Let’s face it, everyone is in search of the fountain of
youth and there are plenty of snake oil salesmen that make promises they can’t
keep, but there are also some revolutionary new treatments and technologies
that could help you turn back the hands of time.
Anti-ageing is a broad term that is often followed by
magical words like “serum”. But in
reality there are many good treatments and products that are available to give
your skin the appearance of looking younger.
Many destination spas have dedicated programmes consisting of a strictly
detoxifying diet, pampering spa treatments, and aesthetic beauty treatments
that deliver impressive results.
If you are going on an anti-ageing retreat, I recommend
preparing for your retreat a week in advance to see the most dramatic benefits:
FOOD: To look younger, you need to start from the
inside out.
Before you leave –
- Eliminate alcohol,
caffeine, and carbonated beverages. The first time I went to a spa and
didn’t get my morning caffeine fix I had terrible headaches and no energy
for the first two days. I highly
recommend phasing out caffeine in advance so that you don’t spend your
time (and money) at a spa feeling rubbish.
- Stay hydrated
with plenty of mineral water, freshly squeezed juices, and drinks with
antioxidants. I’m really into my
fresh coconut water at the moment.
Read the labels of the juices that you buy – “juice drinks” are
more sugar than juice.
- Avoid processed
foods. Cooking with natural,
organic ingredients is cheaper, healthier, and more flavourful than buying
packaged, prepared or processed foods. If
you can’t afford to buy organic, at least buy the base ingredients
like fresh vegetables and fresh meat.
While you are at the
spa you will meet with doctors and nutritionists who will put together a
specialized diet for you during your stay.
Some spas adhere by nutritional
philosophies developed by doctors such as Mayr Cuisine or the Dukan Diet. Find
out in advance if these diets are required as they are not for everyone. Most spas will offer you spa cuisine during
your stay which is healthy cuisine that is calorie controlled and portion
controlled. Food at a spa is normally
grown on site, organic, and lovingly prepared by top chefs. The focus of the diet is detoxification and
delivering nutrients. I was very
impressed with the quality of the food, the size of the portions, and the
presentation at all of the spas I have been to.
Spa cuisine sounds very restrictive and basic, but I actually found
myself asking the chefs for the recipes so that I could recreate the dishes at
home.
SPA TREATMENTS: To look younger, you need to pamper yourself.
Before you leave –
- Try different
types of massages before you go to find out what you like.
While you are at the
spa you can expect some incredibly indulgent treatments. I love massages and I am always fascinated at
how many different types of massages are available. Some are relaxing and some are quite intense,
but they leave you feeling incredible. Most
spas have a wide selection of different temperature pools and a variety of
water types including hot springs, sea water, and lap pools. There are high pressure showers, rain
showers, freezing cold showers, and showers you have never dreamed of for you
to unwind in. I enjoy the dry saunas and
steam rooms with aroma therapy to sweat it out and to meditate in a Zen-like
trance.
BEAUTY
TREATMENTS: To look younger, you need to
have beautiful skin.
Before you leave –
- Give your skin a
head start by taking Nutricosmetic supplements. These specially designed vitamins
for the skin stimulate regeneration and rejuvenation from within by
boosting collagen levels. Collagen is the most important protein in your skin, 65% of
the body’s proteins are collagen and they are responsible for the
elasticity of the skin as well as critical for the moisturizing process.
It is the protein that keeps skin’s tone and youth.
- Gentle
exfoliation is vital for the wellbeing of the skin, don’t go for harsh
dermabrasion products as they can damage skin but look for fruit enzyme
exfoliators, which will improve the structure and health of the skin. So
make sure pre-retreat prep involves regular exfoliation.
- If you can take
time for a facial before you go, give your skin a deep pore cleanse. It is
the best way to get rid of pollutants in advance of your trip. For an
added advantage have an oxygen treatment as they boost circulation and
stimulate skin cell revitalisation by 4 to 5 times normal daily rate, a
great mini-work out before your full retreat.
While you are at the
spa you will be given different facial and eye treatments, some even
including oxygen, that will reduce blemishes, even out skin tone, and reduce
wrinkles. These aesthetic treatments, in
conjunction with a detox diet, gave my skin a glow that I never had at home. I
used to think they were strange, but I have grown to love salt body scrubs to
exfoliate your skin and body wraps.
There are mud wraps, herbal wraps, wax wraps, algae wraps, and even
chocolate wraps!
So not only will your skin look younger, but you will return
from your spa holiday feeling stress
free and utterly relaxed, which will make you feel younger!
MY RECOMMENDATIONS
- Preparing for skin for your spa holiday - visit the skincare spa at QMSMediCosmetics at Sloane Square. The staff are wonderfully attentive, very professional and extremely knowledgeable. They offer any of the treatments (above) and they have travel-sized cosmetics that you can take with you. Go in for a tester - I have never used such amazing facial moisturizer! They have product lines specifically for men too.
- Making your travel preparations - There are some
surprisingly affordable anti-ageing retreats for up to 29 days that include
rejuvenating exercise regimes and classes to help you live a younger life when
you return. Ask Karen at HealingHolidays – she sorted me out with an incredible retreat at Longevity WellnessResort in Portugal.
By Spa Samurai
