Aromatherapy taps into this response, using aromatic plant extracts, or essential oils, to improve physical, mental, and emotional health.  This is why you will often see aromatherapy as an add on during a professional massage.  It is a dynamic duo that can dramatically enhance the physical and emotional effects of a professional massage.

Essential Information About Essential Oils

Essential oils are extracted from various parts of plants, including the flowers, leaves, bark, and roots. These oils contain the concentrated essence of the plant, which is why they are so potent, offering a range of health benefits. Aromatherapy benefits include the reduction of stress, lowering anxiety and easing depression.  Certain scents can also boost feelings of relaxation, soothe sore joints, and improve sleep. 

The History of Aromatherapy

The use of aromatic plants and oils for therapeutic purposes has a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations. The Egyptians believed that certain oils had healing properties. The Greeks and Romans also recognized the therapeutic benefits of essential oils and used them in baths, massages, and other wellness rituals. In India, Ayurvedic medicine incorporates massage and the use of aromatic oils to balance the body’s energy systems. Traditional Chinese medicine also uses massage and essential oils to promote healing and relaxation.

Back in the early 20^th Century, a French chemist named René-Maurice Gattefossé was the first person to use the word “aromatherapy.” He was working in his family’s perfumery business when he burned his hand, then dipped it into a vat of lavender oil. Surprisingly, the oil helped to heal his burns quickly and without scarring. This experience led him to dive deeper into the therapeutic properties of essential oils.

The Benefits of Lavender Oil

For over 2,500 years, lavender has been one of the most popular essential oils. It is used primarily for its calming properties, relieving tension, and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that inhaling lavender oil reduced anxiety and improved mood in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.

Lavender also has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that can promote healthier, radiant skin.  In addition to offering it as an add on aromatherapy treatment for massages, we use lavender oil as part of our seaweed gel wrap treatment, plus include it in our body, foot and hand scrubs.

Why Eucalyptus Oil is One of the Top Essential Oils

The scent of eucalyptus can help reduce mental fatigue, improve clarity and concentration. Eucalyptus essential oils are used in massage to help sooth sore muscles due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Stop and Smell the Roses

There are real benefits to smelling roses.  A study in Scientific Reports stated that the scent of rose can help with brain retention.  Spray it on your pillow or through a diffuser at night and it can give you a brain boost overnight.  The Greenhouse Day Spa uses Rose essential oil to help relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and deepen body/mind relaxation.

Putting the “Calm” in Chamomile

Chamomile is known for its calming properties.  It is used in aromatherapy to help relieve anxiety, combat insomnia, and soothe the nerves.  This might be due to an antioxidant called apigenin, which is found in chamomile tea. This antioxidant binds to specific receptors in your brain that may decrease anxiety and assist with a better night’s sleep.

Come experience the dramatic benefits of aromatherapy when coupled with a massage session.  We cannot wait to help even more Houstonians unwind and escape from city stress.

Wax On.  Wax Off.

As many as 80% of women wax some part of their body.  More and more men are embracing waxing to get rid of unwanted hair on their backs, legs and “down there.”  The main reason that people choose to wax instead of shaving is because waxing lasts as long as 4 weeks.  The reason is that hair is removed at the root instead of on the skin’s surface. 

There is also a smooth, glowing look to waxed skin, vs. the bumpiness of shaved skin.  Waxing removes the natural build-up of dead skin cells and grime on your skin, which can cause outbreaks, blemishes, and dryness.

And if that was not enough to convince you, when you wax, hair tends to come back less coarse and thick. We also recommend waxing instead of shaving if you have sensitive skin. Shaving can lead to ingrown hairs, lead to dryer skin, or cause a rash.

What to Know Before and After Getting Waxed* 

Before: 

• Make sure the hair is long enough to grip. 3+ weeks of hair growth is typically ideal.
• Don’t apply any lotions or oils to the areas being waxed.
• Take a warm bath or shower to help open pores and clean the area being waxed.
• Gently exfoliate 48 hours before your waxing appointment.

After:

• Waxing sometimes causes redness, which is normal.  Depending on your skin type and hair thickness, redness should abate within several hours.
• Avoid applying heavy moisturizers over the newly waxed areas that could clog pores.
• Avoid the gym, saunas, or steam rooms.  Allow the hair follicles to close.
• Try to avoid tanning beds or intense sun exposure for at least 48 hours.  
• For underarm waxing, avoid deodorant for one day after your treatment.
• Book your next appointment to stay on a consistent schedule.  We recommend every 3-4 weeks.

*These are suggestions only and are not intended to address medical, wellness or health concerns.

To Tint or Not to Tint

How do you know if you should tint your eyelashes or go for eyelash extensions?  What about microblading vs. eyebrow tinting?  We opt for tinting for a number of reasons. 

Tinting is a process of applying a safe, semi-permanent dye to your lashes or eyebrows.  The goal is to fill in gaps, make lashes and brows look naturally longer and fuller and to darken graying or lighter hairs.  It is also less expensive than extensions and often lasts as long as 6 weeks.

If you have lighter eyelashes or eyebrows, tinting is a quick and effective way to darken finer hairs, enhance and define your existing brows and lashes.  The dye brings out hairs that are not as prominent or easy to see, creating lusher lashes.  As we age or go through menopause, our hair follicles create finer hair.  Tinting is a happy medium between mascara and extensions.  It is often less expensive than eyelash extensions or micro-blading and needs less maintenance.

Imagine waking up with beautiful lashes.  How about lashes that stay put after a sweaty workout or swim?  It is usually a quick appointment and opens up the eyes, adding dramatic definition.

We look forward to helping you create even more beauty in your life that does not require lengthy and frequent appointments and actually saves time in your morning routine.  We will see you soon!

Here are a few essential steps that will help prevent skin from prematurely aging and keep it looking dewy and summer fresh.

Protect and Serve

Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher should be part of your daily morning skin care routine.  You can use a moisturizer with sunscreen, but it may not provide as much protection as pure sunscreen. Cover not only your face, but all exposed areas.  After a workout or anytime you sweat, make sure to reapply.

Wear a hat or stay inside when the Houston sun is most harmful, between 10 am and 4 pm.  Linen and cotton clothing is suggested to shield from the sun’s harmful rays.  Top it off with polarized sunglasses.  Polarized sunglasses feature a filter that blocks reflecting light from entering the eye and potentially irritating your vision.

Slough it Off

Skin naturally sheds dead skin cells every 30 days or so.  But sometimes dead cells don’t shed completely.  We’ve got an extra challenge here in Houston, with high temps and harsh sun.  Which is why there is a strong argument for weekly exfoliation. Exfoliation reduces clogged pores and breakouts by removing dead skin, chlorine, sunscreen, sweat and dirt.  Best time to exfoliate?  The evening, to give your skin a chance to repair itself before sun exposure.

Get Your Glow On

Our advice is to get a professional facial once a month.  The Greenhouse Day Spa aestheticians tell clients to cleanse and moisturize skin daily in between spa facials to extend the effects of the treatment.  If skin is irritated from sun exposure, go for a soothing lotion like aloe or botanical formulas to reduce redness and inflammation.  Best facial for the hot, humid summer?  Our Essential Balance Facial removes excess oil, removes impurities, and adds hydration. 

Make it Crystal Clear

Humid weather is not just plain yucky, it is also bad for skin.  Dirt and pollution stick to your skin, blocking natural oils and clogging pores.  Humidity also increases the amount of bacteria on your skin.  If that is not bad enough, your pores expand in humid weather which increases sebum or oil production, causing more breakouts.  On the flip side, AC dries out the air, pulling moisture from the skin.  That makes the skin produce more oil.

So, what is a girl or guy to do? 

Wash skin twice a day.  Don’t over wash, since this will push skin glands into sebum overdrive, making your skin oilier.  Skip the heavy moisturizer that you used during the winter and switch to a serum, gel-based or water-based moisturizer.  We also recommend using a clay-based mask to absorb extra oil from the skin.

Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day to keep you and your skin hydrated from the inside. 

Here’s to a summer filled with fun, family, friends, and spectacular skin.  We look forward to helping you keep you refreshed from head to toe.

Here are some of the different types of body treatments available so you can decide which one might be best for you:

Detoxifying Body Wraps

Detoxifying body wraps are designed to eliminate toxins from the body and promote overall well-being. These wraps typically involve the application of a specialized clay, mud, or seaweed mixture to the entire body.  The Greenhouse Day Spa’s Seaweed Gel Wrap helps to hydrate, reduce fluid levels and can refine the contours of the body,.  As the skin absorbs the natural minerals and nutrients, impurities are drawn out.  Detoxifying body wraps can also aid in improving skin texture and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Hydrating Body Wraps

If you are outside during any season, your skin is exposed to sun, wind, and the elements.  This dehydrates and can prematurely age the skin.  Hydrating body wraps infuse intense moisturization and nourishment. These wraps often feature ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, or essential oils. Our Rose Mud Wrap features sun-dried rose to retain its purity.  By enveloping the body in a richly hydrating cocoon, the skin’s natural moisture barrier is restored, resulting in soft, supple, and rejuvenated skin. Hydrating body wraps are an excellent choice if you have dry, delicate, weathered, or aging skin.

Slimming and Firming Body Wraps

Slimming and firming body wraps are popular among individuals aiming to achieve a more toned and sculpted appearance. These wraps typically employ ingredients such as caffeine, green tea extracts, or herbal formulations. By stimulating circulation and promoting lymphatic drainage, slimming and firming body wraps can help reduce the appearance of bloating and promote the breakdown of fat cells. The result is a smoother, firmer, and more contoured physique.

Sugar or Salt Body Scrubs

Body scrubs are designed to scrub away impurities and remove dead skin cells.   Using the Spa’s custom blended body scrub, skin is buffed and then scrubbed to increase circulation.  After a scrub, the body is thoroughly moisturized with custom blended lotion, making skin baby soft.

Benefits of Body Wraps

• Skin Rejuvenation: Body wraps can enhance the appearance and health of the skin by exfoliating, hydrating, and nourishing the body, leaving the skin glowing and refreshed.
• Detoxification: Detoxifying body wraps aid in eliminating toxins from the body, promoting a healthier and more balanced internal environment.
• Stress Relief: The relaxation provided by body wraps offers a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life, allowing for mental rejuvenation and improved overall well-being.
• Circulation and Lymphatic Stimulation: Many body wraps promote circulation and lymphatic drainage, aiding in reducing fluid retention, cellulite appearance, and enhancing overall body tone.
• Muscle Relaxation: Body wraps often incorporate heat therapy, which helps relax muscles, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate soreness.

What to Expect When You Get a Body Scrub or Wrap

Before:

• Body scrubs are usually done before massage to exfoliate your skin and open pores.  It can make the massage more effective.
• Make sure the skin is clean to better prepare for exfoliation.

After:

• Don’t rub the skin.  Pat skin dry instead to avoid irritation.
• Apply additional body lotion since your skin will be more receptive to products plus it will help to protect your skin against impurities and dryness.
• Exfoliation can be done up to 3 times a week.

Though not as well-known as massages and facials, the mental and physical benefits of body scrubs and wraps are just as beneficial. We look forward to sharing the transformative effects of these treatments.  

Give me a Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps brighten dull skin by boosting collagen production, hydrating the skin.  Vitamin C is vital for youthful skin. Many botanical extracts naturally contain high amounts of vitamin C. The botanical extracts in a Gentleman’s Facial or Herbal Hydration Facial are designed to energize the skin with natural botanical nutrients.

Let it Be Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another important antioxidant since it hydrates the skin and has anti-inflammatory properties. Those prone to skin sensitivity or irritation could benefit from facials utilizing vitamin E, such as a Renewed Radiance Facial.  Studies have shown that Vitamin E may prevent inflammatory damage after sun exposure.

Vitamin A for Anti-Aging

Vitamin A, or retinol, is one of the most effective antioxidants for anti-aging. It stimulates collagen growth and accelerates cell repair and regrowth. Facials utilizing Vitamin A, like the Renewed Radiance Facial, help smooth fine lines, reduce acne, and even out skin tone. It also promotes natural moisturizing.

Hyaluronic Acid

To protect your skin and keep it well hydrated, hyaluronic acid is a great option. By defending the skin against free radicals, it helps keep skin looking younger, and moisturizes it to keep it looking plump and firm. Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and reduce scarring. The Herbal Hydration Facial contains this vital antioxidant and is the perfect facial to add moisture to the skin during the cooler Houston weather, especially for dry or mature skin. .

Come out of the cold and into the warm, relaxing cocoon of Greenhouse Day Spa.  Our skin care and massage experts will help you rejuvenate and protect your skin. Your skin will thank you!

Benefits of Together Time

Spending quality time with someone you care about improves psychological well-being by providing a stress coping mechanism. Problems can be discussed and processed, rather than covered up using unhealthy mechanisms. Simply by talking about a problem, you start breaking it up into manageable parts, alleviating overwhelm. Lowering stress through quality time also improves cardiovascular health as well as brain function, which can increase overall lifespan.

Impact of Shared Wellness Activities

Sharing wellness activities with a friend, family member, or partner is a great way to strengthen your bond while managing stress. Wellness activities can have even more impact when shared with a loved one or friend. The two of you can lower stress together with a shared spa experience, taking time not only to relax, but to do so as a team, so you both experience the many physical, emotional, and mental benefits together. You’ll both be in a better head space to handle life’s everyday challenges, allowing yourself to unplug, even if it’s for an hour.

Improving Health with Massage

Massage therapy not only helps manage pain, muscle soreness and tension, but it’s also a boost for mental health and wellness. Massages cause your body to release oxytocin, bringing a sense of calm, happiness, and an overall good feeling.   Massages reduce cortisol levels, which are the molecules responsible for stress.  A great massage also will lower the heart rate and blood pressure. At the same time, massages invigorate the body by improving circulation, alertness, and energy. By combining a massage with quality shared time with a loved one, you both have a positive shared experience and a chance to reset.

At Greenhouse Day Spa, our Two-Together Massage utilizes Swedish massage on side-by-side massage tables. You and your companion will have an unforgettable, shared experience.  You’ll be ready to take on the world again after taking care of your wellness.

First, a technician usually exfoliates your skin using salt or a sugar scrub, lifting off dead skin cells. (You can add this service if it’s not included in your wrap.)

Next a mixture is applied to moisturize, tighten, or detoxify your skin. Spas often formulate their own custom blends from ingredients like clay, algae, honey, caffeine, green tea, fruit, herbs, and essential oils.

Then you are wrapped in an insulating material like neoprene (rubber), plastic, or towels, and left to relax while the ingredients do their therapeutic work for 15 minutes up to an hour.

Last, the wrap is removed, and you wash off, feeling refreshed and moisturized.

Body wraps offer a variety of benefits.
Hydration. Most wraps provide intense moisture to hydrate, nourish, and smooth skin that may be dry, delicate, mature, or damaged by weather.

Detoxification. A mud wrap not only moisturizes and hydrates the skin, it can also help rub off and pull out toxins and impurities as the mud or clay dries.

Stress and Pain Relief. Heated wraps help reduce pain and stress.

Nutrition. Seaweed and herbal wraps can help provide nutrients and vitamins to the skin.

At The Greenhouse Day Spa, our Rose Mud Wrap is infused with powerful, deeply hydrating apricots and wheat amino acid to penetrate deep into the skin for the ultimate hydrating experience. Come and relax while you pamper and nourish your skin.

Since then, stones have been used across Europe, Africa, India, North America, South America, India, and Egypt in a variety of therapeutic ways. Ancient Romans used hot stones in saunas. Healers in Central and South America eased menstrual discomfort with heated stones. Native Hawaiians relieved the pain by wrapping hot lava rocks in leaves and applying them to the body. And Native Americans used hot rocks in sweat lodges to relax muscles and the entire body.

Beginning in the early 1990s, hot stones were integrated into modern Western massage therapy. Methodology, including the stones and heating methods used, have been refined and are now well-established.

Benefits
Hot stones can penetrate even thick muscles deeply, to the bone. They can produce deep relaxation, relieve muscle pain and tension, and hasten myofascial release. They also reduce stress and anxiety, plus promote better sleep.

Hot stones also increase blood flow and may reduce muscle spasms and range of motion. They may also reduce symptoms of autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, and cancer, plus improve immune system function.

Come try the benefits of hot stone massage for yourself at The Greenhouse Day Spa. Our therapists are trained in their use and application, and hot stones can be added to any of our massage practices. Receive complimentary hot stones during December when you book a Two Together 80-Minute Massage to enjoy with a friend or family member.

The Physical Benefits of Swedish Massage
A lot of people just think of the classic massage as relaxing, and it is. But it also provides a variety of health benefits, from increasing circulation, to lowering blood pressure. It also relieves aches and pains, and works out tightness in the muscles, so you feel more relaxed and pain-free.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Swedish Massage
But the benefits go beyond the physical, and offer many mental, emotional, and therapeutic advantages as well. Massage can lower anxiety, help relieve depression, and lower stress, so you can leave your appointment feeling truly relaxed and refreshed.

Aromatherapy
At The Greenhouse Day Spa, we also offer a variety of essential oils you can choose from, that work in tandem with your massage to offer you relaxation, calming, or energizing benefits, depending on your needs on that day. Our massage therapists will work with you to pick the right oil for the benefit you are looking for.

The Whole Package
The classic Swedish Massage has a lot to offer, and you can choose your service from 50 minutes, up to 110 minutes. You can also add optional add-ons, such as a facial or foot scrub, which can further enhance your experience. Don’t wait, book your service with The Greenhouse Day Spa today.

What is a Dermaclear Facial?
This type of facial goes beyond the usual cleansing and purifying process, using a high-frequency machine to eradicate acne-causing bacteria. It is deeply cleaning, highly calming to the skin, and can even reduce inflammation. The Greenhouse Day Spa recommends multiple treatments to experience maximum results, and our estheticians can set you up with a schedule tailored to you and your skin.

Why Dermalcear?
Dermaclear is designed to be a high-quality skin care treatment that offers a risk-free alternative to topical treatments that may be harsh or have unexpected side effects. It not only cleanses, but also hydrates, tones, and nourishes the skin, you’re not just treating your pores or acne, you’re treating your skin and giving it the best care possible.

Should you try Dermaclear?
If you’ve been on the fence about giving a Dermaclear facial a try, talk to an esthetician at The Greenhouse Day Spa today to find out if it might be right for you. You can even schedule a consultation. You could even check out our other facials or customization options to make your experience truly unique and tailored to you and your skin. Find out more by contacting The Greenhouse Day Spa today.