The signs were staring me in the face, although for a long time I chose to ignore them. On the rare occasion that I actually applied foundation, it seemed to settle into the nooks and crannies of my face like butter on a warm English muffin. Then one day, my 5 1/2 year-old daughter informed me that when I smiled, my face “looked all crinkly, like Grandma’s.”
Ouch! Time for a treatment facial.
I knew I would be in good hands at The Peninsula, an Asian-influenced spa in the new Peninsula Hotel where everyone from the doorman to the receptionist seemed to be a walking advertisement for beautiful skin.
Esthetician Susan Applewhite cleaned my face with a creamy cleansing milk, then told me I had “Alipidic” skin, basically dry and dehydrated. She prescribed the Ishu facial, a 60-minute-long treatment she promised would re-hydrate my skin and minimize fine lines.
Applewhite began the treatment by applying an enzyme-based exfoliant to remove dead skin cells. She followed this with a hydrating cream to restore suppleness to my face and neck.
Now I was ready for the Algomask, which contains algae extract to detoxify and stimulate skin functions as well as moisturize and improve elasticity.
After the mask dried to a rubbery texture, Applewhite peeled it off and handed me a mirror to see the finished results. My skin looked clear, moist and pretty darn good–so good, in fact, that I ventured out onto Michigan Avenue sans makeup and feeling great.
The Peninsula Spa is located at 108 E. Superior St. (312-573-6860). The Ishu facial is $125.
In addition to the packages available at the Peninsula, there are a variety of new types of facials available at spas throughout the area, ranging from live cell treatments to enzyme peels to new types of dermabrasion. Following is a sampling:
Channing’s Day Spa
54 E. Oak St., 312-280-1994
Live cell facial, $185: Collagen, placenta or bone marrow is flown in from France and the cells are applied to the face using a galvanic current (an electric current that penetrates the epidermis to help the treatment products reach the skin cells below). The current exercises the facial muscles, minimizes fine lines and wrinkles, and helps firm the skin.
Gemmotherapy facial, $130: After cleansing, an essential oil suitable to your skin type is applied to the face, followed by an enzyme peel composed of ingredients from plants known for their healing and oxygenating abilities, such as aloe, vanilla bean, cypress and honeysuckle. This gentle facial is said to help create healthy DNA, which is responsible for the growth of new, healthy cells. A massage and mask finish the treatment.
Caviar facial, $165: This luxurious treatment is touted to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. After a thorough cleansing, caviar, rich in amino acids and trace minerals, is applied using a galvanic current. Next comes an application of Channing’s “secret serum” and a lymphatic drainage massage using pressure points in the face to remove toxins. The facial ends with a customized mask.
Georgette Klinger
Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-787-4300
Virtual perfection facial, $125: In this 12-step process, plant-based multi-hydroxy acids are used to exfoliate the skin, and green tea combined with Klinger’s botanical blend are used to detoxify. Vitamins A, C, and E are applied to help defend the skin against damage, and sea algae hydrates.
Line solution anti-aging facial, $115: This treatment includes pressure point massage to release tension and smooth superficial lines. Two nourishing masks are applied to smooth the skin and restore moisture. A lubricating massage tones facial muscles and minimizes lines.
RevivaCell Microdermabrasion, $200 for face/neck: This new treatment uses a wand made of natural diamond chips that help remove dead cells. The wand uses a micro-massage action to promote collagen production and cell growth. After the microdermabrasion, the skin is treated to a gentle moisturizing massage and collagen mask, designed to nourish the skin and reinforce its natural protective barrier.
Mario Tricoci
900 N. Michigan Ave., 312-915-0960. (For other locations, call 1-800-Tricoci.)
Vitaminic facial, $100: Geared to mature skin types and women going through menopause, this European facial starts with a deep cleansing and extraction to remove congestion in the pores and cleanse away oil and debris. Vitamin E is massaged into the skin followed by a vitamin A mask for re-texturizing and smoothing. A vitamin C mask repairs the skin and leaves it glowing.
Pumpkin enzyme facial, $75: Pumpkin enzyme along with steam is applied to the face to remove rough, dry skin. After a deep cleansing, pumpkin oil, rich in antioxidants and vitamin K, is massaged in. The result is a polished glow. This facial is recommended for those with dry skin, redness or broken capillaries.
Maxine
712 N. Rush St., 312-751-1511
Carrot seed oil facial, $95: Carrot seed oil is touted to increase circulation and decongest and hydrate the skin. This facial can be beneficial for those with sun-damaged skin, redness and brown spots. Carrot seed oil is incorporated into all of the facial’s elements, including cleanser, massage cream that also contains grape seed oil, a seaweed or clay mask, and a custom-blended moisturizer.
Milk and honey facial, $95: This facial utilizes the European technique of using clay throughout the procedure to leave your skin hydrated and glowing. The clay is blended with milk protein, honey, orange flower, mango, essential oil and antioxidant vitamins A and E. After a deep cleaning and massage, a customized gel or cream-based mask geared to your skin type is applied. Hands and arms are also treated to a rubdown while the mask dries. Said to be best for dry or mature, aging skin.
Renu Day Spa
617 Central Ave., Deerfield, 847-940-9727
Oxygen facial, $110: After skin is cleaned, liquidized oxygen infused with vitamins A, E, C and K is sprayed on the face. This is said to plump up the skin, renew cells externally and increase collagen production, giving the effect of a “mini face-lift.”
Salon 1800 & Day Spa
1011 W. Armitage Ave., 773-929-6010
Dramatic collagen facial, $140: A mask of 100 percent soluble collagen is applied to the face and galvanic current is used to help the collagen penetrate deep the skin, plumping up fine lines and wrinkles. This treatment is recommended for mature skin or skin that has been exposed to extreme weather conditions.
Ultimate detox facial, $140: This deep-cleaning and detoxifying facial uses galvanic current to penetrate the skin, and is touted to detoxify, hydrate and correct skin imbalances. A marine mask rich in trace elements and essential minerals is also applied, leaving the skin purified and revitalized. For all skin types.
Spa Emilia
21 W. Elm St., 312-951-7415
Collagen facial, $90: This European facial starts with a three-step cleaning and steam treatment. A collagen mask is applied to help moisturize the face and improve elasticity. Recommended for dry skin.
Purifying control facial, $90: Great for oily skin or clogged pores, this facial includes a thorough cleaning and an antibacterial mask that helps close the pores and calm the skin.
Zano Salon and Spa
1767 W. Ogden Ave., Naperville, 630-778-8999, and 2016 W. Wilson, Batavia, 630-406-9555
Zano orient express, $125: This facial includes a treatment that starts with a full body rub of citrus fruit oil, which provides a base for Chinese herbs that are applied to calm, soothe and nourish the skin. Clients then are wrapped in layers of towels and blankets to induce perspiration and open pores. Next comes the facial, which starts with a deep cleaning using a mechanical brush and steam. A customized facial scrub is applied, followed by an upper body massage and customized mask. While the mask is setting, clients receive an intense scalp massage. The treatment is finished with a warmed avocado lotion body rub.
Seaweed facial, $75: This intense, detoxifying facial is designed for those who have pimples or extremely dry skin. After a deep cleaning, massage and extraction of blemishes, a seaweed detoxifying mask is applied to penetrate the skin and draw out impurities.
Zazu Day Spa
135 S. Washington St., Naperville, 630-355-2230;18 E. Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale, 630-325-8126; 133 N. Main St., Wheaton, 630-221-8300
Four-layer facial, $95: Good for all skin types, but especially recommended for those with dry or mature skin and deep lines. After cleansing and exfoliating, pure seaweed is massaged into the skin and a second layer of massage cream with a seaweed base is applied. Next comes a mask that feels cool to the skin, followed by a mineral mask that warms the skin, drawing the minerals in for maximum hydration.
