We took our time learning the safest way to start offering facial services again in the middle of a pandemic. There hasn’t been a ton of solid guidance for our profession, so we’ve been studying the dental profession and their practices as we developed our safety upgrades.
Hydrafacial is currently the first facial skincare service we brought back after we re-opened. We love this service because it is the most effective of all of our facial services with maximum benefits in a shorter time. Because guests will be “unmasked” for most of the service, efficiency will help minimize risks for providers and guests/ Don’t worry though, this service still includes nurturing upgrades we’re known for. Read descriptions here.
Your Hydrafacial will be performed by a licensed esthetician who is wearing both a mask and face shield.
We will run a HEPA air purifier designed for a much larger space in order to quickly exchange the air in the room.
Guests will arrive in a mask and leave in a mask. Consider bringing a clean, cotton mask to put on after the service.
You’ll first select one of three essential oil massage blends and your esthetician will help you relax (while masked) with some neck, arm, or scalp massage techniques (will vary by provider). You’ll get to keep the rest of your oil as a gift to enjoy at home.
If you select the Deluxe Hydrafacial option, we’ve changed the in-service mask to a custom selected mask your esthetician will send home with you. You’ll then apply this mask at home one-week following your Hydrafacial which will further enhance the results of your service.
We feel confident we can provide Hydrafacial services with reasonable risk reduction, but please remember that no service is entirely risk free. For this reason, every one of our estheticians had a choice of whether to offer Hydrafacial services and some have decided to wait until cases significantly decline. This means that whomever you see is comfortable providing your service, which always makes for a more relaxing experience!
A question we’re frequently asked is: How often should I get a (insert your favorite spa service here)? As far as how often you should get spa services, it depends on the service and why you are receiving it.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A FACIAL?
For general relaxation and routine skin wellness: typically a monthly facial will suffice, though we understand sometimes you have to stretch it out to every other month or quarterly. As long as you are using the products your esthetician recommends in between visits you should be fine. At a minimum, each season it is good to get checked out in case you need to change your routine due to changes in the weather and your activities.
For peels or Minus 10 protocols: you may need to visit in shorter intervals (perhaps 2-3 weeks) based on the treatment goal and where in your skin cell turnover cycle your esthetician wants you to repeat the service.
For acne facials like our “Clear Relief” facial: a monthly facial to assess skin, perform extractions, and do a deeper cleanse along with recommended home care between visits is necessary until the acne clears up.
For Hydrafacial: Monthly is a great starting point, but if you your esthetician may suggest a period of more frequent visits to address certain concerns.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A MASSAGE?
You can typically get massage therapy as often as you’d like, but any of us who have spent a day getting massage in school or testing massage students or job applicants can attest that there IS such a thing as too much massage! Your body will let you know when you’ve had enough! A few good suggestions for spacing your services:
General stress management and relaxation massages: These are fine in whatever interval you can manage with your schedule. We have clients in weekly (sometimes twice weekly), lots of every other week and monthly massage clients, as well as some who are able to treat themselves on special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
Sports massage: If you’re training for an event, regular massage at weekly or every-other week intervals are helpful to prevent injury and keep you on your training schedule. The type of massage your therapist recommends during training, shortly before an event (1-2 days) and shortly after an event will have different session goals, techniques, and duration.
Injury or specific focus work massages: The frequency will vary for these services based on what you and your therapist are addressing. It is possible to overwork an area and for most kinds of massage, we don’t want to further inflame an area so your therapist will suggest rest periods between massage. Typically we’d ask a client to come more frequently at the beginning of treatment for a specific issue until it has subsided (2 sessions in a week is not uncommon at this stage), then maintenance massages. Your therapist will gauge frequency based on how long the benefits of the treatment seem to last. Sometimes even a quick 30 minute treatment here or there can help maintain progress.
If you are seeing multiple providers to treat the same condition: We often partner with chiropractors and physical therapists for greater treatment effectiveness. Do make sure your massage therapist knows all of the treatments you’re receiving for the injury or health concern (i.e. physical therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, etc…) and make sure your other providers know you’re receiving massage so you don’t over treat a condition and all providers are on the same page with scheduling service frequency.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO WAX?
Wax intervals vary greatly depending on the person, hair texture, ethnicity, hormones, and heredity play a role in how often you’ll need to book your follow-up waxes. It is important to grow hair to at least 1/4 inch before waxing to make sure the hair catches in the wax.
Facial waxing:Typically 3-4 weeks is common between waxing for brows, upper lip, and chin.
Brazilian/bikini, back and chest waxing: 4-6 weeks is a typical interval for Brazilian, back, and chest waxing.
Leg waxing: Leg hair needs a bit more time to grow in enough to wax, most people need to go 6-8 weeks once their hair is on a good growth schedule.
Are you ready for a rebook or looking to schedule your first service? Learn more and book online. Don’t hesitate to give us a call with your questions at (515) 309-2904.
Cassandra Lacina-Griffin has been a licensed esthetician for over a decade and recently I asked her to share with me one piece of advice she wished our guests knew. Without missing a beat, she said “I wish people understood how important it is to wash their face twice a day.”
According to Cassandra, there are three main reasons you should wash your face both in the morning AND before you go to bed. If you exercise or sweat in the middle of the day, you might have to add another cleanse to remove sweat and bacteria.
1: Cleansing prevents excess oil. Sometimes people with dry skin hesitate to cleanse twice daily because they feel that it can be more drying. On the flip side, sometimes people who have oily skin use too harsh of a cleanser which can dry the skin out and cause it to produce MORE oil! In those cases, Cassandra recommends that you check with a professional to make sure you are using the right cleanser for your skin type.
2: Cleansing removes dead skin cells that build up overnight. Even though YOU are sleeping, your skin is hard at work turning over skin cells.
3: Cleansing in the morning removes the night time serums and chemical exfoliators. Serums and exfoliators do their best work at night when you are resting and not sweating or wearing make-up, but they need to be removed before you start your day, especially before sun exposure or applying make-up.
If you have more questions or would like to get recommendations from a professional esthetician, schedule a facial with Cassandra or any of our great licensed skin care providers here.
We have so many great facial options, sometimes it can be hard to decide which one is the best choice for your needs! I hope this guide helps to narrow it down for you. Our estheticians are able to customize many services and have no fear, if you select a facial that is not the best choice for your needs, they can often make a last minute change to a more appropriate facial that is the same length of time or can substitute products as needed to customize your service.
Our most relaxing facial for those who are looking for great skin care results AND relaxation
Includes a longer masking time than the Wellness Facial so skin receives more benefits that way
Extra relaxation benefits like more massage techniques incorporated, plus a softening honey foot mask and foot massage while the active professional products are working their magic on your face..
Best for: Adults who have concerns to address including acne, dryness, aging, rosacea, and hyper-pigmentation
Not recommended for: Anyone who can’t lay on their back for over an hour, younger teens, pregnant guests (book our Pregnancy Glow facial instead)
Our most corrective facial for anti-aging results as this facial utilizes 3 different acid exfoliants to firm and brightening the skin
This facial is recommended to our clients as a series of 3, performed every 2 to 3 weeks for optimal results
Clients may experience very light flaking and/or slight dryness after this facial due to the rejuvenating exfoliants
Best for: Adults who want to see age-defying results, people willing to complete the series and home care for best results
Not recommended for: Teens or people without aging skin concerns, anyone with acneic skin, pregnant guests (book our Pregnancy Glow facial instead!), or anyone who can’t lay on their back for over an hour.
An hour long healing facial for people who have cystic or inflamed acne
Designed to reduce bacteria, soften and dissolve cellular buildup, and reduce inflammation
Best for: People who want to get a start on treating inflamed or cystic acne
Not recommended for: Pregnant guests (book the Pregnancy Glow Facial), guests who do not have cystic or inflamed acne, or guests who are already under a dermatologist’s care for their acne.
An hour-long facial that includes skin care for face, neck, and decollete, some extractions if needed
Can address any and all skin concerns
Best for: Everyone! This is a great option if you aren’t sure you are the right candidate for our more clinical facials or as a consultation facial if you are considering peels.
Not recommended for: This is a great facial for everyone, but if you are pregnant, please schedule a Pregnancy Glow facial so we can be sure you are scheduled in the room with an incline table.
A quick 30 minute cleanse, mask, moisturizing facial that includes professional skincare recommendations.
Does not include extractions or exfoliation.
Best for: Anyone in a time crunch, someone just wanting an introduction to the Rhonda Allison line or professional product recommendations. Can serve as a good consultation facial before scheduling a peel service. This is a great starter service for younger teens.
Not recommended for:Someone wanting to address multiple skin concerns as there aren’t many corrective products (like exfoliants or masks) used in this facial, someone looking for a more pampering and indulgent service. We recommend scheduling the Wellness or EV Signature Facial.
An hour-long pampering, pregnancy safe facial that addresses a variety of skin needs from changing hormones.
Includes a hydrating foot mask and foot massage
Performed on a treatment table that allows our guest to rest with her head elevated.
Best for: Pregnant guests, this is the facial we require our pregnant guests to schedule as we can be sure the products are safe and that we have the service scheduled in a room with a table that allows our pregnant guests to rest in an inclined position.
Not recommended for:Anyone who isn’t expecting. However, if you have a concern laying flat on your back during another facial, mention this at booking and we can reserve this room for you!
Click the title of any facial we’ve described in this post or click here to book your customized facial with our experienced and licensed Estheticians at East Village Spa!
Today we’re featuring guest blogger, Cassandra Lacina-Griffin, one of our estheticians and Rhonda Allison expert. Cassandra has been enjoying our peels and wanted to share her experiences so far to provide information to people who aren’t sure what to expect in regards to peel services and advice for people who are newer to peels and corrective skin care. Cassandra also shared a collage of photos to show some of the peeling she’s experienced (above).
From Cassandra:
I developed adult acne when I was 19 and have struggled to find the right products. I have been under the care of a dermatologist for the past few years treating my acne with a topical cream. I’ve to stop using the cream for some time now because it’s harsh and drying. While on the cream, I’ve been unable to use many of the corrective Rhonda Allison products. I’m love the Rhonda Allison line and said “that’s it I’m done!” No more prescription cream.
I decided to start doing the RA peel for acne. Chemical peels are great to help clear up acne and refine the pores also to help with scaring or hyper pigmentation. The peel Camille and I chose to use on my skin is a bit intense. There is a strong burning/tingling sensation but it doesn’t last long. I started out slow and I’m working my way into stronger peels.
After receiving several peels, I have realized in my peel process that it is best to take extra time after the appointment. My second peel stung a bit longer than the first but after drinking some water and sitting for 10-15 minutes I was fine. Plan ahead before you book a peel. Your skin will not peel with every application but the deeper the peel the more your skin will peel. Another thing is that the deeper the peel the longer it takes your skin to peel. So plan ahead so that you don’t have any major events or parties while your skin is peeling.
I have found it beneficial to not wear makeup while my skin is peeling. It just allows me to apply extra recommended soothing creams and the cucumber spritz as needed. The hardest part of the peel process for me is avoiding picking the peeling skin. It is the worst thing you can do after a peel! I know you may want to “help” the peeling along but it is best to just leave it. You may end up peeling to much causing it to be even more tender and red or causing scarring. If you are treating acne with a peel be aware it’s completely normal for the skin to purge. Trust that it will heal up quickly revealing soft, fresh, glowing skin!
If you’d like to learn more about peels and you already have an esthetician at East Village Spa that you’ve seen in the last two months for a facial, give us a call to schedule a peel. If you haven’t been in to an esthetician at the spa or it has been over 2 months, book any facial (Wellness, EV Signature, or even our express 30 minute facial) for them to assess your skin and goals to help you determine a peel plan that will be safe and effective for you!
Click here to schedule your next facial online to get more information about our peel services!
I was tickled when summer running and triathlon season was over and I could FINALLY find a stretch of time when (in theory) I wouldn’t be outside exercising for awhile and I could get a new Rhonda Allison peel!
Our estheticians decided I needed to try a Vitamin A peel for general anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin refining. This peel is best done in a series of 2-3, about 2-3 weeks apart.
I am a real weenie about pain and I know that typically, some of the peels (even some of the more potent products used in the Rhonda Allison EV Signature Facials) can be warm or tingly so I made sure Cassandra had a fan at the ready for me to cool off my face. She started with a double cleanse, then products to suppress the melanin in my skin and break down the oil (a defatting agent-sounds glamorous) so the peel could penetrate properly. It is really quite a precise science and it is fun to learn the reasons behind each step.
My “before” photo on the treatment table after a double cleanse.
The peel products were surprisingly comfortable! I got a bit warm and tingly for a minute or two, but I’d have been fine without the fan. She didn’t have to wash them off at the end either, I was instructed to wear sunscreen if I went outside (I wasn’t going to see the light of day that day so no worries) but otherwise go to sleep without washing my face.
The peel is just the first step in the process. The home care is also important as I quickly realized. I needed a more gentle cleanser than I usually use, the growth factor serum to help speed skin cell turnover, and the arnica therapy to help ease tenderness.
Day 2: My skin was tight and looked great, no peeling, no redness. I was able to wear make-up as normal. I had to wear sunscreen (I should anyway!) and avoid outside workouts.
Day 3: This was a Saturday and the day I started peeling. Camille and Cassandra were surprised I was peeling, they didn’t know if I would or not (everyone is different). I had travel plans to go to a concert in Minneapolis but it was Halloween and the show was in the dark so I didn’t care! I forgot to bring my Arnica Therapy and I regretted it. I felt like I had a pretty decent sunburn and I just had the growth factor serum as my only moisturizer (stupid) and my sunscreen.
My peeling on day 3. I peeled most around my mouth and forehead where my skin moves when I furrow my brow or talk).Day 4: This was a day of regrets. Remember in the first paragraph, I timed my peel to a period of no outdoor exercise. I couldn’t help myself. I LOVE running in other cities. So I went for a morning run in Minneapolis and enjoyed some wind burn. Ouchie! I got an “I told you so” from Camille and a reminder to use my Arnica Therapy when I got home. I felt heat and stinging on my face like sunburn the ride back, but the arnica therapy helped. When I took a shower with a milk cleanser, the peeling skin balled up a bit without me forcing it so I GENTLY sloughed with a washcloth and that helped.
Day 5, no make-up, less face peeling-I did have my “skin beard” later in the day, my pores looked super small and the fine lines on my forehead and my “11s” were less noticeable.
Day 5: When I woke up, I felt like most of the peeling had resolved and I was able to wear make-up to work. Then I realized under my chin was peeling so I had a pretty “skin beard” that nobody told me about for a couple of hours. My face didn’t feel hot like it did on Sunday (Day 4). My forehead was done peeling.
Day 7: Today I was thrilled when I woke-up and washed my face! I could have gotten away with no foundation, except that my foundation IS my sunscreen for days I’m not outside. The thing that really blew me away today v. 2 days ago is how much lighter my freckles and sun spots are. Even a birthmark on my chin is lighter. People at work noticed too. I’m completely done peeling and I’m ready to go back to using my regular Rhonda Allison skin care products.
No foundation or powder on, no editing. Natural light this morning.My take-aways: If you are going to peel, plan to do so when you don’t have to wear make-up or work out for about a week. If you are someone who gets actual peeling, it is likely going to be worse on days 3-4 (this seems to be the consensus with everyone that has tried the peel and who does peel). Your skin will likely just look firm on day 2. Use the post-care! Rhonda Allison actually requires us to sell a post care kit to every peel client (we sell them at 40% off to peel clients). The products made a difference in my progress for sure. The growth factor serum made me peel faster and helped my skin turnover quickly. When I forgot the arnica therapy on my trip I was in pain! It really helps to heal skin. A gentle cleanser is also a must.
This peel is best in a series so I’ll be getting another on in about 3 weeks and I’ll keep you posted!
Curious about trying a peel? Because this service is more intense, discuss it with your esthetician at your next facial appointment and she will recommend the right one for you. Peels need to be done within 5 weeks of a regular facial so your esthetician has a chance to evaluate your skin (especially as skin changes with seasons) and determine what protocol is safest and most appropriate for your goals.
We put our intern, Alyssa’s next spa service to test out to a vote and by a close margin, our Facebook fans (and ALL of our estheticians!) suggested she try our EV Signature Facial. Here’s what Alyssa had to say!
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Spa Intern Alyssa relaxes during her first ever Facial at East Village Spa
The votes came in and I was chosen to try the EV Signature Facial Experience. The past few years I started to struggle with dry skin and am constantly having to apply moisturizer. I’m secretly happy (I guess not so secret now) that this is what was selected by all of you! I have always wanted to get a facial, but never knew where to go.
Never having a facial before, I was not sure what to expect. Camille used a light on my face to see what problems were going on that can’t be seen by the naked eye. She was able to adjust the treatment specifically towards my skin care needs. She used a Clarisonic for a deeper clean and to make the skin more receptive to the products. I also had steam, which helped to detoxify the skin and soften pores for easier extractions.
Not only did this facial include attention to my face, but I also received treatment to my arms, hands, face, neck, and feet. Camille explained each process with me and it was nice to understand why. With this, I was able to understand what type of home care I needed to use.
Camille explained whether you have sensitive or problematic skin, facials are great for deep cleansing and exfoliation. They stimulate new cell growth for a fresher, younger look. She recommends to come in every 3-4 weeks so your estheticians can monitor your skin changes and adjust at home care accordingly.
The arsenal of products that Camille, Alyssa’s Esthetician, chose to use on her skin.
After receiving the facial, I noticed that my skin appears much healthier looking, more moisturized, which made the expression lines on my forehead less defined. The treatment left my skin feeling very smooth and silky. I highly recommend the EV Signature Facial Experience. I’m a believer. It was truly what my skin was looking for.
Be sure to check out my next blog when I will be spending the day as a Massage Therapy Student at the school where Cassie teaches!
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