Take Me Out To The Spa: Men's

by Gina Thompson

According to the International Spa Association men now account for 31% of spa goers!

As we are basking in the heat of summertime, it is easy to envision men of all ages watching a baseball game, enjoying a cold beer or standing over a flaming hot grill, but can you imagine these same men spending a day at the spa? The image is almost comical: Men in fluffy robes and slippers, meditating next to faux waterfalls while sipping a cup of detoxifying green tea.

The truth is more and more men are taking time out of their busy schedules to visit the place that most people affiliate with ‘ladies who lunch’ not our brothers, husbands or the average macho sports fan. Ironically, back in ancient Egyptian and Roman times it was in fact the men, not the women, who were the primary spa goers. Balneotherapy was a natural approach to health and healing utilizing hot spring waters, gases and other natural elements from the earth with massage techniques and aromatherapy to create physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The art of water therapy is how the concept of “spa” originated and the men were actually our founding fathers.

According to the International Spa Association, men now account for 31% of spa-goers and create annual revenues of 9.7 billion dollars for North American spas.

More and more men are taking the time to improve their looks with Aesthetic products and treatments, but most of them probably aren’t discussing it with their friends at a ball game. The truth is, men are one of the fastest growing populations of the cosmetic market and many services are available just for them.

• Skin care products for men are created with their needs in mind. You will find simple systems and practical packaging with masculine scents to suit your specific needs. 
• Microdermabrasion and facial peels are great choices for superficial resurfacing to smooth fine lines, improve rough skin texture and lighten age spots. 
• Botox and Dysport are perfect for those angry frown lines between the brows and crow’s feet near the eyes. 
• Dermanl fillers, like Restylane and Juvederm can fill in those deep creases around the mouth and redefine the jaw line. 
• Laser hair treatments can be an effective solution for excessive chest or back hair. 
• Cosmetic surgery is also available for more dramatic results. An upper blepharoplasty can improve droopy eyelids, a lower facelift can tighten aging skin and liposuction can be considered for those love handles. 

The most popular spa treatment for men is the basic massage, but their menu of services is growing and ‘men who spa’ are becoming a new normal- not the exception. So, if you are a man and secretly desire a little pampering of your own or just want to look and feel a little younger, you certainly have options.