Knowing this about spa treatments could make you cringe ‍👩🏻 | Awayion Beauty

Hi, Friends!

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to pamper yourself with an extravagant spa treatment, like the ones you see in the movies? Yes? 

Are you aware that some of these treatments could hurt your body besides draining your purse? 

So what are they?

In this post, you’ll uncover some unexpected facts about spa treatments that could make your skin crawl. Because every girl should know spa treatment risks.

*Disclaimer: This post is F.Y.I. only. It is not meant as judgement for those who use these methods. As with any health tip, ask your doctor first. Please see an honest licensed pro. Always do further research on what you consume. These tips are based on the scientific findings of wellness researchers. Also, the sources for this or any post does not equal a full endorsement of any their personal views by Awayion.com.***

TL:DR A quick post glance:

1. Spa Treatments Leak into Your Bloodstream
   
2. Unsanitary Water Spa Treatments
   
3. Money-Grabbing Treatments Only
   

Sound fancy? Okay, ladies, let’s start.

1. Spa Treatments Can Leak into Your Bloodstream

Did you know that when you have a spa treatment, the effects can go deeper than just your skin? Researchers state that when you receive a spa treatment, the small molecular size compounds can penetrate your skin leading to dermal absorption and make their way into your bloodstream. For instance, when essential oils are applied topically during spa treatments, they can enter the bloodstream. Researchers detected traceable amounts of essential oil constituents in the bloodstream following topical application (Dermal absorption of essential oils 2018). Gnarly, eh?

In a study conducted using lavender essential oil, researchers examined the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, which are the two main components of lavender oil, in the blood after a gentle abdominal massage using a blend of 2% lavender oil and 98% peanut oil. The study found that both constituents were detected in the blood 15 minutes after the massage started, with the highest levels observed around 30 minutes. The study calculated the half-lives of these constituents, which were found to be 13.76 minutes for linalool and 14.30 minutes for linalyl acetate. This suggests that the body quickly metabolized these components of lavender oil and does not remain in the bloodstream for an extended period (Dermal absorption of essential oils 2018).

Now, if you have any open sores, your risk of contamination is much higher. During treatments, the risk of transmission can be increased by the use of heated items, like baths or rocks, that are positioned on the skin. 

Once again, anything applied to your skin in high doses and small molecular size “can be” absorbed into your bloodstream. The skin‘s epidermal layer absorbs substances such as pain-relieving cream through diffusion, the speed of which varies depending on the chemical makeup and amount of the substance as well as the condition of the skin (Drugs you rub into your skin can be dangerous, too | what’s up at Upstate | SUNY Upstate Medical University 2014).

Various factors influence the absorption through the skin. These include the concentration, molecular weight, solubility, and duration of contact. The location of the skin also plays a role. For example, the skin on the scrotum absorbs substances rapidly, while the skin on the bottom of the foot absorbs them slowly. Molecules pass through the skin layers via passive diffusion. The outer layer of the skin, called the stratum corneum, is the primary barrier that limits the rate of absorption. Lipid-soluble molecules can pass through it more easily and quickly. However, most molecules can still penetrate the stratum corneum to some extent.

Super Awesome Side Note: Skin is a barrier that exists to keep body water in and microorganisms and noxious chemicals out. The skin consists of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissues. The epidermis actually has multiple layers, the most superficial of which is the stratum corneum, which provides almost all the skin‘s protective properties. The stratum corneum is made up of keratin, which consists of dead skin cell remnants and fibrous proteins that overlap in layers. Transdermal absorption occurs via a passive diffusion through the epithelial cell layer, in a concentration-dependent process. The magnitude and speed of diffusion depends on the integrity and also physical properties of the applied drug. Drugs with low molecular weight with a high water and lipid solubility show the greatest penetration. Source: “Compounded Ointment Results in Severe Toxicity in a Pediatric Patient,” Pediatric Emergency Care, November 2013

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2. Unsanitary Water Based Spa Treatments

Water-based spa treatments are often crawling with germs — because of tools not being cleaned. Scientific research has showed communal pools, saunas, and other water-related spa treatments can contain dangerous microorganisms.

That being said, some studies suggest the proper amount of chlorine needed to kill the germs isn’t being used at most spas. Wellness researchers suggests the amount of chlorine needed to kill germs would be so powerful that water spa-treatment patrons would see Jesus in person before the germs had a chance to die.

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3. Money Grabbing Treatments

Wellness critics state expensive spa treatments are beneficial only for the providers, in the sense of increasing their wealth.

Research suggests that some exotic treatments may bring about only fleeting results or none.

The idea of risking your finances on something that may not even pay off can make your skin crawl.

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Major Takeaways

You now know little known deets on spa treatments that could make you cringe.

This post is a part of Awayion Beauty. So make sure you come back for more powerful beauty tips.

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