As they say, variety is the spice of…well, you know. So when it comes to spas, I like to mix it up—retro, zen, funky. If I’m in the mood for some especially elegant pampering, The Red Door Spa is just the place.

I know you’ve heard of Elizabeth Arden, but did you know that she was a beauty pioneer in the earlier part of the 20th century and one of the first to use a scientific approach to skincare? She began opening salons around the world in 1910, so these spas are among the longest running in the country. We are lucky to have two here on Long Island, one in Woodbury and one in Garden City.

The Woodbury spa decor is urban and chic with an ambience somehow both cool and warm—all muted neutral colors, frosted glass, rich wood, plants and flowers. The dressing room holds its own bathrooms and shower, and it offers keypad combination lockers, which eliminate the need to carry around a key. I wrapped myself in a soft, lush robe and slipped on comfy spa shoes to prepare for the Red Door microdermabrasion facial.

Microdermabrasion is the process of mechanical exfoliation of dead skin cells from the top layer of the epidermis. Particles are blasted onto the skin and a vacuum sweeps away the debris. This reduces fine lines, as well as aiding in the penetration of skin care products.

The aesthetician, Mariana, led me to a treatment room with a table that was heated and electronically adjusted for comfort—no leg rolls needed here. It was the most comfortable treatment table ever! After analyzing my skin, Mariana cleansed and toned, using Elizabeth Arden products, of course. With the Diamond Flower Peel machine, she performed the first part of the microdermabrasion with organic rose petals. Next, she applied vitamin B5 gel, an important antioxidant, followed by the machine again, with the diamond tip on a low setting for sensitive skin and a facial massage to work in those nutrients. Then, during the calming mask, she treated my hands to a massage and heated mittens. Finally, Mariana applied a moisturizer, eye cream and lip cream with SPF 30 to protect my deeply cleaned and now-exposed new skin.

My face looked wonderfully refreshed, but a course of three bi-weekly treatments is recommended for optimal results. And it was completely painless, just in case you were wondering!
Check out reddoorspas.com for more information.