In the high mountains, aspens are just starting to transform, a tinge of yellow and orange edge the leaves of trees sitting below tree line. Fall is a wonderful season because it deeply affects our senses and brings us closer to nature. The fashionable coats will debut, everyone yearning to be outside and catch the last bit of warmth before the cold weather descends. Autumn affects our most basic senses and stimulates our inborn need for spirituality, warmth and nurturing as we react to the seasons change.
Spas modify their practice as Fall approaches, adapting their treatments, utilizing rich colors, altering hydration rituals, incorporating new sound and visual stimulation to provide clients with a nurturing environment, a respite from the dry, cold weather that approaches.
Aromatherapy
The scents of autumn are alluring, seductive and make us yearn for cozy comforts. This season’s ancient aromatic herbs have been used in cultural ritual, have spiritual significance and are often incorporated into spa treatments starting in the fall. Some of the most common aromatic scents are:
- Frankincense
- An amber resin from the wild costal areas of Yemen and Somalia that when distilled renders an essential yellow oil. This exotic scent is spicy with hints of wood and a slightly sweet aroma.
- Juniper Berry
- This essential oil is prized for its detoxification benefits but it is the fresh desert scent that relaxes and protects the body during aromatherapy and massage.
- Sandalwood
- An ancient essential oil from fragrant heartwood and tree roots. Sandalwood, named Chan Dana, is used in spa treatments to calm and inspire meditation. It is referenced in mythology, prized because it graced their heaven’s gate; even the Gods knew it continue to improve with age.
- Cranberries
- Native Americans gathered cranberries for their medicinal properties and they were later cultivated as their value and assets were revealed. Cranberries lend themselves to spicy scrubs for exfoliation and in tart lotions as the final touch to seasonal spa treatments. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Water
Water is associated with sacred ritual and integral to the spa experience. The ancient traditions of water relate directly to healing, intertwined in wellness for thousands of years. In Ayurvedic practices it is a key component of individual balance, body mind and spirit. The spa rituals surrounding water change as Fall approaches from fragrant and warming teas to the sauna’s ability to warm us through, even on the coldest days. The restorative power of water connect us with the ancient spa traditions that grew from Roman, Chinese and Indian spa and wellness practices.
Spa Treatments
- Hot Stone Massage
- The warmth of hot stones penetrating down the spine is the perfect way to integrate heat into massage. It is particularly wonderful during the Fall as a way to increase circulation and warm the body during the treatment. Hot stone massage usually combines a traditional Swedish massage and incorporates the heat retaining stones into the process.
- Shirodhara
- This is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment, designed to calm the mind and bring forth tranquility for the client. During the treatment, essential oils are warmed and drizzled onto the forehead. This is a fantastic spa treatment during cooler months because it warms the body and clears the mind. It is one of the most soothing and relaxing spa treatments available.
- Warming Body Wraps
- These treatments are designed to leave your body detoxified, hydrated and feeling warm and tranquil. Many spas will use steaming warm towels and even electronic blankets to warm clients during the process.
- Hydrating Facials
- During the colder months skin tends to dry as a reaction to in-door heat and less humidity in the air. It is very important to keep the skin hydrated and a facial is the perfect way to ensure that your skin looks dewy and radiant during the Fall.
Fall Skin Care
- Hydration
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It is very important to stay hydrated during Fall and Winter. That means drinking soothing teas and increasing the amount of water consumed daily. This will enhance your complexion, relieve dry skin and give you more energy to tackle the cold weather.
- Cleanse
- Use natural cleansing products that are mild and gentle to your skin. Resist the urge to over cleanse as it can lead to dry scaly skin.
- Exfoliate
- It is very important to exfoliate during the Fall to keep your skin looking luminous and feeling smooth.
- Humidify
- Use a humidifier in your home during the Fall and Winter. This will bring moisture into the air and help your skin and body during the winter.
- Limit shower time
- Hot water can dry the skin during the fall. Keep your shower time short and apply moisturizer to the skin as soon as you turn off the water. It will help retain moisture and protect your skin from dryness.
Use moisture-rich products. Use a rich, cream moisturizer on your face every day. This will help make up for all the moisture the environment will take away.
- Lips
- It is very easy for lips to get dry and peel. Make sure your lipstick is not drying and add a natural lip balm to your nighttime routine. Just put it in the drawer by your bed and apply before turning off the light.
- Hands and Feet
- Take extra time every night to slather your hands and feet with thick lotion or balm and then slip on cotton socks. It will keep your toes warm and your heels from sticking to the blankets.
Fall Makeup Trends
Taking care of your skin will give you a gorgeous, dewy completion to complement this Fall’s amazing make up colors. It is time to say goodbye to the perky pastels of summer and ooze into cool, smoky grays for a sultry, romantic look.
- Eyes
- It is back to nature, this season’s foresty eye colors and shimmery grays are a fantastic complement most complexions. Remember that the darker your skin the more dramatic you can go with eye color.
Trendsetters are using creamy, glossy textured colors to highlight one feature, the eyes. Don’t overdo, just highlight the eye and keep the rest of the face more subdued for night.
- Lips
- Matte Bordeaux is perfect for the lips and will give a sultry look to your face.
- Nails
- The big fashion colors for fall are Teal, silver/grey, rich papaya and amethyst.
Sound
Spa music is a ritual with deep meaning and meditative qualities, a sensory element that facilitates separation from everyday life. Fall music is beautiful and brings us back to nature. The ancient sounds and soothing music take us to a place that is tranquil and calming. The sounds of Fall are particularly rich, warming and deeply relaxing.
Fall reminds us of the importance of mindfully adapting to new seasons to reduce the stress it can bring to our bodies on a daily basis. Transformation comes from the actions we take moment by moment as we move through our day. Take time to ready yourself, body, mind and spirit for the Fall and Winter months and ensure optimal health during the coldest months.
