Unlocking the secrets to achieving sensational skin
Just washing and moisturizing your face is so yesterday. Today’s skincare verges on “doctor’s territory,” but comes with spa-like environments and non-clinical atmospheres. Here are some of the most innovative local offerings designed to improve skin’s look, texture, and condition, while also helping turn back the clock.
Skincare Offerings
Chic MD: The Skin Bar
Owner Helen Coquin has a background as an aesthetician, a product representative at a skincare company, and a plastic surgery office employee, so she wholeheartedly supports “prejuvenation.” “We’re a place that is purposely more approachable than a physician’s office, and more results-driven than a relaxation spa. It’s a chic environment where we’ll discuss all the alternatives, because there’s so much information overload. The majority of our services are designed to be completed in 30 minutes, because everyone is so busy these days.”
Cosmelan Chemical Peel
A Skin Bar exclusive in the Upstate, this treatment helps suppress melasma (dark pigmentation), whether as a result of pregnancy, menopause, stress, or hormonal changes. Even one treatment can reduce discoloration.
Visia Skin Imaging Machine
This machine scientifically photographs skin way below the surface to target problems before they happen. It also tracks the progress of a client’s treatments and allows Coquin to deeply personalize a custom facial suited to each person’s specific needs.
DMK Enzyme Therapy
This treatment amplifies blood flow to bring oxygen, vitamins, and nutrients to the skin’s surface. It revitalizes texture, tone, and dullness, while helping with acne and the redness of rosacea.
512 Augusta St., Greenville, 864.412.8200, raisingtheskinbar.com, @theskinbar.gvl
The Altar Spa
Owner Karen Sobocinski aims “to focus on the traditional relaxing environment of a high-end luxury spa while staying at the forefront of cutting-edge skincare and treatments. “We call it regenerative aesthetics, in that we provide non-invasive, non-injectable alternatives that achieve maximum results. Our sacred space is designed to reset your mind and rejuvenate your body in an elegant surrounding.”
Biologique Recherche Hyper-Customized Facials with Lymphatic Lift
This European-style facial utilizes cold modalities and manual lymphatic massage. It tightens skin, drains the face of toxins, reduces puffiness, and actually molds muscles to create lift. Parisian-based skincare line Biologique Recherche has a loyal cult following and is exclusive to the Altar Spa.
Microchanneling
This treatment sends a signal to skin’s surface to rebuild collagen, with only 90 minutes of downtime. It creates channels in the skin, so stem cell serum can penetrate deeply. Results have shown a 300% increase in collagen when done in a series of four. Best combined with BioRePeel and dermaplaning to maximize results.
BioRePeel Blue for Face and Gold for Body
A chemical peel for all skin types with no downtime, skin shedding, or peeling, BioRePeel addresses fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, cellular turnover, acne, and rosacea for the face. For the body, the peel targets scarring, stretch marks, dark spots, and increases firmness. Benefits double with microchanneling.
130 S. Main St, #100, Greenville, 864.362.5827, thealtarspa.com, @thealtar.spa
The Skin Boutique
With ten years in all aspects of the beauty business, Skin Boutique owner Courtney Hickman is also a former med-spa aesthetician. She offers “luxury, clinical skin care with no downtime and long-lasting results. We specialize in helping promote the skin’s natural ability to heal itself with a more holistic approach. Expect your luxury experience to last about two hours and go from a full skin assessment to the treatment, plus all the knowledge you’ll need to achieve your skin goals for the future.”
Gua Sha Deluxe Facial
An ancient practice using a stone tool and warm oil to clear lymphatic pathways, which sculpts the tissues and releases tension. The result is a natural glow, sculpted cheekbones, and vital nutrients brought to the skin’s surface.
Holistic Facelift
Billed as a “wrinkle eraser,” this facial massage treatment done by hand directly affects the fascia, connective tissue, and muscles to eliminate skin stressors and virtually repattern the way skin ages.
Oxy Facial
This treatment includes all the techniques of traditional facials but features the AstroDome oxygen treatment that releases negative ions, creating a rainforest mist full of vitamins and minerals to help reverse cell damage from environmental pollutants. Extremely hydrating and detoxifying.
205 N. Laurens Rd. #B, Greenville, 864.345.7546, theskinboutiquegvl.com, @theskinboutique_gvl
More Than Skin Deep
Additional benefits at Chic MD The Skin Bar:
- Infrared sauna, medical-grade skin care products, and injectables with a medical director, physician’s assistant, and nurse practitioner on staff
- Full line of Westman Atelier cosmetics
- Discounts with membership
Additional benefits at the Altar Spa:
- Liquid collagen cocktail upon arrival
- A hammam in the soaking room, high-end European skincare, and relaxation lounge
- Discounts with membership
Additional benefits at The Skin Boutique:
- Retailer of the award-winning Omnilux LED masks for at-home use
- Heated treatment beds
- All facials include steam, enzymes, extractions, and LED light therapy
