by Julie D. Andrews
Technology has its ups and downs. Having a cell phone glued to your ear all day can result in the clogged pores that cause skin irritation, or worse, acne flair-ups – a definite downer. That’s because most people don’t make a habit of regularly cleaning their cell phones. So, the hand-held germ collectors continue to attract all kinds of nasty goop and grime as they’re pressed onto the face. But, that’s no reason to hang up the phone. Upper East Side spas offer special treatments geared at clearing up cell-phone clog to keep your complexion clean and radiant – a definite upper.
“I noticed that I was using my cell phone more and more, and on just one side of my face. The dirt build-up was causing breakouts,” says Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare Spa. “That’s when we knew we had to come up with a facial designed to clear cell-phone clog,” says Barshop.
And — voila! — a month ago, the Purifying Plus Facial (70 minutes, $185) emerged. Using HP polarized currents and light-emitting diodes (that kill bacteria instantly on contact), this facial clears up acne and reduces hyper-pigmentation instantly. “We use advanced technology so you don’t have to wait to see the results. You see the improvements to your skin as you leave the spa,” says Barshop, who opened her Upper East Side location about seven years ago.
Zina Janashvili, manager of Aphrodite Skin Care, that opened about seven months ago, suggests the Hydradermie Facial (90 minutes, $120). “It’s a healthier facial that uses traditional wet cotton and the Guinot machine.”
First, says Janashvili, she always starts any new client with a skin analysis. “The most important thing is to know is your skin type. Every skin type is different and should be treated differently,” says Janashvili. Tip: Aphrodite operates on an appointment-only basis.
Samar Elsayegh, owner of Samar Spa, who opened three months ago, suggests her Purifying Facial (70 minutes, $95) as the best defense against cell-phone clog.
It’s built on deep-pore cleansing and the process extracts impurities, removing existing blemishes from the skin while preventing more from appearing. It’s suitable for all skin types, she says, and uses Guinot products. Tip: Facials are offered on Saturdays and Sundays only at Samar and require an appointment.
| Samar Spa
1785 1st Avenue (between 92nd & 93rd)
New York, NY 10128
212-831-6700 |
“My husband would break out after he would shave,” says Lakiesha Sargenton, customer service representative at Scott J. Aveda Spa. “After he had the facial, the difference was really visible.” Performed by an esthetician, the Acne Release Facial (30 minutes, $75; 60 minutes, $120; 120 minutes, $160) can rid your face of vexing blemishes.
First, the face is exfoliated with steam. Then, blackheads and whiteheads are extracted. After, a facial massage gets the blood in your face circulating and the skin prepped for a cool seaweed mask. It’s all topped off with a moisturizing treatment. The Acne Release Facial cleanses the skin without over-drying, focusing on exfoliation and redness reduction. “It treats visible acne … and prevents future breakouts,” says Sargenton, who recommends this facial for anyone with oily or sensitive skin who may be experiencing irksome technology-induced acne.
| Scott J. Aveda Spa
242 E 86th Street (between 2nd & 3rd)
New York, NY 10028
212-496-3901 |
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