The Valmont Spa at The Carlyle
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While it’s undeniable that a visit to the dermatologist can be incredibly effective, nothing beats the relaxation and pampering experienced during a great facial. With more and more consumers experiencing “filler fatigue” opting for microdoses of baby botox and gentler preventative cosmetic treatments, estheticians’ services are more popular than ever. Particularly in demand are treatments that use energy-based devices or good old-fashion facial massage to lift and tone leaving behind a natural-looking sculpted effect.
What key components to consider when looking to treat your winter-ravaged skin this time of year? Notes skin whisperer Kristyn Smith who tends to A-listers Bella Hadid and Margaret Zhang,
“ Generally you do need a light refresh which can be a mild exfoliation with a real emphasis on nourishing and hydration – a lot of strong LED, possibly a good lymphatic massage to get circulation going and help reduce any retention in the skin that can be caused by winter inflammation.”
Smith also counsels the importance of a consistent at-home routine to maintain a facial’s results. A very simple household addition is a humidifier to prevent transepidermal water loss. Smith favors those made by Carepod. She also recommends LED light treatment with the Therabody Theraface Mask or Omnilux Contour Face.
New York City offers a particularly eclectic array of the very best sculpting facials each with their own unique benefits and modalities. Here are three of the best .
Valmont Spa at The Carlyle Hotel
From Bill Murray sipping martinis at Bemelman’s Bar to the charming elevator bellhops still working the lifts, The Carlyle Hotel oozes Upper East Side charm and quality. Nestled on the 3rd floor of this revered establishment is the Valmont Spa where many celebrities opt to receive their oxygen facials before they attend the Met Gala a few blocks north. The Swiss skincare import creates sophisticated formulations featuring pure alpine ingredients from high altitude plants and Triple DNA, a patented marine DNA extract that deeply hydrates and boosts cell renewal. Its latest treatment, the Vitality Facial is a sixty minute holistic treatment that employs targeted massage techniques to promote oxygenation and enhance circulation. Depending on the customer’s complexion concerns, a custom exfoliating essence is applied, for sensitive skin types gentle papaya enzymes are employed before treating the skin with a vigorous highly-targeted massage designed to plump and lift. The brand’s cutting-edge products enable you to maintain results at home.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
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For the longest time the only place to find the cult classic Biologique Lotion P50 (dubbed a facial in a bottle due to its potent mix of chemical exfoliants AHAS, BHAS and PHAS) was at Aida’s uptown skincare atelier which she opened in 2006. She added a Tribeca location in 2022. Her coveted treatments incorporate these cult French skincare products along with both manual massage techniques along with more advanced technologies like microcurrent and radio frequency. Microcurrent facials deliver electrical currents superficially mainly to the facial muscles to lift and increase circulation, while radiofrequency works deeper to encourage long-term collagen production. Aida was one of the early proponents of lymphatic drainage which can dramatically reduce puffiness around the orbital area and sculpt the jawline. Her Biologique Recherche Remodeling Facial is a client favorite.
Kristyn Smith at Practise NYC
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Kristyn boasts over 20 years experience in the beauty industry with a client roster of glowing it-girls to prove it. She believes in a holistic approach to treatments and begins every new client appointment with a consultation that delves into lifestyle habits. She and her stable of estheticians believe in consistency and forging a long-term relationship with clients. This intimate approach delivers highly bespoke and efficacious treatments. Her clinic offers a variety of speciality lifting facials that incorporate both microcurrent and facial manipulation using hand pressure. This includes Dr. Vodder’s Manual Lymphatic Drainage. The Vodder Method MLD is an intentional, gentle technique. Deeply relaxing, the manipulation uses light working pressure to reduce inflammation and feed cells more efficiently. The Practise also offers buccal or intra-oral massage that targets lower face laxity plus microcurrent and LED therapies, among others.
