Spas love enticing guests to try new services by offering treatments that incorporate exotic ingredients. But, there's something to be said for making use of a natural element that has been used to improve the skin for thousands of years—especially when it's a botanical that many people first come in contact with in the comfort of their own homes, as is the case with aloe. Many spa-goers have had their mothers or grandmothers soothe a burn or scrape with a swipe of gel straight from an aloe leaf. And, as it turns out, they were on to something.

For years now, we've been told of the potent antioxidant punch that many fruits provide. The richer and deeper a fruit or vegetable's color, the more powerful its free radical-fighting abilities seem to be.

There's something about roses that brings to mind happiness, beauty, and romance for just about every person on the planet. After all, what other flower has inspired phrases such as "wearing rose-colored glasses" and "everything's coming up roses?" And we've all heard unpleasant situations referred to as being "no bed of roses." With all of the positive imagery this single flower conjures, it's no surprise that roses have long been used in spas to create a romantic, relaxing, and beautiful atmosphere. What many spa-goers (and perhaps some spa employees) may not be familiar with, though, are the rose's many skin-improving and mood-boosting benefits.

Today's skincare-savvy spa clients under-stand that for long-lasting, obvious wrinkle reduction, it's important to couple trips to the spa with visits to the dermatologist. While estheticians have many powerful anti-aging tools at their disposal, few offer the same benefits as prescription topical products or injectables.

TODAY'S CONSTANT FOCUS ON ECO-AWARENESS can sometimes seem like overkill. But with new studies released practically every day that identify the health risks and environmental dangers linked to a host of chemicals, it's no wonder more and more manufacturers are creating toxin-free alternatives. And not just where food is concerned; as consumers, we've finally figured out that what we put onto our bodies has just as much of an effect on our health as what we put into them, which explains the demand for organic everything, from clothing to cosmetics. For spas, which are typically viewed as places that offer healthy, holistic healing, getting in line with this demand simply makes sense. Going organic and offering eco-conscious treatments is just the next step in natural spa services.

Life as we know it would not be possible without oxygen. Of the five basic elements that make up all life on Earth (carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen), oxygen is the most prevalent. It accounts for 65 percent of our bodies in weight, 50 percent of the Earth's crust, and 85 percent of all seawater. Every function of the body requires oxygen and the energy it creates—from the ability to move and think to the ability to sleep. Oxygen is even essential to the health of our skin, which is why many spas offer treatments that aim to deliver a topical dose straight to the face.

A Moment on the Lips, a Lifetime on the hips—that's always been the curse of sweet treats. Sure, a single truffle won't do much damage, but few of us can resist nibbling on another...and another.

Luxurious, decadent, and indulgent: These are all words that were at one time equated with spas. Now that there are nearly 15,000 spas in the U.S. alone and 32 million spa-goers (according to the International Spa Association), getting a massage isn't always the exclusive experience it once was. So how can you set your spa apart and enhance it with a bit of opulence without overhauling your entire operation? Try adding gemstone-inspired services to your menu. Nothing says special and distinct like showering your clients in rubies, emeralds, pearls, and diamonds. And with many people looking to spas for more than basic stress-relief, gemstone treatments also have the ability to turn your spa into a center for spiritual healing.