There is something about fall that naturally invites us to slow down. The temperature drops, sweaters come out, the days get shorter, and suddenly a warm treatment bed sounds particularly delicious.
But the seasonal change isn't just about getting cozy. Cooler temperatures, lower humidity and indoor heating can change how our skin looks and feels. Skin that was perfectly happy in July may suddenly feel dry, tight or dull. Or you may find yourself somewhere in between summer and fall skin.
At Cher-Mère, some of our favourite fall spa treatments combine exfoliation, hydration, warmth, massage and aromatherapy to help your skin and body make that transition.
1. Scrub Away Summer With a Body Polish
Let's start with the body because fall is the perfect time for a really good exfoliation.
Our Almond Body Polish and Sea Salt Exfoliation begins by gently buffing away dry, rough surface skin. This is followed by steam therapy in our heat tent, adding warmth to the experience before finishing with a gentle body polish that leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and refreshed.
Warmth. Steam. Exfoliation. Hydration.
So delicious.
Body exfoliation can be particularly lovely during the transition into fall, when lower humidity and cooler temperatures can leave skin feeling drier. Just because our arms and legs are disappearing under sweaters and pants doesn't mean we should forget about them until spring!
Want to keep that smooth, post-polish feeling going between visits? Following up at home with a nourishing body moisturizer after your shower can make a real difference as the air gets drier. And with our BOGO Product Sale running all October long, you can pick up one product for your shower routine and get another free (equal or lesser value).
2. Give Your Face What It Needs Right Now
Our skin doesn't necessarily transition neatly from one season to another. You may still have some oiliness or congestion from summer while beginning to experience dryness or dehydration as the weather changes. Sometimes your skin needs a mixture of products and treatments.
At Cher-Mère, we have several facials to choose from. Our Aromatherapy Facial is customized to your skin type and current concerns, using products from our Cher-Mère skincare line. Your esthetician can select and combine products based on what your skin is doing right now rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Need a little extra hydration? Consider adding a hyaluronic jelly mask to give your facial a hydration boost.
Feeling a little dry? Our Paraffin Facial brings in that cozy fall warmth while helping the skin feel soft and moisturized.
Looking for some extra exfoliation after summer? A Dermaplaning or Microdermabrasion Facial may be calling your name.
The goal isn't to choose a facial simply because it is fall. It's to look at your skin, see what has changed and give it what it needs.
3. Massage Meets Aromatherapy
If there is ever a season made for massage, fall has a pretty good argument.
As schedules get busier and we transition from the pace of summer into school, work and fall routines, massage gives us an opportunity to slow down and release some of the tension we carry.
Adding aromatherapy to your massage takes that experience one step further. Aromas can be selected to create an atmosphere that feels calming, grounding or uplifting, adding another sensory layer to your treatment.
Warm treatment bed. Massage. Aromatherapy. Nowhere else you need to be.
Sometimes self-care really can be that simple.
Can't Decide Between a Facial and a Massage?
Good news: this fall, you don't have to choose.
From October through November, our $99 Refresher Facial & Back & Neck Massage brings two of our favourite fall treatments together in one visit.
It starts with a 30 minute facial that consists of cleaning, toning and either steaming or cleaning of pores, finished with moisturizing. This treatment is followed by a relaxing and restorative back and neck massage using our own special blend of aromatherapy oils.
It's a lovely option if your skin is asking for a refresh and your shoulders are holding onto a little more than they should. (Hands up if you've been carrying September somewhere between your neck and your shoulder blades.)
It's also a great way to get to know Cher-Mère if you've been meaning to book in but weren't sure where to start, and an easy gift for someone in your life who could use a little time to themselves.
4. Don't Forget Your Hands and Feet
Sandal season may be ending, but foot care doesn't have to end with it.
In fact, closed shoes, boots, socks and cooler temperatures make fall a great time to give your feet some attention. A pedicure can help care for dry skin, cuticles and nails, even if your toes aren't making an appearance again until your next vacation.
Our hands also tend to notice the change in weather. Cooler air, indoor heating and frequent handwashing can leave them feeling dry, so fall is a good time to add a little extra moisturizing care.
Really, is there anything better than soaking your feet in warm water when it's chilly outside?
A little at-home care goes a long way here too. Keeping a moisturizer by the sink, in your bag or on your nightstand makes it much easier to remember to use it, especially after handwashing or before bed.
5. Change Your Home Skincare With the Season
Your spa treatment is only part of the equation. As the weather changes, take a look at what you're using at home too.
You don't necessarily need to replace your entire skincare routine. Your skin may simply need a little more hydration or a richer moisturizer. Adding a targeted serum with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E or squalene may also help support your skin as the season changes.
While the temperature may be dropping, don't pack away the SPF with the summer clothes. Sun protection is still important year-round.
If you've been thinking about switching up your routine, October is the month to do it. Our BOGO Product Sale runs from October 1 to October 31: buy one product and get the other free (equal or lesser value).
That makes it the perfect time to try something new alongside an old favourite, pick up a richer moisturizer for the colder months ahead, or add a serum you've been curious about. It's also a nice head start on holiday shopping, because one for you and one for someone else is a very reasonable plan.
Not sure what to choose? Ask your esthetician at your next appointment. They've seen your skin up close and can help you put together products that make sense for what your skin needs this season.
Cozy Can Still Have a Purpose
We love the cozy side of fall spa treatments, the warmth, steam, aromas and chance to slow down but there can also be a purpose behind what you're choosing.
Maybe your skin needs hydration. Maybe you want to exfoliate some of that dry summer skin. Maybe your face needs a combination of products while it figures out what season we're in. Or maybe you simply need an hour to relax.
A body scrub followed by steam therapy. A customized facial and hydrating mask. A warm paraffin facial. Aromatherapy and massage.
Fall is a wonderful time to exfoliate, replenish, reset and take care of you.
If you're looking for an easy place to start, our $99 Refresher Facial & Back & Neck Massage is available through October and November, and our BOGO Product Sale runs until October 31. Book your appointment, stock up on your fall skincare and let yourself settle into the season.
Bring on the sweaters. We've got the warm treatment bed waiting.