This holiday season, self-care is the name of the game. In an effort to pamper myself amidst the chaos, I checked out five no-frill shops offering everything from laser facials to deep tissue massage. Each of these chains are membership-based and easy to book, making the treatments accessible to those with a hectic schedule (which is most of us).

1. Heyday

Photo courtesy of Heyday.

If you’re looking for a personalized experience, look no further than Heyday. The facial destination puts education first, so even though booking is at the click of a button, the facial is unique to you each step of the way. The brand is committed to long-term skin health, so expect to walk out of your appointment with product recommendations and tips from your skin therapist to enhance your routine at home. You keep your clothes on and are immediately escorted to a private nook that feels like a luxury experience without the added fluff.

Each 50-minute facial ($145 non-member/$114 member) has the option to add on facial enhancements like light therapy or gua sha. I chose nano infusion ($80 non-member/$40 member), which offers similar benefits to microneedling but without the downtime.

“Nano infusion is a gentle treatment that creates a small channel throughout our epidermis, the top layer of our skin, allowing us to penetrate our active and professional serums,” explains Heyday esthetician Daniela Davila. “This is a great enhancement for beginners and for anyone with any skin type. The results are instant, giving you a visibly brighter, hydrated and smoother looking skin.” Davila recommends to come in for a facial every three to four weeks for the best long-lasting results.

2. The NOW Massage

Photo courtesy of The NOW Message.

This new wellness destination is a hidden gem. Right from the door, The NOW Massage feels like a sanctuary. The interior is inspired by nature, using sheep skins and rawhides, cactus galleries and crystal grids for a chic minimalist look. The massage menu features everything from Swedish massage to energy balancing or sports massage, ranging from 25 to 80 minutes. For my 50-minute massage ($120 non-member/$90 member), I added a scalp massage enhancement ($10), which was the ultimate mind-body experience.

“Incorporating scalp massage into one’s regular wellness routine offers several benefits including reduced tension, enhanced circulation and an overall improvement in scalp health,” explains Matthew Perry, licensed massage therapist and The NOW learning and development manager. “Scalp massage can help address seasonal dryness, product buildup and more.”

The massage therapists use various healing techniques like breathwork to effectively calm the nervous system — and the results are clear the moment your session concludes. The brand also produces an in-house wellness line with products like body oils, calm balms, candles and more, so you can bring the wellness home.

3. Skin Laundry

Photo courtesy of Skin Laundry.

For the bougie skin enthusiast, Skin Laundry is an enticing pick. Hailing from California, the celebrated chain uses advanced technology and medical-grade lasers to rejuvenate skin cells, boost collagen production and improve complexion clarity. And don’t worry, it’s all at the hands of a registered nurse.

The appointments are fast and direct, taking place in a clinic-like setting but with more relaxed vibes. Because the science is prioritized, expect less of a pampering session and more of a results-forward approach. The signature laser facial ($250 non-member/$150 member) is delivered beneath the skin’s surface to correct and prevent breakouts, rosacea and hyperpigmentation and build collagen for clearer skin. The beauty nerd in me appreciates how the brand is bridging the gap between expensive medical procedures once only available in doctors’ offices to a more welcoming skin clinic.

4. Squeeze

Photo courtesy of Squeeze Message.

From the founders of Drybar, Squeeze is a tech-forward franchise that claims to offer, “a way better massage experience.” With new locations now dotting the country, Squeeze is making a name for itself with its app that allows guests to book, pay and tip at the click of a button. Plus, massage preferences are saved to your profile so your therapist knows exactly what you want each time.

“At Squeeze, we cater to our guest’s preferences,” says Squeeze co-founder and CEO Brittany Driscoll. “We’re all about convenience and personalization, and we hire the best therapists to ensure they can meet our guests’ needs. We also have therapist bios on our app and site so you can read about their backgrounds and style, as well as other guests’ ratings and reviews.”

My favorite part was choosing my own music and aromatherapy scent for each session, and how you can add enhancements like percussion therapy at no additional charge. Patrons can choose between a 50-minute ($129 non-member/$95 member) or 80-minute massage ($159 non-member/$125 member). “It’s truly therapeutic on every level,” Driscoll adds. (And I couldn’t agree more!)

5. Clean Your Dirty Face

Photo courtesy of Clean Your Dirty Face.

In just 30 minutes, Clean Your Dirty Face offers an impressive facial ($60 non-member/$55 member). It’s like they know exactly what your skin needs and waste no time getting to it. Plus, treatments are affordable so if you’re just dipping your toes into the skin treatment world, start here. But whether you’re a novice or a facial enthusiast, the brand’s extensive menu of enhancements expertly level-up the skincare treatments — we’re talking ultrasonic extractions, pumpkin peels, neck massages and more ($30 non-member/$15 member). Or, try more luxe add-ons like a nanosculpt ($70 non-member/$35 member), which combines high-energy acupressure and nano-needling technology to sculpt, tone and lift the face. Post-treatment, be sure to browse the Clean Your Dirty Face skincare collection in the lobby (the Goddess Face Oil is my favorite).

Please note pricing varies by location.

Featured image courtesy of Skin Laundry.