I’ve recently fallen in love with a new MedSpa in my home of Newport Beach called SkinSpirit. But it got me thinking … Do people even get the concept?

There’s a lot to love about the skin you’re in. And just like your primary care doctor, it’s important to find someone to learn your skin and its needs to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin at any age, no matter your boundaries in “the chair.”

I remember being a little girl and looking forward to my mother’s face at bedtime. Not just because it was her and because she was pretty, but because it smelled so good and looked so soft. I’d reach out a hand to touch her cheek, but it would be waved off fervently. This gesture was strictly off limits. And so was the little jar she swiped on her skin each night. I never understood it, until I did. 

the “I did” part came with age, wrinkles, fine lines, advertisements, and the evolution of the MedSpa. 

It seems there’s a “fix it” for everything, from the age-old boob job to the booming lip injection. It makes you want to look in the mirror and analyze what should be frozen, filled, nipped and tucked from head to toe. Or, it conjures up a vision of you running off to join an Amazon tribe. 

I remember the first time I recognized a line on my forehead and thought, “wow I look like my mum.”

It wasn’t a bad thing at all. It was more of a “well there’s genetics for ya.”

I was raised to love who I am. I was told flaws are beautiful and mistakes are lessons. But I was also encouraged to fulfill myself with what makes me feel healthy and confident. Skin is a huge part of that.

While my mother reached for her jar of drugstore night cream as a preventative, today, such tactics are only an add-on to the importance of current skincare culture: lather on sunscreen, cover up, and go to the dermatologist for concerns. But the missing component that’s made me feel complete has been the MedSpa. And it’s not what you think.

Contrary to popular belief, MedSpas don’t want you to look like a clown. And they’re not just meant to freeze and fill. The experts are skin educators that want you to look and feel your best. They’re board certified MDs, PAs, RNs and NPs specialized in targeting various skin concerns. Sure, you can fall down a rabbit hole of “fix this now” with them as you sit in a chair with a magnifying mirror blasting your imperfections, but you can also find clearer, brighter, smoother skin .

I learned this on my visit to SkinSpirit, a skincare clinic and and spa located in Newport Beach. This wasn’t my first MedSpa experience by any means, but it was the first time I wasn’t rushed around by a specialist. I got to know the company, the location, and their offerings. In turn, they listened to me without looking down at their watch. The experience felt intimate. It’s your skin, after all. What’s more intimate than that?

SkinSpirit has been around since 2003. Started by Dr. M Dean Vistnes, MD, a Stanford-educated, board-certified plastic surgeon, and Lynn Heublein, the skincare clinic and spa now has 12 locations spanning California and Washington.

I sat down with Jennifer Izzarelli, a Certified Aesthetic Nurse Specialist and Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, who brought to light that MedSpas aren’t just about Botox and fillers.

Remember the buzz surrounding the “Vampire Facial” popularized by America’s royalty, the Kardashians? Izzarelli says this surged the public’s desire for more natural methods; ones that prove you don’t have to go through major procedures to invest and transform the health and appearance of your skin.

“People are looking for more natural routes. Not everyone is interested in Botox and fillers,” says Izzarelli.

Among those natural routes that SkinSpirit offers and Izzarelli is excited about are the “Vampire Facial” formally known as a platelet-rich plasma treatment (PRP), which is used to make skin smoother and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Microneedling is another option of SkinSpirit’s, and one Izzarelli encourages. The dermaroller procedure uses small needles to prick the skin, generating new collagen and skin tissue for smoother, firmer and more toned skin. It’s incredibly beneficial for treating scars, wrinkles and large pores.

Izzarelli was more excited to discuss the lesser known options, dare I say, the less glamorous options. Why? Because beauty is skin deep, so you have to go deep. Sometimes that doesn’t seem as fun as augmenting the appearance of your face immediately, but time will change your thoughts on that.

But the treatment she’s most thrilled about? It’s called AquaGold.

This “mega facial” so to speak is an in-and-out (like 20 minutes!) procedure that uses patented micro-channeling technology that can provide thousands of microinjections per minute. No pain. No downtime. You and your dedicated practitioner settle on a customized vial, mixed with whatever you may need to combat your skin woes, that’s attached to a series of needles coated in gold.

“You can mix different concoctions in it,” says Izzarelli. “You can mix some Botox, filler, and add PRP and stamp it into the skin. This combats various needs, like rosacea, dull skin and fine lines, while helping with oil control, skin texture and more. “

Izzarelli recommends getting some treatments regularly.

“In terms of microneedling, if you really want to jumpstart your journey, you could come in once a week for three weeks. This will stimulate the hyaluronic acid and collagen in a patient’s skin. On the third week, you could do PRP and finish it with microneedling to seal everything in — it’s like the icing on the cake. Then come in quarterly.”

Sitting down with Izzarelli has me giddy with the unknown of skin care. Where do I even start?

I’d be remiss not to mention Izzarelli’s modest-meets-thoughtful approach. How much Botox? What about filler? Her goal isn’t to make me, or any other patient, look frozen or filled up like a balloon. She wants to get to know your skin and bring out its best self, not just put a bandaid on it.

SkinSpirit has been the first skincare clinic and spa I’ve been to that truly combines the luxury of a spa (think gorgeous waiting room with beautiful decor and refreshments) and the education and professionalism of a medical facility.

To check out the full list of offerings below and on their website.

Additionally, SkinSpirit will be hosting a grand opening event on Thursday, January 23 from 5-8pm. The event will feature product demos from SkinSpirit’s medical experts and all attendees who book an appointment on-site will receive 20% any treatment!

RSVP HERE to check out the clinic yourself!

Exploring life's many facets one glass of wine, pair of heels, and yoga class at a time.

Popular Post