From reversing signs of aging to toning muscles, these state-of-the-art treatments prioritize comfort and relaxation while achieving results — with little to no downtime required. If you love exploring new ways to look and feel your best, here are eight of the latest and greatest treatments you need to know about.
Esker Body Plane
What it’s for: Body exfoliation
Where to get it: Coming Soon to The Retreat Day Spa, Cahaba Heights
More info: theretreatbham.com
You might have heard of dermaplaning, which uses a razor or blade to remove dead skin cells. The Esker Body Plane is an exfoliating treatment for the whole body that does much more than slough off dead skin cells. Jill Copeland-Henderson, owner of The Retreat Day Spa, explains, “The plane glides rhythmically in the direction of the watershed of the lymphatic system, exfoliating the skin and encouraging healthy lymphatic flow.”
The experience should be relaxing and stimulating, leaving you feeling energized. Jill says the Esker Plane is safe for everyone except those with a compromised lymphatic system. And it’s coming soon to The Retreat Day Spa!
Skinvive Injections
What it’s for: Hydrated skin and a smoother complexion
Where to get it: Renew Dermatology, Homewood & Greystone
More info: renewdermatology.net
Skinvive Injections offer a new approach to skin revitalization. While traditional dermal injections add fillers to increase skin volume or define structure, Skinvive uses microdroplets of hyaluronic acid to attract and retain moisture in the skin from within. The result is a skin hydration boost that provides a radiant glow and smoother complexion.
This quick, 15-minute procedure is the first FDA-approved injectable of its kind and improves texture and elasticity without altering facial contours. Downtime is minimal, and results can last up to six months. The treatment is typically well tolerated, with some experiencing swelling or tenderness at the injection sites. It is not recommended for people with severe allergies.
Lipomax Sculpt
What it’s for: Abdomen contouring
Where to get it: The Skin Studio, Vestavia Hills
More info: theskinstudiobham.com
How does a single treatment delivering the results of 20,000 sit-ups sound? That’s the power of Lipomax Sculpt. It induces thousands of muscle contractions using electromagnetic energy pulses to tone and strengthen muscles effortlessly. It’s not recommended for weight loss, but it can help enhance the appearance of abdominal muscles through a painless and chemical-free treatment. The Skin Studio in Vestavia recommends two sessions a week for three weeks for optimal results.
Platinum HydraFacial
What it’s for: Glowing skin
Where to get it: Escape Day Spa, Homewood
More Info: theplacetoescape.com
Experience the transformation of a Platinum HydraFacial, a treatment that combines patented vortex technology, light therapy, and customized, high-performance ingredients to administer advanced skincare for a deeply cleansing facial with immediate, radiant results.
Co-Owner of Escape Day Spa in Homewood, Carrie Holley, says a Platinum HydraFacial produces plumped, polished, and luminous skin. “The Platinum experience begins with gentle lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and stimulate circulation, followed by a multi-step facial that includes exfoliation, painless extractions, targeted serum infusions, and LED light therapy,” she says. Results are immediate, and there’s no recovery time to worry about, but wait to get your facial if you have active skin infections, open wounds, or you’re currently experiencing a rosacea flare-up.
Cezanne Classic Smoothing Treatment
What it’s for: Smooth, shiny hair
Where to get it: Forecast Salon, Homewood
More info: forecastsalon.com
Reduce frizz, soften texture, and add shine while maintaining your natural curl or wave pattern with a Cezanne Classic Soothing Treatment. “Unlike traditional keratin or chemical straighteners, Cezanne is formaldehyde-free and uses a blend of keratin, silk proteins, botanical extracts, and glycolic acid,” explains Abby Loveless, operations manager at Forecast Salon in Homewood. “It smooths hair without harsh chemicals or compromising hair health, making it safe for color-treated and chemically-processed hair. It also reduces blow-drying time up to fifty percent,” she says.
The appointment includes shampooing, treatment application, heat processing, and flat ironing, so plan for two to three hours at the salon. You’ll walk out with sleek, healthy, manageable hair that lasts up to five months!
BBL Hero & Moxi Laser
What it’s for: Brighter, clearer skin
Where to get it: Village Dermatology, Mountain Brook & Gardendale
More info: villagedermatology.net
The BBL Hero light treatment and Moxi fractional laser treatments are a match made in skin-perfecting heaven. These innovative, noninvasive procedures address an array of skin concerns to clear, brighten, and restore the skin. BBL Hero harnesses the power of broadband light technology (BBL) and high-energy rapid output (“Hero”) to target, clear, and heal age spots, acne, sun damage, and more by heating the surface layers of the skin and stimulating collagen production.
Meanwhile, Moxi’s non-ablative, state-of-the-art fractional laser creates microchannels on the skin’s surface through microthermal zones, or targeted micro-injuries on the skin. This leaves the surrounding tissue intact to promote rapid healing, resulting in radiant skin much faster than traditional laser treatments. Both BBL and Moxi treatments usually require three to five treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, with minimal recovery time between treatments (mild swelling and redness usually lasts a few days).
Glo2 Facial
What it’s for: Skincare
Where to get it: Mockingbird Day Spa, Trussville
More info: mockingbirddayspa.com
The Glo2 Facial is changing the facial scene as we know it. Glo2 is a breakthrough treatment administered in three steps: First, clinicians use a professional-grade radio frequency tool on the face to boost collagen production and administer O2 bubbles to “Oxfoliate” the skin, gently exfoliating while naturally increasing oxygen levels on the skin’s surface. Then, the tool pulses ultrasound waves to soothe the skin and promote deeper absorption of serums and other skincare treatments. Finally, a lymphatic massage rounds out the treatment to encourage circulation and maximize the detoxing effects.
If you’ve recently had Botox, wait three weeks before scheduling your Glo2 Facial. Similarly, stop using acid treatments (retinol, glycolic, salicylic, etc.) for at least three days before getting the facial.
SkinMedica Peels
What it’s for: Special-occasion-ready skin
Where to get it: Birch Tree Day Spa, Bluff Park
More info: birchtreedayspa.net
From the makers of Botox, SkinMedica is a science-backed skincare line that offers medical-grade products and professional peels. You can try all three SkinMedica Peels at the Birch Tree Day Spa in Bluff Park. The Illuminize peel is considered a “red carpet peel,” and it’s perfect to schedule before a special occasion. It produces a radiant, vibrant skin glow with minimal downtime.
If you’re looking to address a variety of skin imperfections, the Vitalize peel is for you. It evens skin tone, heals acne scarring, and corrects pigmentation issues. Finally, the Rejuvenize peel will produce a noticeable difference in fine lines and wrinkles after the first peel and impressive results after three to six peels.
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