Winter Spa Rescue

Circulation and Exfoliation

Accumulated dead skin cells can make skin seem dull and flaky. Both salt and sugar scrubs slough off this layer of skin to reveal your inner shine, even on the grayest of days.

Fruit enzymes, often derived from tropical fruits such as pineapple and papaya, are also natural exfoliators. Belladonna's "be tropical" ($135 for 110 minutes) body treatment includes a double dose: a cream-based papaya and pineapple enzyme mask as well as a coconut-papaya salt scrub.

The dry brush used at Sequoia before its body wraps is another effective method for exfoliation. This brushing is performed with a natural bristle brush skin while the skin is dry, and Clifford says it is very helpful for circulation and for lymph drainage.

To touch up at home, try Bliss' hot salt scrub ($36) -- Dead Sea salts suspended in a self-heating gel scented with relaxing rosemary and invigorating eucalyptus.

Good circulation is also essential for healthy skin.

Massage is crucial for stimulating circulation, so ensure that your winter skin treatment includes a good dose. Many exfoliation treatments also aid circulation, such as Sequoia's body brushing.

A Vacation for Your Feet

Most discussion on body and facial treatments for the winter ignores an important part: the feet.

Lippman points out that feet are often neglected: "Your feet are trapped in boots all winter," she explains.

While they may be the last thing on your mind this season, treatments such as Belladonna's Thai lime pedicure ($80) are a must for curing what Lippman refers to as winter feet.

Besides boosting hydration and exfoliation, this pedicure is quite helpful for circulation. The treatment's deep Thai massage to both the feet and legs even includes stimulation of acupressure points with a special wooden tool.

Lippman describes the treatment as "a vacation for your feet."

	Warm and Cozy at Belladonna
	Photo: BelladonnaDaySpa.com

Tucked in its own corner of the spa, its nail salon is cozy and relaxing. A wall with huge fish tanks separate it from the rest of the shop, and in this comfortable cave, my feet were transported to someplace magical indeed.

After a soak in hot kaffir-lime-scented foot bath, my feet and legs were exfoliated with half a lime that had been dipped in volcanic clay.

The citrus juice has enzymes that help dissolve dead skin cells, as well as antibacterial qualities. The combination of the lime and clay gently exfoliates the skin, without a salt or sugar scrub, which can be too harsh for some skin types.

And the result was astonishing. My feet and legs were satin-smooth after the treatment. Even when I had to cover them up to brave the elements, my feet felt as if they were being caressed inside my shoes.

Letting the pros pamper your skin throughout the winter not only will leave you ready to bare it come springtime but also will let you coast through cold with an inner warmth.

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