Don't let the word "facial" fool you. The smoothing, soothing, hydrating, decongesting, and brightening benefits of the good ol' complexion booster can be applied to just about every other body part, including (but not limited to) hands, feet, back, butt, and even the vagina (oh, grow up). Sure, some of this may sound over-the-top (especially that below-the-belt part), but like most of us, you probably appreciate smooth limbs and a hydrated backside. Check out the following slides for inside scoop on seven different kinds of facials. Because even if you don't want to pamper your hooha, there's nothing wrong with indulging a little curiosity.
The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, but the bikini line can demand a bit more attention. Enter: the vajacial. While there are many different forms of vajacials, the Peach Smoothie, offered at Haven Spa in New York City, is pretty straightforward. According to Hanna Naranjo, an aesthetician at the spa, the treatment keeps the bikini area free of ingrown hairs.
The process involves two rounds of exfoliation, which begin with a gentle scrub containing alpha-hydroxy acids. "[This] is followed by an expert application of an acid peel to help free those trapped hairs and blocked pores, [and] may lighten discoloration," says Naranjo.
Haven Spa Peach Smoothie Body Therapie, $50, available at Haven Spa.
Molly Lamb, owner of Skin by Molly, has perfected the butt facial. Her Shiny Hiney treatment offers 30 minutes of intense exfoliation on the rear end and backs of the upper thighs. "It's great for mild acne and getting rid of those pesky bumps [that are] sometimes caused by long-term sitting or restrictive clothing," says Lamb. The treatment involves cleansing with a deep pore wash, and following up with an alpha-hydroxy toner. Then, Lamb performs microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells before applying an optional lactic- or glycolic-acid peel. And just when you thought your bum couldn't get any brighter, Lamb steams the area while applying a clay-and-sulfur mask. Finally, she smooths on pore-reduction drops, a serum, and a moisturizer.
But that's not the only tush-focused treatment Lamb has in her, uh, arsenal. She also performs the Teeny Tiny Hiney, which firms and detoxifies with a plumping body mask by DMK. Lamb suggests opting for this gentle facial if you have inflamed acne, since major exfoliation could exacerbate your pimples.
Skin by Molly Shiny Hiney, $85, available at Skin by Molly; Skin by Molly The Teeny Tiny Hiney, $130, available at Skin by Molly.
Next time you're in the market for a relaxing hand-and-foot massage, try going one step further and getting a hand-and-foot facial. Editorial manicurist and founder of Jin Soon Spas and Nail Lacquer Jin Soon has created a treatment that softens your appendages with a thorough scrub to remove dead skin cells followed by a hydrating thermal-remedy mask.
Jin Soon Magic Clay Slipper Hand Treatment, $32, available at Jin Soon Nail Spa; Jin Soon Magic Clay Slipper Foot Treatment, $55, available at Jin Soon Nail Spa.
There are plenty of body treatments out there, but the ones that marry the relaxation of a massage with the skin-smoothing benefits of a facial are by far our favorites. StressBusters Wellness Day Spa in Laguna Hills, California, offers a body facial that involves manual and chemical exfoliation. Aestheticians apply grainy scrubs and glycol treatments with sweeping, kneading hands.
Haven Spa, in NYC, also has a host of body facials worth trying, but the most tempting is its Surf & Turf treatment. During the 90-minute session, a facialist scrubs the body with aromatherapeutic, oil-soaked salts, before cocooning skin in a hydrating and toning mud mask.
StressBusters Wellness Day Spa Body Facial, $135, available at StressBusters Wellness Day Spa; Haven Spa Surf & Turf Body Therapie, $165, available at Haven Spa.
There are many benefits to a dutiful scalp-care routine, including faster growth, more volume, and increased shine. At Philip Kingsley, trichologists (translation: experts who specialize in the hair and scalp) perform hair and scalp facials to gently cleanse and lift debris. "Massaging aids in increasing blood flow to the scalp, promoting circulation and stimulation," says Philip Kingsley trichologist Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips. "[This is] all very helpful at promoting hair growth."
Cunnane Phillips begins by applying conditioners to the hair and scalp. Next, she uses steam, infrared heat, and massage to help the ingredients absorb. This treatment is meant to help mitigate breakage and heat-styling damage, as well as to create an "optimal environment for healthy growth and regrowth," says Cunnane Phillips.
Philip Kingsley Scalp Treatment, $400, available at Philip Kingsley.
If you suffer from bacne (a.k.a. back acne), investing in a back facial might be something to look into. Juvenex Spa in New York City offers a back-and-shoulder facial and massage to help decongest the area. The treatment uses steam, deep pore cleansing, gentle extraction, and a mask to clear up any breakouts. If you're not located in NYC (or don't want to dish out a fat Benjamin for a back treatment), a pore-purifying clay mask like this one from Origins would also help purge the area (sans extractions, unfortunately).
Juvenex Spa The Bacial Back Facial, $125, available at Juvenex Spa.
Juvenex also offers a breast facial to moisturize and firm the boobs, giving them (a very temporary) lift. A facialist will gently exfoliate and massage your breasts before following up with a mixture of marine algae and oils to help tone the area.
Sure, having a professional body facial may seem a little strange, especially in certain places, but skin is skin, and it all deserves some TLC. Whether you do so by going to a spa or having a DIY night at home, it's your call.
Juvenex Spa The Breacial Firming Breast Facial, $85, available at Juvenex Spa.
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