While most salon facials are pleasant, their effects tend to last just a few days. Then there are doctor-only esthetic treatments, such as injectables, which deliver long-term results—for a price. Now there’s a middle ground: medi-spa facials. Performed by an esthetician (not a doc) using machines, devices and prescription-grade skin care, they promise to give obvious, lasting results on everything from wrinkles to zits. Here are some treatments to try now. —Aileen Lalor
the glow room max led facial. Good for anyone, the wavelength of the LED light used can be adjusted to treat everything from acne (it kills the bacteria) to redness. The Max+ Facial is an add-on to any of the Glow Room’s facials, which include cleansing and a mask (and a peel, if you like). After the facial, you lie on a bed and an LED arm automatically passes back and forth over the face, emitting the correct wavelength of light to treat your specific skin concern. Nothing touches your skin and there is no pain or downtime. The entire treatment takes 75 minutes for the Max+ Facial with peel, and the number of recommended treatments depends on the initial condition of your skin. You’ll see improvements to any of your main skin concerns, from acne to lack of radiance, that can last up to four weeks. $245 for the Max+ Facial with peel at The Glow Room at Project Skin MD, 1495 W 11th Ave., Vancouver, 604-732-000, projectskinmd.com
cür laser and skin silkpeel diamond dermal infusion. Good for anyone (the serum is selected based on your skin type and main concern) this 45-minute treatment starts with cleansing. Then an esthetician passes the SilkPeel device across the skin. It has a diamond tip that exfoliates and uses suction to extract blackheads and pull out excess dirt and oil. At the same time, serum is pushed into skin, supposedly reaching the dermal layer. Skin will be smoother and brighter immediately after treatment. Results of a one-off treatment last up to two weeks and skin will gradually be better, for longer, after successive sessions (it’s recommended to do four to six treatments, each two weeks apart). $249 or $999 for four sessions (four-session package includes a Phase 1 Anti-Aging kit from ZO Skin Health, worth $210) at CüR Laser and Skin, 2830 Main St., Vancouver, 604-662-7368, curlaser.com
the vanity lab ipl photo facial. Good for people with redness, broken capillaries and rosacea, as well as brown pigmentation, sun damage, age spots, discolouration and freckles. The face is the most common area to treat, but intense pulsed light (IPL) can also be used on the décolleté and backs of the hands. People with very dark skin and pregnant women cannot be treated. After cleansing, goggles are placed over the eyes and ultrasound gel is applied to protect skin. The esthetician will go over skin with the IPL device while simultaneously blowing cold air to keep you comfortable. The treatment is said to feel like a rubber band hitting the skin. After, skin may feel sunburned and be swollen. Brown spots can darken as the pigmentation rises to the surface. It’s recommended that you avoid exercise or anything that significantly raises your body temperature (for example, saunas or hot yoga) for 24 hours. Skip retinol or salicylic acid products for a week prior to and after treatment, and avoid direct sunlight for four weeks. Generally, four to six 30-to-45-minute treatments, four weeks apart, are recommended, and results, which depend on the individual, may include a more even complexion, reduced freckles and pigmentation, finer capillaries and less redness. You may also notice your pore size appears reduced and your skin looks smoother and tighter. Effects appear after a single session and last as long as you avoid the sun and look after your skin, though you get more noticeable results the more treatments you have. $350 per session or $145 per session on Thursdays (for the Throwback Thursday special) at The Vanity Lab, 1110 Hamilton, Vancouver, 604-669-1001, thevanitylab.com
vancouver medi spa nanotechnology fortified facial. Good for anyone, since it’s customized to your main skin concerns. The clinic uses a quadruple cleansing system to remove impurities and dead skin, after which a lotion that contains amino acids, copper, silver, gold, ceramides and vitamins is applied. These ingredients are nano-sized, so they supposedly penetrate to the deepest layers of skin, where they stimulate fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells). A nourishing, tightening mask is then applied, and finally, an oxygen/serum mix is spritzed over skin. Treatment time is one hour, and recommended are four treatments at two-week intervals; thereafter, once a month. You’ll see reduced fine lines and wrinkles and increased hydration and radiance. It also soothes acne and rosacea and minimizes the appearance of dark under-eye circles. $210 at Vancouver Medi Spa, 1060 Hornby, Vancouver, 1-888-622-1772, vancouvermedispa.ca
stick a pin in it. If you prefer a holistic approach to your facial, there’s another option. Cosmetic acupuncture treats you both inside and out, so you look and feel younger, and is completely customizable. It can also improve mood, focus and sleep, and reduce headaches, says Mahsa Ahmadi, the resident registered acupuncturist at Collective Skin Care. Her treatments last 60 minutes or more, including consultation to identify your needs. There can be minor sensitivity during treatment, which dissipates immediately, and no downtime afterward. Mahsa says results vary according to what you’re treating, but you get immediate temporary reductions in fine lines and, with more treatments, longer-lasting effects—even permanent results—on conditions like acne scarring. It’s not suitable for people with colds or flu, active herpes breakouts on the face, active migraine or high blood pressure. If you’re pregnant or on blood thinners, check when you book. From $145 for an initial consultation and treatment (75 minutes) at Collective Skin Care, 1268 Pacific, Vancouver, 778-228-4275, collectiveskincare.com
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