“Because
peppermint oil
increases
immunity
to diseases,
it is ideal for
the winter
season.”
buds are tantalized with a York Peppermint Pattie
to savor during their service, and they are given a
peppermint-themed treat to take home.
Though it is popular for the holidays, peppermint is also soothing throughout the year,
particularly during cold and flu season. “
Peppermint is stimulating and a decongestant,” says Marc
Zollicoffer, Aveda’s global educator for massage
and spa. “It has been used for hundreds of years
to comfort the symptoms of colds and flu.” Adds
Stillwater Spa’s Dail, “Because peppermint oil
increases immunity to diseases, it is ideal for the
winter season.”
Zollicoffer also finds peppermint to be a superb
soother for tired tootsies and stress, problems clients
encounter 365 days a year. “We put our feet in tight
shoes and stand on them for long periods of time, so
the stimulating and cooling properties of peppermint
benefit the feet,” he says. “The number-one reason
people visit spas is for stress relief. When people are
stressed, they are often ‘stuck’ in their heads, so scalp
continued from page 22
massage with peppermint oil can get the energy flowing again and help people process stress.”
Peppermint is also perfect for facials. “Acne
and rosacea are year-round problems,” says Ilike’s
Hickman, who encourages spas to offer the Rosacea
Soothing Facial ($75 to $90 suggested, 60 minutes),
which incorporates rosehip- and peppermint-infused products to help relieve inflamed skin.
“Peppermint soothes and calms the skin from itching and pain that are associated with acne, rosacea,
eczema, or even after more invasive treatments such
as peels or microdermabrasion,” she says. “The
more sensitive skin reacts even to gentle exfoliation,
and peppermint can calm such irritation, allowing
the therapist to continue the treatment.”
It’s a fact that peppermint is an ingredient you
might want to consider adding to your seasonal spa
menus, but think of it as the gift that keeps on giving year-round. As Shana Ominsky, director of spa
and wellness at the Spa at Barton Creek, points out,
“Peppermint is comforting and soothes nerves—and
comfort is always in season.”—Julie Keller
Peppermint Picks
‘Tis the season for soothing, so consider the following peppermint
products to help ease your clients’ ails through the holidays and beyond.
Aveda Rosemary Mint Body
Lotion: This silky, lightweight
lotion invigorates with a time-released aroma of certified
organic rosemary and peppermint, while it cools and revitalizes skin with menthol. (800)
644-4831; www.aveda.com.
for soothing such ails as
indigestion, stomachaches,
insect bites, headaches,
colds, menstrual cramps,
nausea, and more. (800)
445-6457; www.biotone.com.
and antioxidant-rich grapeseed
work to prevent aging. (888)
290-6238; www.szepelet.com.
Bioelements Ultra-Rich Cre-metherapy: Loaded with rich
emollients, this moisturizing
treatment mask, which contains antibacterial peppermint
oil, smoothes the appearance
of surface lines and dryness,
leaving skin feeling soft and
revitalized. (800) 433-6650;
www.bioelements.com.
Dermalogica Invigorating
Shave Gel: This lightweight
shaving gel soothes, cools, and
softens the skin. It calms redness while combating irritation
with the refreshing essence
of peppermint oil. (800) 611-
SKIN; www.dermalogica.com.
June Jacobs Peppermint
Hand and Foot Polish:
Hands and feet feel soft and
smooth after a rubdown with
this detoxifying scrub that
exfoliates and polishes skin
with lactic acid and jojoba
beads. Aromatic and antiseptic
peppermint extract revitalizes
and refreshes. (866) JUNE-
JACOBS; www.junejacobs.com.
Pevonia Botanica Silky Foot
Peel: Provide your clients with
callus-free feet, courtesy of
this peel that exfoliates dead
skin cells and eliminates dryness with such ingredients as
peppermint oil, pumice powder, and salicylic acid. (800)
PEVONIA; www.pevonia.com.
Biotone Peppermint Essential
Oil: This 100 percent pure
essential oil blend is ideal
Ilike Organic Skin Care Cool
Mint Lip Balm: This all-natural
peppermint-flavored lip treatment contains beeswax, herbal
oils, and shea butter to deeply
hydrate extremely chapped
lips, while regenerating yarrow
Naturopathica Peppermint
Tea Tree Foot Balm: This cream
combines cooling essences of
peppermint, spearmint, and tea
tree to help ease stress-related
aches and soreness. (800) 592-
7995; www.naturopathica.com.
Spa Elegance Mother Earth
Costa Rican Healing Massage
Cream: This anti-inflammatory
massage cream contains a
refreshing blend of peppermint
and rosemary that reduces
inflammation while restoring
nutrients. Meanwhile, peppermint essential oil aids in treating sore muscles and relieving
joint pain. (877) 200-7728;
www.spaelegance.com.—J.K.
