Probably Needed a Hug... But Got a Facial Instead

Run, don't walk to Optimize Aesthetics & Wellness for the "Not-So-Basic Facial"

At 22-years old, you may find it odd that I've never had a facial, or that I don't stick to a rigid skin care routine. What can I say? I'm a "do it at home" kind of girl and don't have the bank account to support adult skin care like LED light therapy or high-end skin care products. So, forget exfoliation facial treatments or facial peels -- in fact, the last "facial" I had was when my roommate applied a charcoal mask (think CVS $7 sheet mask, not one of those professional multi-step facial treatments) to my face while we were watching Legally Blonde on the tiny TV in our living room. Not exactly what you would call "lavish". So, it's safe to say that my skin was in desperate need of some extra love and care when I discovered Optimize Esthetics and Wellness in Tewksbury, MA.

Located within the state-of-the-art Evolution Performance Center, Optimize utilizes three rooms on the ground floor of the fitness center/gym for its treatment areas. Right when I walked in, I was warmly greeted by front desk staff and Danielle L'Heureux, Optimize co-owner and registered nurse. She gave me a brief tour of each room and, explanations of the treatments they offer for skin health, anti-aging, inflammation and a variety of wellness spa services and treatments. Each room was decorated with the kind of vibey pictures and LED light signs that everyone has saved to their Pinterest board at one point or another. The overall atmosphere was nurturing yet vibrant.

The Facial Consultation: A Personalized Approach

After the tour, Danielle began asking me a few basic questions about my skin: Is it oily? Any acne or dry skin patches? Signs of sun damage or skin aging? She gave my skin an inspection for fine lines or any skin conditions. Then she asked if I had any specific skin concerns or if there were any treatments I might be interested in.

I've been very lucky that the skin gods have spared me from acne and any resulting scarring, dull skin, dark spots, or inflammation -- I attribute this to the vitamin C supplements that my mom has been forcing on me since high school. However, I have a major dryness issue, which keeps me awake at night thinking about the near-term likelihood of fine lines and wrinkles or damage to my skin texture. And I must confess, unfortunately, I've spent the better part of my late teens and early 20s addicted to self-tanning products, which have only worsened my dry skin and texture nightmares. So, Danielle decided a custom hydrating facial would be the best way to go to promote healthy skin, stimulate collagen, and improve my overall skin tone to rejuvenate my youthful glow.

Specific Skin Care: The Customized Facial

The room with the dim lighting and overall relaxing vibe is the designated facial room, complete with Mona Lisa smiling down on me, along with soothing, meditative music.

I laid on the massage bed and Danielle put a weighed blanket on me and the requisite turban/towel around my head to being my complete spa facial service. The first step to feeling refreshed -- cleansing. She began by clearing out any excess makeup or grease from my face and neck. Using a different cleanser she gently cleaned my face with sponges and proceeded to exfoliate it afterwards. Following this first phase, my face felt so fresh and clean -- cleaner than it has felt in, well -- longer than I can remember.

On to step two, she began extracting the excess oil and dead skin cells from my pores using a small handheld machine, professionally known as an Ultrasonic Skin Cleanser. This is the bane of dead skin cells' and clogged pores' existence! Swooping in like Batman to save your skin's day.

After a few more soothing cleansing steps, she pointed the steam machine in my direction, and for the next few minutes I was too busy basking in how soothing it felt, so I didn't really pay much attention to the process. But I have learned on trusty TikTok that the warm steam helps increase blood and oxygen circulation to the skin cells and opens pores to assist in deep cleansing and removal of dirt, makeup residue, and bacteria.

I can't even remember the last time I've sat in a massage chair since there aren't very many Brookstone stores left at the mall, but luckily, this massage was of a much higher caliber. Beginning by engaging the pressure points in my facial muscles with a gentle touch, she then moved down to massage my neck and shoulders in sort of a kneading motion. The whole massage lasted about ten minutes, or so I was told since I completely lost track of time. It was the treatment I didn't know I needed after a few years of the on-the-go lifestyle of a twenty-something.

Danielle then put a hydrating mask on my face and lips, which put me in somewhat of a sleepy trance for the next 15 minutes. The last step was an application of a perfectly balanced moisturizer. She gently patted my shoulders and told me we were finished, then I was forced to rejoin normal society even though I could've stayed there all day.

The After Glow or My Healthy Skin

Over the next few days, all my friends and family commented on my skin texture, baby fresh skin and overall, more youthful look. My sister even told me I had a "glowing appearance," which was a high point in our relationship as of lately.

More importantly, my skin FELT beautiful and healthy. I woke up the next morning and had no desire to put on makeup because of how light and balanced my skin tone and texture was looking and feeling! It wasn't just a top layer skin feeling, it was a deep pore feeling that left me wanting to make regular facials part of my new skin routine.

I've never been the type of person to use an excessive number of products on my skin, and I don’t pamper myself very often because, well -- who has the time?! But this facial was the perfect, most relaxing and time-manageable skin care routine that I will be repeating as often as I can. Danielle was also extremely warm, present and nurturing. I left feeling like I had gained a new friend as well as a skincare guru. I cannot recommend Optimize Wellness Services enough and I will never shut up about their fabulous facial!

More Spa Services for Effortless Glow

Some products and services to enhance your skin care journey:

• Classic facial / Customized facial / Chemical Peel / Facial Massages
• Customized Skin care treatments
• Professional grade targeted serums

Anti-Aging Treatment Special Mention

Optimize is unique in its cutting-edge technology offerings to their clients. Ever heard of redlight therapy? Full body redlight therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses near-infrared and red light to stimulate cell turnover and promote healing. It's thought to work by stimulating the production of energy within cells, potentially leading to faster healing, reduced inflammation, and improved skin health.

There's even more, they've invested in the area’s only PEMF and vibroacoustic therapy equipment as well as the all-the-rage anti-aging cold plunge. Optimize boasts some of the area's latest beauty, health and wellness equipment and treatments for both men and women. Even a little Botox here and there -- a little something for all ages.

I've been back to Optimize in the past few weeks for Vitamin IV Therapy and other rejuvenating treatments. Other than regular facials and skin treatments, I'm interested in identifying products and services that will delay fine lines, signs of aging and overall skin perfection. Optimize is my new skin guru and go-to for the ultimate customized facial experience for all skin types.