Let’s be honest, when you think of a spa treatment, the mind wanders to massages, and facials. But a back facial? Yes, it’s a thing, and I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing this underrated gem of a treatment. (Yes, I’m guilty) I have created and experienced every other service on our menu but somehow a back facial had never been something I thought I really needed until I needed it.
The Discovery
A week of freezing weather in Florida means a lot of hot showers and epsom salt baths. Although they feel amazing, too much hot water can strip both the moisture and oils out of your skin - leaving my back feeling very dry. On a whim I saw an opening with one of our Licensed Estheticians and booked my first back facial.
The Experience
Greeted by the soothing ambiance of the spa, with its chill music and inviting essential oil scents in the air, I knew I was in for a treat. I may be bias since I own the spa LOL. My esthetician, Jonina, started the treatment by asking me about how the skin on my back has been feeling. This helped her customize the products she would be using. She explained that a back facial involves cleansing, steam, exfoliation, double masking, and deeply moisturizing the skin on your back - much like a regular facial. I do not have back acne or extractions would be a part of the treatment. Whatever your reasons for getting a back facial, your provider will customize each step to give you the best results and benefits.
The treatment started with a warm towel on my back with light compression followed by a gentle cleansing that felt like a very rhythmic massage over my entire back. As she cleansed my back I felt my shoulders start to relax. OHHHHH, and the steam! It felt like a warm embrace on a cold Florida day, opening the pores and prepping the skin for what was to come.
Then, the exfoliation began. Imagine the sensation of a thousand tiny bubbles dancing across your skin, saying farewell to all the dead skin and impurities. My shoulders relaxed even more and my eyes slowly closed. It was blissful! And, then the double masque - Jonina used a mixture of the Strawberry Rhubarb Masque and Snow Mushroom & Reishi Masque - the masking gave a cool, soothing sensation that made me feel completely emerged in a full spa experience.
My mind kept thinking “Why haven’t you scheduled this before???? This feels so amazing” and Jonina started the massage portion and worked her magic, kneading away the knots and tensions in my shoulders, back, and arms. It was like she was smoothing out the creases of my soul, not just my back. Since we did not perform any extractions there was more time for massage, and my shoulders are eternally grateful.
The Aftermath
Post-treatment, I felt rejuvenated, my skin thanking me in every language it could muster.
Gracias, Merci, Grazie, Danke, ありがとう, Obrigada, Takk aka the the Icelandic way of saying Thank you, and Jonina is from Iceland!!!
The softness and smoothness were undeniable. I felt pampered, cared for, and above all relaxed. How could I forget to mention the many benefits of a back facial?
Helps heal and clear breakouts
Removes build-up of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells
Leaves you back hydrated, smooth, and clean
Reduces inflammation
Reduces back muscular tension
Reduces stress
Improve overall elasticity of the skin
Boost collagen production
The Takeaway
A back facial, it turns out, is more than just a skincare routine. My provider made it a journey of relaxation, a path to self-love, and a way to literally get my “glow back”. So here’s my advice: next time you see a back facial on a spa menu, book it and give your back the love and TLC it deserves. And remember, self-care and relaxation can be found in the most unexpected of places - like the comfort of a spa table, getting a back facial. Who knew?
I feel like I need to go buy myself a backless dress…maybe I will!
Cindy
Bodyworks of Perdido Key
Owner/Founder