I had the pleasure of sitting down with Spa Director – Clinical Aesthetician, Laura Duffany, at The Spa at Litchfield Hills to talk about the hottest new trends in skincare! Laura has worked with plastic surgeons and medical doctors and has cultivated a strong and knowledgeable skincare team at the spa. Her favorite line is Skinceuticals for spa facials and daily skincare regime. The spa offers dermaplaning, medical grade peels and microdermabrasion among other skincare services.
Dermaplaning
One of the trendiest exfoliation options today is dermaplaning, which is performed using a sterile surgical scalpel (not as scary as it sounds!) to manually exfoliate dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, dead skin layer, and vellus hair, aka peach fuzz. This treatment results in ultra-smooth, fresh, and brighter skin. By removing that dead layer and hair from the face, the skin is evened out, and it helps with cell metabolism, which helps new skin come to the surface. Dermaplaning cleverly triggers the cell regeneration process and improves the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The effects of the procedure are instant, leaving your skin with a smooth appearance and a radiant glow. Along with the removal of fine hairs, it results in healthier skin that feels silkier.
Why would you choose to have a dermaplaning treatment?
Here are just a few of the benefits:
- It painlessly exfoliates the stratum corneum to stimulate cellular turnover with no downtime.
- It is a great option for clients with sensitive skin, Rosacea, and pregnant women who are looking for a deep exfoliation.
- It can be performed prior to treatments like facials, laser, and chemical peels for better product penetration.
- It can be performed frequently – every 4 weeks
- It helps makeup go on smoother and more evenly.
- It can help significantly lighten post-inflammatory scars from past acne.
- It does not make the hair grow back thicker and darker.
What is a treatment like?
After one, I was hooked. It was so relaxing I might have fallen asleep had I not been asking Laura a million questions for this article. She started with a citrus cleanse to remove oils from my face and followed that with a toner. This is used to increase the effectiveness of the dermaplaning. Then the procedure started with a tool that looked just like a tiny butter blade. After she ran the tool across my skin a few times I wasn’t concerned at all about how it would feel, as it felt just like lightly running your fingernail across your skin.
Following the treatment, she then applied a Skinceuticals gel peel to break the bond of dead cellular buildup and oil/pollution buildup on the skin. After this, Laura applied a Phyto-corrective mask with steam, B5 gel, an anti-aging eye cream and epidermal repair. The best part, however, was her signature face massage – WOW – I could have totally fallen asleep on the table. Lastly, Laura used the coolest device called a Jade Gua sha stone which is a natural facial lifting tool. These stones come in different shapes and helps with fine lines, circulation, puffiness, and dark circles.
I was shocked to notice that my skin felt softer than it had in years – like many years! My skin tone was drastically improved and evened out. I immediately noticed a softening of fine lines around my eyes, forehead and frown lines. That day I left feeling amazing, but the next day when I went to apply my normal makeup, I can’t tell you the difference I noticed. My makeup went on like butter and I literally felt airbrushed!
After treatment, you do need to refrain from being in direct sunlight for a minimum of 48 hours and continual wearing of sunscreen is strongly advised. In addition, it is recommended to not use any products with glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, Retin A or Rentinol for at least 5 days, and no exfoliating for 3 days following the treatment (why would you need to?). You can return to your regular skincare routine thereafter and make sure to stay hydrated. One of the reasons skin can look dull and have buildup is from ongoing dehydration.
Some exciting things they have coming this summer are a Summer Treatment Express Menu with results oriented services all under 30 minutes. Most services are $95 and under including the full product and treatment and you can get in and out on your lunch break. Everyone receives a beach bag and sunblock with the purchase of 3 products. They’re also launching the Coola sunblock line which is organic and safe for kids. This includes the BB cream with sunblock, sundrops you put into your moisturizer that adds SPF, a setting spray of SPF that you just spritz on after doing your makeup, and tinted lip gloss.
The Spa at Litchfield Hills truly has something for every guest whether it be relaxation, results, or both. They strive to offer organic product lines that are impactful and results oriented. Look for new natural and alternative treatment options like the Rose Quartz Goddess Face Mask coming this summer as well!
By Dr. Diane Hayden. Online bookings available at: www.litchfield-spa.com, 860.567.8575, [email protected] 407A Bantam Rd., Litchfield CT.