May 2010 Newsletter Article

Facial Offerings at Pax Massage

Back in December Pax Massage decided to add facials to our menu based on the number of requests we were receiving to offer it– it was glaringly obvious facials were an in demand service. Finding an esthetician turned out to be quite easy. I got married last summer, and I wanted that healthy bride glow, so as part of my pre-wedding prepping ritual I would get a facial every 6 weeks. I fell in love with my skin after my first appointment (and more so with Justine, the esthetician who was making my skin look so healthy). Fast forward to 6 months later when I’m deciding to offer this service for my spa I knew just the woman to call!

Justine and I came up with 3 facials for Pax that would speak to three different (and common) conditions:
1. Tropical Escape Facial – This is designed for people who need a good exfoliation (most of us do). Described best as relaxing escape (when you smell the tropical fruits used during the facial, you can easily imagine yourself on the beach with a drink in hand), this facial is customized for all skin types, meaning it serves as a great base facial that Justine can add to if necessary for your skin type (with things such as extractions or a glycolic peel – more about those later). Skin is cleansed and then exfoliated with a papaya enzyme mask. Relax as you receive a wonderful face massage which increases circulation and blood flow to the surface of your skin, followed by a mandarin mask. Finally, toner and a moisturizer are applied to leave your skin looking radiant. Leaves skin feeling soft without irritation.

The Papaya Enzyme Mask uses nature’s own ingredients to energize and purify the skin and enhances your skin with the benefits of fruit enzymes, oligo elements, algae, Vitamin C, and plant extracts. Contains natural enzymes for exfoliation treatments. Papaya and pineapple are naturally rich in proteolitic enzymes that are known for their ability to remove dead skin cells and promote skin cell renewal.  The Mandarin Mask has various benefits such as refining the texture of the skin, while also having good antiseptic and cell rejuvenating properities. At the same time, it promotes a finer textured skin, fighting infections and removing any congestion from the skin. The oil encourages the growth of new skin cells, which is a benefit when you wish to replace previously damaged skin with new healthy cells, as in acne scarring.

2.  Peaceful Rejuvenating Hydration Facial – This is designed for people who need intense hydration; it is also the secret weapon I used in prepping for my wedding (and most people thought I was glowing from love!). This facial is an intense hydrating and moisturizing treatment customized for dry, sun-damaged and aging skin that is also great for eczema and dermatitis. Relax as your skin is cleansed, and then ampoules are applied to the skin with a gentle massage and steam. A collagen mask is then applied, topped off by a warm, paraffin mask. Finally, toner and a moisturizer are applied to leave your skin looking radiant!

Ampoules are sterile dosages of pure active ingredients with a unique fluid carrier that provides quick penetration into the skin, and they provide immediate and noticeable results. For the ultimate in surface hydration and collagen synthesis, re-hydrating and rejuvenating collagen sheets are the perfect answer. The Vitamin C which reduces free radical damage improves skin’s elasticity and stimulates collagen production. A Paraffin Facial Masque promotes skin repair and increases hydration that will give your skin a natural, fresh glow. Extra-filtered pure paraffin infused with collagen is ideal for replenishing and regenerating the skin and will minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Oxygen Facial – A combo of sorts of the first two, the Oxygen Facial gives your skin a breath of fresh air by delivering oxygen below the surface of the skin to thoroughly cleanse pores and increase circulation. This wonderfully therapeutic treatment stimulates and revitalizes the skin, leaving a youthful glow. It also lightens and brightens naturally to reduce hyperpigmentation (dark spots). Restores dry, mature, or allergy prone skin with rejuvenating Q10 and healing oxygen.

The oxygenation facial tonic in the Oxygen Facial clarifies, lightens, and disinfects the complexion and increases microcirculation, prepping the skin for the optimum oxygen absorption. The Q10 ampoule stabilizes and improves the skin’s own repair mechanism and treats existing atrophies, clears blemished skin and boosts collagen formation, deep cleanses, combats the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, hydrates and oxygenates the skin and promotes the skin’s own regeneration. The balancing thermogel mask helps tone the epidermis while making the skin glow and reducing any sebum imbalances.

What I particularly love about the facials offered at Pax is that Justine (who is also a licensed massage therapist) combines massage into each treatment. She uses hand warmers for all facials, where after warming your hands she massages them along with your chest and face. For those who indulge in our Pax Signature Hydration Facial, foot warmers are also used and a foot and neck massage is given (along with the hand, chest and face massage).

Pax also offers add on services for those whose skin type requires a bit more on top of what the facial offers, such as:

Extractions - If you have ever had a facial, you've likely heard the term extraction. It might sound painful, but if done correctly, this simple and painless procedure removes pore-clogging sebum in the face.  Sebum is what clogs the pores and causes blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. It is done manually by a using a metal tool or by applying gentle pressure, after they have cleansed your skin and opened your pores with heat or steam. Extractions are beneficial for removing the gunk that lies deep within your pores and can be a huge aid in preventing breakouts.

Glycolic Peel - Formulated from sugar cane, this acid creates a mild exfoliating action. Glycolic peels work by loosening up the horny layer and exfoliating the superficial top layer. This peel also stimulates collagen growth.

Collagen Eye Treatment - Tired of the dark circles under your eyes? Then a  Collagen Eye Treatment is for you. This eye masque reduces puffiness and fine lines by nourishing and hydrating the eye area and firming up the skin around the eyes. A nice side effect is a more youthful appearance.