This Is What to Expect at a Spa If You're Going for the First Time (2024)

Booking a treatment (or day!) at a spa is all about self-care. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, relief for sore muscles, or a glow-up for your skin, you can find endless treatment options here. But if it's your first time at a spa, you might be confused or even a little nervous about where to start. Don't fret — here's what to expect at a spa.

“First, take a deep breath! As a provider, we completely understand that booking an appointment can be overwhelming, and choosing the right place and provider only adds to that!” explains Rachel Chetney BSN, RN, an aesthetic nurse specialist at Dallas-based SkinSpirit. “We live in a very digital world, and I recommend using that to your advantage. Research providers’ work on Instagram, and when you find one that resonates with you, go ahead and book a consultation with them,” she says.

However, sometimes, it’s better to go to a spa without a specific plan of treatment.

“If you go to a spa, they can often tell you what treatments are best for you and customize a plan for your skin and body, so you can look your most radiant self,” adds Dr. Anil Shah, MD, FACS, of Aesthetic Skin Chicago.

From there, all you have to do is take some deep breaths and enjoy the experience. In this guide, the experts explain everything you need to know about what to expect at a spa.

What to expect during spa treatments

If you’re visiting a spa for the first time, you might feel a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of treatment options. Below, we're breaking down each of the most commonly found spa services and what to know if you're interested in booking one:

Massage

A massage is done by a massage therapist who kneads and rubs the muscles, tendons, skin, and tissues of your body. Getting a massage can feel vulnerable, which is why you must express what you’re comfortable with to your massage therapist before, during, and after your treatment.

Your therapist may ask questions before you start about your overall health, problem areas, and any pain you're experiencing, so they can apply the appropriate amount of physical pressure. For most massages, you'll be lying facedown on a massage table underneath a towel or sheet — remove only as much clothing as you are comfortable with. It's also important to make sure you hydrate before your appointment.

“Drink lots of water beforehand to help the massage best relieve muscle knots,” advises Dr. Shah.

Non-Laser Facial

A non-laser facial is a treatment that will cleanse, moisturize, and exfoliate your skin. If you're booking this service, you should arrive with clean skin and be prepared to discuss with the facialist any skin concerns or sensitivities that you're experiencing. They may also ask about which products you most frequently use.

The reason that you'll want to arm yourself with this information is that different types of facials incorporate different skincare ingredients, and your facialist should know ahead of time which ones may be problematic for your treatment. You can also ask about specific facials that the spa menu offers.

“Consider the newer types of facials like Hydrafacials and the DiamondGlow,” says Dr. Shah. “They rely on suction, which brings everything to the surface, rather than pushing it down with manual extractions.”

Laser facial

A laser facial is a skin treatment that uses lasers (i.e., beams of light) to resurface and rejuvenate the skin. It's important to make sure you arrive at your laser facial appointment with a clean face.

There are five different types of lasers commonly used for laser facial treatments: CO2 lasers, erbium lasers, pulsed-dye lasers, fractional lasers and IPL (intense pulsed light) lasers. Each type of laser serves a different purpose and may require more time for recovery. Your facialist can help you choose which one makes the most sense for your skin's needs.

Injectables

Are you sensing a trend here? As with facials, it’s best to come in with a clean, makeup-free face if you are receiving injectables. Also known as dermal fillers, injectables are a non-surgical and minimally invasive skin treatment that involves injecting substances into the skin to improve appearance and/or minimize wrinkles.

There are typically five types of injectables available at a spa: calcium hydroxylapatite, hyaluronic acid, polyalkylimide, polylactic acid, and polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA).

“During your injectable appointment, we will begin with a consultation to discuss overall concerns and goals. Together, we will come up with a comprehensive treatment plan,” explains Chetney. “Your medical provider will provide appropriate comfort measures (e.g., ice, numbing, etc.) for treatment. Injectables involve needles, and this means that bruising and/or swelling are possible.”

Medical vs. non-medical spas

There are two types of spas: medical and non-medical spas. While the services offered at both can overlap, there are some key differences between them.

Non-medical spa

Non-medical spas are typically focused on skin- and body-care services like facials, manicures/pedicures, and massages. These are also known as day spas.

“A day spa typically focuses on treatments aimed at providing a relaxing, stress-free environment,” adds Chetney. “A place to escape everyday stressors and focus on mind and body.”

If you’re going to a non-medical spa, check to see if there are any “extras.”

“Oftentimes things like hydrotherapy, a sauna, snacks, and the lounge areas are what makes these types of locations extra special,” notes Dr. Shah.

Medical spa

A medical spa generally offers non-surgical, aesthetic treatments performed by medically licensed professionals. These include laser facials, injectables, and fillers.

“When you are booking an appointment for a medical aesthetic service, it’s important to remember that it is a medical service,” explains Chetney. “These are trained and licensed professionals that have an immense amount of knowledge regarding facial anatomy, aging, skin quality, and more.”

Make sure to ask your provider about how to prepare for an appointment and for any aftercare suggestions they have.

“That way, when it’s time for treatment, you feel not only prepared for the service but what to expect afterwards as well,” notes Chetney. “Building a trusting relationship with your provider is important so they can help guide you on your aesthetic treatment journey.”

Finally, before booking a service at a medical spa, it's especially important to read reviews and check the credentials of any providers that you're considering working with.

“If you’re going to a medical spa, look for expertise. Make sure they are run by a board-certified esthetician, dermatologist, or plastic surgeon,” adds Dr. Shah.

What to wear to a spa

Have no shame about dressing down for a spa appointment! You can simply opt for wearing non-restrictive, comfortable clothing.

“Depending on your service, you may be in a treatment chair for a considerable amount of time, so we want you to feel comfortable,” says Chetney.

As aforementioned, most facial treatments require a bare face, so skip the makeup and sunscreen before your appointment. And if you tend to wear a lot of jewelry, take it off before your treatment — especially if you’re getting a massage.

What to bring to a spa

You shouldn't have to worry about what to pack for a day at the spa! Spas usually provide amenities like robes, towels, and footwear like flip-flops. If you're visiting a non-medical spa with a sauna, steam room, or swimming pool that you'd like to use, bring a swimsuit and your own footwear (if you prefer).

Typically upon check-in, you'll also get the chance to bring up any relevant health concerns that may pertain to the service you're seeking.

“Prior to your treatment, your provider will conduct a Good Faith Exam, where we gather important medical information to ensure we are treating you safely,” says Chetney. “If you are on prescription medications, please bring a list of the names with you!”

Finally, even if the spa supplies snacks like nuts and fruit, you might want to have a light meal before you go.

“I also always recommend eating something prior to your appointment,” adds Chetney. After all, the last thing you want to be thinking about when you're trying to relax is how hungry you are!