The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage: Traditional Basalt Stones & Himalayan Pink Salt Stones

Himalayan Pink Salt Stones

Traditional Basalt Hot Stones

When the colder months settle in—or when daily stress starts weighing heavily on the body—few treatments offer deeper comfort and relaxation than a hot stone massage. Whether performed with traditional basalt stones or the increasingly popular Himalayan pink salt stones, this warming therapy provides powerful physical and emotional benefits. At Skin Spa Asheville, both forms of hot stone massage are beautifully integrated to melt tension, calm the mind, and support overall wellness.

What Is a Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massage is a therapeutic practice that uses heated stones placed on key points of the body or glided along the muscles. The warmth helps release tightness, improve circulation, and enhance relaxation in a way that traditional massage alone can’t achieve.

Two primary types of stones are used:

1. Traditional Basalt Stones

Smooth volcanic stones that retain heat exceptionally well.

2. Himalayan Pink Salt Stones

Hand-carved, mineral-rich stones that not only hold heat but also gently exfoliate and offer unique detoxifying properties.

Each brings its own benefits—and together, they create a deeply restorative experience.

Benefits of Traditional Basalt Hot Stones

Deep Muscle Relaxation

Basalt stones deliver steady, penetrating heat that helps muscles release quickly and comfortably. This allows your therapist to work deeper without causing discomfort.

Improved Circulation

The warmth increases blood flow, helping oxygen and nutrients reach tense or fatigued muscles.

Reduced Stress & Anxiety

Heat is naturally soothing. The combination of warmth, rhythmic massage, and grounding pressure signals the nervous system to relax, helping reduce mental and emotional stress.

Pain Relief

Hot stones can reduce discomfort caused by chronic tension, overuse, or stress-related soreness—making it a wonderful option for people who hold tension in the back, neck, and shoulders.

Benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt Stones

Gentle, Mineral-Rich Exfoliation

Because these stones are hand-carved salt crystals, they provide a soft, natural exfoliation that leaves the skin smoother and glowing.

Detoxifying Properties

Himalayan salt contains more than 80 trace minerals. When warmed, it can help neutralize free radicals, draw out impurities, and support the body’s natural balance.

Reduced Inflammation

Salt stones emit negative ions when heated, which may help reduce inflammation and promote a sense of calm and clarity.

Balancing Energy & Grounding

Many clients describe Himalayan salt stone massage as deeply grounding—ideal for emotional overwhelm, burnout, or seasonal stress.

Why the Combination Is So Powerful

When traditional basalt stones and Himalayan pink salt stones are used together, clients receive the best of both worlds:

• Deep, penetrating heat

• Calming, grounding energy

• Skin-smoothing exfoliation

• Mineral-infused nourishment

• Profound relaxation from head to toe

It’s a treatment that supports both physical and emotional wellness in a single session.

Who Can Benefit Most?

Hot stone massage is especially ideal for:

• People who carry chronic tension

• Anyone experiencing winter stiffness or cold-weather fatigue

• Those wanting a more relaxing, less intense form of deep relief

• Clients seeking a warm, comforting treatment

• Individuals with dry or dull skin

• Guests looking for a holistic, luxury massage experience

Feel the Difference at Skin Spa Asheville

Whether you choose our classic Hot Stone Massage or the Winter Relief Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, this nourishing treatment delivers more than just warmth—it’s an experience that restores balance, melts stress, and leaves you feeling renewed from the inside out.

When winter feels heavy—or when life feels overwhelming—a hot stone massage is one of the simplest, most effective ways to restore ease to both the body and mind.

The Transformative Power of Buccal Facial Massage

Buccal Facial Massage at Skin Spa:

If you’ve been looking for a natural way to lift, sculpt, and rejuvenate your skin, Buccal Facial Massage is one of the most effective and talked-about techniques in holistic skincare today. This unique method works both inside and outside the mouth to relieve tension, increase circulation, and define facial contours—all without injections or invasive procedures.

At Skin Spa Asheville, our Facial Sculpting Buccal Massage thoughtfully blends buccal work, facial cupping, and an upper-body massage for a truly restorative experience that leaves the face visibly refreshed and the body deeply relaxed.

What to Expect During Your Treatment:

Your session begins with a grounding massage of the scalp, neck, chest, and upper back. This first step prepares the body by opening pathways for circulation and lymphatic movement. When these areas are relaxed, the face can respond more effectively to sculpting and detoxification.

The treatment then moves into the signature buccal technique. Using gloved hands inside the mouth, along with precise movements across the face, we gently release jaw tightness, break down muscular adhesions, and support better symmetry. Clients who grind their teeth or clench their jaw often experience immediate relief.

This is followed by facial cupping, a gentle and highly effective method that increases blood flow, stimulates lymphatic drainage, and enhances the lifting effect around the jawline, cheeks, and eye area. The result is a naturally contoured look and a fresh, radiant complexion.

Benefits You’ll See and Feel

Buccal Facial Massage delivers both instant and cumulative benefits. Many clients notice a visible transformation after just one session. Common improvements include:

• Softer fine lines and tension lines

• Reduced puffiness and under-eye swelling

• More defined jawline and cheekbones• A brighter, more awake appearance

• Improved symmetry and facial balance

• Relief from jaw clenching, grinding, and facial tension

• Enhanced circulation and lymphatic flow

Because this treatment works in harmony with your body’s natural pathways, the results feel authentic—not forced or artificial. Many describe it as a “natural facelift” that leaves the face lighter, lifted, and deeply relaxed.

The Microcurrent Facial: Our Secret For Radiant Skin

You can book your appointment online anytime, whether you're interested in a microcurrent facial or any of our other aesthetic skin care options.

Imagine a facial treatment that not only rejuvenates your skin but also lifts, tones, and brightens your complexion, all without invasive procedures. Enter the microcurrent facial—an innovative skincare solution that harnesses low-level electrical currents to stimulate collagen production and enhance skin elasticity.

Often dubbed the "non-surgical facelift," this treatment has become a beauty industry favorite for achieving radiant, youthful skin. If you’ve been searching for a "microcurrent facial near me,” our Asheville spa is the perfect match. But first, let’s dive in and discover how the microcurrent facial can transform your skincare routine and reveal your natural glow.

What Is A Microcurrent Facial?

A microcurrent facial is one of the most popular facial offerings at our Asheville day spa, and people love this facial because it’s non-invasive with virtually no downtime after the procedure. For this facial, we use extremely low-voltage electrical current to stimulate the cells in the skin and facial muscles, which in turn, stimulates collagen and elastin growth in your skin.

Collagen and elastin are the proteins that keep our skin youthful, hydrated and elastic. Over time, with sun exposure and the natural aging process, collagen and elastin aren’t produced at the same levels and this leads to fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating the skin and underlying muscles, these two proteins begin to ramp up production and the result is firmer, more youthful skin.

This facial can lift and tone sagging skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure also improves blood and lymphatic circulation, which helps to detoxify the skin and reduce puffiness. You also will notice that your skin looks plumper and more radiant as the boost in collagen and elastin production also increases the skin’s hydration levels.

Is The Procedure Painful? How Long Does It Take?

While some beauty treatments can be mildly uncomfortable, with a microcurrent facial, you should feel no pain at all, which is another great aspect of this treatment. You may experience some muscle movement as we move the microcurrent wand over the treatment area, but no discomfort.

The procedure takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, and there’s no downtime. You should start to see results fairly quickly, as well. However, it does take several microcurrent treatments to achieve the maximum results. We typically recommend that you come in for treatment every two weeks for 12 weeks and then come in for a maintenance treatment about every four to six weeks. The more treatments you have, the better the improvement in your skin.

Who Is A Good Candidate?

A microcurrent facial is safe for all skin types, and because there’s no downtime, no needles and no fillers, this can be an excellent option for most people. We don’t recommend this treatment for anyone pregnant or nursing, and it’s not a good option for those with epilepsy, cancer or those with a pacemaker. If you’ve recently had Botox or other fillers, you will need to wait 2-3 weeks before undergoing a microcurrent facial.

Additionally, we don’t recommend microcurrent facials for patients with severe acne. However, we do have an acne clinic at our Asheville NC day spa, and can help you achieve clearer, more beautiful skin and we’ve provided a bit more information about that further down in this article.

What About At-Home Microcurrent Facials?

You may have heard that there are affordable at-home microcurrent facial devices. While these can be an affordable option, we don’t typically recommend a DIY approach with this treatment option.

First, the microcurrent devices that you can purchase for at-home use are not professional-grade devices and the equipment we use is more advanced and powerful, providing better results in less time. We also have more customizable settings, which allows for a more precise treatment tailored to your needs.

Additionally, we are professionals and have been trained in the best practices and techniques for applying microcurrent. This means that you enjoy more effective and more consistent results with a pro than you would at home.

We also can’t recommend at-home devices and treatment because it’s just not as safe as having a professional esthetician use a professional-grade device. You could end up with skin irritation from improper use. We also can combine microcurrent with other professional treatments to enhance the effect.

Additional Facial & Beauty Treatments

At Skin Spa Asheville, we are sensitive skin, acne and aging skin experts and, in addition to our microcurrent facial, we offer a myriad of proven treatments and anti aging facials to help improve the appearance of your skin. Some of our other facials include:

• ∙ HydraFacial

• ∙ Microdermabrasion

• ∙ CIT Nano Infusion

• ∙ Oxygen Infusion Therapy

• ∙ High Frequency

• ∙ Ultrasonic Skin Spatula

• ∙ Facial Cupping

• ∙ LED Light Therapy

• ∙ Dermaplaning with Nu Peel 

• ∙ Elaine Brennan Peel (and Elaine Brennan Micro Peel)

• ∙ Aromatherapy Facial

• ∙ Clear By Skin Sheek

Struggling with acne? With our acne clinic, we also have a variety of treatments that can help reduce acne outbreaks and help you achieve clearer skin. We encourage you to get started with our 60-minute consult and acne facial. We also offer high-frequency acne treatments and Celluma blue light therapy for acne and have special facials designed specially to help teenage clients.

Book A Microcurrent Facial Today!

Don’t wait another day to book that “microcurrent facial near me,” and transform the look of your skin. Whether you wish to book a microcurrent facial or another of our aesthetic skin care options, you can book your appointment online at any time. Not sure which options are best? Give us a call and we can discuss your skin care needs and goals.

5 Reasons To Book A Couples Massage In Asheville NC

No matter if you're a visitor or a local in Asheville, it's important to find time to relax and rejuvenate. Treating yourself and your partner to a couples massage in Asheville, NC, offers a perfect opportunity to unwind and strengthen your bond.

Whether you are just visiting our fair city or you call Asheville home, everyone needs to take some time to relax and rejuvenate. Booking a couples massage in Asheville NC can be a fantastic way to unwind and reconnect with your partner.

Tucked in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a serene and picturesque backdrop for a soothing massage experience. Imagine escaping the hustle and bustle of daily life, immersing yourselves in the tranquility of a luxurious spa, and letting skilled therapists work their magic. Here are five compelling reasons why a couples massage in Asheville NC should be at the top of your list for a memorable and revitalizing retreat.

1. Enjoy Quality Time Together

How often do you really have an hour or two where it’s just you and no distractions? A couple’s massage allows you to spend uninterrupted time together, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It truly provides you with a quiet moment for just the two of you and this can improve your bond and enhance intimacy.

2. Relieve Stress & Anxiety

Life can feel relentless at times, and stress and anxiety take a heavy toll on our bodies and minds. A massage experience can help you fully relax and shed away your cares, and even if it’s just for an hour or so, this can leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

3. Massage Promotes Wellness

If you’ve been thinking about making some life changes, in terms of wellness, a couples’ massage can be a great starting point. A massage at our Asheville day spa can truly jumpstart a new healthy regimen as it not only reduces stress, it also can improve circulation, enhance immune function and even boost mental clarity. Massage also can stimulate the lymphatic system, helping the body remove toxins more efficiently.

4. Massage Enhances Communication

A couples massage can enhance communication between partners by providing a peaceful environment where they can relax together without distractions. This shared experience fosters a sense of connection and trust, encouraging open and honest dialogue.

As stress and tension melt away, partners often feel more at ease and receptive, making it easier to express feelings and thoughts. Additionally, the act of prioritizing each other's well-being can reinforce mutual care and understanding, laying the groundwork for improved communication in their relationship.

5. A Couples’ Massage Creates Special Memories

When you look back at shared moments, an Asheville massage treatment can stand out as an amazing experience. This will be a memorable time that you can look back on fondly for years to come, and hopefully, if this is your first massage, it will encourage you to continue with regular massage sessions and enjoy all of the health benefits these treatments provide.

Keep in mind, that a “couples” massage also can be a great option for friends traveling together. A spa treat can be the perfect way to celebrate your friendship and add a little relaxation to a weekend friends’ getaway. Additionally, if you are traveling with several people, feel free to ask about our group massage packages that might be ideal for 2-4 people.

Our Massage Options

At Skin Spa Asheville, we offer an assortment of customized massage treatments, based on your needs. For instance, if you want a deep tissue massage in Asheville, we can provide you with that relaxing option. Other options include Swedish massage, neuromuscular massage, hot stone massage, myofascial and more.

One unique option is our Bamboo Fusion Massage. Bamboo therapy has been shown to reduce muscle tension and boost relaxation throughout your entire body. We use warm bamboo sticks to soften the outer layer of your muscles and this helps your massage therapist penetrate more deeply into the areas of your body that hold tension.

Just let us know your areas of concern, and we can create custom massage treatments that address your relaxing and wellness goals. We offer both 90-minute massage treatments and 60-minute massage sessions, and both include hot towels and a therapeutic blend of oils that are used to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.

We offer some fun massage add-ons, as well. For instance, you can add aromatherapy treatments or pink salt stones to any massage or perhaps request a muscle-relaxing cream. Reflexology is another popular massage add-on that we offer. This is a therapeutic treatment that involves applying pressure to specific points on your hands, feet or ears. It is believed that these pressure points correspond to various organ systems in the body.

We also offer an assortment of Asheville spa packages that include massage. For instance, our Appalachian Couples Getaway is a two-hour package that includes a 60-minute body treatment and a 60-minute aromatherapy facial. We also include delectable local chocolates for an extra treat.

The body treatment could be either a massage, such as our Swedish massage with mud mask back treatment or perhaps our amazing Salt Glow Body Scrub. This is a full-body therapeutic salt scrub exfoliation followed by an application of our signature Aloe & Azulene Hydrating Mask. We also use steamy towels and a warming blanket as well as providing you with a relaxing head, back and shoulder massage.

This is just one of our many spa packages that could be a perfect option for a couple’s massage in Asheville NC. Whichever package you choose, we promise that you will leave our Asheville spa feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and closer as a couple. Feel free to book your massage treatment online or give us a call (or text) at (828) 398-9713 to ask questions about any of our services and packages.

The Elaine Brennan Peel: Safe & Effective Skin Renewal

Skin Spa Asheville proudly offers the Elaine Brennan Peel and the Elaine Brennan Micro Peel.

If you long for glowing, youthful skin, a chemical peel can be a great option to consider. At Skin Spa Asheville, one of our most popular facial options is the Elaine Brennan Peel. This is a revolutionary skin renewal treatment that provides safe and stunning results. Let’s dive into the world of skin transformation and discover how this type of peel stands out from the rest.

What Is The Elaine Brennan Peel?

This peel, which is named for its inventor (a South African skincare innovator), is formally known as the Elaine Brennan Skin Renewal Peeling System. As with other chemical peels, this treatment provides deep exfoliation for your skin, removing dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new healthy cells. Best of all, this peel is suitable for all skin types and tones and the effects can last for as long as a year after treatment!

Elaine Brennan Vs. Other Chemical Peels

While all chemical peels are meant to rejuvenate your skin and reduce issues such as fine lines and hyperpigmentation, the Elaine Brennan Peel is unique because it was designed to provide deep exfoliation without penetrating too deeply into your delicate facial skin.

This helps to better control the peeling process and also minimizes the risk of damaging living skin cells, which can happen with other types of peels. With the Elaine Brennan Peel, we can achieve the same results as with other peels, but this is a gentler option, and the peel includes ingredients designed to prevent saturation into the deeper layers of the epidermis, thus protecting those living cells.

Benefits Of The Elaine Brennan Peel

There are so many great reasons to consider an Elaine Brennan Peel or the Elaine Brennan micro peel, which we also offer. Not only is this peel an option for far more skin types and skin tones than traditional peels, but it can provide you with the following benefits.

1. Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Exfoliating the skin not only removes unwanted dead cells, but this stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins help our skin remain hydrated and elastic. As we age, we produce less of these proteins and a peel can stimulate and boost production, reducing the look of wrinkles and smoothing fine lines.

2. Improve Skin Texture & Elasticity

Because the Elaine Brennan Peel boosts collagen and elastin production, this doesn’t just reduce those fine lines. You will notice that your skin feels smoother, and you also will notice that your skin has a much more youthful appearance in general.

3. Reduce Hyperpigmentation

If you have sun damage and brown spots or perhaps an uneven skin tone, this peel can be a great option to consider as it boosts cell turnover, making way for new fresh skin cells. These cells will be unpigmented, which reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation.

4. Reduce The Appearance of Acne Scars

Not only can the Elaine Brennan peel reduce the appearance of existing acne scars, but the ingredients in the peel contain anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties which can actually help prevent new breakouts. The treatment also balances the oil production in your skin, which can reduce the appearance of enlarged pores as well as blackheads and other blemishes.

Understanding The Peel Process

Before you pop into our Asheville spa for your peel, we recommend that you refrain from using harsh cleansers and exfoliants in the days leading up to treatment. We also recommend that you avoid prolonged sun exposure and use SPF protection, as well, both before and after the peel.

Unlike other types of chemical peels, with an Elaine Brennan peel we have you come to our Asheville day spa on two consecutive days for treatment, a total of about four hours in all. During your first visit, we apply the peel and give it time to set. Your skin may feel warm, tingly and tight after application. On the second visit, we reapply the treatment to ensure proper coverage and penetration.

From there, we will provide you with aftercare instructions, such as avoiding washing the skin for a few days, although we may recommend a moisturizer. During the first three days after treatment, you will notice your skin color will darken and it will feel tight.

Typically, on days 4-7, the peeling will begin and everyone’s experience with this will differ. Some people will notice more peeling than others, but the most important thing we can stress to our clients is to allow the peeling to happen naturally. No matter what, resist the urge to pick at the peeling skin.

By the end of the first week, most of the peeling should be over and you should see some improvement in the look of your skin. This improvement will continue for several months, as that boosted collagen and elastin begin to work their magic.

Want A Lighter, One-Day Option? Try The Micro Peel

We offer the full Elaine Brennan Peel as well as an Elaine Brennan micro peel. While the traditional Elaine Brennan Peel takes four hours spread over two days, this micro peel takes just 45 minutes. If you want a quick exfoliation procedure that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and soft, this is a great option to consider.

We recommend this option for anyone looking for a quick boost for their skin or for those who might be a bit nervous about a full chemical peel. This can be a great way to try out this facial procedure and become more comfortable with the process. The end result will be smoother, more youthful skin with a more even skin tone, although the results are not as dramatic or as long-lasting as you would enjoy with a full Elaine Brennan Peel.

Book Your Elaine Brennan Peel Today!

At Skin Spa Asheville, we are happy to provide you with the Elaine Brennan Peel and the Elaine Brennan Micro Peel. We also offer a tempting array of additional facial treatments, including anti-aging facials, microcurrent facials and HydraFacials as well as dermaplaning and microneedling. Give us a call at any time and we can discuss your options and determine which treatments are the best fit for your beauty goals.