Help for Summer Skin

Facial photo via shutterstock
Everybody is talking about the end of summer. (Sigh.) While we’re ignoring all the talk right now, one thing we can’t ignore is our skin. Summer’s humidity may have led to breakouts and scarring, and too much summer sun can make skin dry, discolored, and look like it’s begging for some hydration. Luckily, there are a slew of new facial treatments in the Boston area that can help prep your skin for fall’s unpredictable weather.
HydraFacial MD Treatment (La Residencia Spa, 336 Elliot St., Newton Upper Falls, 617-244-2280, laresidenciaspa.com, 30 min/$150)
The HydraFacial uses high-pressure water to cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and hydrate the skin while pushing free-radical fighting antioxidants deep into the skin’s layers. In addition, a round of LED lights help fight acne-causing bacteria and increase collagen production. The patented technology is not a laser, so it is perfect for sensitive skin, and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, and brown spots. Suitable for all skin types, there are a few different HydraFacial options: a basic 30-minute treatment; an acne treatment that combines deep extraction with the infusion of hyaluronic acid, blue light, and calming products to prevent redness; and an anti-aging treatment that uses peptides and red light to repair cell structure.
Thermal Ice Facial (The Spa at Equinox, 225 Franklin Street, 617-426-2140, equinox.com, 50 min/$185)
The Thermal Ice Facial in an infusion of hot and cold skin therapy. Pores are deep-cleaned and impurities are removed using standard facial techniques (steam, cleanse, extract) but the real treat comes after the regular procedure. A mask made of seaweed, vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, folic acid, and niacin is applied, but once the mask touches the skin, it heats up to 107 degrees and then cools down as it hardens. While cooling, collagen penetrates the skin helping to heal, tone, and oxygenate the skin. Spa-goers also get access to the fitness facilities on the day of their appointment. This facial will work for many skin types but it is not recommended for anyone with seafood allergies, iodine allergies, or rosacea.
Phytomer Deep Pore Cleansing Facial (Bella Sante, 38 Newbury St., 617-424-9930, Bellasante.com, 50 min/$115; 80 min/$155)
For a deep clean, try this balancing facial that’s perfect for people who suffer from oily, congested, acne prone skin. (Unless you’re allergic to iodine, then skip this facial.) After a deep cleansing and double exfoliation, the skin is prepared for another pore cleansing session with a self-heating, detoxifying algae mask that removes impurities and blackheads. Then the skin is layered with serums enriched with marine ingredients to help regulate oil production, kill bacteria that causes breakouts, and soothe the skin. The facial ends with another mask.