I practically live for facials. Ditto hot stone massages and hot stone pedicures, which I adore, so a hot stone facial sounded like the perfect combination. It isn’t on the menu at most spas, but I was able to find two on Long Island that offer it.
The Village Spa’s primary objective is to offer a multi-faceted spa experience. If you go for a hot stone facial or any other treatment, expect to spend several hours. Owner Rick Joseph is eager to share his philosophy of the spa experience.
“The treatment in itself can be experienced at other spas, so what’s really special here is including the treatment within a private suite experience,” he said. “It’s not just about the treatment itself but the experience of being pampered as well. This means everything from the wind-down before the service to post-service relaxation, as well as use of the suite’s amenities.” Rick moved his unique spa from Main Street to Tower Place in historic Roslyn Village, and the new venue is lovely, with soothing music and elegant décor. It is an excellent choice for a date night, spa party, a mother-daughter or girlfriend spa day, or simply a complete day of luxurious alone time. The larger of the two suites is fit for couples or parties, with a fully equipped bathroom, sauna and a giant screen for private viewings (big comfy movie chairs can be brought in if desired). Several years ago, my husband and I enjoyed their Not Just Dinner and a Movie package, which included a couples massage, dinner, a movie of our choice, and even movie snacks, making it a unique and special date night.
This time, however, my treatment was to be in the single service suite. The private anteroom has a fireplace with a beautiful carved wood mantle, soft music and dim lighting. I walked through into the treatment room and then into the bathroom, which had a multi-nozzled shower. I got comfy in a plush robe and returned to the anteroom to relax with a hot foot soak and warm neck wrap for about 15 minutes.
When I was feeling thoroughly serene, my aesthetician Lucy joined me and we went into the treatment room where she explained every step of the facial.
I was curious about how the hot stones would be used and was surprised to hear that Lucy would be using cold stones as well. She explained that alternating hot with cold helps stimulate circulation, which is excellent for firming. This facial also helps tone skin and eliminate toxins.
Lucy began with a soothing massage while cleansing and, after wiping away the cleanser, she used a deep cleansing mask. After making sure they were not too hot for my skin, she then went to work with the hot stones. If you’ve had a hot stone massage, imagine how wonderful this would feel on your face. The stones kicked up this facial’s relaxation factor several notches. And then Lucy switched to the cold stones. Wow. The sensation was surprising and wonderful, and did it ever wake me up.
But when Lucy applied a calming mask and massaged my feet and hands, I was right back in that serenity zone. A calming moisturizer was the final step, and I was left to relax and use the sauna and shower.
The Village Spa uses Botanical Science products, which are one hundred percent natural. “Our aestheticians like this line very much and we, as a spa, believe in using all natural products,” owner Rick explained.
While hot stone facials are beneficial to all skin types, Rick notes those with diabetes or those prone to blood clots should avoid them.
Julianne Noto, owner of Visage Medi-Spa in Farmingville and NYS Licensed Medical Aesthetician, adds that those with rosacea and acneic skin with inflammation are not good candidates for this treatment.
Julianne did agree with Rick on the benefits. “There are many unique [benefits] to a hot stone facial. It will melt away tension and stimulate circulation as well as tone the skin and promote elimination of toxins and excess fluid.”
Visage Medi-Spa offers not only the usual non-invasive medi-spa treatments like injectables, they also offer an assortment of facials and massages, including the hard-to-find hot stone facial.
Julianne pointed out that, as a medi-spa, they incorporate deep cleansing into all their facials. “We do extensive pore-cleaning to rid the skin of impurities, as well as an analysis of the skin, during which we discuss the goals of our client and the methods used to achieve them.”
The products used at Visage are dependant on the skin condition and the type of client. Products that contain some salicylic acid might be used, for example, on someone with oily skin to reduce the presence of oil. The line they favor is GM Collin, which offers versatility from Sensitive to Acneic to Anti Aging.
Julianne is very enthusiastic about hot stone facials. “They are ideal for people who have problems with blood circulation. Placing the stones on certain points of the face will clear sinuses, relieve headaches and diminish puffiness under the eyes. With our hot stone facial, you will not only experience the effects of the warm stone massage, but you will also leave with clear pores and a hydrated, healthy glow!”
If you love your facials and hot stone massages like I do, this creative combination may just answer your calling.