The cut off (shutoff) of Pandemic life generated many-lifestyle changes - elevating home centric self care out of need and necessity.
Taking a deep breathe on one's own turf- and self healing hot baths, foam rolling sessions- are helpful.
BUT there's a reason people who make a living out of their head to toe selves-think professional athletes, film/stage actors-on maximum output mode-and in front of eyeballs for more than 8 minute Tik Tok vidoes... have on staff, travel with -or frequently partake of -the healing hands of trained humans.
Arguably a trained esthetician, anesthetist, or massage therapist surpasses the abilities of self abilities and even technology to achieve results desired. NO AI needed (hmmm beauty/tech Oddity-the latest IPO filed)
Accessible home gadgets LED masks and big time $ spurges like infrared saunas and hyperbaric oxygen tanks deliver -healing touch-less treatments but really do not replicate the positive (lingering) effects of a targeted facial, or body treatment by a person trained to be-well frankly -an amazing healer.
Post pandemically (word?) speaking, the welcome mat is out for a return to day spa hands on services-especially ones that use authentic products that adhere to the by far more strict standards of the European Union's ingredient list.
Nothing old fashion about that...
Literally hours ago-at an Organic Spa media gathering- a bee line to a favorite (cherished) French skincare brand YON KA PARIS exhibitor was so informative
Still privately owned (and therefore the integrity of of the products STILL intact) and blessed with long time employees -for the excellent reason that it's a caring (vs corporate) entity, Yon Ka Paris has new 'arrivals' included the instantly absorbed SERUM C20 anti-aging serum (hero ingredients=stable vitamin C and anti-inflammatory tumeric + native Curcuma longa plant cells) -to be applied pre-creamier moisturizers like the well packaged Time Nuit- and a very interesting-preventative pollution soothing spray- Vital Defense Mist (vegan non-GMO) -to be applied post everything. Often-for urban folks.
Bonus-many YON KA Paris products are in travel sizes.
A special thank-you-to Amal-the engaging YON KA Paris head of USA communications -who recounted a charming story about meeting the now 82 year old daughter of the company's founder. How to help a client with a red nose during a facial-(this was the question by the esteemed Madame)...answered by a Chinese medicine- whole body connected healing approach,,,take care of the client's feet. We totally got it.
And an absolutely fabulous reminder of the sheer brilliance of aromatic healing ingredients (transporting really)-combined with literally the magically fingers of the YON KA Paris facial extraordinaire spa trainer Caitlin (with a genius energy releasing jade rollers strategically used over very stuffed sinuses).
Result?
Glowing skin that truly left its hydrating plumping (in a good way) mark for hours (days?) including a worthy skin barrier vs a subsequent dehydrating airplane ride and hour long swimming pool session that usually leaves goggle under eye impressions- that are scary. Not this time.
YON KA Paris essehtials are available online -but for an approachable time easy indulgence- there are select spas in 52 countries to experience these products as part of a wonderful treatment.
NATUROPATHICA is a familiar name to those seeking out natural leaning skin/body care made from sustainable flowers and plants.
Smartly (luckily) this privately owned holistic focused brand has doubled down on its own spa spaces post pandemic-with two spacious locations; in East Hampton and the easily accessed Chelsea neighborhood in NYC.
Added plus -a conversation with the brand's VP of Spas Cassie ...revealed an update on how the Naturopthica spa sanctuary experience has evolved to include a welcoming mind/body spa events lineup in addition to the main draw, its exstensive treatment services.
Bonus Points: A spa menu of specialized services -including facials and restorative massages for oncology patients...featuring Naturopathica's products packed with the power house healing ingredient -authentic Manuka Honey-sourced from New Zealand (so the real deal). Bravo.