As I’ve aged experiences have become more important than collecting and hoarding things. So this past weekend I chose to spend my time in the serenity of two New York spas — Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic and SoHo’s Haven Spa — instead of crawling through the mall. Both spas offer relaxation and rejuvenation through unique treatments.
At the serene Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic (2119 Frederick Douglass Blvd.), the focus was on turning my mug into a face that was selfie worthy. I met with esthetician Seven Brown on Saturday, and we discussed my skin concerns before she began a Celluma LED Facial. I usually have zit-free skin, but acne is a concern of mine because I know the day I stop my typical beauty regimen is the day whiteheads and blackheads will begin popping up. That’s why it’s helpful and important to consult with your esthetician before beginning a treatment. Brown explained that my skin would benefit from the Celluma LED Facial, even though I didn’t have any major breakouts at the time.
Celluma LED light panel [Image: Biophotas.com]
The Celluma LED therapy is FDA-approved and has proven to accelerate skin regeneration and healing. The LED light helps kill acne bacteria, increases collagen and elasticity, and speeds healing of damaged skin. As a result, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced and skin tone is evened out. Celluma LED is also effective in treating rosacea and stubborn acne. This seemingly miracle therapy may also alleviate pain caused by arthritis and joint muscle stiffness.
Before the Celluma LED panel is placed near the face, Brown thoroughly cleansed and exfoliated my skin. She also applied a new generation peptide serum to my eye area, while explaining how microneedling and the serum treat and lighten dark under eye circles. Then, she covered my eyes with gauze and placed the light panel over my face for about 20 to 25 minutes. The experience was quite relaxing (and not at all painful like some facials). It’s very rare that I unplug for that long unless I’m sleeping. It was refreshing to have several minutes to get my mind right and simply be still. When the facial was over, my skin was smooth and radiant, and my laugh lines were less noticeable. My eye area was also lighter and tighter, giving me a more rested and youthful appearance.
The Celluma LED Facial and the Dark Circles Eye Treatment (which includes microneedling) are available for $50 during Spa Week, which extends through April 30th at the Harlem Skin & Laser Clinic, according to the website. Click here for all their Spa Week deals.
Haven Spa treatment room [Image: Haven Spa]
Sunday, my goal was to give the rest of my body some attention at
Haven Spa (250 Mercer St.), which recently began offering a 75-minute
Hammam Body Treatment ($165). This body therapy is based on the traditional Middle Eastern and North African bathing ceremony. I have to say that you haven’t lived as an adult until you’ve had someone bathe you like a baby. OK, that sounds weird but Haven’s Hammam treatment isn’t actually that scary.
First, I spent 15 minutes in the steam room to detox my skin and prepare it for the treatment. Then, the therapist washed the front and back of my body with Moroccan black soap while I comfortably rested on a treatment bed (in fact, I never left the bed until the treatment was complete). She then thoroughly washed away the soap and exfoliated my skin from toes to shoulders with a gentle glove. After that, she covered me in Rhassoul clay that is sourced from the only known deposit in the world — the Middle Atlas mountains in Morocco. I sat wrapped in paper and a blanket for 15 minutes while the clay tightened, purified, and firmed my body. During this time, the therapist typically offers one of three hair treatments, none of which were conducive with my locs, however. Instead she massaged my forehead, temples, and jaw area, which felt heavenly. It’s funny how you don’t realize how tight the muscles and joints in your face are until they’re being massaged. After the wrap, she rinsed me once again and applied dry Argan oil to restore moisture to my skin and complete the treatment.
I was honestly ready for a nap after the Hammam experience because I was so relaxed. My skin was the smoothest it has been in months and all traces of ashy, scaly winter skin were gone. What I appreciate most about Haven’s Hammam Body Treatment is that it encompasses steaming, exfoliation, and light massage into one treatment. However, if you’re in need of a deep tissue massage, Haven Spa is offering the Geek Massage for $50. “Created to address and relieve the myriad of problems that result from long hours hunched over a computer, this massage helps relieve muscle spasms, aches, lack of mobility, headaches, and muscle tightness,” according to the website.
After a weekend of spa treatments, I was unusually ready to meet Monday morning with gusto and the effects have lasted all week.