A Day at the Spa: Carmel’s Winter Favorites

After 15 years of providing high-quality and intimate skincare, The Renew Anti-Aging Center has never been more on top of their skin game. With the latest skin technologies, Renew Spa is the go-to spot of many Upper East Side elites for personalized full-body and facial experiences. From Environ products to Neurotris Microcurrent, Renew Spa has all kinds of resources to provide the pampering experience of your dreams. With all of these options, where do you begin? Expert Aesthetician Carmel gave BWB the ultimate guide for choosing a treatment just right for your skin.

For Enduring the NYC Winter:

One of the biggest skin concerns during the winter is dry, tired skin. For homecare, I would recommend using the Environ Intense Hydrating Serum (Hyaluronic Acid) with a cosmetic roller. This regimen is scientifically known to help hold moisture and maintain the benefits of hydration.

At the spa, I would recommend doing a 10% lactic acid peel to gently exfoliate and hydrate the skin, regardless of skin type. I may layer gels during the treatment depending on the client and their desired result. The standard is typically three layers of 10% buffered acid peel. As another option, I would recommend the alginate mask which is a gentle cooling mask that helps drive moisture into the skin.

For Pesky Pimples:

Environ has a great clarifying range made with  niacinamide, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil. The Sebu-Wash Gel Cleanser and Sebu-Spot Blemish Gel help sterilize and kill the effects of bacteria while targeting and minimizing the appearance of spots. We are an Environ stockist at Renew so you can buy all your products from us! If you’re also looking for a treatment at the spa, I would recommend 4 to 6 treatments of the ACM peel, which contains trichloroacetic acid (TCA) to help clear dead skin and reveal the bright and beautiful skin beneath.

For Turning Back the Clock (fine lines, wrinkles):

It is a very exciting time at Renew as we offer a new GlycoAla treatment, which is a unique cosmetic photodynamic gel which helps reduce and prevent the visible signs of aging! The radical results, even after just three treatments, are truly astonishing. Whether you want to reduce the look of  pore size, firm the appearance of your skin, reduce the effects of oiliness, brighten the skin, or reduce the appearance of fine lines or sun damage, this LED-activated product may be the secret potion just for you!

For a Non-Invasive Lift:

Perhaps one of our most popular and most famous treatments at Renew is the microcurrent facial – which is also a personal favorite of BWB founder, Clémence von Mueffling! This facial workout helps tighten the look of the skin, increase the benefits of hydration, and lift the appearance of facial muscles, giving the effects of a face lift without the invasive procedure. This treatment operates via your body’s own bioelectrical currents, making it one of the most natural and technologically advanced treatments we have here at Renew.

Aftercare

Foods to Eat:

Greens and vegetables are always the most important! Avocados, tomatoes (lycopene to strengthen the skin barrier), cucumbers and asparagus for hydration. Cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli are great vegetables for coming up to wintertime.

I always recommend flax oil to my clients because it is great for hydration and reducing inflammation inside your skin cells.

Watermelon is a great fruit because it is rich in vitamin C and electrolytes.

Nuts and seeds (like chia!) are great, healthy snacks! They are full of omegas which help with inflammation, hair, skin, & nail health, and brain health! Omegas create new neurons and cut down inflammation.