Treatment How-to: Cucumber and Watermelon Body Treatment

From The Spa at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego 50 minutes

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This summer, the spa will be offering a watermelon-cucumber Made Fresh Daily treatment. The Made Fresh Daily services are seasonal body treatments developed by the spa staff who work directly with the chefs at Rancho Bernardo Inn to source local products from nearby farms. With this treatment, clients will experience a soothing body mask made from watermelon pulp, a toner made from watermelon and cucumber to refresh and rehydrate, and a handmade lotion using watermelon juice for refreshment and rejuvenation.

Treatment duration:

Treatment cost: $150

Supplies needed for the Watermelon and Cucumber scrub/wrap, combine:

1⁄4 cup sea salt scrub

1 cup fresh watermelon

1 cup fresh cucumber

1⁄4 cup crushed watermelon seeds

1⁄4 cup aloe vera gel

For the Watermelon and Cucumber toner, combine:

1⁄4 cup floral waters of cucumber and watermelon

1⁄4 cup witch hazel

Cucumber lotion

Room setup:

Have a heated bed set up for a massage, placing a large blanket, foil, two sheets of plastic, one sheet and one bath towel on the bed. Have one large bath towel prepared in the warmer and another warm towel placed between the two pieces of plastic on the table.

Step 1: Greet your client, and ensure an intake form has been completed that details her medical history. Offer tea or water for a refreshing introduction to the treatment. Clients in the first trimester of pregnancy should not receive this treatment.

Step 2: Escort the client to a treatment room, and ask her to disrobe and lie face down on the treatment table.

Step 3: After allowing a sufficient amount of time, return to the room and ask if the client is comfortable, making any adjustments to the face rest and temperature of the heated bed, if necessary.

Step 4: Gently apply the watermelon and cucumber scrub with both circular and effleurage strokes, starting with the back and then moving to the legs. As the scrub/wrap is applied, the grinded watermelon seeds exfoliate the superior epidermis while delivering omega-6 and -9 essential fatty acids (EFAs) through the skin’s pores. These EFAs help strengthen and moisturize the skin’s cell membranes.

Step 5: After the posterior portion of the body has been exfoliated, with a soft voice, request the client roll onto her back and lie face up. Then apply the scrub/wrap to the anterior body.

Step 6: After the scrub/wrap is applied, wrap the client in the plastic and place a warm towel over the top of the plastic. Then continue to wrap the client in the additional layers of plastic, foil and blanket.

Step 7: While the client is wrapped, massage the face for 10 minutes using pressure points that will relax the mind. Next, place cucumber slices over the eyes and massage the scalp.

Step 8: Unwrap the client and escort her to the shower to rinse the scrub/wrap off with water.

Step 9: Prepare the room for the application of toner and cucumber lotion. Guide the client back to the room and instruct her to lie face down.

Step 10: Apply toner, which contains pure floral waters of watermelon and cucumber, to the back. Watermelon is loaded with vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant for increasing the integrity of skin collagen.

Step 11: After applying the toner to the back, massage cucumber lotion into the muscles. Mixed with oils and cucumber, this lotion cools and softens sun-exposed skin.

Step 12: After finishing the back, apply toner and lotion to legs, and then ask client to turn face up. Continue applying toner and lotion to legs, arms, chest, stomach—if requested—neck and face. The massage should take 20 minutes.

Step 13: Inform the client when the massage is complete, and invite her to slowly glide off the table and slip on a robe when she feels ready.

Step 14: Meet the client outside of the room, offering cool water infused with cucumber and lemon.

Step 15. Escort the client into a quiet meditation area to sit and relax in order to prolong the enjoyment of the treatment. Offer more water or tea, and encourage her to have a relaxing day. Once she feels ready, she may get dressed and lead herself back to the reception area.

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