Getting into the routine of maintaining good skin is important, but it’s even more important to book regular sessions at your local spa. Not only will this provide your skin with a plump look and feel, but it will also ensure you protect your body’s largest organ: the skin. One of those treatments is a facial.
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The term facial was previously considered just a treatment for skin conditions, such as acne. However, it is now more broadly used. Today the term includes steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, facial masks, peels, and massage - all of which are usually performed in a spa for both men and women.

Until we experience a facial treatment, we don’t realize how much of a positive impact it’s going to have on our faces. With thorough cleansing, deep down into your pores, get ready for glowing, shining skin after your next facial.

It’s Relaxing 
First and foremost a facial is by far one of the most relaxing treatments. Whilst you’re here, sit back and enjoy the pampering session. Especially in the days after leaving the spa, when your skin feels its softest.
 
Reduces Stress
By taking an hour out of your busy life to relax for a facial, you will experience its amazing capability to reduce stress levels within the body. The facial will help to not only increase blood circulation but also allow the blood to transport more nutrients to the skin, creating that glowing look and feel.
 
Anti-Aging 
Through regular facials, your skin muscles will become tighter which ultimately slows down the aging process. By experiencing regular facials, the muscles will be exercised, creating a perception of more lifted, toned, and firm skin.
 
Protects against Environmental Factors 
Your pores fill with dirt and dust while you simply live your everyday life. Within a facial, the therapist can exfoliate deep into the skin removing dead cells, improving skin tone appearance, and reducing pore size.
 
Treats Acne (and other skin issues)
If you’re suffering from acne, and/or other skin conditions, then facials help to reduce redness and inflammation, therefore minimizing the chances of future outbreaks. Extraction, if needed, is also great for removing blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and preventing breakouts. Anyone struggling with acne can benefit from a facial, alongside a facial scrub, as it clears out the skin and has a purifying effect.
 
Improves Circulation 
As the technician provides a facial massage, the increased blood flow will carry more antioxidants, oxygen, and nutrients into your face. This subsequently creates a healthy glow and radiant look.
 
Eliminates Dark Circles and Bags Under Your Eyes 
Dark circles around the eyes are caused by weakening muscles. The breakdown in collagen causes the fat to shift to the lower eyelids causing dark shadows and puffiness. By experiencing regular facial massages, you can ensure that this skin becomes tighter, therefore preventing any under-eye bags.
 
Treat Yourself
There’s nothing more satisfying than sitting back and letting the professionals get to work on deep cleaning your skin. Not only will it feel fantastic but it will provide lasting softness for the days that follow.

​If you can, having a regular spa facial near you, at least every six weeks, will do wonders for your face; brightening the skin, creating a fresh, glowing look.
 
Here at Carisma Spa, depending on your requirements, we have the desired facial treatments for the need. From face firming to city life shielding - regain brightness, and bring back your natural glow with a Carisma Facial Experience.
 
Our ultimate treatment, however, is the Carisma Signature Facial. Providing instantly visible results, this facial combines biotechnical efficacy with an outstanding anti-aging massage. The outcome is instantly smoother, firmer, and more radiant skin. 
 
To make your experience even more relaxing, some of our treatments include a complimentary relax back, hand, and eye perfection treatments. So you can leave feeling fully refreshed and restored.

​A good time to book yourself in for a facial is as the seasons change. The elements in the air also start to change and this can have effects on your skin. So if you’re not up for a regular 6-week appointment, then quarterly facials each year might be your best option.

In the meantime, if you want to look your best and maintain the youthful appearance of your skin,  regular washing, moisturizing and applying sun protection is what matters most.

Next time you are heading to our spa in Malta, our spa technicians will be more than happy to offer consultations on the products that might work best, for ensuring your skin retains its glow all year round.

Dry skin can be a very frustrating skin condition to deal with. Your skin can feel flaky, tight, and sore from the lack of moisture, and can impact your confidence. It also makes it difficult to find suitably hydrating face care and makeup products, since they may not be hydrating enough or even make your skin uncomfortably oily.

Thankfully, there are specialised products, facial treatments and natural remedies to help relieve your discomfort and let you enjoy plump, refreshed skin.

Your diet can have quite an effect on your skin, which means that adding these foods can help hydrate your skin and relieve your discomfort as well as boost your health.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are an often recommended remedy for dry skin, especially when eaten with their skin. They’re full of Vitamin A which repairs your skin and beta-carotene which protects your skin and keeps it hydrated.

Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is a great alternative to vegetable oils for cooking since it’s much healthier. In addition, it can improve your skin both by ingesting it or by rubbing it on problematic areas.

Water
Water is the key to great skin and good health. It’s important to stay hydrated, so keep a bottle nearby at all times to get into the habit of drinking more water. Not only is water hydrating, but it can remove toxins from your skin.

Avocadoes
A versatile ingredient that can be eaten in many different recipes, avocados keep skin hydrated and help prevent the signs of aging. They’re incredibly nourishing, so you should definitely include them in your diet.

Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a healthy food to wake up to. It’s great at tackling flaky dry skin and redness. It’s also a great breakfast food that can be combined with many other ingredients to keep you feeling fuller for longer, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy foods that dry your skin.

​You don’t need to completely change your daily routine to tackle dry skin. A few small changes can have a great effect. Incorporating a moisturiser into your shower routine is always recommended, as well as avoiding washing your body or face with water that is too hot. But did you know that moisturiser can be more effective if you apply it to damp skin? So make sure you use it right after you’ve showered or washed your face so that it locks in the hydration and refreshes you longer.

Setting a humidifier on your desk while you work is also a simple solution that won’t mess up your routine. Desktop humidifiers only need to be filled up with water at the start of the workday and you can let them work their magic. They can also improve your breathing if you have allergies or asthma, and counteract the dehydrating effects of being in a room with an Air Conditioner or heater on all day. Plus, they usually come in attractive shapes and colours!

Nothing beats a facial for a powerful boost to hydration, especially facials designed to combat dry skin. A Hydra Blue facial is great at making dry skin radiant again, while a Douceur Marine facial treats redness and soreness to soothe your face. The movements of a facial treatment also have the benefit of boosting circulation and collagen production, so your skin is not only fresher but looks younger too.

Incorporating a moisturiser into your routine is often the first and best-recommended step to tackling dry skin. However, many products contain ingredients that make other skin problems worse, make your skin too oily, or simply don’t hydrate your skin enough. Picking safe, reliable products is important, which is why Carisma recommends products by Phytomer, since they are effective, natural, and sustainably sourced.

If you have combination skin it has probably been an ongoing struggle to find a product that hydrates your dry areas without making your oily areas worse, so you may wish to try an ultra moisturiser that’s oil-free, or an easy-to-apply gel solution that’s great for any skin type. If you feel regular discomfort from skin tightness, a comforting rescue cream may be the ideal solution. If you prefer a more complex routine, then adding a hydrating night cream along with your normal moisturiser can help you get bright skin before you’ve even woken up for the day.

​Dry skin doesn’t have to mean constant discomfort or insecurity. You can tackle it head-on in a simple, straightforward way with a few small changes to your lifestyle and diet that will have a positive effect on your wellness as well.

Getting good sleep is an integral part of maintaining both physical and mental wellness. We may take a good night’s rest for granted, but even a single interrupted or fitful night can make us realise how important restful sleep really is.

Losing sleep for any reason, including insomnia, can impact every aspect of our lives. Tiredness can mean making more mistakes at work, being short tempered with loved ones or simply having a harder time being motivated and enjoying life. At the end of the day, no one enjoys tossing and turning in bed watching the clock tick by, so here are some useful tips to help you get a good night’s sleep. They will range from easy, small changes to your environment to antistress spa day treatments, so you are sure to find something that fits into your lifestyle.

Sleeping in a room that’s quiet, dark and cool will naturally help you get to sleep easier. If your room is facing a street light or you perhaps prefer to sleep during the day, blackout curtains can help simulate a dark environment.

Removing distractions like computers, T.V’s & work items can also help you get into the right mindset. Having these items around can weaken the natural association you have with your bedroom as a place of rest. Some people also find the light aroma of essential oils like lavender can help them get to sleep, but make sure not to apply undiluted essential oils directly to the skin, as they can cause irritation.

​Your body naturally associates daylight with being awake, so exposing yourself to too much artificial light, especially before bed, confuses your natural rhythms. Bright light, especially blue light typical of phones and computers should be avoided. If this is not possible, look into setting a blue light filter on your device to reduce its disrupting effect. Being in a dark environment will encourage the production of the hormone melatonin, which promotes sleep.

You can help your body and mind transition from day to night by relaxing for an hour before bed. You can take a bath, enjoy a hobby or perform exercises like yoga, but make sure to avoid too much time using technology, as explained above.

​It is also important to sleep and wake at around the same time if possible. If you need to change the time you are going to sleep, try and adjust your routine gradually instead of all at once, so that your body’s rhythms have time to adapt.

It may seem obvious to avoid drinking coffee before bed, but what about nicotine and alcohol? Many people enjoy a glass of wine or a smoke before bed, but surprisingly these may be contributing to insomnia like caffeine would.

Studies have shown that consuming these substances may also increase anxiety, which will make it harder to get to sleep and feel well rested when you wake up. A 2015 study showed that caffeine can even make your mood worse if you are already sleep deprived. Instead, consider drinking cherry juice, herbal teas or warm milk to help you drift off.

​If you are going through a stressful time, especially an unpredictable year like 2020, it may be hard to get a good night’s rest. Trying a soothing massage can help ease some tension and refresh your outlook. Carisma Spa’s dedicated antistress massage is designed to ease tension, while massages like the Hot Stone Massage or the Ayurvedic Massage can help with exhaustion and anxiety.

In conclusion, your body naturally knows when it is time to rest, but the anxiety and complications of daily life can confuse it. By establishing a sleeping routine that simulates a cool, dark night and relaxes your body, you can help promote regular restful sleep.

At many points in our life we may experience something that causes us a great deal of stress & anxiety, and given how hectic life can be these feelings can often last for a long amount of time. The turbulent nature of 2020 has been especially stressful for many of us, so it has become even more important to be able to prevent and cope with these feelings.

Here at Carisma Spa, we want to ensure that people experience both physical and mental wellness, so this article will take you through some ways to manage these negative emotions and to help prevent them from taking hold in the first place.

Anxiety can have physical, mental, and emotional effects on you. When you experience anxiety, you can feel scared or apprehensive, you can have negative emotions and you can even experience intense reactions like sweating, shaking or shortness of breath.

​Anxiety and Stress are often the result of something that has already happened, or something that you are worried will happen, so tackling these feelings can start from approaching these events in a different way.

If future events are causing you anxiety, it can be very helpful to plant for them in advance. Knowing that you already have ways to cope with this event, if it were to happen, can take a great deal of weight off your shoulders.

This can be as simple as writing down your daily routine in advance, listing your short term and long term goals, or writing down some ways to cope with an event that you fear will happen. Consider talking about these worries with people you are close to, as they may have perspectives that you are not seeing at the moment or solutions that you are not aware of. Often the act of simply talking with someone can relieve some anxiety.

Many of our goals in life require a great deal of time and effort; getting a good job, buying a house or succeeding in education, for example, can all require years of work. As a result, we can lose motivation and feel like our goals are too far out of reach, so it’s important to list small goals and reward yourself for them. Exercised or ate a healthy meal today? Reward yourself with some moments of relaxation. 

Even small achievements have their value, and it’s important not to forget this! Focus on what you can change right now.

Experiencing a moment of high anxiety or stress can be overwhelming, so it’s important to know what to do beforehand. When you feel overwhelmed, try to sit down and take a second to clear your mind. Close your eyes and focus only on your breathing. These calming breathing techniques are surprisingly effective, relieving intense emotions in a matter of minutes.

When we focus on our negative thoughts, we can give them a great deal of power and make them feel worse than they actually are. When you experience negative emotions, take their power away by listing them either on a piece of paper or in your mind. Ask yourself what is bothering you, why it is bothering you and whether you can do anything about it. 

If the problem is something you can change, try and list what you can do to solve it. If you can’t figure out a solution, ask others for advice or even see if you can get some useful information from the internet.

Often, this process can relieve your anxiety even before you actually start doing anything to fix your problem, since it grounds you in the present and makes your feelings tangible. Once you understand something, you can deal with it more easily.

Creating a relaxing environment can help with anxiety and stress, and aromatherapy is a useful tool in your arsenal. By burning incense, using a scented oil or a warmer, you can diffuse a relaxing scent around the room to ground you and relax you. 
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Specific scents like lavender, jasmine, chamomile, rose, frankincense, and patchouli have historically been used to relieve anxiety, depression, and stress.

If you feel like you would prefer a more hands-on approach to tackling your tension, you can choose treatments designed to relieve these negative emotions. A facial, for example, can relieve tension and allow you to step away from life’s worries for a while. 
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Meanwhile, a massage that targets anxiety like the Hot Stone Massage or the Antistress Massage is designed to relieve the symptoms of stress in your body to refresh your physical and mental energy.

Keeping up with meditation and exercise can also be a useful tool to relieve negative emotions. They lower the body’s levels of stress hormones, improve your sleep and make you feel more confident in yourself. In addition, they can be a great distraction that allows you to focus on something other than the way you are feeling.

​In conclusion, there are many approaches you can take to manage your feelings in these stressful times. You may choose to try one or more of these techniques or even all of them, so we hope that they will be of help and lead to your mental wellness.

Improving your health and wellness, both physical and mental, may seem like a daunting task. We associate improving our health with major lifestyle changes, inconvenient exercise routines or complicated dieting plans, but this doesn’t have to be the case!

There are some surprisingly simple ways to feel and look better that can slot right into your current lifestyle, making them easier to adapt to and maintain. You can’t always find the time to pop into the spa for a massage to break your routine or get advice from our therapists, so this blog will outline possible additions or minor changes to your diet, lifestyle and the products you use in your own home. Not all of them may be perfect for you, but that’s ok! You can adopt as many tips as you like, or use them as a first step into making bigger changes.

Your diet doesn’t only affect your skin and body, but your mental wellness as well. Eating well helps you feel and look better, but we often try to change our diet dramatically; cutting out the foods we love and eating only carefully meal-planned dishes. This can make diets hard to maintain, and demotivate you quickly.

Instead you should start with smaller diet changes first, that can benefit you a great deal on their own, or help transition you into more major changes. For example:

Herbs and Spices
Herbs and Spices don’t just make your food taste amazing, they also have some major health benefits:

• Sage: True to its name, sage is a medicinal herb that’s great at boosting your brain function and memory. It’s also great at fortifying your immune system since it contains antioxidants and is suggested to help reduce blood sugar levels. Sage retains its flavour when dried, so fresh or dried sage can be incorporated into pasta sauces or in meat dishes to give an earthy flavour.

Side Dishes & Fermented Foods
Adding a side dish or small addition to your existing food favourites can also be a great way to boost your diet. I’ve focused on sides that require very little preparation, to have as little of an effect on your routine as possible.

Western Diets are lacking in foods that support your gut health. Fermented Foods contain beneficial bacteria that help with digestion, immunity, weight and mental health, so including them in your diet is a great idea. But what are these probiotic boosting foods? Kimchi, for example, is a popular Korean dish that goes well as a side dish or with dishes that are a little bland. It’s usually made from fermented cabbage, garlic, ginger, spring onions and seasonings. It can be found in any Asian food store in containers of various sizes, so it’s easy to pick up a small packet if you’re not sure if you’ll like it. 

Yoghurt is definitely a familiar food, but it has many benefits you may not be aware of. It can reduce your risk of heart disease, contains a great deal of nutrients and like kimchi, boosts your gut health. Adding Yoghurt to baked goods or breakfast dishes is a great option if you prefer not to eat yoghurt on its own.

Kefir is another fermented drink that’s great for you. It’s common in Eastern Europe and Russia, but you can even make it at home by adding grains to a glass of milk and letting it sit for 24 hours. The grains will prevent it from spoiling and ferment the milk, leaving you with a smooth drinkable yoghurt smoothie! You can strain out the grains before drinking, and they remain healthy and ready to make more Kefir!

Adding or making little changes to your routine can dramatically help your physical and mental health. In this section we will take a look at a few simple tips you can adapt to your lifestyle:

• Epsom Salts: Epsom salts are readily available (and low cost) from pharmacies. By adding them to your bath, they can break down and be absorbed into your skin. The health benefits are endless; reducing swelling, bruising and sprains, helping with insomnia, reducing muscle soreness and chemotherapy discomfort and soothing pain from sunburn.
  
  
• Getting a Regular Amount of Sleep: Sleep can make or break your health, and can really bring your mental wellness down. Setting aside at least 8 hours of sleep at the same time each day is especially important. Many people tend to stay up later on their days off, and this can throw off your body’s natural rhythms. Of course getting to sleep may be easier said than done if you have sleeping problems like insomnia, so you may want to consider our blog post on getting good, restful sleep.

Planning Your Meals: Planning your meals in advance can save you last minute stress or problems with missing ingredients. You may want to set a little time aside each week to plan a few meals, or even make meals in advance if the food can be stored in the fridge or frozen. This also helps you avoid eating takeout or unhealthy snacks when you are too tired to cook at the end of the day.

Set and Track Your Goals: Staying motivated is hard sometimes, so track your progress and reward yourself! You can write down your goals and milestones, and set rewards when you achieve them. Achieved your daily goals? Reward yourself with some self-care time like watching a movie or taking a long bath instead of a shower. Achieved a major goal? Treat yourself to a trip to your favourite restaurant, or a relaxing afternoon at the spa on your day off. Rewards can be as large or as small as you want, but remember that it’s healthy to keep your motivation up.

Many people use skincare and body care products that are popular, or recommended to them by others, without first ensuring that the products are suited to their unique needs. It is important to use products suited for your skin type, otherwise these products can do more harm than good.

Identifying Your Skin Type
Determining your skin type is straightforward if you know what characteristics to look for. First, wash your face with a cleanser and dry your skin. Take note of any of these features that may occur after 30 minutes:

• Dry Skin: You may have dry skin if your skin feels tight and parched. Throughout the day, people with dry skin may also notice a little flaking. Moisturising soon after washing your face, with an intensely hydrating moisturiser, is therefore very important for this skin type.
  
  
• Oily Skin: If you wait an extra 30 minutes and you can observe a slight shine all over your face, your skin may be oily. Identifying oil is easier if you have sheets of skin blotting paper that you can use to test for oil. It is still important to nourish your skin with products, so you may want to use products that are not greasy or oily. Exfoliants or peels will also help get rid of any clogged pores that oily skin is susceptible to causing.
  
  
• Combination Skin: If you only observe shine on your nose, chin and/or forehead, you may have combination skin. Your cheeks, on the other hand, may feel a little dry. To meet the needs of all areas of the face, you may therefore prefer to use gel products, so as not to dry out dry areas and over-hydrate oily ones. It is still important to moisturise after you strip your natural oils away when washing your skin.

​Improving your health doesn’t require a complete change to your lifestyle. It’s better to take small steps, and build upon them, than take a giant leap and struggle to maintain it. But at the end of the day, making small changes for yourself can lead to better physical and mental wellness.

It’s never too early to start nourishing your skin to slow down the aging process. But no matter at what stage of your life you begin seeking anti aging remedies, there are various approaches to take. Whether you prefer more natural lifestyle and diet changes, facial treatments and anti aging products, or a combination of everything available to you, you are sure to find useful information in this article.

There are a few lifestyle choices that can actually slow down skin ageing. Avoiding hot sunny days is key, as hot weather increases the production of sebum which clogs your skin. Wearing protective clothing and sunscreen is also essential. 

Meanwhile being out in cooler weather promotes better circulation. Winter weather even helps you sleep better, reducing the appearance of dark circles, since it simulates the natural drop in temperature that happens when we fall into a deep sleep.

​In a similar vein, washing your face with cold water has many benefits. It reduces stress, inflammation and tiredness, leaving you with tightened skin and pores, without stripping away too many of your skin’s natural oils like hot water does.

In fact, tiredness in general is something to avoid. Staying up late and having an inconsistent sleep cycle means less time for your body to recover and repair. Good rest will improve your circulation, rescue puffiness around your eyes and face, and decrease dryness.

​Quitting smoking is also an often-recommended tip to keep your skin youthful. The smoke and nicotine deprive your skin cells of oxygen and nutrition which prematurely ages your appearance.

Exercise and taking time out of the day to de-stress is also incredibly important. Remember to shower right after to help your body recover its energy and wash away skin cells and bacteria.

There are some foods that are particularly useful at slowing skin ageing and improving its appearance. Vitamin C is a great place to start. Vitamin C from oranges and lemons will help your skin’s elasticity and collagen production.

Eating foods rich in antioxidants is also helpful to protect your skin from damage. Bell peppers are a good start, as they also help reduce eye wrinkles, but many fresh fruits and vegetables will do. 

Omega 3 from fatty fish and fish oil helps your cells renew themselves, avoiding inflamed flaky skin. Surprisingly, avoiding fats isn’t a necessary part of improving your diet to appear younger. On the contrary, fats can help your skin look radiant and bright. 

You may also want to consume more foods that contain soy, like tofu or edamame beans, as they help preserve collagen.

Finally, a very popular recommendation is always drinking more water. It’s important to keep your skin hydrated both from the inside (by drinking water) and from the outside by preserving or replenishing your skin’s hydration.

Another way to help your skin stay youthful is having youth boosting facials or treatments that address your skin concerns. For example, a Freshup facial helps firms skin and freshens up skin that appears dull. A Hydra Blue facial rejuvenates dry skin and restores hydration that may be lacking in aging skin. 

White lumination facials brighten skin and reduce the appearance of age spots and pigmentation, while Extended youth facials fill in wrinkles and boost collagen production. Even facials that do not necessarily target aging skin stimulate circulation and collagen production through the movements of the therapist’s hands, so a facial treatment may be a great way to treat yourself.

Products can be an important part of your skincare routine. It’s usually recommended to use products like moisturisers both in the morning and before bed, and it’s best to use them right after you’ve washed your skin so that they lock in moisture and are more effective.

Anti Aging moisturisers are specifically formulated to fill in wrinkles, firm and lift the skin, protect you from sun damage, or reduce skin texture problems.

Exfoliation is also very important. As you age your skin replenishes itself more slowly, leading to a build up of dead skin cells which makes skin look dull and dry. An exfoliator helps clear all the skin cells away, revealing the more youthful skin beneath. Make sure to only use gentle exfoliators though, as more intense or harsh exfoliators can make your skin sag. 

Gentle, natural exfoliators can have immediate results, improving the appearance and texture of your skin.

It’s never too early or too late to give your skin some love and attention. Whether you decide to simply change up your skincare routine, try a new moisturiser or completely change up your diet, I hope this blog gave you some useful tips that change your life for the better.

A hot stones massage is a form of massage therapy where either heated or cooled stones are placed on the body for the purpose of pain relief, relaxation and therapy.

Dating back to ancient civilizations, hot stone massages were considered a form of healing therapy to provide physical and spiritual ease. Having evolved over time, the stone massage emerged in the late 1900s and quickly became one of the most popular massage techniques of the modern world.

But what does it entail, and why has this massage therapy become so important to our health, reaping many benefits?  

The hot stones massage incorporates techniques of a more regular massage alongside the heated stones. By resting these hot stones on top of your body, therapists can open up the muscles and work into the tissue to remove any tension.

In comparison to a deep tissue massage, through long strokes and circular motions, hot stones subsequently provide a deeper, more relaxing massage experience, with each stone known to pass on its unique energy to you.

The stones used for this massage are usually basalt stones. This is a smooth black rock or river rock made out of iron, helping it retain heat. These hot stones are then placed on different areas of the body, including your spine, stomach, chest, face, palms, feet, and toes.

The therapist will then use Swedish massage techniques to gently rub these stones into your body, subsequently creating what we know as a hot stone massage.

There are an overwhelming number of benefits that make hot stone therapy one of the most relaxing of its kind. Although it calms the muscles, this massage therapy takes us far beyond the spa and uncovers many numerous health benefits. Such benefits include:

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
Through a hot stone massage, stress, and anxiety - especially among those with cardiovascular problems - is known to be improved as it is the ultimate relaxation massage. A study from 2001 showed that a ten-minute hot stones massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume, which is usually provoked by stress. 

Relieves Muscle Tension and Pain 
Hot stones therapy is also known to assist with pain, especially with patients experiencing autoimmune diseases. This is because it relaxes the body, reducing muscle tension and spasms. As the stones help to remove tension around the body, the blood flow and circulation further improve, there assisting with previous tension and pain.

Boost Immunity
It seems strange to think that a stone massage can help to improve immunity but it’s proven to be true. With its clear signs of increasing blood flow and stress reduction, a hot stones massage can further increase immunity levels; therefore helping your body fight off any diseases. In fact, according to a 2010 study, a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity. 

Reduce Cancer Symptoms
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how stones massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. In many cases, hot stones massage therapy provides cancer patients with some sort of comfort during their medical treatment, decreasing anxiety, and depression, and promoting sleep.

Encourage Better Sleep
Body massages are known to promote more restorative sleep. However, a hot stone massage has been even more helpful in promoting this, especially amongst the older generations and those suffering more serious sleep disorders.  Through experiencing a hot stones massage, not only will patients be able to sleep better, but the quality of sleep will also increase. This allows patients to wake up feeling more restored and fully energised.

With all these benefits to experience, there is no better reason to enjoy a hot stones massage today. Sink your body into relaxation and indulge in a Hot Stone Massage at Carisma Spa.

Looking to pamper yourself even further? For a fully indulgent and luxury experience, we recommend you combine your Hot Stones Massage with our exclusive Indian Head Massage for a complete soothing treatment.

Following these two calming treatments, you will leave the spa feeling fresh and fully revitalized inside and out - and ready to face whatever 2020 has left to throw at you.

Book your Hot Stone Massage in Malta Today.

Are you too scared to visit the spa because of your nails? Spent the summer biting, chipping, and ultimately ignoring those nails of yours? 

Well, you’re in luck - as many nail conditions can be avoided through proper fingernail care. We are here to offer some guidance on how to ensure stronger nails that will stay healthier in the long run.

There is something refreshing about having strong, pretty nails - it’s like it unveils a new level of confidence inside of us. So check out our steps to regain that nail confidence, so you can stroll into the spa for your next manicure in a tip, top shape.

Use Cuticle Oil
As part of your regular routine to maintain healthy nails, it has been suggested that moisturizing cuticles will help to retain strong and beautiful nails. If your nails are prone to breakage then using cuticle oil to add some moisture could help prevent damage.

Moisturise Often
If your hands are prone to damage as well, it could be that they just need some extra moisture too. Try to ensure you have both cuticle oil and hand moisturizer at your desk to use daily. When you are also applying hand lotion, make sure to rub just a little bit extra into your nails so they are fully moisturized.

Cut Nails Appropriately 
When trimming your nails, ensure to use sharp manicure scissors or clippers. Trim your nails straight across, then round the tips in a gentle curve. Similarly, don’t try and bite your nails when you don’t have time to cut or file them. Always cut them carefully and this will help them retain their strength.

Try Biotin
Medical experts have suggested that the nutritional supplement biotin might help strengthen weak or brittle fingernails; Including Dr. Kleinsmith, who commented that people with especially weak nails may benefit from the B vitamin.

Wear Gloves
Avoid washing clothes or dishes without wearing gloves, as you will be exposing your skin to hot water and harsh chemicals that can irritate or dry out your hands. Most detergents contain chemicals that help to remove grease from your dishes or stains from your clothes. If you use these liquids without gloves, the chemicals will remove the natural oils from your skin, subsequently making your skin dry out. 

Outside of the kitchen - and come winter - our hands are prone to being cracked and battered by the changes in elements and winds. The best solution here is to wear leather gloves that act as an additional layer in terms of protection.

An additional way of getting your nails done is by leaving it to the professionals. The primary goal of having a manicure or pedicure is to ensure you are maintaining healthy hands and feet. If they are lacking in moisture and your nails are starting to go brittle, then book yourself a spa visit and let the professionals get to work!

By visiting your nail spa often, you will help to enhance your nail health and keep your hands looking young. As the skin on our hands is quite thin, it doesn’t age as well as other areas of our body.

Finally, as well as just keeping your nails strong and healthy, a manicure or pedicure is also good for your own personal well-being. After having a manicure, your feet and hands will both look and feel amazing. These treatments will also help to reduce stress, as your body will calm down, relax and blood circulation will increase whilst you undergo the treatment session.

Are your nails in need of a little tender loving care? If so, leave it to us and we’ll let you relax and unwind whilst we tidy up those nails.

With numerous nail treatments here at Carisma Spa - from manicures to pedicures to gel nails or french manicures - we’ll let you choose your preferred style and we’ll get to work on treating those nails of yours. 

Once your nails are in tip-top shape, why not extend your spa day to a day by the pool, or relax and unwind with one of our massage treatments?

Thai Massage is a traditional healing system that combines assisted yoga postures with acupressure and Indian Ayurvedic principles to relax the body.  It is an ancient form of healing that has been practised alongside other traditional medicines in Thailand for thousands of years. Its origin can be traced to oriental medicine and yoga.

Thai massage therapy is based on the concept of an invisible energy body surrounding every human being. An individual’s energy body consists of over 72,000 individual energy lines. This energy body is divided into ten main energy lines called Sen that supply the organs with vital energy, the life force. Traditional Thai Massage focuses on manipulating the energy on the ten main Sen Lines.”

Getting a massage, especially for the first time, can be intimidating and raise questions like; Is this going to hurt?  Do I keep my underwear on or go buff? But even for those familiar with other types of massage, a Thai massage is completely unique. 

The technique that Thai massage therapists use is very different from what people are used to. Unlike hot stone or deep tissue massages, where a person passively lies on a bed, the client lies on the floor and participates more actively in the massage. Thai Massage is known to relax the whole body. It helps relieve pain by increasing relaxation response and reducing defence arousal response. It is famous not only in Thailand but in other countries as it promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and increases parasympathetic activity in patients with back pain. It also increases blood circulation, decreases blood pressure and heart rate, reduces pain, and promotes relaxation.  Unless you try it yourself, you will not understand why it’s arguably the most approachable of the types of massages. Here are 5 significant things you need to know before your Thai massage therapy.

Thai massage was developed by monks centuries ago. It is said to have been founded by Chiwaka Komaraphat who is said to have been the Buddha's physician over 2,500 years ago. He was known to have extraordinary medical skills and extensive knowledge of herbal medicine.

Among the towering spires and ceramic inlaid stupas of Bangkok’s Wat Pho temple are a group of inscriptions from the 19th Century. Shaded by the wooden eaves, these large marble plaques, known as the Epigraphic Archives of Wat Pho, divulge the secrets of the Thai way of life and are one of the earliest recordings of the techniques of Nuad Thai (Thai massage).

“Unlike more “Western” massage styles, Thai massage’s rich history has been passed down for generations.  As a result, Thai massage has been developed over time and its benefits well researched.” 
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While you might not believe in the energy lines that Thai massage therapists believe circulate throughout the body, you will certainly benefit from the years of experience that has gone into their techniques.

Thai Massage techniques are based on the belief that tight muscles diminish the flow of energy. When your body’s energy is immobile,  its stiffness and inflexibility create discomfort and pain. This practice lends itself to be sustainable for both giver and receiver, and is often  described as “Thai Yoga Massage” and the “Lazy Yoga.” Traditional Thai Massage uses two major techniques. They include:

The Royal Thai Massage Technique (“rajasamnak”)
The Royal Thai massage technique affects the deep organs and tissues by increasing circulation of blood and increasing nerve function. Massage therapists must have the anatomical knowledge and a wealth of experience to be able to perform this type of massage correctly. This technique requires the use of only hands and fingertips for acupressure the whole time without exhaling over the patient.  For this massage treatment, the patient will either lay on their back, their sides or sit-up. There is no laying face down like the common Thai massage technique.

The Common Thai Massage Technique  (“chalosiak”)
The Common Thai massage technique helps to relieve overall muscle strain, tightness, and tension. It stimulates blood and energy flow throughout the body.  This technique requires the use of hands, feet, knees, elbows, etc. If the therapist does not have the expertise it can cause the loss of bone joints or is likely to cause bruising of the muscles or capillaries, so it is important to go to a spa that has skilled & experienced therapists.

Thai massage benefits your mental and physical health in numerous ways. It stimulates all organs of your body and balances all systems of the body, making it a powerful therapy for your physical and emotional problems. During a traditional Thai massage, gentle pressure is applied to the internal organs of the abdomen with the different Yoga postures and the abdomen-massage.

Studies done on these Hatha Yoga positions have shown the stimulation to cause the internal organs to begin functioning at their highest capacity. This improves digestion, nutrient absorption, waste elimination, and the circulation of blood and lymph.

The 6 proven health benefits of Thai massage include:

1. It can help ease your migraines or tension headaches. In several small studies, researchers found that Thai massage therapy can reduce the intensity of both migraine and tension headaches. They also concluded that the benefits of Thai massage could last anywhere from several days to around 15 weeks.
2. It reduces back pain. Studies show that Thai massage reduces low back pain associated with trigger points — tight, painful muscle clusters — in the upper back.
3. It can relieve joint stiffness and pain, especially for people with knee arthritis. Studies say that three weeks of Thai massage provides the same pain relief as three weeks of ibuprofen 
4. It increases flexibility and range of motion, which is especially great for athletes. Research has shown that Thai massage improves speed and agility as well as your ability to move around easily. Thai massage enhances blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles; this may help reduce pain and decrease muscle adhesions.
5. It eases anxiety.  One of the most appealing aspects of Thai massage therapy is the sense of calm and relaxation it can bring. Although Thai massage is more energetic than types of massages, it has shown to lower anxiety and increase a systemic feeling of calm.
6. It revives energy. Thai massage integrates whole-body movements, especially yoga-like postures. This is why people leave Thai massage sessions feeling not only relaxed but also rejuvenated.

If you want a change from your traditional types of massage, or you are particularly stiff or sore due to exercise or arthritis, Thai massage may be just what you're looking for.  You can Book a Thai Massage session now, with one of Carisma’s Thai Massage experts.

All types of massage, including Thai massage, can help people relax, temporarily relieve muscle pain, and boost a person's mood.  While it has many health benefits, Thai massage also has its side effects.

“Although a person of any age can get a Thai massage, it is not appropriate for everybody”.  Thai massage may not be safe for someone with the following health conditions:

• Disk herniation
• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease.
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Cancer

You should not get a Thai massage if you are pregnant or have just undergone surgery, as the technique could pose health risks. The physical intensity of this massage technique could lead to health complications or worsen pre-existing injuries.
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If you're considering trying Thai massage but are concerned with your medical history,  it's a good idea to check with your health care provider first before getting massage treatment.

The Thai massage treatment unlike other types of massages requires you keep your clothes on throughout the massage. You can either wear your own loose-fitting clothes, or your therapist may have you change into scrub-like garments — a loose cotton top and drawstring pants.

You will lie on a mat or massage mattress on the floor whilst your massage therapist slowly moves your body through multiple stretches, using the weight and pressure of their body to assist you. Unlike Swedish massage, oil isn’t used and your muscles typically aren’t kneaded. Instead, your therapist will use their hands, thumbs, elbows, and knees to stretch and pull different parts of your body.  Through this stretching, you’ll relieve muscle tension, increase muscle flexibility, add to your muscle tone, and improve joint mobility. 
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Some of these stretches may involve going through yoga-like movements with your therapist holding or pulling you to maintain a pose. As the therapist draws attention to each part of your body, you will recognize previously ignored sources of tension and can release them. “Thai massage keeps you more present within your body throughout the process, so you’ll discover that you’re better able to identify those sources of tension following the massage and prevent them from coming back, rather than simply being relieved that they’re gone”.

If your muscles are sore or tense, you may feel some discomfort. If you do, let your therapist know so the pressure and stretching can be reduced. Also, if you have an injury, or if some part of your body is sensitive to pain, let your therapist know before they start the massage session.

​Without using oil, this vigorous massage is orientated around energy flows and points on the body. It is an energetic technique that triggers well-being while relieving tension and stiffness. Enjoy a relaxing Thai Massage Experience at the best massage spa in Malta.

​Are you planning a pool day and want to make sure it’s not just relaxing, but an extra special experience? We’re here to help you with a guide of our top tips to make your pool day in Malta perfect. There are numerous activities and experiences to make your day a memorable and magical one. So sit back, relax and take your pick of where to go, what to do - you’ll be craving a day by the pool in no time.

Before you get to your pool, you need to ensure you’ve packed all the essentials. To help you out, we’ve put together our top list of what to pack so you’re organized and ready!
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• Water : First and foremost, make sure you have a good amount of water. You can never carry too much! Remember to stay hydrated with a big bottle by the pool as you don’t want to feel drained.
• Shades: If you’re going to be spending your summer getting lots of sun exposure, shades with a larger, rounder lens are better for your eyes - they keep the sun out, protecting your eyes and preventing eye wrinkles from constant squinting.
• Games: If you’re heading to the pool with friends, then there’s always the need for a deck of cards. Make sure to buy them in a waterproof covering, or take them in a plastic case, to not ruin them after your first visit.
• Book or Magazine: You can never have too many books with you whilst you lounge by the pool. Take a selection of books and magazines so you can pick and choose, depending on your mood. It’s the perfect time to catch up on some reading.
• Sun Lotion: We’ve saved the best for last! If there’s one thing you have to take with you on your pool day, then this is an essential. Here at Carisma Spa, we have some of the best sun care products available. Make sure to have some on you without fail, to protect your skin and your health.

​Once you are pool day ready, with all essentials packed, the next thing is to pick the perfect pool. Carisma Spa is located in some of the island’s finest hotels, boasting some of the best pools in Malta. So take your pick from some of our favorite hotspots. 

​Experience a pool day of luxury here at the Intercontinental St. Julian’s where you can have the pick of three perfect pool spots. 

At Intercontinental St. Julian’s, you will also have the Mediterranean sea at your feet in their beach club and lagoon outdoor pool. Or for those looking to be out of the sun, the inside pool is a pretty good alternative.

For pool days with a view, head on up to its SKYBEACH infinity pool where you can enjoy one of the most luxurious pools. With panoramic views of Malta, this is an ideal spot for a picturesque pool day and a place to go from day to night. 

If you prefer not to have lots of children running around you whilst you’re relaxing in the sun on your day by the pool, then Seashell’s Resort in Malta is an ideal spot.

Here you will find the adults-only Luzzu Lido pool; a great place for a romantic pool day or for those looking for some quiet time - without children splashing around. 

To feel even more chilled, pop into the seawater outdoor pool, which will let you slip into relaxation mode right away.

Soak up the sun and spend your pool day at Qawra Palace Hotel, next to its magnificent saltwater pool, with a water cascade that looks down over Qawra Bay.

An ideal location, the pool sun deck even has sunbeds and parasols provided; for when things get too hot.

If you also like to enjoy a pool day that’s not too far from the deep blue water of the sea, then this is your location. The rocky beach just beneath drops straight into the ocean. 

​Here at Ramla Bay Resort, there are too many pools to keep track of, making it one of our preferred pool locations.

Offering three outdoor seawater pools, a private sandy beach, and two freshwater indoor pools (that are heated in winter), you have ample choice for your day by the pool.

To top it all off, the open views of the Mediterranean Sea are outstanding, whilst the hotel offers an incredible range of on-site services, offering pool day perfection all-round.

​If the weather is not quite right or you would like to take your relaxation to another level, then why not turn your day by the pool into a spa day?

Carisma Spa is located within waterfront properties, with stunning outdoor pools; but that is only the beginning of your relaxing day! Inside our spas, you can enjoy a relaxing break all year-round; with heated indoor pools and luxurious facilities.

There are numerous offerings to help you soothe and unwind. Including ​our Traditional Turkish Hammam, as well as our salt and regular saunas, steams room, and finally - for those who are brave enough! - ice fountains and showers.

So if your day by the pool needs cranking up a level, then head inside and turn it into a spa day by the pool.

As the sun sets, this does not mean your pool day has to end! Keep the party going strong with some of Malta’s best pool bars and of course, cocktails. Follow your day up with a delicious dinner in one of the hotel's stunning restaurants.

If you’re looking to make your pool day in Malta even more extravagant, then book yourself in for an overnight stay in one of these luxury hotels and wake up in the morning to experience it all over again. 

Interested in a luxurious Spa Day? Find out more about our Spa Day packages here.