Upon reading a menu at a favorite restaurant, we generally decide on an entrée based on what our taste buds are yearning for. But when we make an appointment with an esthetician for a facial, do we know what our skin cells are craving? While a waiter can recommend a delectable dish after we’ve shared our preferences, an esthetician can focus an analytical eye on our skin and know without a doubt exactly what the cells are craving and what in their toolbox is capable of producing a face with a timeless glow. The perfect tool could be a signature facial, which is generally distinguished from a traditional or standard experience by the use of specific skin care products and techniques unique to the skincare expert or spa.

Signature spa facials might incorporate ingredients from the spa’s natural surroundings, such as local clay, ocean salt, mud, algae or fruits. Always tailored to an individual’s specific skin type, they often require more time than facials on the regular menu. Because they are proprietary, clients have the opportunity to indulge in unique experiences that each spa has perfected. Estheticians frequently recommend professional skincare products sold exclusively through the spa for continuing at-home skincare regimens.

Natural Awakenings perused local spa service menus to give readers a glimpse of which local age-defying signature facials they may might consider to give their face a treat.

Andrea’s Organic Hair Studio & Day Spa Grape Escape Resveratrol Recovery Facial gives tired skin a treat starting with a gentle, green tea-infused face wash, followed by an invigorating Arizona clay and desert willow extract micro-exfoliation. Skin drinks in benefits from a “wine down” serum containing resveratrol from Texas winery grapes. The farmhouse-fresh fruits, vegetables and antioxidants used are clinically proven to diminish wrinkles, decrease pore size and seal in moisture. Products used are free from sulfates, gluten and paraben.

Assuage Spa’s Signature Facials are relaxing treatments customized to specific skin types. A light massage of shoulders, neck and face are included. The Illumi-Layer Facial for maturing and aging skin brightens and tightens. A multilayered exfoliation using passionflower and pumpkin leaves the skin with a radiant glow. Fruit enzymes and salicylic acid help break down dead cells for smoother, clearer skin.

Organic Skincare & Bodyworkx’ Signature Facial allows the esthetician to choose from five lines of organic skincare products. All facials are totally organic, customized for the skin type of each client and include a mask with enhancing serums, a peel, face and neck massage, as well as arm and foot treatments. Extractions are done when necessary.   Facials also include a free eyebrow, lip or chin wax. The result is glowing skin.

Purely You Spa’s Fire and Ice Facial leaves skin glowing, detoxified and firm. The two-step process, resulting in an organic exfoliation, begins with an application of fresh apple and grape pulp to infuse natural fruit acids into the skin. Paprika is then applied to stimulate circulation and detoxify. The facial is finished with a cooling application of chilled organic masques and creams, lightly whipped to suit skin types.

Shangri-La Springs’ Signature Facial is 75 minutes of a nurturing and nourishing customized service for the skin. Massage techniques and acupressure are emphasized. An application of certified organic products includes Eminence. Before or after the treatment, clients enjoy refreshments in the private Healing Arts Center walled garden or relax in the Crystal Healing Room to enhance well-being.

Skin Renewal Systems’ “The Works” begins with an ultrasonic brush that cleanses the skin more effectively than the hands. Next, the crystal-free microdermabrasion and a vitamin polish infuse anti-aging vitamins C, A, B and E as skin is exfoliated. The anti-aging, hydrating formula masque is suited to skin type, with steam, if preferred. Ultrasonic is used to infuse ingredients of the masque deeper into the skin. Lastly, a hydra-facial machine infuses vitamins, hyaluronic acid and peptides. Skin is finished with a vitamin C serum, an eye treatment and lip treatment using and an anti-aging formula moisturizer with sun protection. When necessary, dermaplaning is performed.

Spa de Larissa’s Vita Lift Non-Surgical Face Lift is an electro-lifting “workout” for the 55 muscles of the face. Very effective for sagging skin, Vita Lift uses an electrochemical, bipolar microcurrent that targets specific muscles. A customized facial is included.

The Hyatt’s Stillwater Spa’s “Time is an Illusion” Facial is result-oriented. After a gentle cleansing, a hydrating mask restores moisture levels. The face is then treated with an all-natural biopeptide complex serum that reduces fine lines and wrinkles, puffiness and increases skin firmness. An additional serum, rich in protein and amino complexes, improves moisture retention and oxygen supply to the cells.

Trim & Tone Spa’s Customized Facial offers numerous possibilities for combining treatments such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, oxygen, microcurrent and Ultrasonic EpiWave ,as well as red and blue light therapy. A non-surgical facelift gives a fresh appearance without the use of medical or surgical intervention. Optimal results are achieved when using a combination of the microcurrent and the Ultimate Ultrasonic EpiWave treatment.

Local Resources

Andrea’s Organic Studio & Day Spa, 6714 Lone Oak Blvd., Naples. 239-514-4707. NaplesOrganicHairStudio.com.

Assuage Spa Luxury, 9407 Cypress Lake Dr., Ste. C, Ft. Myers. 239-333-1450. AssuageCenters.com.

Organic Skincare & Bodyworkx, 13240 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 207, Naples. 239-514-4494. OrganicSkinCareAndBodyWorx.com.

Purely You Spa, 3066 Tamiami Tr. N., Ste. 302, Naples. 239-331-8266. PurelyYouSpa.com.

Shangri-La Spa, 7750 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs. 239-949-0749. ShangriLaSprings.com.

Skin Renewal Systems, 1000 N. Collier Blvd., Ste. 11 and 13, Marco Island. 239-394-1083. SkinRenewalMarco.com.

Spa de Larissa, Airport Professional Center, 3811 Airport Rd. N., Ste. 201-B, Naples. 239-571-9900. FacialSpaDeLarissa.com.

Stillwater Spa, Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, 5001 Coconut Rd., Bonita Springs. 239-444-1234. CoconutPoint.Hyatt.com.

Trim & Tone Spa, 1201 Piper Blvd., Ste. 20, Naples. 239-596-5522. TrimAndToneSpa.com.