Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1531085
64 ASCP Skin Deep Winter 2025 Trend No. 1—Flower Rituals and Flower Baths Flowers have long played a central role in wellness rituals across cultures, offering both beauty and therapeutic benefits. In destinations like Bali, China, Egypt, India, Malaysia, and Peru, flower-based treatments have evolved into luxurious spa experiences that engage the senses and spirit. Flower baths, for example, immerse clients in natural flower oils, creating a ritual of renewal and self-care. At Lotuswei in Arizona, founder Katie Hess crafts an immersive flower ceremony that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit, drawing from traditional Chinese medicine and naturopathic practices. This experience begins with a personal consultation, followed by a botanical treatment using fresh flowers, eucalyptus, and over 120 flower essences and essential oils. The ritual includes a Tibetan-inspired smoke offering to clear away obstacles and ends with a flower- infused water cleanse for renewal. • Pros—Holistic healing, unique services that attract mindful clients, customization. • Cons—High cost for fresh flowers, not for everyone, potential sensitivities, requires training. • Incorporation ideas—Offer flower mists or oils during facials; start sessions with intention-setting, use brief smoke-cleansing rituals with palo santo or sage, and create packages that combine flower readings with traditional facials. Trend No. 2—Salt Relaxation Rooms and Halotherapy Incorporating salt therapy or halotherapy into your spa offers clients a wellness experience inspired by natural salt caves. Within a halotherapy-enhanced space, clients breathe in salt-enriched air, known for its potential to cleanse the respiratory system, enhance skin clarity, and alleviate conditions like asthma, allergies, eczema, and psoriasis. The ambience created is both soothing and rejuvenating, fostering immediate calm as the purified air promotes relaxation. For spaces where a full salt room is not feasible, touches of salt can deliver similar effects, creating a serene environment with minimal investment. • Pros—Respiratory and skin health benefits, stress reduction, eco-friendly appeal. • Cons—High setup costs, potential sensitivities, maintenance needs. • Incorporation ideas—Decorate with Himalayan salt lamps, bowls, or candle holders. Use salt scrubs for exfoliation. Consider mini salt booths or heated salt stones for a calming effect during massages. Trend No. 3—Virtual Reality and Sensory Escapes When a client steps into a state-of-the-art virtual reality (VR) wellness pod, they are transported from the busy world outside into a deeply calming, immersive environment. Imagine being gently surrounded by visuals of a tranquil beach at sunrise, a lush forest with soft sunlight filtering through, or a peaceful mountaintop above the clouds. When a client puts on a VR headset, birdsong, ocean waves, or a gentle breeze complete the scene, creating a multisensory experience that helps their mind and body fully relax. Guided by a meditative voice, the client is led into a state of calm, allowing them to disconnect from any stress, travel, or physical fatigue. Breathing slows, stress melts away, and a sense of serenity takes over, making them feel as though they're truly part of the serene landscape. The VR sessions, ranging from quick relaxation breaks to longer meditative experiences, allow clients to recharge mentally and physically, whether they're preparing for a journey or simply seeking a peaceful pause in their day. This is what Holisteq at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands aims to provide: state- of-the-art VR wellness pods that offer travelers an immersive relaxation experience. These VR pods are designed to reduce stress, relieve jet lag, and enhance mental clarity, providing a moment of pure tranquility amid the airport's bustle.