M Spa at the Reserve

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Bridal Beauty: Skincare Procedures 101

Everyone talks about a pre-wedding beauty regimen, but beyond at-home skincare, what does that entail? Planning treatments and procedures with an aesthetician is a great start, but understanding all of the medical and aesthetic options on the market can be a lot to digest.

Don’t shy away just yet though! There’s an opportunity for brighter, younger and smoother skin, and it’s in your near, pre-wedding future. Whether you’re looking for information on laser treatments, physical or chemical exfoliation, microneedling or hydrating facials, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out which skincare procedures are right for you, how often you should receive treatment, what you’ll pay and what you can expect. And don’t forget to sign up for our free Bridal Beauty perks program, here!

Dermaplaning

Does your complexion appear dull or flaky? Do you especially notice your peach fuzz or skin’s texture under makeup? It might be time for dermaplaning, an effective exfoliation treatment that gently scrapes off any dead skin cells or hair on the surface of your face — the buildup of which can actually make your complexion look dull, clog your pores and even cause breakouts. The treatment leaves the skin smooth and primes it for flawless makeup application, which you’ll certainly need on your wedding day! Plus, it helps the skin better absorb those expensive skincare products you buy.

Procedure and Recovery

An aesthetician will use a surgical scalpel and gently remove the dead skin cells and peach fuzz on your face. The exfoliation treatment is healthy and encouraged routinely, once every four to six weeks. Plus, there’s no downtime, so we’d recommend scheduling it along with an Intraceuticals™ Oxygen Facial the week of your wedding. Oh, and no, dermaplaning will not make your hair grow back darker or thicker! Book your exfoliation treatments here!

Cost

$45

Microdermabrasion

A non-invasive exfoliation procedure, microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of your skin using very gentle abrasion and exfoliation techniques. It reveals healthier skin and helps with concerns like clogged pores, impurities and some irregularities, while promoting new cell growth underneath.

Procedure and Recovery

The device used for microdermabrasion treatments actually uses crystals or diamond micro-particles that remove the top layer of dead skin cells. There is no downtime — come during your lunch hour! For best results, we recommend coming in every 4-6 weeks. Book here!

Cost

Face and Neck: $75

Decolletage: $75

Microneedling

As we age, our face loses collagen. As it loses collagen, it grows looser, loses elasticity and begs for help! Microneedling is that help. Also known as derma-rolling or collagen-induction therapy, microneedling is more extreme than the previous two physical exfoliation treatments. It uses a pen with tiny needles to create a series of small, superficial channels in the skin, which stimulates collagen regrowth and encourages the skin’s elasticity and firmness, returning it to its plump, smooth and beautiful beginnings.

The treatment is safe for all skin tones and a variety of concerns. It’s been shown to improve the appearance of acne scars (new and old), fine lines, wrinkles, stretch marks and skin tone. The microneedling pen — we use the industry-leading MD Pen™ for all of our microneedling services — can also be used to treat pore size, skin texture and quality, as well as to break up old scar tissue and deliver medication deeper into the skin.

Procedure & Recovery

Schedule out a full hour for the procedure (30 minutes to numb your skin, and 30 minutes for the microneedling.) Before the treatment, a topical anesthetic will be used to reduce discomfort. Then we’ll use the MD Pen™ to make pinpricks in your skin, promoting collagen production. The treatment can be performed on its own or in combination with other facial treatments. For the best results, we would suggest a series of three to six treatments spaced four to six weeks apart.

Recovery takes about three days, and redness will show up within 24 hours. You might experience slight swelling, depending on the depth of treatment, but that should be gone by the third day. Because of this, we would suggest scheduling your final microneedling treatment 2-3 weeks before your wedding. Book here!

Cost

Face and Neck: $300  

Cheeks: $175  

Chest: $300

Small Scar: $125

*Add microneedling of the chest to a face and neck treatment for $150.

Chemical Peels

Different than physical exfoliation (like microneedling or microdermabrasion), chemical peels are a form of chemical exfoliation that uses (safe!) acids to break through your skin’s debris, dead cells and damaged top layers to reveal brighter, healthier and new skin underneath. Chemical peels work on a cellular level and come in a variety of intensities and purposes (different acids) that encourage the skin to peel, thus reducing the appearance of scars, hyper-pigmentation, age spots and more.

At M Spa, we offer three types of peels. The Glycolic Peel penetrates deeply and is great for a multitude of skin types, making it one of the most popular in the industry. Easier on the skin, Lactic Peels are mild and good for dry, even sensitive skin types. Salicylic Acid Peels are relatively gentle and great for treating acne, unclogging pores, reducing fine lines, sun damage, age spots and more.

Procedure & Recovery

During the treatment, a solution is applied to your face and neck, and the amount of time the solution is left on your skin will depend on the type and treatment plan. You might experience some redness or flakiness, but after a few days your skin will peel, and new skin will emerge (looking sunburnt). It will be sensitive (it’s new!) so you’ll want to follow our aestheticians’ skincare instructions thoroughly. We recommend three to six amount of treatments for best results. Book here!

Cost

Lactic, Glycolic and Salicylic Peels: $65

Laser Genesis

Do you have redness from sun damage?  Enlarged pores or facial veins? Uneven texture? If you experience any of these signs of premature aging, Laser Genesis might be for you. It’s a cosmetic laser treatment that uses heat to cause collagen contraction and repair, which tightens pores and reduces redness, all without the use of injectables or more extreme laser procedures.
Laser Genesis uses the body's natural processes to stimulate collagen growth and heal and replenish healthy skin tone and texture. It’s great for early signs of aging, fine lines or sun spots.

Procedure and Recovery

Your face will be cleansed, but no anesthetic is needed. You’ll wear protective eyewear, and the aesthetician will deliver the laser treatment with a small handheld device. You’ll feel a slight, warm tingling, and the procedure will last for about 30 minutes — although it can take longer depending on the treatment areas. You’ll find the best results from this treatment will come after 4-6 rounds, spaced a few weeks apart.  You’ll see the most significant results anywhere from 3–9 weeks following, so start incorporating laser treatments early in your pre-wedding skincare regimen. Book here!

Cost

$100-300 per treatment

Intraceuticals® Oxygen Facial

Relaxing and worth your while, the Intraceuticals™ Oxygen Facial gives you plump, re-hydrated skin in under one hour. The treatment offers dramatic instant results (it’s a Red Carpet favorite) by delivering oxygen and professional-strength serums deep within the skin. After one hour and no down time, you’ll see visible results that include plumped, hydrated skin, as well as a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Treatment and Recovery

Aestheticians use hyperbaric pressure to infuse a therapeutic oxygen and a special serum of modified hyaluronic acid, essential vitamins, botanicals, antioxidants and amino peptides into your skin. It’s a mouthful. But worth it. You’ll see dramatically hydrated skin after just one relaxing procedure. We recommend the calming Oxygen Facial once a month for the best results, and with purchases through our Bridal Beauty program, you’ll receive a free treatment the week of your wedding. Book here!

Cost

$150 or

Join our Glow Club! To help you maintain healthy, ageless and glowing skin, we created our Glow Club. Every month, members receive an Intraceuticals™ Oxygen Facial, Dermaglow™ microdermabrasion, a gentle peel and an eyebrow wax all in one luxurious 12-minute facial — and all for $150 a month (the cost of one Oxygen Facial) Sign up here!