Who doesn’t want to feel good and look younger? The number of spas and beauty treatments on the market has exploded in recent years, making us spoiled for choice. And in this drive to find ever more interesting remedies, there are definitely a few that stand out. We compiled the craziest, coolest and most delicious treatments on the market today.
Good enough to eat
Food is a favorite ingredient in beauty treatments, but Hershey’s Chocolate Spa may have you walking out hungrier than you came in. At this spa in —where else — Hershey, Pa., the chocolate dipped coconut immersion promises to exfoliate and moisturize your skin, while the chocolate fondue wrap and whipped cocoa bath may have you ordering seconds. To avoid a serious craving, you may want to make sure you’ve had your chocolate fix before coming into this spa.
Shock the fat away
Crash diets, "wonder" pills, even surgery: There are very few lengths that women won’t go to look a little thinner. The latest treatment in salons across the U.S. is nothing less than shocking. That’s right, electric shock treatment promises to get rid of cellulite and smooth your skin.
Ionithermie originated in France and promises to increase skin elasticity, reduce cellulite and create better muscle tone. How does it work? The body is wrapped in fabric covered in a layer of conductive algae clay. Electrode pads are then attached on your target areas, stimulating muscle contractions. These help to breakdown fat cells and draw out toxins, according to Essentiels Day Spa in Boulder, Colo. But stubborn cellulite may need a little more convincing — Bliss Spas recommend their clients have at least three $150 treatments to get the desired results.
Prickly path to youthThe quest for eternal youth is filled with thorns — literally, in the case of the 10-minute facelift. Billed as a non-invasive alternative to surgery, patients undergo a series of chemical injections to the chin, cheekbones, jaw line and even the hands to make skin look and feel younger.
The chemicals help encourage the skin to produce collagen, the protein that gives skin its firmness and strength, according to Dr. Maurice Dray, who has clinics in London and Paris. Results after the initial $600 treatment are said to be immediate and patients will see further improvement in their skin tone for up to eight weeks after the treatment, although the clinic does caution that some patients will need more than one session.
Arctic ice roomIs there anything more relaxing than watching the snow fall on a winter’s day? The Arctic ice room at the Qua Spa in Las Vegas may be the only place in this desert city where it snows. On heated benches, guests sit in a 55-degree room, breathing mint-infused air as simulated snow falls around them. An ice fountain dispenses ice chips to help sooth aching muscles. The spa recommends that guests take advantage of the ice room, open to anyone who has treatments in the spa, after using the hot cedar sauna or steam rooms. Treatments at Qua start from around $130.
Pod regeneration
Most spa therapies will promise to help with one troublesome area: pain, aging, weight loss. The Pod Regeneration Center in New York says it can help in all of these and more. While relaxing inside the pod, guests are treated with LED therapy, coconut oil, oxygen, heat and vibration. Poddies will leave with more energy, firmer skin, better immunity, and less pain, according to the center. The treatment isn’t cheap, but deals on sites like Groupon can start around $99.
Groove to the music
Listening to music can be one of the best forms of relaxation, and now you can de-stress in time to your favorite tunes as therapists at Bliss Spas in New York and Hoboken, N.J. groove to the music while working out your knots. Slip on a pair of noise cancelling headphones pre- programmed with one of four playlists, and try not to dance too much during your massage. The rhythmic rubdown costs $155 for a 60 minute massage.
Water therapy
A water massage with your clothing on? That’s what you get when you lie down in an Aqua Massage machine. Slip into the pod fully dressed, and relax as 36 water jets massage your body from end to end. Customize the treatment by changing the temperature and pressure of the water. Machines are available around the country with prices starting around $20 for 10 minutes.
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