Skoah Skintastic

I did not get my very first facial until I was in my late thirties and the only reason I took the plunge was because I had just started a job in a medical spa where facials were on the menu. Even in my thirties I was still dealing with acne that made me very self conscience. I was promised that with monthly facials and routine maintenance from a trained esthetician and quality products my skin would improve and look fabulous over time. I should have been getting facials years before because they were absolutely correct, but why?

 
Unique Skincare gives ten reasons on her blog on why monthly facials are beneficial and promotes healthy skin and I think she is spot on. 

1)  Facials allow you to relax. They feel great and are healing to the soul. The power of touch, massage, proper technique, and professional products can heal. I call facials “relaxing with benefits”. Stress relief and beautiful glowing skin? YES, PLEASE!

2)  Facials increase circulation of the blood under the skin allowing the skin optimal health to facilitate the renewal skin cells.

3)  Facials decrease waste underneath the skin that can cause puffiness, ruddiness, and fluid accumulation by manipulating the lymphatic system that lies just under the skin. Facials also aids in detoxification.

4)  A good facial (and facial massage) can help smooth fine lines and promote collagen production, which is the building block of the skin (to prevent premature aging, wrinkles, and sagging).

5)  A facial will cleanse the pores on a much deeper level. Similar to a good dental cleaning, this is what a facial can do for the skin/pores. Even non-acne skin can use a good deep cleanse. Extractions/cleaning out the pores can help to maintain clear skin, stop acne formation, as well as can help to change the size of pores. Often times left unchecked, pores can start to stretch and widen with the accumulation of oil and debris. (Please do not attempt to extract or pick at your own skin unless you are a professional and know how to do it properly - you could be at risk of scarring and infection).

6)  Facials provide deeper exfoliation than you can achieve at home. Exfoliation smooths skin, allows for great penetration of products (i.e. moisturizers or serums), unclogs pores, improves skin ability to retain hydration, and evens skin tone to just name a few benefits.

7)  Allows a professionally trained aesthetician to counsel you on the proper products you should be using at home. This alone is worth the investment as the skincare industry can be a difficult (and expensive) area to navigate.

8)  Can help even skin tone and lighten dark spots. Dark spots age our skins’ appearance visibly. Again a gentle reminder- sunscreen is still a necessity no matter how great the facial. (:

9)  Facials slow the aging process. They allow your skin to feel healthier, smoother, and look more radiant. Facials reduce fine lines, age spots, and relieve dehydrated skin. With these benefits, facials make us feel better about our skin. With the use of exfoliation, massage, and the penetration of nutrients and antioxidants, facials also fight to reverse aging. We will all age, but we can do it more slowly with glowing, firm, and hydrated skin.

10) Facials are not a miracle in an hour but they do give you a fresh start to a healthier and balanced complexion. Regular facials will help you maintain optimal skin health.


Now that you know that facials are an essential part of your skincare regimen where should you go? I recently had a fabulous experience at a spa in the Seattle area on Capitol Hill called Skoah (see history of Skoah below written by an employee). Skoah is a warm, inviting, esthetically pleasing, and extremely clean spa that specializes in skin care. The treatment rooms are huge so you do not feel claustrophobic and the esthetician that performed my facial was very knowledgeable and skilled in her profession. The treatment was relaxing and therapeutic. My skin glowed for several days and felt tighter, more youthful. The overall experience of my time at Skoah was satisfying and elating.

After my treatment the esthetician recommended a home regimen for my skin type and issues. Do not be turned off by this, they are not high pressure. It is their job as a skin care trainer to ensure that you are properly taking care of your skin between facials and they genuinely have your best interest in mind. The Skoah products are priced competitively and sometimes even below other high end spas. If you do not have a current home routine take advantage of this opportunity to have a professional customize one that would be a perfect fit for your skin type. If you already have products that you trust and love, like me, consider to add one or two Skoah products. I bought Skoah's Turbo Tonik (toner), an anti-aging serum called Gold Serum, and their Hydradew Mask that the esthetician told me to use as a moisturizer under my favorite daytime and nighttime moisturizers. I have only been using the products for a couple of weeks and am completely satisfied.

History of Skoah:
A little over a decade ago, Skoah, “The Skin Gym”, was born. Skoah is founded by Chris and Andrea Scott, who vow to make products that deliver what they claim as well as fit into even the busiest of lifestyles. Aside from running Skoah, the Scott’s have 4 children, so they know what it’s like to always be on the go! The Skoah products are a blend of nature and science, making them gentle yet effective for addressing all kinds of skin concerns. While the company started with just 5 items in 2002, they now offer over 60 different face and body products across 6 customizable “Skin Type” lines. Skoah’s estheticians, (or as they prefer to be called, Skin Care Trainers!) provide relaxing and educational facials to help clients meet their skin care goals and maintain healthy skin over time. As if you need another reason to love this company...Skoah products are never tested on animals! In fact, they carry a K9 line specifically for your 4 legged friends. Skoah now inhabits 15 stores across Canada and the United States, three of which are located in the Seattle area.

If you live in the Seattle area I would highly recommend you stopping by at one of Skoah's three locations or giving them a call to schedule a treatment. You will not be disappointed! 

Photo Credit: Thank you, Delaney Vanderford



Do you live in the South End and are not willing to make that drive into Seattle? I will highlight my favorite Tacoma spa in future posts. Look for it soon.