Do you remember the Sex and the City episode “My Motherboard, Myself” when Carrie’s computer crashes and after she learns about the importance of backing up her computer, she finds out all of her friends already knew and have been doing it all along? I love that scene because she so sarcastically says “everyone’s secretly running home at night and backing up their work.” Well, I’ve had a few instances as I get older when I started to feel like everyone’s doing stuff in private and I need to know about it out in the open for my own well being. First, it a few years ago when all of my friends were on Snapchat and no one told me, so I had to find out on a girls’ trip when everyone was referring to each other’s snaps. Um, hi, are we moving forward with technology now? Then, it was more recently when I shared with a few of my peers that I was going to my first microdermabrasion appointment, only my second facial in my life! Oh yeah, they said, they had already tried the service. Uh, hello? You have? Are we doing this now, taking care of our skin with something other than home remedies? I wish someone had told me it was time, although I should have guessed, being 30 + and all!
I was really fortunate to get to try my first Chicago microdermabrasion experience through a partnership with Spa Week. I was allowed to pick out any service from a participating salon, and I chose this one because microdermabasion is the most invasive cosmetic skin care procedure I feel ready for right now. I was intrigued when I read that it treats several of my concerns (wrinkles and acne scars) and can brighten up your skin by sloughing off dead skin in just one session! I was also excited because I had researched Facial Boutique, the spa in the Loop where I was getting the service, and all of the reviews were nothing but positive. I felt really trusting of seeing Vlada, an esthetician, for my first microdermabrasion appointment.
Makeup Free and Happy After My First Microdermabrasion
My work is right around the corner from Facial Boutique, so I went for a end of the week facial on a Friday afternoon. I had been looking forward to a little “me time” all workday but also was slightly anxious. Some people said microdermabrasion can be a little painful – would I agree? Luckily as the procedure was happening I relaxed and even enjoyed it. I would describe the feeling of the hand piece that takes off the dead skin as if you’re scratching your face with a tough-bristled brush. Luckily, no scratch marks are left behind. Vlada finished the appointment with a facial, so I left feeling so dewy and clean. Her recommendation was for me to go straight home to avoid any dust or dirt from traveling around the city. It reminded me of how pollution can affect our skin, and that’s one an additional reason that treatments such as this are important from time to time.
The thing I liked most about my appointment with Vlada is that she didn’t try to sell me on the need to come and see her too often, like the pressure I’ve felt from health care business owners. When I asked her opinion on how often I need a treatment like microdermabrasion she said one a new season could suffice. That feels reasonable for me, and my pocketbook.
What’s my opinion of the Chicago microdermabrasion appointment?
The day after my microdermabrasion appointment I looked in the mirror expecting to see a dramatic change, glowing skin. When I examined myself, I couldn’t be sure. Maybe the acne scarring on my right cheek that I’d asked her to focus on had faded, or was that just my mind playing tricks on me? But either way, my skin didn’t look any worse, and it felt softer than it had in a long time. That certainly made me think it was healthier, even if it wasn’t completely visible on the outside.
Beyond this one appointment, I vowed to start caring for my skin more. I already had implemented changes at home, and now I think it’s time to do more at a boutique or spa to help combat aging. Sure, I’m no Hollywood starlet and certainly don’t have the cash for vampire facials, or whatever’s the rage these days, but I can still take a cue from the rich and the famous. And do it with someone I trust in Chicago, like Facial Boutique.