Aesthetics for Self-Care: How Med Spa Treatments Became the Go-To Wellness Ritual

In this opinion piece, Alyssa Rapp, CEO of Empower Aesthetics, discusses how med spa treatments have become the go-to wellness ritual.

One of the most pleasantly surprising observations during my time as a board member first, and now CEO at Empower Aesthetics, is the inclusion of aesthetic treatments in our clients’ personal wellness rituals. What might seem on appearance to be “skin deep” – clients seeking aesthetic services to bolster their “outward appearance” and preserve their natural beauty – has evolved in my cases, at many clinics, as a wellness ritual that our clients consider essential to their self-care routine. 

I suppose this evolution should come as no surprise, given that in today’s ever-evolving world, wellness is more nuanced than just gym memberships, massages, and yoga classes. Modern self-care routines have expanded in meaningful ways, incorporating practices that nurture both body and mind, and now skin. 

Aesthetic Treatments: Tools for Confidence and Health

Aesthetic treatments like Botox, facials, and microneedling are no longer seen purely as cosmetic or vanity-driven. More and more, they’re being viewed in the same light as massages and workouts; as they should be: as tools that help people feel confident, youthful, and healthy. 

There’s a simple yet powerful truth behind this phenomenon: when people feel good about how they look, they often feel better emotionally. Peloton’s frequent moniker of “look good, feel good, do better,” has hit the zeitgeist of the masses for a reason. We all want to feel comfortable in our own skin, to face the world with confidence, and to recognize ourselves in the mirror as the same people we are inside. At Empower, we see firsthand how these treatments are transformative not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, for our clients.

The growing popularity of medical aesthetics across the board, projected to soar to $72.3 billion by 2033, is driven in large part by rising demand for effective, non-invasive anti-aging solutions. This isn’t a niche movement; it’s a national phenomenon. As CEO of Empower Aesthetics, a platform that partners with leading medical aesthetics entrepreneurs in cities across the country, from Cincinnati to Kansas City, from Newport, Rhode Island, to Nashville, Tennessee, we see the changing attitudes in each and every region we serve. There’s massive demand for services that deliver measurable results. E.g.:

• HydraFacial®: This deep-cleansing, glow-inducing facial is both relaxing and effective, delivering instant radiance without any downtime. Clients love how relaxed and refreshed they feel after treatment; inside and out.
• Botox®: Once considered a secret, Botox is now a mainstream part of many clients’ routines. It provides a reliable, confidence-boosting treatment that offers subtle yet powerful results.
• SkinPen® Microneedling: By encouraging natural collagen production, microneedling improves skin texture and clarity over time. It’s a favorite for clients looking for long-term results without harsh chemicals.
• Body Contouring (e.g., CoolSculpting®): Popular treatments like CoolSculpting® often go hand-in-hand with fitness and nutrition regimens to target stubborn areas that diet and exercise alone might not address. Clients value these services as a non-invasive way to complement their wellness routines and enhance their body confidence.

READ: Hydrafacial won BEST MEDICAL AESTHETIC FACIAL in the 2025 Shape Skin Awards!

Personalized, Proactive Treatment Plans

Today, such treatments as these are part of a broader conversation about wellness and self-care. The normalization of medical aesthetics in recent years has reduced stigma and opened the door for more personalized, proactive treatment plans. People are no longer apologizing for wanting to look their best or taking time for themselves. Instead, they’re now embracing these choices as integral to their well-being.

At Empower Aesthetics, we build long-term clinical partnerships that prioritize natural results, client satisfaction, and authentic relationships. We believe that aesthetic care should never feel transactional; instead, it should be grounded in transparency, trust, and a shared goal of helping clients feel their best, whatever that looks like for them.

The growing demand for aesthetic self-care as a wellness priority is also reshaping the med spa industry itself. Our clinical partners are innovating not just in the treatments they offer, but in how they deliver care.  Self-confidence and emotional balance are vital to overall well-being. In that respect, aesthetic treatments aren’t just a luxury; they’re a tool for empowerment, restoration, and self-confidence building.  Our mission at Empower is “empowering joy and confidence through aesthetics.”

This is the future of medical aesthetics: not just about how we look, but about how we feel. It’s about showing up for ourselves with intention, investing in our confidence, and embracing the rituals that help us shine inside and out. 

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Alyssa Rapp is the CEO of Empower Aesthetics, a national medical aesthetics platform that partners with top-tier medical aesthetics entrepreneurs to deliver elevated, client-focused care. Learn more at www.empower.spa.

For more insights from Alyssa Rapp, check out her Amazon Best Seller, Leadership and Life Hacks: Insights from a Mom, Wife, Entrepreneur and Executive.