Beauty in Bloom

Local Professionals Share Wellness & Skin Treatments

In our quest to discover the wellness and skincare treatments with the most impact that require no downtime, we engaged with the expert locals we admire. These standout treatments promise remarkable outcomes with minimal interruption to daily life.

Vitality Institute Peel

The VI Peel, now offered by the Drew Patrick Spa in Bay Shore, is the latest and most widely used medical-grade peel available. The painless procedure is ideal for treating skin conditions like hyperpigmentation, acne, uneven skin tone, and scars, but it can also be used routinely for improved skin texture and to gradually eliminate fine lines and wrinkles. The mediumdepth peel is made of a formulation of trichloroacetic acid, retinoic acid, salicylic acid, phenol, and vitamin C.

For your appointment, Drew Patrick’s licensed esthetician, who has been trained by the Vitality Institute to administer the peel, will evaluate your skin during an initial consultation and customize the formulation and intensity to meet your individual needs and goals. The peel is applied to your skin through gauze, with pauses between each layer, allowing the formula that has been selected for your skin (depending on your desired result) to be absorbed by the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. As layers of the peel are added, the formula penetrates below to the dermis layer, stimulating collagen and rejuvenating the skin.

The VI Peel is noninvasive, safe, and requires minimal downtime. After the procedure, you will be given products to be used at home, as well as a QR code to download an app for navigating the post-treatment instructions. You will experience some flaking after three days, and peeling during days three through five, but by day seven, your fresh new face will be revealed, along with a renewed sense of confidence, Drew Patrick's Spa Director Dana Tarasevicius says their clients are really loving it.

Drew Patrick Spa, Bay Shore, (631) 206-3739, drewpatrickspa.com

Red Light Therapy

Though it has recently grown in popularity, red light therapy is not new. The healing benefits of high-intensity red and near-infrared light were accidentally discovered in the 1960s, and further developed by NASA for use in space.

According to the manufacturer of LightStim, the first bed to receive FDA clearance, light therapy has been shown to alleviate many skin issues, such as dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, lack of elasticity, acne, inflammation, and redness. The way it works is, when you shine light on the skin it gets absorbed by the body’s cells. Light is energy. The light gets converted by the body into biological energy, which is required for all cellular and biological functions.

After extensive research, Eileen Jacinth, owner of Equity Reformer Studio in Babylon Village, invested in a LightStim bed, offering the therapy—and extending its many benefits, such as lowering blood pressure and promoting healing—to her clients. She learned that athletes use it to increase blood flow for faster recovery, and surgeons recommend it to patients for postoperative care.

The most noticeable immediate benefits after one treatment include a radiant glow of the skin, calming of redness, and reduced edema. With ongoing treatments, you see reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and an overall improvement in skin tone and texture. Many people feel and see results after one session, but long-term results require regular use.

As with almost every therapy, it’s not recommended for certain people, such as those with a sensitivity to light, anyone taking drugs that create photosensitivity, and people who tend to become hyperpigmented when exposed to warmth. If you are pregnant or being treated for a serious medical condition, you should get approval from your physician beforehand.

Red light therapy is gentle and suitable for all skin types. It feels soothing, like laying in the sun, but without the harmful effects of UV radiation. Some people really enjoy the warmth and say they feel more relaxed after using it. Some even fall asleep!

Equity Reformer Studio, Babylon Village, (516) 909-9938, equityreformerstudio.com

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Incentives Organic Spa & Salon in Babylon Village is now offering lymphatic drainage massage, a gentle and relaxing form of bodywork that helps flush the lymphatic system to promote the release of cell waste and excess fluid. Lymph is the actual fluid, containing nutrients and oxygen (like blood) that is circulated by the body to nourish cells, which then discard their toxins and waste into it, transporting it via the lymph nodes back into general circulation toward the heart.

While this type of massage can benefit anyone feeling rundown or experiencing stress, it is medically recommended to reduce swelling after injury or as part of postoperative care, such as breast cancer surgery. It can also help treat the pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, sinus problems, and even migraines. Other circumstances where it can be beneficial are post-pregnancy, to reduce fluid retention after childbirth and increase the production of breastmilk, or to recover from longterm immobility or overseas travel.

During the massage, the therapist places pressure on the lymph vessels, located mostly under the skin, clearing the lymph from your tissue and then moving it toward the lymph nodes for reabsorption. These rhythmic, circular movements encourage the lymph system to function more efficiently and unclear any blockages in flow, giving your body a strong defense and improving long-term health.

Incentives Organic Salon & Spa, Babylon Village, (631) 893-3490, incentivespasalon.com

The LIST magazine encourages all readers to consult their medical practitioners before making decisions based on our articles.