Sunspots? Stiff neck? From stress and muscle pain to wrinkles and other skin problems, there’s a treatment out there that can help! Here are the hottest celebrity-approved skin, mind and body treatments of the moment—along with some of the best spas, wellness centers and resorts in the Bay Area where you can try them.
Acupuncture
A holistic health technique derived from Chinese medical practices dating back to 6000 BCE, acupuncture involves inserting needles into the patient’s skin to stimulate key points in the nerves, muscles and connective tissue, which increases blood flow and activates natural painkillers in the body. Today, clinical studies have proven acupuncture’s ability to treat muscle pain, nausea, migraines and even mental illnesses. Increasingly, patients are also looking to acupuncture as an anti-aging treatment alternative to Botox.
Benefits
-Treats depression and stroke symptoms
-Alleviates headaches, hypertension and sprains
-Alleviates morning sickness, nausea and vomiting
-Eases knee, low-back and neck pain
-Treats dysentery and dysmenorrhea
Celeb Devotee
Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Cher use facial acupuncture as their anti-aging weapon to tighten skin, fortify collagen and smooth out wrinkles.
Where to Try It
International Orange, SF
2044 Fillmore St., 2nd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-5000 ext. 1
International Orange, Marin
2421 Larkspur Landing, Cir #43
Larkspur, CA 94939
(415) 563-5000
In-Symmetry Spa, SF
650 Florida St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 875-9020
The Blue Buddha, SF
1122A Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 767-5120
Mud Treatments
Mud treatments submerge or wrap the body in a mixture of volcanic ash, mineral water, salt water and other ingredients containing high levels of sulfur, zinc and magnesium. As the mud dries on the skin, the resulting clay draws free radicals and various toxins out of the body, rejuvenating the skin, body and mind through this anti-inflammatory therapy. While proponents take mud baths to alleviate stress, arthritis and other ailments, many simply use them to relax after a long day.
Benefits
-Removes dead skin cells and exfoliates pores
-Relaxes tense muscles and aching joints
-Improves skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
-Reduces arthritis pain
-Improves the immune system
Celeb Devotee
Actress Shailene Woodley raves about the benefits of the treatment and has been trying to get people onboard.
Where to Try It
Burke Williams, San Jose
355 Santana Row, Suite 2010
San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 200-2151
Waterhouse Way, Palo Alto
165 Channing Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
(650) 462-2000
Silverado Resort, Napa
1600 Atlas Peak Road
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 257-0200
Light Therapy
Most commonly used to treat blemishes and discoloration, light therapy devices shine concentrated light rays on the patient’s face to trigger intracellular reactions that promote new cell growth without damaging the skin. The most popular types of light therapy include IPL (intense impulse light) and LED (light emitting diode), which effectively remove scars, reduce rosacea, heal sun damage and treat other types of skin pigmentation.
The colors of the LED or IPL light will each create a different result, according to Director of Dermatologic Surgery at the Metropolitan Hospital, Dendy Engelman, MD, and Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, Sheila Nazarian. Patients can choose the color, ranging from amber to blue, based on their specific needs.
Benefits
-Amber light boosts collagen and elastin levels to remove wrinkles
-Red light promotes circulation and targets cytokines in the oil glands
-White light tightens the skin and reduces inflammation
–Blue light kills bacterial acne under the skin
Celeb Devotee
Hollywood’s leading ladies from Kate Hudson and Emma Stone to Jessica Alba and Lena Dunham have been snapping and sharing selfies to show off their LED masks.
Where to Try It
Spa Radiance, SF
3011 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA 94123
(415) 346-6281
Illuminate Face & Body Bar, Santa Clara
2722 Augustine Drive, Suite 120
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(669) 255-0770
Senspa, SF
1161 Gorgas Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94129
(415) 441-1777
Essential Oils
Essential oils, also called volatile oils, are extracted from plants and diluted with a carrier oil in order to be safely applied to the skin. Depending on the type, essential oils like frankincense, tea tree, jojoba, rose, jasmine, and more can provide a variety of benefits for both the skin and mind.
For example, lavender oil relaxes the body and improves your sleep. Peppermint oil relieves symptoms of nausea, headaches, upset stomach and gas. Blue chamomile treats discoloration from eczema and bruises, and rose oil softens the skin while improving the mood. Many are used in aromatherapy, a practice that focuses on reducing stress.
Benefits
-Improves cognitive function, mood and memory
-Moisturizes hands and nails
-Promotes calm and relaxation
-Improves the immune system
-Lifts mood
-Alleviates stiff or sore muscles and joints
Celeb Devotee
Jenna Dewan has been a fan of essential oils for 16 years and calls the treatment her ultimate wellness and beauty hack.
Where to Try It
Remede Spa, SF
125 3rd St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 284-4060
Onsen, SF
466 Eddy St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 441-4987
Scarlet Sage Herb Co., SF
1193 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(415) 821-0997
Macarthur Place Hotel & Spa, Napa
29 E MacArthur St.
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 933-3193
