There was a time going in for a facial meant steam, followed by deep pore cleansing, and finally a mask to close up pores. Those days are past. Now a mention of the beauty treatment conjures a host of intimidating images—surgical tools, flashing lights, electrical impulses, oxygen tanks, needles and lasers.
Where are the uninitiated to begin in their battle for clean, dewy, youthful skin? By understanding the technical language of beauty. Here, a glossary for achieving that perfect glow.
Dermaplaning
Method: blading
Exfoliation, or removing dead skin cells, is key when it comes to maintaining healthy, vibrant skin. Aesthetician Michelle Sabino begins with a thin surgical blade, deftly whipping it across the face to reveal fresher cells below without the tugging of vacuuming methods such as microdermabrasion. Fine lines are diminished, tone is evened, skin is baby smooth, and you are left without even a hint of peach fuzz. Finally, she applies a light acid peel for extra glow. ($250 at the office of plastic surgeons Dr. Gerald Imber and Dr. Robert Silich, 121A East 83rd St., 212-472-0082)
Ionization Facial
Method: electronic lifting
Three different currents—galvanic, low frequency and high frequency—work simultaneously to rejuvenate the skin and tone muscles. Delivered through two charged sponges that are constantly moving across the face and neck, the impulses, along with products from Biologique Recherche, increase circulation and oxygenation. To prove the treatment to skeptics, practitioners at Yasmine Djerradine will happily “remodel’’ half of your face first, hold up a mirror to show you the lifted side, then move on to the other half. For extra radiance (and an extra $60), an oxygen blast can be added. ($140 at Yasmine Djerradine, 30 East 60th St., 212-588-1661)
Rad C
Method: laser toning plus vitamin C infusion
In this treatment favored by Naomi Watts and Michelle Williams, the skin is prepped by microdermabrasion before a Cutera laser goes deep to stimulate production of collagen and elastin, smoothing texture and evening skin tone. Next: an application of anti-oxidant rich vitamin C to help brighten and vitamin E to nourish. ($1,000 at the office of Dr. David Colbert, 119 Fifth Ave., 212-533-9999)
Soins de Lissage
Method: manual muscle manipulation
A French technique that lifts the face by working muscles, beginning at the back of the neck, Soins de Lissage also increases circulation, adding radiance. The treatment, which can be performed even on sensitive skin, finishes with a mild lactic acid peel to lighten dark spots. The result, in a word: luminous. ($495 with Aida, $350 with an associate, at Aida Bicaj, 61 East 75th St., 212-879-5257.
Sublime Transformation
Method: full body overhaul, with oxygen spray
While one aesthetician microdermabrades your body, then washes it with glycolic acid to smooth, another performs both wet and dry microdermabrasion on the face. A full artillery follows, including a Genesis laser, oxygen spray, LED lights to plump and improve color, and a device to burn off any bumps or skin tags. ($1500 at Dangene, 66 East 55th St., 212-249-8172)
Red Carpet Facial
Method: epidermal growth factor, tri-peptides and LED lights
Everyone from Brad Pitt to Madonna has visited Tracie Martyn for her facials. The latest: a combo of electronic stimulation, amber lights to minimize hyper-pigmentation, red and blue lights to increase elasticity and destroy bacteria, and epidermal growth factor and tri-peptides to boost collagen. ($450, 101 Fifth Ave., 212-206-9333.)
Photo Facial
Method: intense pulsed light
After cleansing, a cooling gel is applied and an aesthetician holds a machine to the face, delivering strong pulses of light that increase collagen, tighten pores, and repair broken capillaries. ($300 at Shizuka New York, 7 West 51st St., 212-644-7400)
Spatique Golden Facial
Method: application of bovine stem cells, plus a little glam
At dermatologist Dr. Marina Peredo’s Long Island spa, a serum containing rejuvenating cells is applied and sealed with a 24-karat gold mask. The precious metal is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. ($200 at Spatique Medical Spa, 260 Middle Country Rd., Smithtown, 631-724-7720)
