What’s the Difference Between a Spa and a Medspa?
If you’ve ever wondered whether to book a relaxing spa day or schedule a treatment at a medspa, you’re not alone! While both offer skin and body treatments, there are key differences between the two. Understanding these distinctions can help you decide which option is best for your skincare and wellness goals.
At Marie Shelley Laser & MedSpa, we specialize in medical-grade treatments that go beyond traditional spa services, helping clients in Rocklin, CA, achieve their best skin yet. Let’s break down the difference between a spa and a medspa, so you can choose the right experience for your needs!
What Is a Spa?
A traditional spa, often called a day spa, focuses on relaxation, pampering, and surface-level beauty treatments. Spas are great for self-care and stress relief, offering treatments designed to enhance your well-being rather than correct deeper skin concerns.
Common Spa Services:
✔ Massages (Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone)
✔ Facials (hydrating, exfoliating, calming)
✔ Body treatments (scrubs, wraps, aromatherapy)
✔ Manicures & pedicures
✔ Waxing & hair removal
Who Performs the Treatments?
Traditional spas are staffed by licensed estheticians, massage therapists, cosmetologists, and nail technicians. They are highly trained in skincare and beauty services but do not provide medical treatments.
Medical Supervision
Spas typically do not require medical supervision. While estheticians follow strict licensing and safety protocols, treatments are non-invasive and focus on temporary rejuvenation and relaxation rather than deep corrective skincare.
What Is a Medspa?
A medspa (medical spa) blends the relaxing atmosphere of a spa with advanced, medical-grade treatments designed to address skin concerns, aging, and body contouring. These treatments go beyond relaxation, offering long-term improvements for your skin’s health and appearance.
Common Medspa Services:
💉 Injectables (Botox, dermal fillers for lip & wrinkle reduction)
💡 Laser treatments (hair removal, skin resurfacing, acne & scar treatments)
🧖♀️ Chemical peels (anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne scars)
🩺 Microneedling (collagen induction therapy for fine lines & scars)
💎 Medical facials (HydraFacial, oxygen facials, PRP therapy)
🩹 Body contouring (skin tightening, cellulite reduction, fat loss treatments)
Who Performs the Treatments?
Medspa treatments are performed by licensed medical professionals, including:
✅ Physicians & nurse practitioners
✅ Registered nurses (RNs) & physician assistants (PAs)
✅ Medical estheticians trained in advanced skincare
Medical Supervision
Unlike traditional spas, medspas require medical supervision. A licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or medical director oversees treatments, ensuring safety and effectiveness. This is especially important for procedures like Botox, laser therapy, and chemical peels, which require professional expertise.
Spa vs. Medspa: Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | Spa (Day Spa) | Medspa (Medical Spa) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Relaxation & pampering | Advanced skin & body treatments |
| Services | Facials, massages, waxing, nails | Botox, fillers, laser facials, microneedling |
| Staff | Estheticians, massage therapists | Medical professionals (MDs, RNs, NPs) |
| Supervision | No medical supervision | Overseen by a licensed medical provider |
| Results | Temporary rejuvenation | Long-term skin & anti-aging benefits |
| Best for | Stress relief & self-care | Correcting skin concerns & aging |
If you want to relax and enjoy self-care, a spa is a great choice. But if you’re looking for real results—like reducing wrinkles, treating acne, or tightening skin—a medspa is the way to go!
Why Choose Marie Shelley Laser & MedSpa in Rocklin, CA?
At Marie Shelley Laser & MedSpa, we combine the luxury of a spa with advanced skincare treatments to deliver real, visible results. Our team of licensed professionals specializes in anti-aging, injectables, laser facials, and more, all in a relaxing and welcoming environment.
Personalized skincare plans tailored to your skin type
State-of-the-art technology for safe & effective treatments
Medical expertise with experienced professionals you can trust
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing facial or an advanced anti-aging treatment, understanding the difference between a spa and a medspa can help you make the right choice for your skincare goals. If you’re ready to experience medical-grade skincare with luxurious results, visit Marie Shelley Laser & MedSpa in Rocklin!
Follow us on Instagram for skincare tips & updates! @mshelleylasermedspa
Book your appointment today & let’s glow together! 💖
2221 Sunset Blvd, Suite 105, Rocklin, CA 95765
info@mshelleylasermedspa.com
