Now Experiencing: Facials - The Bend Magazine

Now Experiencing: Facials

Three Bend Magazine contributors speak on their experience with various facials offered from three Coastal Bend med spas

Nothing says self-care like booking yourself a facial. With various med spas in the Coastal Bend offering a wide range of services, it can be overwhelming when deciding where to go and what to get. We sent three of our team members, each with varying skin types and lifestyles, to three local spas to experience different facials offered and report back on the treatments. 

“My skincare regimen historically involved my own skin assessment and product research. From prescribed Tretinoin creams to every serum imaginable, I’ve typically operated on a guess and check method. For my facial experience, I went to Halcyon Med Spa and Lead Medical Aesthetician Evette Ford took me under her wing. Ford knows what she’s doing and can truly be described as a psychic for your skin. With the Essential House Facial, protocol, products and techniques are chosen to fit your skin type and designed to meet your current skin needs. 

After our consultation, Ford had a firm grasp on my specific skin needs, with stress and hormones being at the route of my issues. A cleansing, exfoliation and extraction were done to get rid of acne lesions. Next was a Laser Genesis treatment, which helps with pigmentation scarring, acne, discoloration and texture through the killing of bacteria. This helps to really clear up your skin, resulting in a beautiful glow with no downtime required – which is great for busy schedules. The treatment left my skin feeling hydrated and radiant, even a week after. The education I received from Ford was my favorite part, though. I left with new tips, a better grasp on my actual skin needs, the ZO® SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Cleanser – which cleanses the skin without stripping away all its moisture – and every intention of making semi-regular facials a routine part of my regimen.” –  Kylie Cooper, Editor In Chief

“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized semi-regular facials are necessary to truly take care of my skin. We put daily effort and financial resources into looking our best through so many avenues, yet often neglect one of the most important and visible features of ourselves, our face. I’ve routinely used Retin-A, home acids, topical treatments, chemical peels and microdermabrasion treatments to keep my skin healthy. 

I was excited to visit Skincare Butik and try its Dermal Infusion facial—an advanced microdermabrasion that exfoliates, extracts and infuses serum products into the skin. The process included removing damaged skin cells, combined with customized serums for my combination skin, with a focus on fine lines and hydration. Then, a unique brightening alginate moulding masque covered my eyes and lips, which went on as a liquid and peeled off like jelly after being under therapeutic LED lights. The treatment left my face feeling super hydrated, supple and carried a glow for several days, with hardly any redness. I was educated thoroughly on new products, and tried a new lactic acid and mangosteen cream, instead of my usual glycolic acid. I was impressed by the professional products offered, including a full line of Eminence Organic Skincare and unique products such as a handheld LED LightStim for at-home acne and complexion treatments. I’d highly recommend a facial from Skincare Butik to be educated, get results and relax in the calm environment.”  – Suzzette James, Contributor

 “Cue ‘Let’s Hear It for the Boy’ because we’re talking about the Gentlemen’s Facial, and more specifically the Gentlemen’s Facial that blew all others out of the water. I’ve never been one who cares for gendering beauty procedures but as someone who identifies as male, I’ve received several facials specifically catered to men. Most are fairly basic, unfussy and over before you know it. Which is why I was over the moon when I experienced the Gentlemen’s Facial from Licensed Medical Aesthetician Alma Galvez at the Corpus Christi Institute of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery

The overall facial was relaxing, thorough and rejuvenating. The facial started off with dermaplaning to remove dead skin and vellus (peach fuzz). Next was the Hydrafacial Deluxe which consisted of a 3-step cleansing treatment that both exfoliates and infuses the skin with hydration and antioxidants. The treatment also allows for customizable facial boosters and LED light treatments for other skin concerns. Red and Blue LED treatments were done to kill acne causing bacteria and to stimulate blood circulation. The facial ends with a Lymphatic massage, which is essential in boosting blood circulation and removing toxins. The true beauty of this facial treatment is the ability for add-ons to address specific skin concerns you may have. Since I struggle with dry skin, the CBD 1000MG “dope” hydrojelly face mask was used to calm inflammation, balance dryness and control oil production. A few days after the facial was when I really noticed the results. My skin felt smooth and hydrated and I saw a noticeable difference in the appearance of fine lines. 10/10 I would recommend this facial to men and women alike. Regardless of skin type (I have very sensitive skin) this facial will do wonders for you.”  – Jarred Schuetze, Art Director