From cryotherapy to ayurvedic acupressure, the best facials are more than just a facial
Words by KELLY ATTERTON
The future of facials is here thanks to aestheticians who target outer and inner beauty. Their results have A-list celebrities addicted to the one-two punch of holistic practices combined with high-tech tools and techniques.
Lady Gaga is a devotee of Kaika, a signature treatment at Faceworks
Before “wellness” was a thing, Terri Lawton integrated vibrational medical techniques into her facials. Using custom combinations of curated products blended with craniosacral work, microcurrent/light therapy and intuitive energy healing, Lawton has bewitched notables like Zoë Kravitz and Demi Moore with her skills. $305/90 min. 931 ½ La Cienega Blvd., L.A., 310-855-0895.
Lady Gaga has long been devoted to Kaika, Joomee Song’s signature treatment at Faceworks. This ancient Japanese facial technique lifts and tones using chiropractic shiatsu and acupuncture. The deep tissue massage, combined with botanical-based products and high-tech equipment, delivers radiant results. From $175/50 min. 12012 Wilshire Blvd., #204, L.A., 323-404-0547.
Angela Sinnett, Kelsey Beckman and Abby Presley’s Acupunture Facial Rejuvenation at Magnolia Wellness OC utilizes mien shiang, the ancient Taoist practice of “face reading.” The custom treatment improves muscle tone and increases collagen production using acupuncture, gua sha, cupping, crystals and jade rolling. From $150/75 min. 2900 Bristol St., Building G, Ste. 106, Costa Mesa, 949-612-7247.
A holistic alternative to Botox, the Facelift Massage at Veda wellness center with Julia Lungin depuffs, detoxes, firms and softens lines naturally through lymphatic drainage, myofascial release and ayurvedic acupressure. Fans of the dry facial (sans oil and cream) include Lea Michele and Whitney Port. $145/60 min. 606 Westmount Dr., West Hollywood, 424-284-3800.
The Transformational Facial Ceremony at Skin Worship with Emma Goodman incorporates guided meditation, microdermabrasion, enzyme exfoliation, chanting, LED light therapy, microcurrent, infrared bio-mat, chakra balancing, reiki and more. No wonder Camila Morrone and Kenya Kinski-Jones are devotees. From $375/90 min. 9001 Wilshire Blvd., Ste. 206, Beverly Hills.
“Therapeutic skin coach” Hayley Wood calms the nervous system through mindful touch with lymphatic drainage, scalp and gua sha massage, breath work and guided meditation. Working out of her Beachwood Canyon studio, she uses only endocrine-safe products and holistic facial techniques in combination with her restorative approach. $275/90 min. intro consult and facial.
Nousha Salimi assails the aging process with her unique Reiki Facial, lightly scrubbing, dermaplaning, then applying a luxe customized mask and medical-grade peels. A registered nurse and certified reiki master, Salimi combines Western medicine with Eastern knowledge, cultivating healing energy. $350/60 min.; 436 N. Bedford Dr., Ste. 214, Beverly Hills, 310-740-4389.
Julie Civiello Polier’s claim to fame is her Shamanic Facial M, which can include microcurrent, light therapy and gua sha massage. Treatments also feature chakra alignment, crystal therapy, reiki, past-life clearings and channeling messages from deceased loved ones (oh my!). $250/60 min. 1913 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, 310-779-5889.
Emily Blunt and Alison Brie trust their complexions to Biba de Sousa, who understands the connection between nutrition and skincare, and is trained in reiki and seven types of massage. Her custom facials at Biba Los Angeles include gua sha massage, acupressure, cryotherapy, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release and microcurrent. $300/60 min. 321 S. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, 310-770-5831.
This story originally appeared in the March 2019 issue of C Magazine.
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