Softer Skin Than You’ve Had in Years

By Diane Hayden, PhD

Ihad the pleasure of sitting down with Spa Director - Clinical Aesthetician, Laura Duffany, at The Spa at Litchfield Hills to talk about the hottest new trends in skincare! Laura has worked with plastic surgeons and medical doctors and has cultivated a strong and knowledgeable skincare team at the spa. Her favorite line is Skinceuticals for spa facials and daily skincare regime. The spa offers dermaplaning, medical grade peels and microdermabrasion among other skincare services.

Dermaplaning

One of the trendiest exfoliation options today is dermaplaning, which is performed using a sterile surgical scalpel (not as scary as it sounds!) to manually exfoliate dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, dead skin layer, and vellus hair, aka peach fuzz. This treatment results in ultra-smooth, fresh, and brighter skin. By removing that dead layer and hair from the face, the skin is evened out, and it helps with cell metabolism, which helps new skin come to the surface. Dermaplaning cleverly triggers the cell regeneration process and improves the appearance of acne scarring, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. The effects of the procedure are instant, leaving your skin with a smooth appearance and a radiant glow. Along with the removal of fine hairs, it results in healthier skin that feels silkier.

Why would you choose to have a dermaplaning treatment?

Here are just a few of the benefits: • It painlessly exfoliates the stratum corneum to stimulate cellular turnover with no downtime. • It is a great option for clients with sensitive skin, Rosacea, and pregnant women who are looking for a deep exfoliation.

• It can be performed prior to treatments like facials, laser, and chemical peels for better product penetration. • It can be performed frequently every 4 weeks • It helps makeup go on smoother and more evenly. • It can help significantly lighten postinflammatory scars from past acne. • It does not make the hair grow back thicker and darker.

What is a treatment like?

After one, I was hooked. It was so relaxing I might have fallen asleep had I not been asking Laura a million questions for this article. She started with a citrus cleanse to remove oils from my face and followed that with a toner. This is used to increase the effectiveness of the dermaplaning. Then the procedure started with a tool that looked just like a tiny butter blade. After she ran the tool across my skin a few times I wasn’t concerned at all about how it would feel, as it felt just like lightly running your fingernail across your skin.

Following the treatment, she then applied a Skinceuticals gel peel to break the bond of dead cellular buildup and oil/ pollution buildup on the skin. After this, Laura applied a Phyto-corrective mask with steam, B5 gel, an anti-aging eye cream and epidermal repair. The best part, however, was her signature face massage – WOW – I could have totally fallen asleep on the table. Lastly, Laura used the coolest device called a Jade Gua sha stone which is a natural facial lifting tool. These stones come in different shapes and helps with fine lines, circulation, puffiness, and dark circles.

I was shocked to notice that my skin felt softer than it had in years – like many years! My skin tone was drastically improved and evened out. I immediately

noticed a softening of fine lines around my eyes, forehead and frown lines. That day I left feeling amazing, but the next day when I went to apply my normal makeup, I can’t tell you the difference I noticed. My makeup went on like butter and I literally felt airbrushed! After treatment, you do need to refrain from being in direct sunlight for a minimum of 48 hours and continual wearing of sunscreen is strongly advised. In addition, it is recommended to not use any products with glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, Retin A or Rentinol for at least 5 days, and no exfoliating for 3 days following the treatment (why would you need to?). You can return to your regular skincare routine thereafter and make sure to stay hydrated. One of the reasons skin can look dull and have buildup is from ongoing dehydration. The Spa is reintroducing Skin Care at The Spa with their new Regimen Renewal Skincare Experience! This exclusive skincare service includes a cleanse, tone, skin analysis with a skin scope, 5-minute scalp massage, relaxing essential oils, and at-home product and service recommendations. Also, try the Cryo Shell Mani + Pedi services which offer a combined nail service and cold therapy massage for your arms, hands, legs, and feet. Each glacial shell is carefully crafted with real seashells and porcelain to glide over the skin to soothe muscles, increase circulation, and boost collagen production. The Spa at Litchfield Hills truly has something for every guest whether it be relaxation, results, or both. They strive to offer organic product lines that are impactful and results oriented. By Dr. Diane Hayden. Online bookings available at www.litchfield-spa.com, 860.567.8575, frontdesk@litchfield-spa.com 407A Bantam Rd., Litchfield CT. See ad on page 34. www.NaturalNutmeg.com 11

Lunch & Learn Live Video Discussions with Dr. Diane interviewing our Natural Nutmeg expert contributors & Support for COVID-19

Natural Nutmeg has launched a new Lunch & Learn video cast interview series. The video casts highlight each guest’s practice/business, further promoting them as experts in their fi eld of expertise.

If you would like us to promote your practice/business by participating in our Lunch & Learns, please email Dr. Diane at: diane@naturalnutmeg.com for more information.

Here are some testimonials about prior guest experiences on the call and the impact it has had on their practice/business.

“Dr. Diane certainly knows how to put someone at ease, creating a safe space to share thoughts and ideas. Her questions and added discussion enabled me to discuss what matters the most to me: education of the leaders we need and the role self-growth plays in all of our lives. In Diane’s enthusiastic and engaged hands, our conversation was truly a time I will treasure! I walked away elated for taking this opportunity to share with such an amazing person. I heartily endorse Diane and Natural Nutmeg for o ering all of us opportunities for growth and discussion.” ~ Sandi Coyne-Gilbert, MBA, DM, Goodwin University

“Dr. Diane Hayden has taken this time of uncertainty and turned it into an opportunity. Reaching to an audience seeking wellness advice amid fears of communicable disease, Dr. Diane came up with the idea of weekly Lunch and Learn discussions with experts in the eld of health and wellness. I closed my business as acupuncture is not deemed essential in the treatment of COVID-19, but I had the great fortune to talk about the unexpected bene ts of acupuncture with Dr. Diane. Patients, some established and many new, learned about my practice and I look forward to being busy once again when we open for new patients in the near future. ank you, Diane!” ~ Jessica Peck-Lindsey MS, MAc, LAc, Peck’s Family Acupuncture

“It was a pleasure to connect with Dr Diane Hayden at Natural Nutmeg online in discussing the cutting edge information on Traditional Chinese Medicine and COVID-19. Dr. Diane and Natural Nutmeg have been a great support in getting the holistic word out during this unusual time.” ~ Dr. Artemis Morris, ND, LAc, Artemis Wellness Center

“Diane is a skilled interviewer. We were able to cover a lot of excellent information. We used the interview on both our social media and website. It’s a great informational tool to refer patients as well as potential patients to listen.” ~ Dr. Adam Breiner, ND, Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

“Sharing EFT Tapping on Dr. Diane’s Lunch ’n Learn series was a highlight of my practice during this time of the Coronavirus! e importance of reducing stress to strengthen our immune system is truly imperative, so ank You for broadening the alternative medicine message that you do so well.” ~ Karen St. Clair, EFT International ACAP

“Diane was amazing to work with. She really understood my messaging and target audiences. Diane’s expertise in both wellness and marketing made me feel comfortable sharing my story through Natural Nutmeg’s webinar, as well as advertising.” ~ Dr Sherry Skyler Kelly, Licensed Psychologist