O2 or Bust! Why This Fan Favorite Facial is For Everyone and How Much The Perfect Skincare Regimen Really Costs

by | Jul 6, 2018 | Image Skincare, Skin Care, Uncategorized

As a teenager in the early 2000’s, my skincare regimen consisted mainly of PondsⓇ makeup remover wipes and using body lotion on my face. At that time, I had no clue that there was even such thing as a facial from a spa. Nearly 18+ years later, navigating through life from retail to corporate, I found myself working in the spa industry, and I’ve had the chance to learn the what’s and why’s to the perfect routine skincare regimen.

When I say a “routine skincare regimen,” I don’t mean washing my face at home, using an over the counter anti-aging cream and hoping for the best (and then trying cream after cream looking for results that you just can’t seem to achieve). I’m talking about making time and budgeting for a routine facial from a professional and engineered product suited for your skin. Trust me, I wasn’t convinced at first but the more I learned, the more I started to understand the difference it made on one’s skin, which is why I could never revisit my 2000’s skincare regimen.

There’s a good reason why the skincare industry is blowing up right now: people want to look their best. And with so many options to choose from, it can get overwhelming. But with a little research and consultation with a professional, you will find what works best for your skin. For me, it’s the Oxygenating (O2) Lift Facial by IMAGE Skincare at AgeLess SPA and a few at-home products that have transformed my skin.

I already know what you’re thinking, “This is supposed to be about a facial and she’s already trying to talk about buying products to use at home,” I can see your eyes rolling. But yes, an at-home product or two is required for your regimen to work. I mean, you don’t stop brushing your teeth at home because you just went to the dentist for a cleaning, right? Skincare works in the same way.

For me personally, I’ve always struggled with rosacea on my cheeks, oily skin in my t-zone (center of my face), light acne underneath my cheeks, and dryness around the outside of my face. But with the help of IMAGE Skincare, I stress less about my skin.

So what exactly is the O2 Lift Facial? See the deets below!

The O2 Lift Facial is suited for any skin type and is designed with a combination of oxygen, plant-derived stem cells, peptides, and concentrated enzymatic botanicals. All of which come together to increase the collagen in the deeper layers of your skin, gently exfoliate the dead skin cells, blast your pores with oxygenating hydration and soothe your skin back to life.

First comes the peel, which is going to soothe your skin, and help to gently remove the dead skin cells. It then works with the masque to increase the collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin.The oxygen and peptides in the masque do make it a slightly more “active” facial than the Signature Facial by IMAGE Skincare offered at AgeLess SPA, so don’t be alarmed by the warm, bubbling sensation that comes with the masque (think of it like champagne bubbles). The more warmth and bubbles you feel, the more it’s getting in there to get all of the junk out of your pores! I tend to feel this sensation the most around the apples of my cheeks where most of my congestion is.

I’m always a little pink on my cheeks after this treatment and for most of the day, but my skin is so clean, smooth, and dewy. I don’t suggest wearing makeup after this facial, as you will want your skin to breathe. And honestly, you will be glowing so much, you won’t even need it. On day two, my skin tone is so even and glowing with hydration and those little fine lines, look a little finer.

While the post-O2 Lift Facial glow is something I look forward to, remember my corky dentist analogy from above? As much as I would love to tell you this facial is the “cure all” to my skin type, it is not. So my esthetician recommended that I use an IMAGE Skincare moisturizer and cleanser.

The items she chose for my skin type were the IMAGE Skincare Vital C Intense Moisturizer, because of it’s potent kick of vitamin C to help with my rosacea, and it’s time-released hydration formula to give my skin hydration throughout the day and night. The IMAGE Skincare Ormedic Balancing Cleanser, because of gentle formula that soothes and balances skin with ingredients like aloe and organic green tea.

These products combined, along with O2 Lift Facial, help prevent breakouts, and help win the battle against my oily/dry skin. Trust me when I say, I understand that it can seem costly to maintain a regimen. So to help break down the idea, I get one of these facials twice a year, and I purchase these two products every six months or so (a little bit goes a long way!).

So how much does this perfect (and simple) skincare regimen really cost?

  • The O2 Lift Facial is $100.00 x 2 = $200.00 per year
  • The Vital C Intense Moisturizer is $62.00 x 2 = $124.00 per year
    • Using twice a day, that’s .17 cents per use for the year
  • The Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser is $29.00 = $58.00 per year
    • Using twice a day, that’s .08 cents per use for the year

That’s $382 a year for ALL of my skincare essentials. Think about all those products you go through so fast because they’re either not working or you simply just don’t like the product; it probably adds up to more than that. I’m so relieved that I know exactly what I need and don’t have to play guessing and hoping games at drugstores and beauty stores on what might work for my skin. With the O2 Lift Facial, cleanser, moisturizer, and a little help from a skincare professional, I’m able to put my best face forward because of the products and services that work for my skin and budget.

I can tell you right now, you don’t have to stop here, but sticking to the basics will definitely help your skin if your budget is tight. However, there is always the option to do seasonal facials or upgrade your facials to a Stem Cell Facial or HydraFacial, and incorporating other products into your regimens like serums and retinoids, but your esthetician will be able to guide you through all of the products suited for your skin type.

I hope this helps, dear friends! Wishing you and your skin happiness!

 

Ready to for an appointment? Inquire about one today! Click here for an appointment in Horseheads, NY, and here for an appointment at Tioga Downs Casino Resort.

– Amy Gessi

Everything You Need To Know About Eyelash Extensions at AgeLess SPA

by | Jun 29, 2018 | Additional Spa Services, AgeLess SPA information, Lashes

In staying in tune to all the crazy beauty trends, one of my absolute favorites is now eyelash extensions! Let’s face it, we live in a busy world, and there isn’t a woman out there who wouldn’t love to cut down on their morning routine. And if not having to apply eye makeup is an option, then count me in!

When AgeLess SPA embarked on the journey to offering eyelash extensions, I didn’t know if it would be for me, but I was instantly convinced once I learned more about it. The thing that caught my attention was that for us t-shirt and jeans kind of gals on the weekend and wearing professional attire during the week, eyelash extensions are the “morning coffee and mascara” to both worlds; just without the need for mascara! Needless to say, I had to try them out.

Now, for those who have been to AgeLess SPA, this type of service won’t exactly relate to the relaxing massage or facial services, but I’d be lying if I said that I haven’t been so relaxed that I fell asleep while having my lashes done. Between the warming bed, calming music, and the fact that I can’t be on my phone, it’s still some quality “me-time” that I don’t always make time for.

So, how do eyelash extensions actually get applied? Literally, one by one, based on the look you’re trying to achieve. Each lash extension will get applied with lash glue, to one of your natural lashes (not your skin!). To say that Jess and Karen, our Novalash® Certified estheticians, have a keen attention to detail during the lash application process would be a huge understatement! Every set of lashes they’ve done looks so natural and fits the features on every client; it’s never overdone! But before you run (don’t walk) to us, it’s important to know if you are a long-term candidate for eyelash extensions.

For every new lash client, a complimentary consultation is done to make sure that eyelash extensions are right for you. Jess and Karen, want to ensure that they get to know you and your lifestyle more before you jump right in. However, I went ahead a made a quick list just for you (but we will still require you to sit down with Jess or Karen for a consultation since everyone is different). 

Why might Eyelash Extensions not be a good idea for you?

  • If you are prone to watery eyes from allergies, tend to rub your eyes throughout the day, or wear contacts to where you’re constantly pulling your eyelid away from your eye
  • If you have a thyroid issue. Even with a supplement to help balance this disorder, you’re more prone to hair loss as it is and although the supplement does help with that, it may affect the life of your extensions. As someone who falls into this category, I did notice that I fell into the percentage of clients that needed a fill every one-two weeks, rather than the more common three-week fill
  • If you tend to sleep with your face buried in a pillow at night (yes, side and stomach sleepers – I’m talking to you). Although these lashes are sturdy, they can be damaged/fall out easier when compressed against a pillow

If you didn’t get scared off by the cons above, here are some pros!

  • They offer the volume, length, fullness or definition that you’ve always wanted
  • Although you can wear mascara with these, you literally won’t have to! #winning
  • If you have a hooded eye, lash extensions can help make your eye appear more open (a hooded eye is an extra layer of skin covers the crease above your eye, causing it to look smaller. For a visual, the lovely Blake Lively actually has hooded eyes (thank you, internet))

Another aspect that is taken into consideration when determining if eyelashes are a good fit for you is your natural eyelashes (surprisingly). Jess and Karen will evaluate if your natural lashes can carry the weight that comes with extensions. For example, if you have fine and thinner lashes, a lighter approach to applying lashes will take place. This is due to your natural lashes only being able to hold so much weight. However, those with already full lashes that might be looking for more of a longer or defined lash, your natural lash will be able to hold more extensions.

If you decide to move forward with eyelash extensions, it’s important to note the maintenance that comes with them (it still takes less time than putting on mascara). In the spa environment, you’ll always hear us talk about the importance of cleansing your face every day, twice a day. This is especially important when you wear eyeliner or eyeshadow with your extensions, or simply wake up with those annoying eye crusties. With each application, you’ll receive an eyelash spoolie (aka disposable mascara applicator), which will be the only tool to use on your lashes. When it comes to cleaning your new beautiful lashes, use a very gentle cleanser and your spoolie to work into the lashes gently. It’s important to do this due to the makeup that can get built up at your eyelash follicle, which can wreak havoc on your eye area.

If you’re like me and replaced your mascara with AgeLess SPA’s Lash Extension service, you can use the spoolie to help fluff your lashes each morning by lightly running it from the center to the tip of your lashes. Try to avoid getting the spoolie too close to your eyelid, as your extensions can get caught on the spoolie as they begin to grow out (trust me when I say, it hurts if you get the spoolie too close your eyelid!).

All in all, before I had extensions applied, I didn’t understand what all of the hype was about. After one application of extensions, I fell in love! Mornings and I have never really gotten along, but I can’t tell you how nice it is to get up and go in the morning, knowing that all I needed was my moisturizer, foundation, a quick fluff of my lashes, and go!

Now, about that coffee. . .

 

– Amy Gessi, Sales, Marketing & Inventory Specialist

AgeLess SPA Goes Green

by | Mar 23, 2018 | AgeLess SPA information, Image Skincare, Uncategorized

At AgeLess SPA, we not only care about your overall wellness, but we also care about the overall wellness of the environment. That’s why we created our “AgeLess SPA Goes Green” program, which kicks off on Earth Day (April 22), in an effort to help eliminate waste in the environment. The best part? This is an opportunity for you to not only join in on our efforts but to save a little money! Simply bring in your empty Image Skincare bottles or containers to any AgeLess SPA location in the Finger Lakes region and you will receive 10% off the total of your next Image Skincare purchase.

Here’s how it works:

  • Once you’ve used up the product in your Image Skincare bottle or container, give it a rinse and bring it into any AgeLess SPA location
  • Bring in as many Image Skincare bottles or containers to receive a 10% discount on the total of your next Image Skincare purchase that day
  • We will accept any Image Skincare bottle or container regardless of where you purchased it
  • We will then take all of the bottles and containers and recycle them!
  • It’s that easy!

So if you love Image Skincare and the environment as much as we do, we encourage you to go green with us and bring in those Image Skincare bottles!

Be sure to take a picture or selfie and tag us in it with #AgeLessSPAGoesGreen! We’ll be reposting your pictures!

 

How The Founders of AgeLess SPA Adjust to Daylight Saving Time

by | Feb 28, 2018 | AgeLess SPA information, Health & Wellness, Natural Remedies, Stress, Uncategorized

Ahh, it’s that time of year again where we spring forward and lose an hour of sleep, which makes it hard to adjust to our day. But what if we didn’t let Daylight Saving Time (DST) ruin our routine while we adjust to the time change where it feels like we never get back that hour of sleep until we set our clocks back in the fall?

The founders, Michael and Michelle Cilip, of AgeLess SPA don’t let Daylight Saving Time affect them at all, though, and they can’t really have those kinds of hiccups with running a small business that is growing at an exceptional rate. So how exactly do they not let Daylight Saving Time get the best of them? The answer is quite simple.

The Cilips follow a certain trick that they got from SomnoMed, which includes making a plan, regulating your sleep pattern, staying conscious of your physical activity, creating an environment to sleep in, and avoiding the clock when it’s time to sleep. Find out more details below on how the Cilips follow this simple trick!

According to SomnoMed, the first step to do is plan on starting your adjustment to Daylight Saving the Saturday before Daylight Saving Time. This means to modify when you wake up and go to sleep by 15 minutes increments until Daylight Saving Time occurs. Once DST occurs, you will just have to wake up at your usual time or earlier, and already feel adjusted, as noted by SomnoMed.

The second step to follow is regulating your sleep pattern, according to SomnoMed. It’s important to make sure you go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends. SomnoMed also suggest taking a nap for at least 20 minutes if that is an option for you and does not affect your sleep pattern at night if you are feeling very tired and feel you need more sleep.

The third step to follow is to have at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking outside when the sun is still out, about three times a week to help you sleep at night, according to SomnoMed. However, it’s important that this exercise takes place in the afternoon and not the evening before you go to sleep to not completely mess up your sleep pattern, according to SomnoMed.

The fourth and one of our favorite steps is to create a sleep environment you genuinely enjoy being and sleeping in, according to SomnoMed. It’s important to make sure the your room is dark and you have tools to drown out the outside light and noises. SomnoMed suggests using ear plugs, a white noise machine, or an eye mask. Additionally, SomnoMed suggests keeping your room between 60-75 F for a comfortable temperature to sleep in. And mostly importantly, SomnoMed suggests unplugging from the social media world and anything that has to do with electronics an hour before bed to unwind before you go to sleep (we might have to make this a habit for the rest of the year and not just for DST!)

Lastly, we know this may be hard for some people who tend to look at the clock, but SomnoMed suggests avoiding the clock and if you are unable to sleep then pick up a book or journal (not your smartphone or electronic device) to help you relax your mind to help you sleep.

The Cilips find this trick from SomoMed to be quite effective and they swear by it for when it’s time to start getting ready for a time change, so we hope this also helps you with your overall wellness needs!

Find more in-depth details on ways to adjust to Daylight Saving Time from SomnoMed here.

Acupuncture, What Is It Good For? Absolutely Everything!

by | Feb 20, 2018 | AgeLess SPA information, General Medical, Natural Remedies, Stress, Traditional Chinese Medicine

Please note: This post is from the archives of Samantha Schamel’s newsletter from 2016 and was edited slightly for AgeLess SPA.

Hey y’all! I am officially done with school and fully excited about the next big journey before me. I can finally say I am an acupuncturist and a herbalist. I have been practicing part-time with AgeLess Integrative Medical Spa in Horseheads and have been overwhelmed by the response in the community and so excited to be growing into a full-time gig.

However, I am here to tell you the wonderful things about Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where acupuncture and herbal medicine are only two parts to this 5 part health system. Yes, acupuncture can treat a lot, from digestive issues to your everyday aches and pains, the acute situations to the chronic, common colds, flu, headaches, arthritis, dermatology (i.e. eczema, psoriasis, acne), labor preparation to anxiety and stress. Herbal medicine is great for all those things too and does a better job of nourishing and strengthening the body as well as battling some evils you have going on inside. Also, as a TCM practitioner, we also deal with diets, Qi Gong (I prefer my yoga), and bodywork.

TCM was originally developed to be a preventative medicine and in the classics, they say a person with no disease should have acupuncture four times a year when the seasons change so your body can remain healthy. Typically patients come to see me for pain or when a disease has set in the body and then my job is to create balance within the disharmony – and at times that is challenging depending on how long the patient has suffered with it.

If you have never tried acupuncture or afraid of looking like a porcupine, I promise it’s not bad at all! Many of my patients fall asleep on the warm bed and don’t even realize the needles are in. So if you have been curious or wanting to give it a shot, give the medical side of AgeLess SPA a call (607.846.3962).

As always, peace, love and a giant bear hug,
Samantha