Showing posts with label spa & wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label spa & wellness. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

NAD IV Therapy at Fild Studio in NYC

Photo credit: Fild Studio

I recently received a NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) IV Therapy treatment at the newly opened Fild Studio in NYC. This treatment specializes in anti-aging and hydration and can stimulate cell regeneration in your body. Dr. Randa Jaffar effortlessly and painlessly inserted the IV and then sat down with me during my treatment to answer any questions I may have. My IV drip took approximately one hour and then I was on my way! I felt an immediate difference, feeling hydrated, refreshed and energized. I recommend using the bathroom before the treatment and anticipate running to the bathroom more frequently for the next 1-2 days due to the increase in fluids that the drip provides. If you are constantly dehydrated, it may be a good idea for you to regularly get a NAD IV Therapy treatment on a regular basis, as Fild Studio accepts HSA for NAD IV Therapy.


As for the space itself, Fild Studio, located at 457 Broome Street in SoHo is really inviting and makes me feel like I'm at a lounge. I love the modern decor, with a bar / sitting area as well as a sofa and table seating passed the treatment rooms. There was also a mirror in my treatment room and a larger mirror by the entrance so you can take selfies during your treatment and after! 


NAD IV Therapy is just one of the treatments Dr. Jaffar offers at Fild Studio. Other treatments include Botox for upper (11 lines, forehead and crow's feet) and lower (lip, chin, TMJ and bunny lines) face, Botox for the neck, underarm Botox (makes you stop sweating for about 3 months, very popular around summertime), fillers (frown lines, undereye, cheeks, chin), laser facials such as radio frequency miicroneedling for skin resurfacing, tightening and fine lines, C02 laser for the top layer of the skin and gives you a glow and PRP, platelet-rich plasma (draw your blood, take out the platelets and inject it into your skin or joints for repairing/healing).


If you are interested in checking out Fild Studio, list me as a referral and instantly get $50 off your treatment!


Thank you again to Dr. Jaffar and Fild Studio for my NAD IV Therapy!


Photo credit: Fild Studio



Photo credit: Fild Studio


Photo credit: Fild Studio

- Kim Weling

Thursday, March 16, 2023

IECSC New York 2023 Recap and Highlights

Celluma Light Therapy


I've been attending the International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC) in New York for the past few years, yet this is the first time I've been able to experience all three days instead of cramming all my time into the first day and it has made all the difference. This year, the show took place from March 5-7 at the Javits Convention Center in NYC. 


I noticed this year there was a lot more focus on demos on the show floor, and if you wanted to book a demo, it was easier to get an appointment, either by scheduling before the show, booking when you get there, or getting a walk-in appointment. I was able to book multiple demos per day, and really learn about the process and the products and devices used. 


Here's a look at all the demos I experienced at IECSC:


Celluma Light Therapy - I enjoyed a relaxing 20-25 minute LED red light treatment on my face for anti-aging, which boosts collagen and elastin, reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin's firmness and resilience. Red light therapy is also great for bringing down redness and inflammation. Blue light therapy is great for diminishing bacteria causing acne, clearing existing breakouts, and restores skin's healthy appearance. Near-infrared is great for pain management: reducing inflammation and increases circulation, relieves arthritis and joint pain, and reduces stiffness and muscle spasms. LED light therapy is great as 60 minute stand-alone treatment or as an add-on for 30-45 minutes. 



Epistep Epifusion Facial - this non-invasive and pain-free treatment uses micro pins made of 3D-lized hyaluronic acid. After the first step of skin cleansing, Jennifer moved forward with the microchanneling needle-free needling process (the vibration was actually soothing and relaxing), and applying a peptide serum. The last step finished up with a moisturizer. I love this treatment because there is no down time and it only took 15-20 minutes. I didn't have to worry about and redness or irritation and could just go about my day with glowing skin! Thank you Jennifer for my epifusion facial!



BIBOTING Massager - I've had a cupping massage before, but the biboting machine was on another level and a lot more intense! The biboting massager not only massages but also firms skin, provides accupressure, healthy negative ions and vital energy and blood circulation. It also has a rhythmic suction and release, comfortable vibration and warm feeling. Different sized cups were used on my back. The strong pressure and suction may feel uncomfortable at first but I got used to it quickly and really felt the toxins leaving my body. Right after it looked like an octopus had suctioned onto my back (all the redness and cupping marks disappeared within a few days) and my back, neck and shoulders felt bruised to the touch immediately and for the next two days. I did feel really relaxed afterwards and was so ready for a nap! As the demo was done on me, the aesthetician can tell by the redness on my back that I frequently get headaches and even pinpointed the spot by my lower neck/upper back area that was causing my headaches. I actually had been experiencing a headache the day before (my headaches can last for days) and my headache did not come back after I got this massage! This massage was a temporary solution, but I do feel that if I continued this type of massage regularly it would really help with my headaches, maybe even stop them from happening all together. 



CryConcepts Esthetics CryoTouch Facial - This facial was quick and easy, with a focus on hydration and reducing fine lines. The entire treatment took only about 10 minutes - 5 minutes with the actual CryoTouch facial device and then 5 minutes of massaging in the serum with using the massage roller balls. The device was cold on my skin but not super cold as a I expected and there the device has a bit of a vibration. This kind of treatment takes advantage of carbon dioxide, helping to release oxygen at the surface of the skin, which boosts the effects of the cosmetic formulas used. The CryoTouch facial is recommended three times in the first month, and then monthly after that. I was glad this was the first demo I got during the show because I immediately felt energized and refreshed. It was a great way to start my day at IECSC! Thank you Sam for the demo!



Myolift Microcurrent - my treatment was targeted for the under-eye area with concerns to darkness, tired or puffy eyes. It's a great way to prevent the onset of aging and to treat any wrinkles or signs of aging that have already formed in the muscle. Microcurrent stimulates all the muscle around the eyes (plumping it up and bringing it back to life) and also stimulating circulation of blood, and helping to facilitate the movement of fluid. First we focused on relieving tension around the edge of the eye (treating crow's feet) and moved to the 11 lines (two vertical lines between your eyebrows) with the Erase wave form, and then using the Educate wave form for brightening up under the eye and picking up the eyebrow. The Myolift Mini Microcurrent which was used on me, retails for $329 and is available for both consumers and professionals. The only thing that is necessary to use the device is the ReStore Conductive Gel. This treatment is great to do in the morning, as often as every other day or at least once a week to help you feel refreshed and energized. This is a great alternative to Botox. Botox paralyzes the muscle, where this treatment just relaxes it and leaves the muscle stronger, whereas Botox leaves it frozen. Thank you Sam for this treatment! I really did see an immediate difference! 



Cryo-Lean 360 Fat Freezing - Thank you to Chris at 360 Aesthetic Devices for my 15-20 minute demo using the Cryo-Lean 360 device for fat freezing and body toning. First a glycerine sheet was applied on me before hooking the device up to my stomach, as you don't want direct contact with the device on your skin. It felt really cold at first (-4 degrees celsius/24 degrees farenheit) As the cold breaks down the fat cells and toxins come out, you'll want to flush it out of your system by drinking lots of water, sweating it out by working out or going in a sauna and avoiding alcohol. A full session is 35 minutes long, and 6 sessions (between $300-350 per session) is recommended to really see results. 



Prism Light Pod Whole-Body Red Light Therapy - This was the first time I've ever tried full body red light therapy thanks to the 10 minute demo I got to experience at the show. A session is normally 30 minutes, helping to rejuvenate the skin and body, relieve inflammation, stimulate collagen production, reduce sore muscles, aches and pains and enhance relaxation. Prism Light Pod uses non-invasive, non-fluorescent, non-UV rays, and non-infrared heat-based red LED technology. I was so relaxed in just 10 minutes. I was able to tune out all the noise around me!



Procell Therapies Microchanneling - This was my first demo with Procell and it did pinch a little bit but I got used to the feeling which was more like a sand buffer (I also did not have any numbing cream applied to my face). Microchanneling creates micro punctures to stimulate collagen synthesis. Microchanneling uses a stamping technique with a tip that has a fixed circumference, with less injury to the surface of the skin and shorter down time than microneedling. As Isabel does the microchanneling, she also applied the Procell serum on my face. The last step was a 15-20 minute hydration mask. Right after my treatment my face was a little red, and a few hours later my cheeks were a little pink and felt like mild sunburn. The redness was already toned down by the following morning. Results peak after 3 weeks so can't wait to see! For the next few days, I was instructed to avoid direct sunlight and make sure I have SPF on, and avoid using any retinols, glycolic acids and vitamin C serums and continue using the small sample of Procell serum I was given. The Procell serum enhances delivery and collagen growth. Thank you Isabel for the demo and Gillian for walking me through every step and answering all my questions!



Geneo Hand Treatment - Since I had just done a microchanneling treatment done the day before, my Geneo demo was done as a hand treatment with 3 steps: Oxfoliate (exfoliation + oxygenation) creating a bubbly CO2-rich environment on the skin's surface, Ultrasound (nourishment) creating micro-vibrations that instantly smooth the skin and increase permeability of the skin's protective layer, and Sculpting Massage (lymphatic drainage) a relaxing hands-free massage with an instant reduction of redness and puffiness. There are different types of Geneo treatments based on skin concerns: Balance, Detox, Glam, Hydrate, Illuminate and Revive (the one I went with). The Geneo oxypods react with the Geneo primer gel to create a gentle, non-invasive exfoliation, while triggering oxygenation within the skin. The oxypods contain ingredients in their dormant state, which are more powerful than in serum form. My hands never looked so good after this demo! Thank you Marci for my treatment!



Germaine de Capuccini Timexpert Hydraluronic Facial - I was excited to end my last day of IECSC with a traditional (no device), luxurious facial including the Hydraluronic 3D Force Moisturising Fill-In Serum, Plumping Moisturising Cream. The new products are powered by a formula featuring Germaine de Capuccini's patented HLG nonopolymer to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and dehydration, while restoring elasticity and skin's natural glow. First step was cleansing, then after toning applying the concentrate, followed by the soft scrub/exfoliate. Then the glass gua sha-inspired sculpting tool was so soothing and cooling when massaged on my face. The tool is prepped / immersed in cold water and chilled repeatedly as needed. The last step was a peel off gel mask that stayed on for about 15-20 minutes. Thank you to the whole entire Germaine de Capuccini team for all your hospitality! I was the last appointment and the show was breaking down and they took their time with me to make sure I got the full hour length of the facial, leaving my skin glowing and hydrated. It was a truly pampering experience, one I would indulge in at a spa or resort. 


I was very grateful to all the aestheticians that gave me demos at their booths. Everyone was so friendly,  informative, accommodating and took their time - I didn't feel rushed at all really got to take everything in. 


In between demos, I visited some favorites brands such as G.M. Collins, Tzol' Skin, PCA Skin, Voesh and Noshinku (their first IECSC NY booth - so glad to see them here)! I also got to know exhibitors that were new to me like Face Reality, Tizo, Nuebiome, Sugarbear. 


Tzol'Skin

Nosinku Hand Sanitizer in two newest scents: Vetiver and Limon. Love their flat packaging to easily fit in your back pocket or clutch bag and they also have refills available.

New from G.M. Collin! 4D Visible Lifting Neck & Décolleté Serum (this was already sold out at the show when I got to their booth!)

Face Reality Skincare

Nuebiome
                       
Sugarbear Hair Vitamins! They also recently launched their Lashcare Vegan Vitamin Serum

The Lipgloss and Aftershave scavenger hunt was also a lot of fun and introduced me to exhibitors I wasn't familiar with. I can't wait to try all the product I collected!

Check out my IECSC show highlights here
and the Instagram reel of all the demos I received at the show.

- Kim Weling

Monday, April 11, 2022

IV Vitamin Therapy Session at Drip Medi Spa


Are you familiar with IV vitamin therapy? I'm here to break it down for you! I recently booked an IV vitamin therapy session at Drip Medi Spa (2011 Lemoine Avenue, #201), Fort Lee, NJ and couldn't wait to share my experience, as I know several people who were considering trying this out. 

For my visit, I made my way to the Drip Lounge, where you can choose your spot for the next 45-6o minutes. As I got comfortable, Sarah, Lead Nurse Injector & Manager, created a special 'IV Cocktail' with really high doses of Vitamin C and Zinc to ramp up your immune system, B Vitamins - B12, B-Complex, B5, B6 for lots of energy, Magnesium for your muscles and Tri-amino acids for brain function and stimulation. This mix of vitamins was just what I needed!

Before injecting my 'IV Cocktail' into my IV bag to start my drip, Sarah painlessly hooked me up to the IV with just a little needle prick. I can tell you right now I cringe at the sight of needles, and always look away whether it's a shot of getting my blood drawn. I was pleasantly surprised at what an easy experience this was. Sarah had also previously worked in an ER which explains how she did this so effortlessly and immediately put me at ease.

Once my drip started, I was all set with water and and a large TV screen to watch Netflix (in which I finally started watching Love is Blind - highly recommend)! I did get a fruity pebbles taste in my mouth from the drip (perfectly normal) and I just continued to take sips of water during my session. My drip session was about 50-55 minutes long, and it was very relaxing, just as if I was watching TV at home. Towards the last 10 minutes of my drip I started to feel like I really needed to use the bathroom, and I ran to there as soon as my session was done. A few tips: wear a short sleeve or sleeveless top, or long sleeves that you can easily roll up and use the bathroom before your session starts because you will definitely need to use it after. Also, make sure you are close to a bathroom for the rest of the afternoon, as I was peeing every 15-30 minutes. 

How did the IV vitamin therapy make me feel? So this was my second session I've ever experienced, with my first experience at a fashion week lounge two years ago. That first time I tried it, I felt energized right away. This time I felt vitalized gradually within the next few hours. I really found this session to be effective for me because I am always dehydrated and immediately felt rehydrated after my session. I also do not get a lot of sleep (usually 4-5 hours per night) which combined with stress takes a toll on my immune system. I had very low level energy before my session and afterwards I felt like I had gotten all the rest and vitamins I needed to tackle the rest of the week, and the travel show I had attended that afternoon. This revitalized and energized feeling lasts about 7-10 days, and really kept me focused on staying hydrated as I wanted to keep the momentum going as long as possible. 

Drip Medi Spa also has various 'IV Cocktails' on their drip vitamin therapy menu, including Elevate, Fuel, Beauty and Reset. There may be many reasons why you would seek out IV vitamin therapy - maybe you are like me where you don't get enough sleep or drink enough water, or you may not regularly take vitamins, or you feel like your getting sick and just need that extra immunity boost. 

I want to thank Nena Kallopoulos, Owner and Lead Medical Provider, and the entire Drip Medi Spa staff for having me and making my IV vitamin therapy session a great and relaxing experience. I felt very welcomed, and appreciated all the care throughout my session. The team also kept checking on me to see if I needed anything and to make sure I was feeling okay. I would love to go back to Drip Medi Spa for a future session and IV vitamin therapy is definitely something I would recommend trying. I hadn't thought about it at the time but if this is something that is covered through FSA or HSA benefits that would be great news!

Drip Medi Spa also has cosmetic, facial and beauty treatments available. You can learn more about them at dripmedispa.com. Checkout my iv vitamin therapy session reel here



- Kim Weling

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Sothys Energizing Intensive Treatment Facial at Elite Hair Studio & Spa


One of the more indulgent facials I had this summer was the Sothys Energizing Intensive Treatment at Elite Salon & Spa in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. I've always been familiar with Sothys, but this was the first time I was able to experience an entire Sothys skincare regimen. 

Marzenna had started my facial by cleansing my skin with Sothys Vitality Cleansing Milk and then looked at my skin more closely. She noticed dehydration, clogged pores and some sun damage. After assessing my skin, Marzenna explained that she was going to be using Sothys Intensive Treatment with Siberian Ginseng for my facial. This five-phase treatment started with the Enzymatic exfoliating scrub, followed by the Revealing Serum with Siberian Ginseng massaged into the face. What I love about this face massage is that Marzenna also focused on the neck and décolleté area as well as the arms. Next my face mask consisted of a foaming/algae mask that was left on for 10 minutes, as I enjoyed an amazing scalp massage. The last step of my treatment was applying the Enlightening Fluid for smoothing lines and illuminating the skin.

It was one of the most luxurious, relaxing facials I ever had, with my skin feeling radiant, energized and luminous! This facial was an amazing hour and a half! Most facials I have had are 50-60 minutes, and feel over so quickly. With the extractions, massage techniques applied, I really felt like every skincare phase was emphasized and that the products were hitting a deeper layer of my face and not just the surface. 

The Sothys Enegerizing Facial is priced at $125, plus an additional $25 for extractions, and additional $25 for a glycolic peel. 

After my facial, I took a tour of the complete space. The hair studio included the wash stations, cut & style, and hair color areas. I was really impressed how much open space the hair studio has. There is also a nail bar, brow bar, and spray tan services. This salon also has a full Elite Academy program on-site for professional education workshops, seminars and courses. Having a full program on-site like that shows how dedicated the studio team is to their craft and treatments. I will definitely go back to Elite Hair Studio & Spa to experience some of their other services and treatments. Check out their hair promotions and other specials! Elite Hair Studio & Spa is located in Heights Town Center at 65 Route 17 South.  

Thank you to Marzenna, master esthetician, for an incredible facial, Monika, Academy Manager for meeting with me and Martha Mehlman, owner of Elite Hair Studio & Spa for having me!




Unedited selfie, post-facial glow
 








- Kim Weling

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Recap: IECSC New York 2019


At this year's IECSC, International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference back in March, I scoped out the latest skin care including several CBD brands including Hempfield Botanicals, S•O•L and EarthMD. I also tried out several spa services such as the HydraFacial, the Cryo-Generation Pagani Cryo T-Shock System and although I didn't have time for a treatment I stopped by LightStim to learn more about their LED Light Therapy.

The HydraFacial takes your kin through 3 steps in just 30 minutes: Step 1 Cleanse + Peel, a gentle exfoliation with glucosamine and lactic acid, Step 2 Extract + Hydrate, removing debris from ported with painless suction and nourishing with intense moisturizers that quench the skin, and Step 3 Fuse + Protect, saturating the skin's surface with antioxidants and peptides to maximize your glow. Since I don't have sensitive skin, I opted to have the purple aggressive tip used for my treatment. What I love about this facial too is that you can get the amazing results without having to get painful extractions. After the HydroFacial, they can even show you all the gunk that has been suctioned out of your face! I find the suction device actually soothing and at the same time it feels like nutrients are really penetrating your skin and delivering results instead of being applied on the surface.

The Cryo-Generation Cryo T-Shock is a body contouring and toning system that diagnoses, treats and measures results. It is a non-surgical procedure that eliminates fat deposits, reduce cellulite and reduce pore size to produce smoother tighter skin. It can be used on different areas of the body, including face, stomach or buttocks. For my demo, I took part in the Cryo T-Shock 'fat freeze' technique, with the device targeting my stomach for 15-20 minutes. Susan had performed my treatment which was painless, as the device was targeted on my stomach area, gradually working it's way to -6 degrees, the optimal temperature that needs to be reached for a successful treatment. Multiple sessions are recommended, with a full treatment session lasting about an hour. The Cryo T-Shock System can measure fat before and after treatments so you can see how effective it is. I feel as though several treatments need to take place in order to see results, and this treatment should not take the place of diet and exercise.

LightStim manufactures 3 hand-held devices: the Professional Anti-Aging Light, Professional Acne Light and Professional Pain Light, all FDA cleared and safe for all skin types. During the spa show they were providing full demos of the LightStim Professional LED Bed. The LED Bed is a soothing, natural and non-invasive treatment that temporarily relieves muscle, joint and arthritic pain and increases local blood circulation. I didn't get a chance to demo the LED Bed but plan on doing so in the future. For now I look forward to testing out the LightStim for Wrinkles Plus, which is available for home use! Since I don't have to worry yet about eliminating wrinkles, I do want to maintain as much of a youthful skin appearance as possible. More on this device later!

I also made time to stop by Chella Beauty brow bar for a shaping session on how to do your brows in 3 easy steps: fill, define and highlight. I was introduced to the Eyebrow Cream (Tantalizing Taupe) and Highlighter Pencil (Latte) for a natural yet full brow look. 

Here's a look at some more highlights from the show. 

S•O•L manufactures a variety of CBD products, with the latest one being Pure Alkaline CBD Infused Water. They also offer CBD skincare, body care and oil & capsules. 




EarthMD really caught my eye with their range of CBD products, including everything from CBD oil tinctures and capsules to cellulite cream, salves, oil control toner, and newly launched sheet mask.









I have yet to try out SiO Beauty products! At the show they were showcasing the brow, eye and facelift patches.


Eminence Organic Skincare provided a demo of their facial treatments and featured their range of natural, organic and Biodynamic skin care. 



Casmara Cosmetics offered several facial services for purchase during the show, including the Green Mask treatment with mint and algae


Voesh Mani in a Box


Skin Forum peeling pads, sheet masks, eye masks, nose strips and more




Pure inventions all-natural water infusion drops, refreshing especially in the summer when mixed with flat or sparkling water.


MDSolarSciences mineral sunscreen and sun repair products


G.M. Collin showcasing the newest anti-aging skin care products including the City D-Tox serum and eye contour gel


FOREO ISSA sonic electric toothbrush


Sothys Paris presented the launch of their two newest products: Secrets De Sothys Eye & Lip Cream and La Crème Face Cream Day & Night


It's always exciting to see Image Skincare, this time showcasing their Vital C Collection, their #1 seller for 15 years!

- Kim Weling