Summer’s nary a blip in the rear-view mirror, and there are dry, wind-blown months of winter stretching before us. Add the holiday season and its sweet treats, and that stress can do a number on your skin. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the facials and at-home products available here in the Valley.
SkinPen treatment, St Croix Skincare
When it comes to care, no two faces are alike. “Each person has different and specific concerns; we listen and then recommend services or products based on the needs of each person,” says Jocelyn Young, owner of St. Croix Skincare in Hudson.
After numbing the skin with a topical treatment, a certified esthetician will use the SkinPen II device to apply micro perforations to the entire face or neck, or on stretch marks, to send your skin into “wound healing mode," Young says. “This causes new skin cells to develop, pushing out the old.” If you visit a spa on a regular basis, St. Croix’s membership rates may be the way to go.
Recommended products: Get rid of rough, dry skin, and shave off a few years with 4 oz. Glymed Plus anti-age exfoliation mask ($43.50). Or try the Theraderm Platinum Protection SPF 43 sunblock (3 oz. for $29): “It’s great for all skin types including oily and acne-prone skins, and will not make you break out or clog your pores,” Young says. Mention this article to get 10 percent off a purchase.
Dual exfoliation peel facial, Studio A Salon and Spa
“From facials and haircuts to eyelash extensions, we offer something for everyone,” Esthetician Lisa Mangelsen says. Studio A is an Aveda Concept Salon and Spa with a focus on relaxation; even clients that come in for a quick haircut will get a scalp and neck massage. “The dual exfoliation peel treatment is suitable for all skin types,” Mangelsen says. “You can expect an immediate smooth appearance [around] fine lines and wrinkles. It’ll improve your skin’s texture and immediately refine pores.” (60 to 90 minutes, from $70.)
Recommended product: Tourmaline-Charged Radiant Skin Refiner ($41): “I love to use this product once a week in the shower,” Mangelson says. “It instantly feels smooth and soft!”
Regeneration facial, Just For Me Spa
This facial will have the massage, masques and exfoliation you’d expect, plus it’ll be tailored to your needs. Anti-aging? Yep. Acne? They can help that. Dry skin? You’re covered. The luxurious Regeneration facial at Just For Me in Stillwater helps to firm, smooth, nourish and energize your skin for the holiday season. (Sixty minutes for $125.)
“We focus on wellness, inside and out. It’s so important to take care of your skin at every age,” says Cassidy Cunningham, lead esthetician at Just For Me. “It’s the organ that everyone can see!”
Recommended product: The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant comes dry, so add enough water to make it as coarse or smooth as you like ($55).
Dermaplaning, The Calla Lily Day Spa
The Calla Lily Day Spa is nestled between the river and shops in Afton. For a serious facial that’ll leave you smooth and gorgeous, try the Dermaplane (sometimes called Dermablade) treatment. A highly trained esthetician will use a scalpel to remove the very top layer of the skin. It’s completely pain-free—with no down time—and you’ll get a more-even skin tone, brighter skin and less-visible fine lines. (Forty-five minutes to an hour for $60; not recommended for very oily or acneic skin.) “You can expect brightness, smoothness, some plumping,” Medical esthetician Marilyn Woodruff says. “Your other products will absorb nicely. Plus you’ll lose all your peach fuzz! You’ll have a beautiful, clean surface.”
Recommended product: Woodruff swears by the Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Dermafolient ($48), part of the Eminence line that has been making all-organic products since the 1958. The dehydrated dermafolient can be used several times a week. Just add water! “You’ll get beautiful exfoliation,” she says.
Lori’s Signature Facial, Lori’s Salon & Day Spa
“A warm and inviting local destination with a hometown feel, this is not your typical commercial spa,” Owner Lori Moran says. “We’re naturally beautiful.” The customizable signature facial is recommend for all skin types and ages. Add a back or foot scrub for extra indulgence. “We use our Aveda Beautifying Radiance Polish to gently exfoliate, then the product is removed with warm steamed towels,” Moran explains.
Recommended product: Aveda Botanical Kinetics hydrating treatment lotion ($27) is like skin heaven, hydrating the skin and prepping for the next skincare product.
