Blue Lagoon (geothermal spa)

The Blue Lagoon (Icelandic: "Bláa lónið") geothermal spa is one of the most visited attractions in Iceland. The steamy waters are part of a lava formation.

The warm waters are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur and bathing in the Blue Lagoon is reputed to help some people suffering from skin diseases such as psoriasis. The water temperature in the bathing and swimming area of the lagoon averages 40 °C (104 °F).

The lagoon is fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant Svartsengi. Superheated water is vented from the ground near a lava flow and used to run turbines that generate electricity. After going through the turbines, the steam and hot water passes through a heat exchanger to provide heat for a municipal hot water heating system. Then the water is fed into the lagoon for recreational and medicinal users to bathe in.

The spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, southwestern Iceland. Bláa lónið is situated approximately 13 km from the Keflavík International Airport and 39 km from the capital city of Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon spa and geothermal complex is clearly visible from any of the usual satellite imagery sources at coordinates (63.879, -22.434).

Iceland has a strict code of hygiene and guests are required to shower without clothing in the communal shower area before and after bathing.

It is claimed that in June 2007 the Blue Lagoon appeared green, bewildering both residents and tourists of Iceland.

The Blue Lagoon was used for the thermal spa scenes in the filming of Hostel: Part II.

Medical spa

A medical spa or med spa is a loose term that describes any retail cosmetic medical business that operates under the supervision of a licensed health care professional, such as a medical doctor and offers non-surgical cosmetic 'medical' treatments. Medical spas may offer additional treatments that can only be administered by licensed medical practitioners. Additional treatments offered depend upon the scope of practice of the licensed practitioner and may include:

* Laser and intense pulsed light procedures
* Medical microdermabrasions
* Photo-facials
* Botox and Restylane injections
* Medical peels
* [Thermage]
* [Fraxel]
* Filler Injections and Botox

Facial

A facial is a procedure involving a variety of skin treatments, including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. Normally performed in a beauty salon but it is also a common spa treatment.
Facials are generally categorized, for example:
- European Facial
- Mini-Facial
- LED Light Therapy Facial

A facial mask is a creamy mask applied to clean or smooth the face. It often contains minerals, vitamins, and fruit extracts, such as cactus and cucumber. There are different kinds of masks for different purposes; some are deep cleansing for cleaning the pores. The perceived effect of a facial mask treatment can be revitalizing, rejuvenating or refreshing. Facial masks are most commonly used by women but are also used by men.
Some masks are washed off with tepid water, others are peeled off by hand. Duration for wearing a mask depends on type of mask, but can be three minutes to 30 minutes, and sometimes the whole night.
Honey is a very popular mask because it smooths skin, and cleans pores. A popular home remedy includes a slice of cucumber on the eyes.
Facial masks should be selected according to skin type. Clay and mud masks suit oily skin; cream-based masks work best on dry skin types. Masks should be used after cleansing for better results. Firming masks should not be applied on the eye area because they can cause itching.