly Australian therapy, Bowen Therapy involves a gentle massage-and-release technique where a few minutes of soft massage are followed by a few minutes of rest. This technique relaxes your muscles and gives them space to breathe which can improve circulation and posture. No oils are used and you will generally be fully dressed in loose-fitting clothing. Due to its gentle nature it is suitable for older people, disabled people and children.

top

Cuticle work

The part of a manicure or pedicure where the therapist rubs cuticle oil onto your cuticles and pushed them back towards the nail bed using a specially shaped wooden implement called an orange stick, after this they may clip the excess cuticle with tiny clippers. They may also use a cuticle dissolving cream which means that they do not have to clip the cuticle.

Caviar Facial

This is a type of facial using pure caviar extract which is reported to have anti ageing qualities.

Clay Mask

Clay masks are often used during facials to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. As the clay can work into your skins facial lines, wrinkles and pores it is great at removing dirt and oils from these areas which other masks may be unable to reach. Clay is very soothing and fans have found it to be great for treating severe acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.

Cellulite

Cellulite is a condition which causes the dimpled, lumpy appearance of skin generally appearing on skin in the tummy, thighs and bum.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein which is found in the connective tissues of the body which gives strength to our skin, hair, nails, bones and muscles. Collagen is what helps skin remain smooth and firm. As we age the quality of collagen in our body decreases and in turn our skin develops fine lines and wrinkles and our hair and nails can become more brittle. Using anti ageing moisturisers which protect your skin and therefore slow the deterioration of the collagen in your skin is a much better solution than using creams containing collagen as it can't be absorbed by the skin and will make no difference to the amount of collagen in your skin

Collagen Injections

Having collagen injected directly into the lines and wrinkes on your face can eliminate or lessen the appearance of crows feet or laughter lines around the eyes and frown lines on the forehead. The injections are only a temporary measure and the effects may will only last for 4 to 6 months. Collagen injections and all other dermal fillers should only be given by a doctor.

Cleansing

Cleansing is the first step of a facial, removing all traces of makeup, dirt and grime from the skin on the face and neck using a non-soap based cleansing lotion which will be gentle on the skin. This leaves the skin ready to be deep cleaned and beautified during the rest of the facial.

Consultation

Every treatment should start with a consultation with the therapist carrying out the treatment where they find out about your medical history, whether you have any allergies, whether you are or may be pregnant and what you are hoping to gain from the treatment you have booked. Sometimes you will be asked to fill out a form to provide this information which the spa will keep on record for your future visits.

If you are having a massage you may be asked whether you have any areas that you would like the therapist to focus on, whether you have any injuries to be careful of, whether you have any areas that you do not like to be touched and whether you like soft, firm or medium pressure. Some spas will even ask what level of conversation you would like during your treatment from chatty to silence! Now that's what we call considerate!

Cupping

Cupping involves the placement of either a bamboo or glass cup to acupuncture points on the skin. The pressure inside the cup is reduced by heat or suction so that the cup draws and holds the skin and superficial muscle inside the cup. The cups remain on the skin for about 10 mins but this can vary from five to fifteen minutes depending on what the practitioner believes your body needs. You can expect there to be some bruising at the site where the rim of the cup was placed; google the photos of Gwenyth Paltrow at a premiere after she had cupping to see what we mean!

Detoxification

Detoxification is the removal of toxins from your body. These toxins can come from smoking, eating junk food or drinking alcohol. While our body has an inbuilt system for ridding itself of toxins consisting of the liver, kidney and intestines which when they work efficiently, flush toxins out of the body, we usually ingest toxins as fast if not faster than the body can remove them. So from time to time when you feel sluggish, tired and generally grey it can sometimes help to take a break from adding all those toxins to your body and give your system a chance to get back up to speed eliminating all those nasties.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep tissue massage focuses on the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue. Movements are slow and deep focussing on areas of pain and tension.

Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers or fillers are a non surgical method of filling in facial lines and wrinkles and plumping out lips and cheeks by injecting man made chemicals into the skin with a fine needle. There are many different types of filler, collagen being one of them and you should remember that the effects of fillers are only temporary. Dermal fillers should always be injected by a doctor after a full consulation advising you of all the possibly risks and side effects.

(see also Fillers, Collagen)

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is the removal of dead or damaged skin cells from the surface of the skin to leave the skin smooth and the pores open. Exfoliation is carried out using salt or sugar mixed with oil and massaged into the skin and then showered off.

(see also Body Polish, Body Scrub)

Essential Oils

Essential Oils are concentrated liquids distilled from flowers, bark, roots, leaves, fruit and the stems of plants. They contain the true essence of the plant or flower that they came from and must be mixed with a carrier oil before they are applied to the skin during massage. They can also be added to a warm bath, used as a room spray when added to water and poured into a spray bottle or used in an aromatic diffuser.

(see also Aromatherapy)

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a method of hair removal which uses a very fine needle and a mild electric current to “kill” individual hairs at the follicular level

It is best used on small areas of hair such as the upper lip, neck and chin due to its precise and time consuming nature.

Extractions

A technique used in facials to remove blackheads and impurities from the pores using steam to open the pores and then either a pore cleansing strip or a specialist piece of metal equipment.

(see also Facials)

Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions attach to your existing eyelashes and come in varying lengths, thicknesses and colours and will last 2 - 6 weeks. The lashes can take up to two hours to apply as each lash is applied individually using tweezers and a bonding agent and there can be anywhere between 30 and 80 lashes to apply for each eye. The lashes will remain in place when you are showering and sleeping, they will naturally and gradually come away like your own lashes.

Esthetician

An Esthetician is a therapist qualified to perform facials.

Eyebrow Shaping

If eyes are the windows to the soul then you need to make sure they are beautifully framed by your eyebrows. Well shaped eyebrows can make you look well groomed and enhance the natural beauty of your eyes. Trained eyebrow shaping professionals may use either wax or tweezers or threading to shape, tidy and define your eyebrows.

(see also Eyebrow Threading)

Eyebrow Threading

An ancient method of hair removal which uses a pure thin twisted length of cotton thread which is rolled over stray hairs removing hair at the follicular level. Unlike tweezing this method can remove several hairs at a time and is great for a defined look and for those with sensitive skin.

top

Fango Therapy

Fango therapy uses mud that has been collected from around mineral springs, oceans and volcanos. The mud contains algae and micro-organisms and is mixed with oil or water and is used by spas in wraps or baths. The mud is believed to have anti inflammatory properties which means it can help alleviate arthritis. Fans also report that it helps minimise the appearance of cellulite.

Fillers

Fillers or dermal fillers are a non surgical method of filling in facial lines and wrinkles and plumping out lips and cheeks by injecting man made chemicals into the skin with a fine needle. There are many different types of filler, collagen being one of them and you should remember that the effects of fillers are only temporary. Dermal fillers should always be injected by a doctor after a full consulation advising you of all the possibly risks and side effects.

(see also Dermal Filler, Botox)

File and Polish

The most basic of nail treatments, a file and polish does what it says on the tin and means that the therapist will file your nails into shape and will apply a base coat, colour coat and a top coat to your nails. Great for a quick pick me up before that special event.

Facial

A beauty treatment for the face which cleanses, nourishes, balances and hydrates. Facials are carried out by trained professionals called estheticians.

(see also Estheticians)

(for more information see the my spa guide Treatment Guide on Facials)

Footbath

A favourite pre- and sometimes post-ritual treatment, a therapist will begin by placing your feet into a shallow bowl/bath of warm water that has been treated with herbal or plant oils, they will wash your feet and dry them for you before continuing with your treatments.

Glycolic Treatments

Glycolic treatments use the powerful properties of glycolic acid (an AHA) in a cream or gel to dissolve and remove dead and damaged skin cells. Glycolic treatments are most commonly used as part of a facial, manicure or pedicure.

(see also AHAs)

Geisha Bath

Geisha baths are much deeper than normal baths, so clients can sit upright and be immersed in the product right up to their shoulders. Many spas have them sunken into the floor so they are easy to get in and out of.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is the term given to a group of treatments which use water to relieve discomfort and stress. The water can be used in all its forms; warm, steam, cool or ice, in showers, baths, jets, mineral pools . Each of the various forms of water will have different effects on the body. If you want to be stimulated and invigorated then the cold water or ice in the form of showers or jets is for you and if you want to relax body and mind then warm water in showers, baths or mineral pools is for you.

Hot Mineral Springs

Hot mineral springs are created by volcanic action which created underground basins filled with water. Each of these aquifiers contains an indiviual breakdown of minerals which means that each mineral spring bathing facility will have its own mineral composition. As the water makes its way to the surface it absorbs carbon dioxide which makes it fizzy and bubbly. Bathing in the warm fizzy water is believed to have many benefits including boosting your circulation and stimulating metabolism.

The benefits of hot mineral springs

Step by step guide to bathing in hot mineral springs

Hydrating

Hydrating spa treatments and skin care products add water and moisture to the skin helping it remain smooth and bright. Dehydrated skin will look dull, grey and possibly flaky.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

Aestheticians use IPL as an alternative to laser therapy for hair removal and in treating the effects on the skin of ageing and sun damage such as broken capillaries and it is also believed to be effective in the treatment of rosacea.

The aesthetician will apply a cold gel to the area to be treated and give you dark glasses to wear before they touch the surface to the handpiece to the skin and apply the light. The feeling has been described by some as similar to a rubber band snapping against your skin, most report that this is only a mildly uncomfortable sensation but this will depend on your individual pain threshold! Treatments usually take about 20mins. After the treatment skin may be slightly red for a couple of hours. Generally it will take several treatments to achieve the desired effect.

Indian Head Massage

An extremely relaxing massage focussing on the scalp, neck and shoulders, practised in India for 1000s of years.

J

Just one more minute....

What you will be asking for at the end of your spa treatment!

Kissable

How your skin will feel after a delectable body polish!

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage stimulates the lymphatic system which fights infections and detoxifies our body by moving bacteria, excess water and metabolic waste around and eventually out of the body. Lymphatic drainage massage is recommended for those who have infections, colds, sore throats, generally low immunity and for those who are fairly inactive.

Lash Tint

Lash tinting uses dye to tint eyelashes to a darker shade. This is a quick and painless procedure which can really enhance your eyes and means you can say goodbye to mascara. Usually lasts approx 4 to 6 weeks.

Mineral Makeup

Make up containing only crushed minerals, such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and iron oxides. Presented mainly in powder form and applied with a brush although it is also available as a liquid. Mineral makeup gives great coverage and is also believed to enhance the health of your skin. As it’s all natural, it is anti-inflammatory and some brands have an SPF of between 17 and 20, it is water resistant and is safe to use on acne and rosacea.

Microdermabrasion

A intense exfoliation treatment which leaves skin super smooth and baby soft, non-invasive and non-surgical with immediate results. This treatment can help lessen the appearance of sun damaged skin, scars and dark spots.

Medispa

A medispa or medical spa is a combination of a medical clinic and a day spa. On a medispa menu you may find laser therapy, IPL, Botox and other injectables and fillers and microdemabrasion as well as more relaxing spa treatments such as massage.

Massage

Massage is the manipulation of muscles and connective tissues. There are many types of massage which each use different methods to achieve various results however the general aim of all massage is to relieve tension in the muscles, stimulate circulation and to aid relaxation.

My spa guide Treatment Guide to massage.

top

Nail Shaping

In general as part of any manicure from the most basic file and polish up to a deluxe spa manicure the manicurist will file your nails into shape. A good manicurist will ask if you would prefer your nails to be filed into a square or oval shape.

Nails

Acrylic

Acrylic nails are artificial which are pasted onto the real nail. The best acrylic nails are made with a liquid containing Ethyl Methacrylate, it can be more expensive than some other nails but there are fewer reported side effects. Acrylic nails can be applied over the entire nail or just on the tips.

You get what you pay for with acrylic nails and paying a little extra for less of a chance of nasty side effects such as fungal infections, is definitely worth it! Make sure that you are happy with the technician and salon applying your acrylic nails, the higher the quality of their work the less likely you are to get an infection.

French Acrylic

French acrylics are simply acrylic nails with a painted French finish.

Gel

Gel nails are another option if you are looking for artificial nails. There are two types of gel nails: light cured and no-light gels. In the application of light cured nails, a gel is first applied to the nails and then cured under ultra-violet lights. Light cured are still more common, but the advantage to no-light gel nails is less time waiting for the nails to cure. No-light gel nails are cured with a special gel activator that is brushed or sprayed onto the nail. Some are cured by being dipped in plain water.

Gel nails offer a natural look combined with the durability and strength of acrylic nails. Like acrylic nails, gel nails can be applied over the whole nail or just on the tips.

Re-fills

When you have acrylic or gel nails your own nails will continue to grow and eventually you will need to return to your nail technician to have the gap between your acrylics or gells and your own nails filled in with new acrylic or gel. Generally you will need to pay a return visit to your nail technician for re-fills every 6 – 8 weeks.

Overlays

Overlays are applied to your natural nail when they are already the length you want them to be but you want the strength of the gel or acrylic nails. The process is the same as with applying gel and acrylic nails but the gel or acrylic is applied directly to the natural nail without using tips which give the nails their length.

Ooooooo

That sound you make when slipping into a warm aromatherapy bath and you think no one can hear.

Paraffin Wax Treatment

Used in manicures and pedicures, paraffin wax treatment uses a much softer wax than the one used for hair removal which melts at such a low temperature that your feet or hands can be dipped in the wax without burning you. After your hands or feet have been dipped a couple of times and have a nice thick coating of wax the therapist will wrap them in plastic film and sometimes pop them in booties then let them sit in the wax for anywhere between 10 and 30 minutes while you relax. The wax is then removed by peeling it and the plastic film easily off your hands or feet usually in one slightly soft piece. Your skin will be left baby soft and beauifully hydrated.

Photo Genesis/Photo Rejuvenation

Photo Genesis is a pulsed light system that has been found to be exceptionally effective for treating skin redness (rosacea), brown spots (pigmentation) and sun damage.

Prescriptive Facial

A prescriptive or specialised facial involves the esthetician using information gathered during a full consultation with you at the beginning on the treatment to tailor the products used in the facial to your skin’s specific needs.

Questions

Don't hold back, ask as many questions as you need to regarding your treatments, your therapist, spa etiquette and whatever else is worrying you to ensure that you can totally relax and enjoy your special 'me time'.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the manipulation of reflex points on the feet and ankles which are believed to mirror other body parts. Practitioners believe that when these reflex points are congested it mirrors a congestion in the corresponding area of the body. Reflexology can also be practiced on the hands and ears but the feet are the most favoured body part to work on. It is said that reflexology can help treat a large number of ailments from migraines to sinus problems and menstrual irregularity.

Reiki

Reiki is an ancient Tibetan healing therapy which involves the laying of hands over the body to encourage the free flow of energy through the body which promotes healing and well being. Although Reiki is carried out when you are fully clothed it is an incredibly intimate treatment as energy transfers from the receiver to the giver. This process may even generate heat between the givers hands and the receivers body.

Relaxation Massage

As the name suggests the aim of this massage is to totally relax the body.

Remedial Massage

Remedial massage is a therapeutic deep tissue massage that can treat specific health issues, injured muscles, tendons and ligaments. As well as using massage technique, the therapist my also use some elements of physiotherapy and yoga with the aim of relaxing your body as well as your mind.

Retinol

Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and is a common ingredient in anti ageing face creams. Vitamin A is necessary for beautiful, radiant skin and is commonly found in skin treatments and creams. It is believed to help build collagen in the skin and also has exfoliating properties.

(see also Vitamin Boosters / Vitamin A)

Restylane

Restylane is a dermal filler which is injected into lines and wrinkes to give the appearance of smoother skin. As with all injectable dermal fillers, Restylane should only be administered by a qualified professional following a full consultation advising you of all the possible risks and side effects.

top

Serum

Unlike moisturisers, serums nourish your skin rather than hydrate it. They are usually water based so are fast absorbing and lightweight. Packed with things that are great for your skin, they are highly concentrated and are designed to get the ingredients into your skin quickly and should be used with moisturisers or creams to keep your skin hydrated. Ideally you should wait 15 minutes after applying serum before applying moisturiser so that the serum can do its work effectively.

Shiatsu

Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese style of massage using finger, thumbs, elbows, forearms, feet and knees to apply pressure to points on the body which aims to rebalance the flow of energy through the body.

Steam Room

A steam room is a room into which large amounts of high temperature steam are pumped which creates a high humidity in the space. Steam rooms are thought to be beneficial for relaxation, for boosting circulation and soothing sore muscles and stiff joints.

Salicylic acid

Sometimes used as a priming treatment at the start of a facial, salicylic acid is applied as warm foam and it helps to open the pores of your skin for extraction and cleansing.

Scalp Massage

A gentle scalp massage can form part of a facial or a head, neck and shoulder massage. Usually oils will be used to work through the hair and scalp. Scalp massage is reported to ease migraines by relaxing the associated muscles in the temple and neck, it can also reduce stress and to be beneficial for those with a dry scalp.

Salt Exfoliation

Salt Exfoliation is the removal of dead or damaged skin cells from the surface of the skin to leave the skin smooth and the pores open using salt mixed with oil which is massaged into the skin and then showered off.

(see also Exfoliation)

Tanning

Spray

Spray tan is the application of fake skin colour by spraying the colour onto the body for a more even coverage and a healthy glow. This can be done either by a therapist airbrushing the tan on or by electrostatically spraying the tan on in a cubicle.

Hand

Hand tanning is the manual application of fake skin colour by hand to the skin by a therapist.

Thalassotherapy

Thalassotherapy is the name given to spa treatments which use seawater, seaweed and other marine derivatives like mud, sand and algae. The treatments can take the form of mineral wraps, baths and scrubs. The seawater and marine elements are believed to have anti ageing properties and thalassotherapy is a great stress reliever.

Unbelievable

How you should feel when you leave a spa.

Vichy Shower

A Vichy shower is a metal arm (either attached to a wall or freestanding) with five to seven shower heads that runs parallel to a cushioned treatment table, so you can shower while lying down during your body scrub or polish or body wrap. Your private areas will be draped with towels during the shower and you can wear lovely plastic underwear but if you are at all uncomfortable with being naked this may not be a very relaxing treatment for you.

Vichy Body Polish

A Vichy Body Polish is a body polish followed by a Vichy Shower to remove dead skin cells, improve circulation and leave you feeling pampered from head to toe.

(see also Vichy Shower, Body Polish)

Vitamin Booster

Vitamin C

Vitamin C contains high levels of antioxidants which have been shown to have anti ageing properties and is therefore frequently applied as part of a facial. It is believed to stimulate collagen production in the skin and boost elasticity.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is necessary for supple, radiant skin and is used commonly in skin treatments and creams. It is believed to help build collagen in the skin and also has exfoliating properties. Retinol is derived from Vitamin A and is a common ingredient in anti ageing face creams.

(see also Retinol, Facials)

Vinotherapy

Specially produced mud derived from pinot noir grapes to be used in spa treatments. The pinot noir mud is applied to the skin as a mud wrap or in a geisha bath

(see also Geisha Bath, Wraps)

Wrap

A wrap is a treatment in which your skin is covered in a mixture containing heaps of goodness then you are literally wrapped up like a mummy to draw out toxins, firm your skin, to relax and to tone up. Wraps come in all shapes and sizes with a wide variety of mixtures on offer but they all generally hydrate and nourish your skin.

X Factor

The certain something that you can't explain but just makes your treatment or spa experience extremely special.

You

That's what its all about when you visit a spa or health retreat.

Zzzzzzz

The way you sleep after time spent at a spa or health retreat..

Is there something we have missed out or something you have always wanted to know but were afraid to ask? Let us know by commenting or emailling us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can ensure our spa dictionary is as correct and current as possible.

top