Turmeric, a deep, golden-orange spice, may be best known for adding color, flavor, and nutrition to food, but it is also being used to spice up the offerings at spas worldwide. “Turmeric is a potent antioxidant that has been used for centuries in herbal medicine in India, as it provides brightening properties, helps reduce irritation, and improves the overall complexion of the skin,” says Carl Thornfeldt, M.D., clinical dermatologist and founder of Epionce. “Today’s consumers look to natural ingredients rather than chemicals that can address skin issues, including dark spots, blemishes, and rashes. Turmeric is a natural ingredient that has many useful benefits in skincare, such as brightening, soothing, and calming skin.”
Spice it Up
Discover ways to incorporate turmeric into your spa’s treatments and offerings.
• Offer turmeric-based brightening services.
– The A-Brite Facial ($180, 60 minutes) at VH Spa at Hotel Valley Ho (Scottsdale, AZ) features a blend of turmeric, green tea, and licorice extracts to help brighten skin. It also works to enhance suppleness while decreasing inflammation.
• Apply a turmeric-based mask during body treatments.
– The Spa at Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills offers the Toning and Firming Body Sculpt ($425, 2 hours), which helps leave skin looking radiant, tight, and firm. The massage therapist uses a stimulating Hypervolt gun to break down fat cells that produce unwanted cellulite. Guests are then wrapped in an anti-inflammatory turmeric clay body mask that helps release water retention and treat skin pigmentation. The treatment concludes with a 60-minute lymphatic massage that helps reduce inflammation and lymphatic blockage, and improves the immune system.
• Encourage couples to enjoy the benefits of turmeric together.
– Awana Spa & Wellness at Resorts World Las Vegas offers the Javanese Lulur Ceremony (starting at $1,250 per couple, 3 hours), which begins with a foot soak ritual, followed by a turmeric body scrub, fresh yogurt rub, and experiential shower rinse. A massage completes the treatment.
• Add turmeric to a bath to help soothe aching joints and boost mood and energy levels.
Warm Welcome
Offer guests a hot beverage with turmeric while in the waiting area to create a warm, inviting, and calm environment pre- and post-treatment. The Golden Milk recipe created at Miraval Resorts & Spas (multiple locations) includes hot milk and ground turmeric to help reduce inflammation, prevent cell damage, improve mood, support healthy brain function, and more.
Ingredients:
- 8 cups almond milk
- 1¾ teaspoon turmeric
- 1½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 1¾ teaspoon ginger
- 1¾ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ vanilla bean
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- ½ cup honey
Directions:
Bring all ingredients to a simmer, then strain.
Let it cool and serve.