By Kim Taylor

Here we are smack dab in the middle of another dry (albeit beautiful) winter in Colorado. Living here and enjoying the outdoors the way most of us do, it is inevitable that our skin will pay a price. The good news is that a quality home skincare regimen, paired with a little bit of professional assistance can make a world of difference.

The first step to great skin is homecare, and we all do it to some extent. A basic routine includes cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. Ideally, it also includes regular exfoliation and masking. When dealing with specific issues and as our skin matures, we may need to add a few specialty products into our arsenal. The best way to develop an effective regimen at home is to come in for a complimentary skincare consultation. One of our estheticians will look closely at your skin, ask questions regarding your current skincare routine, and address your concerns. She will then make suggestions for developing a skincare plan that will include both homecare and in-spa treatment recommendations. Of course, there is no obligation to purchase anything or schedule services. Consultations are about education. Knowledge is power in every aspect of our lives and skincare is no exception.

While some people are blessed with beautiful skin that requires very little maintenance or intervention, most of us get by with a little help from our [skincare] friends. With that in mind, I’d like to talk about what makes visiting our skincare specialists worthwhile.

There is no one-size fits all in skincare. However, there are many options for in-spa treatments that will supercharge your results at home. One of the most important things I can share with you about the estheticians at Essence is that each treatment is carefully customized to fit the needs of each client. This helps to ensure you get the facial treatment your skin needs.

At Essence, we start with two categories of facials: signature and specialty. All include the fundamentals: cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate, and protect. Every treatment we recommend is based on a skin analysis before your treatment begins.

Sometimes a relaxing, hydrating facial is exactly what you need. Seemingly simple, this type of treatment can feel like a miracle in our dry climate. Our Signature facials are designed to maintain healthy, youthful skin. They are both relaxing and effective, including a mild exfoliation that is often in the form of a scrub or gentle mask.

Other times, you may need a little more exfoliation to prepare your skin to absorb the nutrients that are packed into your homecare products. Our Specialty facials are designed to address challenges such as acne or aging skin. The products and exfoliation techniques used in specialty facials are more targeted and active than those used in signature treatments.

Over time our skin changes- and so do our skincare needs. This happens for many reasons such as environmental exposure, changes in nutrition, the aging process, trauma, the list goes on. There are times when your skin needs more than what a signature or specialty facial can provide. That’s when a more powerful treatment should be incorporated into your skincare regimen.

Beyond facials, Essence offers many avenues of treatment for the face, neck and chest. During your skin analysis, your esthetician may recommend a treatment that is deeper and more effective than a signature or specialty facial. This is based on what your skin analysis indicates that your skin will yield the highest benefit from. Two Client favorites are dermaplaning and microdermabrasion; for their effectiveness and for the way they make your skin feel soft and smooth.

Many times, these “super treatments” take the same amount of time as a facial or can be added to your appointment that day, making it easy for you to modify your service if you choose.

Microdermabrasion is a physical exfoliating technique that helps to minimize fine lines, correct sun damage, and even out skin tone. Microderm sloughs off the dead and dull surface layers of the skin, stimulating an increase in collagen production.

Dermaplaning is a physical exfoliating technique that uses a small, sterile blade in gentle upward motions to remove dead skin cells, smooth fine lines, brighten skin, and remove vellus hair. This leaves the skin looking and feeling silky soft.

NuFACE microcurrent treatment is our newest treatment, and my new personal favorite. This amazing treatment instantly makes the skin appear higher, tighter, and brighter by utilizing products designed to give immediate results. It begins with a deep cleanse and exfoliating enzyme mask, preparing the skin for a brightening, resurfacing, and toning treatment complimented by the NuFace holistic facelift. This treatment is completed with a revitalizing mask infused with a brightening serum to volumize, lift, and firm the face and neck. One treatment will yield short term instant results, while a NuFace series in combination with the right homecare will provide lasting results.

These “super treatments” fall into the category of results-oriented relaxation. They are designed to yield tangible results while simultaneously providing the relaxing escape your mind and body need.

It’s important to find someone you trust to help you with your skin. The estheticians at Essence are well trained and passionate about the services they offer. Regardless of time of year, we always strive to make every client experience exceptional. We understand that time spent on oneself can be fleeting; our goal is to make sure the time you spend with us is worth every second you devote to self-care. Healthy beautiful skin is at your fingertips- schedule your complimentary skincare consultation at today! We look forward to caring for you.