Thanks to its volcanic soil and geothermal springs, Calistoga in California has been a wellness destination since the 1800s. Mud baths are still enjoyed today to soften and exfoliate the skin.
Indian Springs Resort & Spa
Pearl powder (China) —
When ground into fine powder, pearls are believed to brighten, exfoliate and tighten the skin.
Adrienne Jordan
Thermal Baths (Italy) —
The thermal baths at the ancient village of Bagno Vignoni were used by pilgrims on their way to Rome. Today's detoxers can visit Adler Thermae Spa & Relax Resort for an anti-stress massage on a Vichy bed, under jets of warm thermal water.
Adler Thermae Spa & Resort
Turmeric powder (India) —
Indians have been using turmeric masks to make skin soft and radiant. Soukya, a holistic health center in Bangalore, is one of the best places to get an authentic turmeric Ayurvedic facial.
courtesy SOUKYA
Thanaka powder (Myanmar) —
Thanaka powder, which comes from grinding the wood and bark of the thanaka tree, has been used as sunscreen by Burmese women for more than 2,000 years. It also shields skin against free radicals and polluted air.
Adrienne Jordan
Argan Oil (Morocco) —
Argan oil is loaded with rich antioxidants, rejuvenating Vitamin E and fatty acids that are believed to improve the appearance of wrinkles and treat scars, acne, eczema and psoriasis. Berber women in southern Morocco are known to apply this golden oil regularly to their faces, nails, hair and body.
courtesy La Mamounia Marrakech
La Mamounia Marrakech (Morocco) —
Not only is the argan used in spa treatment, La Mamounia Marrakech hotel also has its own line of face cream, Richesse d'Arganier, which contains pure argan oil.
courtesy La Mamounia Marrakech
Green Tea (Costa Rica) —
The Bribri and Cabécares, Costa Rica's indigenous people, use green tea as a beauty product. Green tea is believed to improve skin complexion, flush toxins from the skin, heal blemishes and scars and reduce inflammation and dark eye circles.
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose
Kuö Spa, Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose —
The Kuö Spa at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose incorporates green tea into its treatments.
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose
Lemon Myrtle (Australia) —
Lemon Myrtle is a flowering plant that smells like sweet lemons. It's been used by aboriginal Australians as an antioxidant, antiviral and antiseptic.
Elements of Byron resort
Monoi Oil (Tahiti) —
Often used in offerings and burial ceremonies, the beautifully scented monoi oil is thought to date back 2,000 years to the indigenous Maohi people of Polynesia, who revered it as a skin and hair softener.
Le Taha's Island Resort & Spa
Temazcal (Mexico) —
Temazcal is a combination of Mesoamerican chants, meditation and heated rocks doused with herb-infused water to create an aromatic, healing steam.