Dry face

City skin control treatment at Spa Forever
On a recent 12-degree morning, this facial seemed to promise relief for the itchy, dry mug our Chicago winter had once again given me. As the aesthetician applied various products, I asked what distinguishes this facial from an ordinary one. “Environmentally controlled serums,” she said. When I asked what that means, her answers didn’t exactly clarify. So I abandoned the questions and instead soaked up the fruity-smelling, tingly products—and the attention. Creams, hot towels, masks, gauzes, steam, a light massage of my arms and hands, a table warmed just so…it all alleviated some tension, if not the skepticism I was harboring from the aesthetician-speak. Then I saw and felt my skin, which had been rendered cushiony-soft. Later that day when I was complimented on my skin, I said, knowingly, “Environmentally controlled serums.” 60 minutes for $80.
—Novid Parsi

Essential facial at Spa Soak
It’s a simple equation: Frigid temps + biting wind = dry, chapped face. But an hour with an aesthetician at this Bucktown spa was all I needed to shed the winter-complexion blahs. First my face was cleansed with a fine pumice peel, then exfoliated with the help of a boost of steam. A tingly gel mask was customized for my sensitive skin, with the addition of lavender oil to soothe touchy areas, then a second, calming mask was applied as the last step in gently transforming my face from blah to baby soft. I was treated to lotion and warm mitts for my hands, plus meltworthy neck and shoulder massages—just the thing to help me forget the frightful weather. 60 minutes for $80.
—Judy Sutton Taylor

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