The main ingredient of the salt glow is mineral-rich sea salt. Like its cousin, sugar, which is also used in spa body scrubs, salt is composed of fine crystals. Massaged into the skin, salt crystals work like magic.
Sea Salt
Sea salt, with its mildly abrasive properties, gently exfoliates and polishes the skin. Sea salt, which is laden with minerals, also nourishes and hydrates the skin. Because it is free from contaminants and high in natural minerals, salt from the Dead Sea is frequently used in luxury spas.
Botanicals
Signature salt glow treatments rely on a combination of sea salt and botanicals. Botanicals, such as lavender essential oil, shea butter, or rose petals, help moisturize the skin and prevent salt crystals from abrading the skin.
At the Lavender Hills Spa for Couples in Calistoga, California, guests having an aromatherapy mineral salt glow treatment are offered the choice of lavender, citrus, or pine aromatherapy.
The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland offers a salt glow message that relies on sea salts, oils, and minerals from the Blue Lagoon along with various essential oils.
Benefits
The salt glow is considered an invigorating procedure. It’s known to increase blood circulation, improve lymphatic circulation, and aid in detoxification. Overall, the salt glow has a rejuvenating as well as a cosmetic effect.
The Procedure
Clients lie on a massage table that may be covered by a damp towel or sheet. Clients may be nude or they can wear a swimsuit. Disposable underwear is usually provided for clients upon request. The spa technician applies the salt treatment, slowly massaging it over the body.
Once the massage is completed, the technician may use a hand held shower to rinse off excess salt. Otherwise, clients are invited to shower, using water alone. Soap should be avoided since it can remove the protective layer of oil remaining from the treatment. Body lotion can be applied lightly to help seal in the glow.
Precautions
It’s recommended that clients avoid waxing, sunbathing, or shaving the day before, the day of, and the day after a salt glow treatment. Spas recommend that you allow at least 1 1/2 hours after eating before having this treatment. This allows time for your body to metabolize food. As with any massage, the spa should be notified if you are pregnant or have any medical conditions for which special considerations should be used.
After the treatment is finished, clients should sit up fully before leaving the massage table.
Combined Procedures
The salt glow can be used as a sole therapy or it can be combined with other spa therapies, such as deep tissue massage. A body wrap is also an excellent complementary therapy because the skin is already polished and more responsive to the hydrating ingredients used in a body wrap. The salt glow can also be followed by a sauna or a facial.
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