I arrived at the spa giddy with anticipation. After completing a form on my face from products to pores, I entered a sweet smelling room with linen clad massage table. “Strip to your underwear and get under the heated blanket,” the esthetician instructed. Aaaaaaah, let the pampering begin!

The esthetician examined my face to locate ‘problem areas.’ Then she got to work. For over an hour, my face was nourished with a customized selection of hydrating, exfoliating, and pore minimizing creams. I received relaxing foot and arm massages while waiting for masks to set. The final touch was a gentle brush of organic sun block. I was beaming—my skin looked, and I felt, radiant. “Treat yourself to a facial every season,” the esthetician suggested. A good idea, I thought, as facials clear the complexion and help prevent premature aging.
— Nora O’Malley