Spas love to tout the health benefits of their treatments. A hot tub soak burns calories and relaxes muscles, for example, which can help people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One clinical study found that patients who used a hot tub burned an average of 3.5 pounds in two weeks without changing their diet or exercise program.
However, many of these claims have yet to be verified. And even the ones that have been tested are not always accurate. In one case, a spa’s claim that enzymes in the water reduce “hot tub rash” actually conflates two conditions—one caused by improper use of chemicals and the other by Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria (which commonly inhabit soil, water, and vegetation).
Another concern is germ transmission. In warm, wet environments like spas, microorganisms thrive, says dermatologist Ellen Marmur, MD. “Anytime you break the skin — like a massage or an exfoliation treatment — it can invite these organisms in.” She notes that ungloved hands increase the risk of transmission, and she recommends using an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment on your hands after a spa visit.
If you’re interested in trying out a local spa, check out Yelp, Foursquare, Citysearch, Google Local and TripAdvisor for reviews and information about services, prices, and availability. Then, read up on the latest research to determine if a spa promises truly healthy results. And if you’re still not convinced, maybe it’s time to try a more traditional form of self-care: yoga.
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