Aging Gracefully: Spa Treatments [Episode 3]

In episode 3 of our Aging Gracefully series, we sit down with Jeanette Acosta—paramedical esthetician, laser-trained clinician, biomedical engineering alum, product formulator, and celebrity facialist—who runs Skintique Spa in Miami. Her philosophy: natural, regenerative aging that keeps you looking like you—refreshed, not frozen. We cover all sorts of naturally-minded treatments for those looking to age without Botox and fillers, but still look their best.

Watch The Full Episode

Spa Treatments

Botox and fillers, while effective, don’t improve skin health. They’re cosmetic workarounds that mask or mimic. They are popular, but they aren’t your only tools. To age gracefully, choose treatments that truly correct, repair, and hydrate so you can age, naturally and beautifully.

Listen in to the episode for all the details, but here are the cliff notes on all we discussed:

Microneedling

What is it? Controlled micro-injuries using needles that trigger your skin to repair itself (new collagen). There are three types:

• Traditional: stainless-steel needles.
• Bio-needling: corrective intensity for volume look/fine lines.
• Meta Therapy: carbon fiber probes, gentler—great for thin/sensitive/rosacea-prone skin.

Best for: Fine lines, texture, acne scars, visible pores, discoloration; can be used for corrective or preventive.

Frequency: If you are looking to correct, doing a series of treatments within a short period is recommended. Maintenance mode would be once every 3 months. 

What to expect:

• Don't use harsh skincare, get injectables or get sun 7 days before treatment.
• Avoid the sun and use sunscreen for 7 days after treatment.
• Expect mild redness and some peeling for 1-3 days.
• Needle depth can be adjusted to your skin, but also tolerance. You can start off mild and go more aggressive as you progress in your treatment plan.

Microdermabrasion

What is it? Mechanical exfoliation that removes dead skin cells without removing hair. 

Best for: Dullness, rough texture, “reset” prior to a more aggressive treatment.

Frequency: Can be done monthly, but consult your esthetician. Depends on your skin goals and other treatments.

What to expect:

• Microdermabrasion refers to the exfoliation part, but it's often paired with a full facial, so you will usually see it listed as "Microdermabrasion Facial" on spa menus.

Dermaplaning

What is it? Mechanical exfoliation that also removes vellus hair. Not ideal for those with thicker, darker hair types if worried about regrowth.

Best for: those wanting a "glass face" look.

Frequency: Can be done monthly, but consult your esthetician. Depends on your skin goals and other treatments. While there are at-home devices, most estheticians do not recommend them because it is too tempting to use often, which can damage your skin barrier. Exfoliation should only be done 1-3 times a week, depending on your skin sensitivity. 

Hydrafacial

What is it? A device-led facial done with a machine and different tips and applicators. It cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and infuses. 

Best for: hydration and cleaning out pores. Depending on your skin needs, they can be customized to target specific issues such as hyperpigmentation, acne, etc.

Frequency: Can be done monthly or bimonthly, but consult your esthetician.

What to expect:

• Almost everything is done with the Hydrafacial machine and its serums.
• Expect a suction-feel during the exfoliation part of the process. Ask to see the container when they are done! You'll be surprised what they are able to pull out of your pores.

Microcurrent

What it is: Low electrical current “workout” for facial muscles; improves tone/lift.

Best for: Early laxity (looseness of the skin).

Frequency: You can kickstart with a series of one time a week for 4–6 weeks, then monthly treatments for maintenance.

What to expect:

• Wands or microcurrent gloves will be used on your face.
• Expect vibration and muscle contraction.
• Can be combined with other treatments. Talk to your esthetician. 

Light Therapy

What it is: Light at specific wavelengths used to modulate cellular activity. Red: collagen signaling (pro-inflammatory stimulus → repair). Blue: antibacterial (acne). Yellow/Green: tone/brightness support.

Jeanette's advice:

• To see results, it needs to be used 3-7 days a week, 10-15 minutes (follow device recommendations). This is, therefore, a treatment best done at home. In a spa, it can be added on to another treatment.
• Do not purchase the masks. Best used at least 6 inches away from the face. A panel is a better choice.
• Be wary of red light if you suffer from hyperpigmentation or melasma. It emits heat and can worsen your condition. 

Watch the episode for guidelines on how to purchase a quality device at-home.

Radiofrequency

What it is: RF energy agitates water/fat molecules for skin tightening.

Best for: someone with a lot of volume looking for a chiseled look. It will reduce fat on the face, which some may not want. Not ideal for thinner or hollow faces looking for youthful volume.. This will do the opposite.

PRP, PRF, Vampire Facial, NAD, etc.

We covered these aesthetic treatments in Episode 1 when we sat down with Sunflower Family Medicine. Check out the blog post and episode here.

How To Choose A Spa

If you're in Miami, I really can't recommend Skintique Spa enough! Not only do they have some of the most advanced spa services available all under one roof, their staff is a dream. Friendly, trustworthy, experienced, sincere—what more could you want?!

However, if you're not in South Florida, here is Jeanette's best advice for finding a spa that will have your best interest in mind:

• Seek a spa that matches your philosophy: If you're not planning on getting Botox and fillers, then don't choose a spa that primarily offers these services. Make sure the menu list offers treatments you would actually get (like those discussed here). Make sure they are licensed estheticians.
• Insist on a consultation: It is generally low risk to start with a basic facial, but make sure they know you are a first-time customer and ask for a consultation to properly vet them. 
• Judge them based on the consultation: The consultation will be very telling of the spa's work ethic. 

Signs of a good consultation:

• Asks about your lifestyle.
• Removes all your makeup and looks at your skin under a magnifier.
• Educates you about your skin condition (scarring, pores, hyperpigmentation).
• Asks a lot of questions.
• 15 minutes minimum.

Help Us Build A Holistic Spa Database

We want to help people connect to like-minded spas. If you own or use the services of a holistic spa in the United States, please submit their information for consideration in our Holistic Spa Directory. Submit spa information here. 

Final Thoughts

I had such a great time chatting with Jeanette. Our discussion also included:

• Her best recommendation for natural Botox and filler swaps.
• Social media influence on skincare.
• Teen and tween skincare trends.

We are so grateful to Jeanette for sharing her time and expertise with us. It really underscores the importance of having intentional and curious conversations with experts in their fields. This is at the core of being an informed consumer and making informed decisions on your health and well-being. Give them a follow on Instagram.

I hope you enjoyed this series. We have one final special episode (4) releasing before the end of the year. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for alerts.

For your natural skincare needs, check out our skincare collection at Ivy & Fields.