E is for... Electrolysis, exfoliation, experience shower, extraction and more.

Electrolysis

Enzyme

Esalen massage

Essential oil

European facial

Exfoliation

Experience shower

Extraction

Eye treatment

Electrolysis

Electrolysis removes hair and discourages it from growing back so quickly. But it does involve mild electricity, a lot of patience and accuracy. Electrolysis is effective but very time-consuming and potentially expensive.

See also: Beauty Treatments; Bleaching; Hair Removal

Enzyme

Put as simply as possible, an enzyme is a class of protein that catalyses (speeds up) chemical reactions within the body. Almost all biological processes need enzymes in order to work properly. In the spa context, you may come across an enzyme peel, which is a facial lotion that uses the natural enzymes in fruits such as papaya, pineapple and kiwi to exfoliate and smooth your skin.

Good for: Deliciously fruitful cleansing and clarifying.

See also: Cleansing; Facial; Exfoliation

Esalen massage

A deeply relaxing combination of Swedish massage and sensory relaxation techniques, Esalen uses long, stroking movements and gentle stretching in what feels like a very loving, comforting massage. It can be quite a hypnotic technique and leaves you feeling really zoned out and serene.

Good for: Deep relaxation

See also: Relaxation massage; Swedish Massage; Shirodhara

Essential oil

An essential oil is so called because it is effectively the essence, or concentrated extract, of a particular plant in the form of a volatile aromatic compound. Usually extracted by distillation, and mixed with a neutral oil, essential oils are the ingredients in perfumes and soaps. In the spa world, they are used as massaging agents and in aromatherapy, when they may be poured into a dish and warmed over a gentle heat source.

Different parts of plants may be used in the manufacture of essential oils: flowers, leaves, bark, roots, seeds, berries, peel or resin. Among the most widely used oils are rose, tea tree, lavender, and a whole range of citrus fruits, from lime to bergamot.

Good for: Depends on the oil. Some have calming effects, others are good for muscle relaxation, still others have antiseptic properties. Inhaling vapourised tea tree oil can be good for stuffed-up passages during a cold.

See also: Aroma bath; Aroma room; Aromatherapy

European facial

This is our "common-or-garden" massage on this side of the Atlantic. It is a soothing facial that includes techniques to improve our skin whilst making us feel pampered and relaxed. It usually involves cleansing, exfoliating, a mask, and may also include face, hand, shoulder or head massage while you're waiting for the mask to work its wonders.

Good for: Working different magics for your skin, while relaxing and refreshing you at the same time.

See also: American facial; Exfoliation; Indian head massage

Exfoliation

The removal of your top layer of dead or tired skin cells to reveal your lovely fresh peachy layer underneath.

Good for: Instantly improving your skin tone and texture; improving circulation of oxygen to the surface of your skin to make it look brighter and fresher.

See also: Body polish; Facial; Brossage

Experience shower

As opposed to the simple shower you may find in changing rooms or at home, an experience shower is designed to offer a sensory experience. These showers often offer more than just hydrotherapy as they use fragrance and coloured lighting effects as well as differing water pressures and temperatures. The flow of water is often intended to replicate natural precipitation such as cool rainfall or a warm, tropical haze.

Good for: Stimulating circulation; a bit of fun.

Extraction

The process by which blackheads and other impurities are removed from facial pores. Extraction is the main focus of the American approach to facial treatments. The treatment involves opening the pores by subjecting them to heat or steam, and then removing accumulations of sebum either with a metal implement or with a pore-cleansing strip.

Good for: Rigorous cleansing of facial pores

See also: European Facial; Facial; American facial

Eye treatment

You can choose from a huge range of non-surgical eye treatments, all aimed at making you look even younger and more beautiful. Available on the high street as well as spas, many are cheap and quick. They can help firm your skin, brighten your outlook and shape your brows.

There are four main sorts of eye treatment:

Grooming: plucking, shaping and tinting

Lotions and potions to reduce puffiness, dark circles and light wrinkles

Non-surgical procedures, such as Botox injections, to iron out deep lines and retrain your facial muscles

Massage and electrotherapy to stimulate lymph and oxygen flow around the eyes, to revitalise and refresh.

Good for: Making you look fresher and younger, and making sure the attention is on your eyes - not the bags underneath them.

See also: Botox; Anti-Ageing; Collagen

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