medical spa vs. day spa.
When it comes to relaxation and self-care, we are all about any and all forms of taking care of yourself. We often get the question about what the difference is between a medical spa (which we are) or a day spa. While both can be great, beautiful, rejuvenating experiences, there are some major differences in the treatments, providers, and goals of each. We will break down what the general services and purposes of each are so that you can best suit what is best for you and your goals!
A day spa focuses the majority of their services towards relaxation, beauty, and stress relief. These spas offer a variety of pampering services, including:
Swedish or deep tissue massages
Facials for hydration or glow
Body scrubs and wraps
Aromatherapy treatments
Manicures and pedicures
Day spas are typically staffed by licensed estheticians and massage therapists. They specialize in non-medical treatments designed to help you unwind and feel refreshed. While facials at a day spa may leave your skin glowing temporarily, they generally don’t include medical-grade ingredients or procedures that treat underlying skin concerns. It is mostly for the relaxation component, which, don't get us wrong, is also needed at times!
On the flip side of things a medical spa—or med spa—often does a little bit of both and combines the relaxing environment of a day spa with medical-grade aesthetic treatments overseen usually by licensed medical professionals. Which at our spa we are proud that we are a multi-disciplinary medical staff that includes a medical director, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses!
As you have probably gathered from previous blog posts or seen at our spa some of the things we offer include:
Botox and dermal fillers
Laser hair removal
Chemical peels
Microneedling and PRP therapy
BBL/MOXI
RF microneedling
Body contouring
Medical-grade skincare products and consultations
Because our treatments can involve injections, medical devices, lasers, or prescription-strength ingredients, we are held to higher regulatory standards and typically we require a medical consultation before some of our treatments depending on what you are looking for.
So, which one should you choose?
Choose a day spa if you’re looking to relax, enjoy a massage, or refresh your skin with a gentle facial.
Choose a medical spa if you want to address concerns like wrinkles, acne scars, pigmentation, or body fat—with treatments that offer long-lasting, visible results.
Whether you’re looking for total relaxation or a more targeted skin improvement, knowing the difference between a day spa and a medical spa can help you decide what might be best for you. At Modern Vitality, we offer medical grade care while also providing a relaxing environment that can still feel like the escape you needed! Book now to schedule a consultation to see what we are all about!