Welcome to Beauty Buzz! Each Tuesday we co-host a beauty link up with the fabulous ladies from Mama in Heels. This week Sassy Moms in the City is hosting, be sure to link up with us below!
As a member of the TSpa Week.
I was so impressed with Sempurna Restoration Clinic. Recently opened last November, an unassuming urban med spa tucked away on Huron Street, Sempurna is known for tattoo removal but offers a range of treatments to help clients look and feel their best.
Conveniently located in River North just steps from the Chicago Brown Line stop, Sempurna’s space is not your typical spa. It’s hip, comfortable, chic and serene. I was loving the chevron fabric, unique and colorful art, medical grade products and the treatment was amazing too.
A few months ago I discovered a new line of facial products that contain Argan Oil and went to town using the cleanser, moisturizer and other brands of facial oils. I thought it was working well; turns out my pores are not happy about it.
In a perfect world my goal is to have a facial every 3-6 months and a series of three chemical peels at least twice per year. My last facial was in the fall and it was last spring since my last chemical peel. I was waaaay overdue – Oops!
As Sara, my technician prepped my skin for the facial, we discussed my typical skincare regimen. After taking a closer look she asked what products I’d been using – my skin was a hot mess (my words NOT hers).
You know all the new products with Argan oil I’ve been using? Apparently it’s all clogging my pores big time causing them to become enlarged with sebum build up. Disgusting! I already have large pores, I don’t need anything expanding them. It’s a miracle my skin wasn’t breaking out.
My other issues included hypo/hyper pigmentation and fine lines around the eyes. Sara felt so sorry for me she insisted we do a Vitalize chemical peel. At first I wasn’t sure because the down time can be extensive, but this was medium depth and 4-6 days max.
If you’ve never had a chemical peel it’s beyond miraculous. However, the best results are seen by doing a series of usually three peels. Speaking from experience, if an Aesthetician ever recommends this, believe her/him. One peel is just touching the surface, especially if you have fine lines, sebum build up, accompanied by hypo and hyper pigmentation.
The down time so far has been easy peasy. When I left Sempurna my skin was bright and smooth (left photo). Day three (middle photo) you can see not much is happening in terms of peeling. My skin was a little dry but had no problem covering with tinted sunscreen. Day four (right photo) peeling was in full effect but tolerable. I’m on day six and my skin is on the mend but there is mild flaking.
Peeling at this stage is good sign. If not, the peel wasn’t strong enough and the only way to see any difference is for the skin to flake off. I couldn’t be happier with my experience at Sempurna, but I definitely need to schedule another two rounds for the best outcome.
While my skin can tolerate a more intense treatment, I loved the Vitalize primarily because the peeling is gradual and mild, especially this time of year. I prefer to do peels in the winter or fall to avoid strong UVA/UVB rays that can cause sun damage, but using tinted sunscreen helps significantly.
Spa Week is April 21-27, the perfect time to experience Sempurna Restoration Clinic. Be sure to tell them Sassy Moms in the City sent you! $50 treatments include…
Visit SpaWeek.com to find participating spas in Chicago and nationwide!
Gina @ On the Daily Express says
I have always wanted to try a chemical peel because so many people swear by them. But I’ve hesitated because of the peeling and downtime! Thanks for sharing your experience and the photos of your peeling. It actually doesn’t look that bad at all!
Gina
On the Daily Express
Nicole Feliciano says
I so need a facial. This spa looks fabulous.
Abby says
I love doing peels to resurface the skin! It makes such a difference in the texture of my skin and how my makeup applies. Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
xo Always, Abby
Red Tag Chic Los Angeles says
Thanks for the invite to your link up. I really need to do myself a favor by going to a spa very soon & your heads up couldn’t have come in a better time esp. with the last day of the tax season. 🙂 And yes I do believe in the miracle of a chemical peel!
Rebecca
http://www.redtagchiclosangeles.com
Kristin says
You’ve inspired me…It’s been too long since I’ve had a facial!
Alison Ray says
Me too – now I want another peel. When you see results it’s hard to stop!
Alison Ray says
Thanks for stopping by Rebecca and linking up!
Alison Ray says
Thanks for stopping by Gina – I’m all about a quick downtime. However I do love the deep peels too. Save those for winter when you’re stuck indoors.