Orange juice is among the most popular fruit juices consumed worldwide because of its refreshing and citrusy taste, and for its many health benefits, which include improved heart health, decreased inflammation, and the ability to boost the immune system. Oranges are also a great choice when it comes to the skin. “Orange-based products are gaining popularity in skincare and wellness for a couple of reasons,” says Natalie Pergar, lead skincare trainer at Eminence Organic Skin Care. “Oranges are packed with vitamin C, an exceptional antioxidant often touted as a skincare powerhouse. When used topically, it can brighten the complexion, help with collagen production, and protect skin against UV-induced damage caused by free radicals. Plus, oranges are deliciously invigorating, and their mood-balancing aroma makes their use in skincare a sensory delight.”
Sunny Services
Discover some of the orange-based treatments available at spas today.
The Temple Orange Facial ($175, 50 minutes) at The Spa at The Alfond Inn (Winter Park, FL) starts with a skin analysis, followed by a double cleansing, a high concentration of vitamin C, an exfoliation, a mask, and soothing serums enhanced by a face massage. This treatment rejuvenates the skin and boosts circulation by utilizing active, pure botanicals and natural ingredients to nurture skin, leaving it looking refreshed and revitalized.
Tierra Luna Spa at Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort (Phoenix) offers the Orange Blossom Ylang Exfoliation ($415, 1 hour 40 minutes), which includes a body polish session using sparkling citrus oils of bergamot and bitter orange to enliven the senses, and an agave dry brushing to help shed impurities and dead skin with polishing sugars and honey enzymes.
The California Wildflower Ritual ($425, 90 minutes; $545, 2 hours) at Spa Montage at Montage Laguna Beach (CA) begins with full-body vibrational work, followed by a customized massage highlighted with heated herbal poultices comprised of rice, calendula flower, lavender, and chamomile. To further enhance the deep state of relaxation, guests are wrapped in an orange blossom soufflé and a relaxing foot scrub and massage are performed.
Juicy Details
We asked our experts to tell us about the benefits of incorporating oranges in skincare treatments and products and here’s what they had to say.
Q: What are some of the benefits of orange-based products on the skin?
A: “Orange-based products offer diverse skincare benefits. The natural vitamin C in oranges acts as a food source for collagen and elastin production, protecting the skin from aging. Not only that, but oranges also have astringent properties due to their natural citric acid content. As an alpha hydroxy acid, citric acid helps refine pores, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and improve overall skin texture, resulting in brighter and healthier-looking skin. Interestingly, neroli oil, extracted from bitter orange flowers, also boasts multiple skincare benefits. This essential oil has a very different aroma than the typical aroma associated with oranges. It also provides different benefits topically. For example, the antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities of neroli oil make it a wonderful ingredient for clients looking to treat pimples and acne and reduce the redness associated with breakouts.”—Natalie Pergar, lead skincare trainer, Eminence Organic Skin Care
Q: What are some top uses of orange-based products and treatments in a spa setting?
A: “Orange-based products are popular in pro-aging, skin radiance, and brightening facials in the spa setting. The most common products containing orange-based ingredients are professional peels and exfoliants, cleansers, and masks because of their ability to formulate high-potency orange extracts.”—Kimberly Bazemore, senior spa educator, EmerginC
Zest is Best
Learn about some interesting ways to promote and market orange-based treatments and products at your spa.
“Oranges are beautiful and vibrant. Adding some fresh oranges—if you can find some that still have leaves and a stem on them, even better—to product displays to tell the story of the natural, active ingredient is a great way to pique interest in the treatment. If an orange-based treatment is featured or being promoted, signage promoting the treatment could be placed in the relaxation area next to orange-themed food and/or beverage. It would also be nice to include all of the senses in the orange theme when the guest receives the treatment. The client can be offered an orange-infused beverage at the end of the treatment, whether that is water infused with orange slices and mint; a glass of fresh-squeezed orange juice; a wellness shot with orange juice, ginger, and turmeric; or hot tea that contains orange blossom or orange peel. Scenting treatment towels with essential oil of tangerine or neroli can add another sensorial touch that goes with the theme of the treatment.”—Angela Eriksen, director of education, Phytomer Group
“A fun way that we love to promote our orange products is by offering fresh seasonal protocols. This gives you the opportunity to incorporate your favorite orange-based products year-round, while still switching up the treatment menu to keep your clients interested and looking forward to seeing what’s new for each season. Mixing it up keeps your spa menu fresh and exciting—both for guests and staff—and is an eye-catching way to market your treatments!”—Lindsey Baczewski, trainer and licensed medical esthetician, FarmHouse Fresh
“Consider developing a scent-sational promotion where clients receive limited-edition, branded, orange-scented candles, essential oils, or room sprays as a reminder of their spa experience. Bundle these scented goodies with spa treatments containing oranges to increase interest in these services.”—Natalie Pergar, lead skincare trainer, Eminence Organic Skin Care