Scent-sational Self Care

Of course you want your spa treatments to feel good. The delicious release of muscle tension during a massage, the smooth and supple touch of your complexion after a facial—there’s nothing better. But your treatments should also smell good, too! The perfect aroma turns any spa experience into a feast for the senses. But it’s more than just a pretty scent—aromatherapy is a holistic way to support your health and well-being.

Aromatherapy 101

Aromatherapy has an illustrious history, from ancient Egyptian medicinal balms to today’s popular essential oil diffusers. The practice of using oils to treat people mentally, physically, and emotionally got its name in 1937, thanks to a Frenchman who coined the term “aromatherapy.” Now, essential oils are hugely popular. Drugstores and online retailers are full of beauty and personal care products scented with aromas such as lavender, ylang ylang, rosemary, or orange, or you can just buy the oils themselves. 

Each of these essential oils has its own unique benefits. Lavender calms and promotes sleep, for instance, while cedarwood helps you get rid of pesky blackheads and dandruff. Peppermint perks you up and eases headache pain, eucalyptus clears up congestion, and clary sage is like nature’s antidepressant. Oils can also be combined for maximum results.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to incorporating aromatherapy into your everyday life. Add essential oils to:

• Hair care products
• Body lotions or oils
• Liquid soap
• Mouthwash
• Natural, DIY cleaning products
• Water-filled spray bottles for a room or linen spray
• Baths
• Room diffusers that emit a scented vapor
• Wool dryer balls
• Cotton pads or balls that can liven up the smell of gym bags, tennis shoes, cars, dresser drawers, or other not-so-fresh spaces.

When using essential oils, it’s important to note that some (such as citrus oils) are photosensitive. That means you may not want to apply them to your skin before heading outdoors. Other oils are pretty potent and shouldn’t be applied to skin without first being combined with a carrier oil, like jojoba, rose hip, or sweet almond.

Scents Put the “Ahhh” in Spa

We love using aromatherapy at Firefly! The first thing many people say when they walk in our door is how great the spa smells. That’s because we want scent to be one of the first things people experience—it sets the tone for a really immersive, relaxing treatment. We use seasonal candles and aromatherapy blends in diffusers throughout the spa.

Another of our favorite ways to incorporate aromatherapy is in our customized facials. Each month, we create deluxe pampering experiences with seasonal ingredients that rejuvenate the skin (and they smell delicious, too!). 

Past combos include Orange Clove and Eucalyptus Honey. March’s “flavor” is Raspberry White Peach. Raspberries are known to be anti-inflammatory to make this a gentle, softening and exfoliating facial. Peach softens the skin and is aromatically relaxing, and hibiscus flower and pumpkin add the exfoliating properties to this enzyme.

Be sure to make an appointment in March for our Raspberry White Peach. Contact Firefly for a spa visit that indulges all the senses!