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Vitamin Boost
Perception Organic Salon and Spa’s Para-Hydrating Facial cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates skin while infusing it with antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, believed to help with moisture, plumpness and firmness. The keystone of the treatment is the combination of special serums applied to the face: A dose of Spirulina and vitamins C, E and A tighten and firm skin, clear clogged pores, even the skin tone and help combat fine lines and wrinkles. “It’s not just a quick fix-it procedure,” salon owner Hang Pham says. “It improves the quality of your skin, helping to make it healthy, and promoting the growth of new skin to generate and improve your appearance.” The treatment finishes with menthol for a cooling effect. $99 (855-1989, perceptionorganicdayspa.com).
Good Enough to Eat
As well as being the most delicious-sounding soother we found, Scents of Serenity’s Wear Your Cake & Eat It Too body treatment involves an all-over exfoliation with apricot that moisturizes and leaves skin supple, soft and radiant. Next, skin is massaged with carrot, which contains vitamin A and carotene oils; honey, which is moisturizing and soothing; soothing zinc oxide; and linseed oil, which is an antioxidant and source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Then it is moisturized with honeydew lotion and a biocomplex with additional ingredients to reduce wrinkles and improve skin’s appearance. Spa owner Melanie Mueller says the results
are hydrated, softer skin and a more youthful appearance. $125 (277-4498, scentsofserenityspa.com).
Radical Detox
Red Door Spa general manager Katie McCartney says the Phyto-Organic Marine Facial is the treatment if you want healthy, glowing skin during the cold winter months. First, a double-brush facial massage stimulates blood flow and opens pores. Then, a self-heating mineral mask clears and replenishes skin at the same time. “It’s both detoxifying and hydrating,” McCartney says. “It’s aimed at skin cleansing and leaving you with that glow people talk about.” $160 (360-1239, reddoorspas.com/locations/richmond).
Prep School
Master esthetician Jodi Lynn Friedman says that often in winter, we think we need to slather on the lotion, but really we need to exfoliate. “After [age] 20, we stop shedding cells as quickly,” she says. “That dullness is really cells that are built up, especially in winter. Exfoliating gives us the glow we want. People can spend all kinds of money on products, but if they aren’t exfoliating, it sits on top of dead skin cells.” At Alicia’s Salon and Day Spa, Friedman’s No. 1 exfoliation suggestion is a SkinCeuticals Gel Peel that can be added to any of the facials Alicia’s offers. It’s a mixture of salicylic and glycolic acid that removes cells and leaves skin ready for moisture. $110 (768-0131, aliciasalon.com).
Oil on Troubled Waters
Soaking skin in hot water during a regular manicure or pedicure can cause moisture loss. So Bon Air Med Spa is offering a new service that replaces the hot-water soak with warm oil. It’s great for severely dry skin in the winter and can also add an extra layer of healing for those who have damaged their nails with artificial or gel polish. $35 for mani; $50 for pedi (330-4772, bonairspa.com).
