First it was the holidays. Then it was the cold. Now it’s stress over the stock market and that walking cast on Tom Brady’s foot. Relax and revive with a visit to the spa. Here’s a look at some pampering and rejuvenating treatments, and sound advice from the experts on surviving the winter beauty blues.
ARDAN SPA & SALON
72 Central St., Wellesley, 781-235-7788.
ardanspa.com
Winter winner: The Four Layer Face Lift is shock therapy for tired skin. It involves malic acid exfoliants (from apples) and a vitamin C infusion to make skin glow with vitality.
Time: 60 mins. Cost: $125.
Cold-weather tip: "Moisturize at all times," says owner Helena Cohen. She recommends having Oe's Office Booster ($41) in your purse. "It doesn't smear make-up and your skin is instantly refreshed."
SPA CHRISTINE
699 East Broadway, South Boston.
617-269-0019 spachristine.com
Winter winner: The Escape includes full-body exfoliation, the Happy Feet treatment (exfoliation, hot stone foot massage, and reflexology), and a 45-minute head and shoulders massage.
Time: 3 hours. Cost: $180.
Cold-weather tip: Don't use the same products you use the rest of the year, advises head esthetician Lori Rua. "It's important to use heavier moisturizers to protect and nourish winter skin. Apply a gel-based moisturizer first and then a cream-based moisturizer over the gel for maximum hydration."
EMERGE
275 Newbury St. 617-437-0006.
emergespasalon.com
Winter winner: The Signature Facial incorporates nourishing serums and vitamin C, and includes a 20-minute massage to increase nourishing blood flow to the face.
Time: 90 mins. Cost: $165.
Cold-weather tip: Patty Sweeney, assistant spa director, recommends exfoliating with a good quality sea salt scrub before hitting the shower or tub. "It will really soften the skin and also add minerals. Then follow with a good natural body cream for extra softening and to seal in all that moisture."
EXHALE SPA
28 Arlington St. 617-532-7000.
exhalespa.com
Winter winner: The Magic Facial addresses all your skin concerns from the décolleté on up. High-energy sound waves help clear skin so antioxidants can do their work.
Time: 90 mins. Cost: $375.
Cold-weather tip: "Increase your intake of essential fatty acids," says Exhale's director of skincare development, Red Zoe. "When lips are dry and flaky and skin cracks this means your body is crying out for those special oils. Eat plenty of cold-water fish, such as salmon."
THE SPA AT CHATHAM BARS INN
297 Shore Road, Chatham. 508-945-6737. thespaatchathambarsinn.com
Winter winner: The Lavender Crush balances the mind and bod using calming, healing lavender in a holistic therapy that involves deep breathing and full-body exfoliation. Healing stones stimulate acupressure points and draw out toxins.
Time: 60 mins. Cost: $130.
Cold-weather tip: "Never leave the house without sunblock, even in winter," insists Samantha King, the spa's lead esthetician. "It's the most important thing you can do for your skin."
SOMA SPA
141 Boston Post Road, Sudbury. 978-443-7006. somadayspa.com
Winter winner: The Essence of Africa package is almost a minivacation. It uses all-natural Wisdom of Africa products in "tribal inspired" treatments, including an Inkaba Body Balance massage, followed by hand and foot treatments. A facial completes the trip.
Time: 3.5 hours. Cost: $525.
Cold-weather tip: "Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate," says Soma's head esthetician Lambrini Kitsaki-Tsitsas.
CARRIAGE HOUSE SALON & SPA
33 Church St., Cambridge. 617-868-7800. carriagehousesalon.com
Winter winner: The Winter Weather Wake-up treats areas most exposed to the elements. It includes a manicure and paraffin hand treatment, hair deep conditioning, and minifacial.
Time: 2.5 hours. Cost: $130.
Cold-weather tip: Esthetician Nicole Fernald recommends using a mild, fruit-acid-based exfoliant three times a week to allow products to hydrate efficiently.
THE SPA AT EQUINOX
131 Dartmouth St. 617-578-8918.
equinoxfitness.com
Winter winner: Spa manager Judilyn Green specially designed the Winter Rejuvenation package. More than a cosmetic treatment, it combines deep-tissue massage, reflexology, and Reiki, all tailored to individual needs.
Time: 90 mins. Cost: $250.
Cold-weather tip: Green says: "Avoid using harsh astringents, and make sure to keep the skin nourished either through vitamin-enriched moisturizers, hydrating facials, or a humidifier at work or at home."
