In celebration of Spa Week (October 14th – 20th), I couldn’t wait to tell you all about my latest trip to the Joanna Vargas Skincare Spa (and some exciting deals for all of you beauties!).
Joanna’s name has been popping up everywhere from InStyle to Vogue Magazine, deeming her one of the best estheticians in NYC. Clientele testimonials rave about leaving her office with glowing, near-perfect skin, which had me anxious to go. Little did I know that I was going to actually receive one of the facials by Joanna herself!
Just this year alone, Joanna has developed her own line of holistic skincare and unwittingly rallied an A-List support team, from Carrey Mulligan to Emma Stone. I had to see what all the hype was about.
Joanna is known for her Triple Crown Facial, which redefines facial features by draining away puffiness, making your skin taut, enhancing skin elasticity and firmness with microcurrent technology during this 3-step process. I was in Joanna’s hands and asked her which treatment would be best for my skin type… she opted for the Purifying Treatment (I’m in my 20’s, so I constantly need to get rid of unwanted oil and acne).
First step was “removing New York City” from my face with a diamond micro-dermabrasion exfoliating device that got rid of all the surface dirt and grime. Joanna proceeded to cleanse my face with her sweet-smelling Vitamin C Wash (it seriously smells like an orange creamsicle), then exfoliated with her Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask, massaged my facial contours, performed some extractions, applied a probiotic-enriched beauty mask and finished off by applying Joanna Vargas Daily Serum and Daily Hydrating Cream.
Joanna is a master at extractions, somehow being able to remove white and blackheads without causing apparent red marks. I was simply in awe of how my face looked!
I couldn’t help but ask her all my skincare questions, in addition to talking about her recent motorcycle purchase, how she finds parking in the city (if any) and her son’s affinity for punk rock music. We talked about everything from diet to lifestyle changes in order for one’s skin to look and feel absolutely radiant.
You Are What You Eat
Joanna admits that women of all ages and skin types come in complaining about their lackluster complexion. The best place to start is by reevaluating your diet. When you’re stressed and overworked, pizza and caffeine become one’s quick meal fix, which can wreck havoc on your skin.
Just think of all those claims that one’s grandma has AMAZING skin. Well, your grandmother didn’t have to worry about preservatives, and most likely cooked nourishing meals without pesticides every day.
We got a facial at Erno Laszlo The Institute! Find Out How To Best Determine Your Skin Type, Is Toner Necessary? —> HERE!
Joanna recommends chlorophyll supplements in case a daily salad is just not feasible (she gives it to her son, too. She says there is a liquid version that tastes like mint!). Also, if you’re suffering from excess oil, take zinc to neutralize oil production.
It’s All In The Exfoliator
My pesky pores always seem to be clogged, no matter how much I exfoliate. Joanna advised that I switch my exfoliator and recommended hers which contains volcanic ash to draw out impurities and fruit enzymes to boost skin cell turnover.
“Exfoliating the dead cells and surface dirt twice a week is really such a simple yet effective way to achieve great looking skin in a matter of minutes,” says Joanna.
She also never sees a happy medium when it comes to exfoliating: Either women don’t do it enough (2Xs a week tops/1X during harsh winter months) or at all.
Find out some of the ingredients that make Joanna Vargas’ skincare line so special and effective:
Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask ($75.00)
Galactoarabinan – Derived from the larch tree, it boosts cell turnover faster than any lactic or glycolic acid to brighten the skin and tighten pores for a flawless appearance
Kaolin Clay — Its high mineral content helps draw out impurities, while retaining beneficial oils which makes it suitable for all skin types
Lactic Acid — Breaks down bonds of dead skin cells and kills germs and bacteria
Kojic Acid — A natural lightening ingredient which targets hyperpigmentation problems such as age spots
Fruit Enzymes — Great sources of Vitamin C to boost cell turnover and brighten skin
Volcanic Ash – Draws out impurities
How To Use: Apply to cleansed dampened skin and exfoliate for 1 min and leave on for 15-mins.
Vitamin C Face Wash ($65.00)
The right facial cleanser prepares skin for the rest of the skincare routine and is the simplest trick for clear skin. Removes grime, makeup and daily pollutants for clear skin.
Galactoarabinan – Derived from the larch tree, boost cell turnover faster than any lactic or glycolic acid to brighten the skin and tighten pores for a flawless appearance
Vitamin C – Provides protection against the harmful UV rays that inevitably etches fine lines and wrinkles into skin
Acai Berry — Powerful antioxidants revitalize and balance the pigment and texture of the skin
Hyaluronic Acid – Hydrates skin, repairs tissue and holds together the structure of the skin, collagen and elastin
Daily Serum ($85.00)
A lightweight multivitamin for you skin, this elixir is packed with high-potency antioxidants, vitamins and skin-brightening elements.
Galactoarabinan – Derived from the larch tree, it boosts cell turnover faster than any lactic or glycolic acid to brighten the skin and tighten pores for a flawless appearance.
Hyaluronic Acid — Retains moisture, aiding in tissue repair holding together the skin structural components, collagen and elastin
Chlorophyllin-Copper – An anti-mutagen that protects against sun damage and other environmental factors that are harmful to skin
Avena Sativa — Contains potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Good for lymphatic system; vitamin-rich containing oxygenating chlorophyll
Vitamin F – Increases circulation and maintains skin health
It’s Spa Week! And Joanna Vargas is offering two of her amazing treatments at $50.00 each this Spa Week at her NYC salon.
Microderm Power Peel (Valued at $175.00 for 45 mins)
“The most popular treatment amongst my celeb clients is my Power Peel. It begins with a diamond peel microdermabrasion, I cleanse the skin with my Vitamin C Face Wash, apply a blueberry and paprika mask to detox tissue, and it doubles as a fruit acid peel. Next, I put the person under LED Light Bed and finish with oxygen, and an application of my Daily Serum. It works for all skin types and makes you look like you’re glowing from 10 miles away.”
Tone Up (Valued at $200.00 for 60mins)
“My Tone Up Treatment instantly lifts and tones, and is incredible for women who go to the gym but have areas where they can’t seem to get the results they want. The treatment uses electricity on problem areas, and I can reduce the size of an area or lift it — and the results last. I have clients who are Victoria Secret models that do the Tones Up before their runway show!”
To book your appointment, either email at salon@joannavargas.com or call 212.949.2350.
Are you going to get in on these sweet deals?
Let us know by commenting below (you might win a free sample)! Make sure to check out our Pinterest page by clicking HERE! And don’t forget to get the latest beauty and skincare news by following us on Twitter @BeautyStat!
– Theresa Romano
For more giveaways and contests, sign up for our newsletter HERE.
If you like this post, share it with your friends and give it a LIKE on Facebook.
