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Imagine unwinding in a tub filled with ingredients typically found in your favorite craft brew. A growing number of spas in the United States and beyond are now offering "beer baths" and "beer soaks" as a unique and indulgent way to relax while reportedly reaping some surprising skincare benefits.
According to the New York Post, Piva Beer Spa in Chicago has been at the forefront of this trend since its opening in 2019. The spa offers various services, including massages, salt rooms, and signature beer soaks. The spa combines hops, barley, and brewer's yeast in its tubs, claiming the mixture is packed with antioxidants to exfoliate, soften, and improve skin elasticity. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of the alcohol and epidermal growth factor found in barley are said to help combat acne.
Per the outlet, other spas also offer beer soaks that contain B vitamins, minerals, proteins, and antioxidants. These ingredients are infused into water, not actual beer, and are said to exfoliate, "purify," and moisturize the skin while also leaving hair softer and shinier.
The Expert's Perspective
To better understand this rising trend, we spoke with Jeisson Marbello, a Colombian-American facial and body aesthetics expert and CEO of Banzai Spa in New York City. With over 16 years of experience in cosmetic chemistry and post-plastic surgery rehabilitation, Marbello shared his professional insights into the benefits of beer baths.
"The beer bath has many properties. It is anti-inflammatory and helps greatly relieve pain in the joints or in the extremities," says Marbello. "Its benefits extend to anyone, even those with restrictions on cosmetic procedures, such as those with lupus and post-cancer treatment." He further explains that brewer's yeast contains beta-glucans and amino acids, which can nourish the skin barrier and improve hydration.
Marbello also shared that this service can't be found in any spa. "The spas that offer this service are spas that are dedicated solely to relaxation. They generally give you beer to drink, and take you to tubs full of diluted beer, it is never pure beer." the expert says, warning about possible side effects. "Although it is suitable for everyone, it is necessary to take into account whether the person has any breathing difficulties or vertigo since spending too much time in the tub could cause dizziness," he notes.
Should You Give It a Try?
Marbello encourages people to embrace the concept, whether out of curiosity or a genuine desire to explore the skin benefits. "As with any wellness treatment, it's important to approach beer baths with an open mind. They can be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, it feels delicious." He also recommends consulting with a skincare professional if you have sensitive skin or allergies to any of the ingredients commonly found in beer.
As beer spas continue to pop up nationwide, this trend is carving out a niche in the wellness world.