How are Day Spas Different from Medical Spas?

If you are looking to relax, get a new look, find a rejuvenating treatment, or just treat yourself, there are plenty of options available. You likely have seen advertisements for spas, day spas, medical spas, and a variety of other terms seemingly all meaning the same thing. It might get you to thinking, what’s the difference between a spa, a day spa, and a medical spa?

Of course, the overall concept of a spa is simple: somewhere people can go for simple, non-invasive body treatments. The specifics of these treatments are where the lines are drawn. Trying to decide which option is right for you? Typically, it depends on the types of treatments and services that draw your attention.

Common Day Spa Treatments

Typically, a day spa is named as such because visitors can receive a full treatment in limited time. an average day spa will offer options to improve overall wellness with treatments centered around aesthetics. These treatment options are non-invasive and non-surgical, aimed at relaxation and body rejuvenation. You might think of a day spa as somewhere to visit when you are looking to pamper yourself.

Some of the typical treatments offered at a day spa include:

• Massages

• Manicures and pedicures

• Facials

• Waxing and threading

• Lash extensions

• Makeup

• Facials, scrubs, and skin care

• Hair treatments

Common Medical Spa Treatments

Contrary to a day spa, a medical spa (or med spa) features aspects of the health and wellness of the body. A main focus of a medical spa is the health of your skin. Again, a medical spa features non-invasive and non-surgical treatments, but they may include more intensive methods or multiple sessions of treatment when compared to a day spa.

Some treatment options available at a medical spa include:

• Injectables and fillers

• Medical facials and skin peels

• Microneedling

• Laser skin resurfacing and hair removal

• Acne and scar treatments

• Body contouring

• Chemical peels

• Skin lightening

Combination Spas: The Best of Both Worlds

Wondering which spa option is best suited for you? If you have relaxation or basic aesthetic concerns, a day spa might be your best option. If you have more pressing issues, such as acne treatment, skin rejuvenation, or anti-aging treatments, a medical spa might be more up your alley.

As the name implies, combination spas specialize in both medical applications and relaxation treatments. A combination spa can offer a variety of treatments, including quick, same-day services or issues that require multiple visits.

The Spa on Phillips might be considered a combination spa. We offer many relaxing treatments found at a day spa–such as salon services, waxing, manicures, and massages–but we also might fall into the medical spa category with body contouring, endermologie, and specialty facials. If you just have a general question about our services or would like to book an appointment with one of our specialists, contact us today to learn more.