If you’ve ever wanted to experience the remarkable results of a peel or med spa treatment but are afraid of the harsh chemical affects, Paradise Point Resort & Spa in Mission Bay has something for you: the HydraFacial. Paradise Point is the only resort in San Diego to offer this unique skin treatment, which has garnered wide acclaim and attention from celebrities and various media outlets. To see what all the fuss was about, I tried it out for myself.
Located just off Ingraham Street, in the middle of Mission Bay, Paradise Point is hidden from the bustle of the city. It is a 462-room bungalow-style resort, encircled by more than one mile of beach, and includes five swimming pools, lagoons, a golf course, a private marina, beach bonfire pits, five dining venues and an island-themed spa. The Spa at Paradise Point is a 7,050-square-foot spa, located at the entrance of the resort, and features saunas, a locker room, a relaxation room and a garden courtyard with a private whirlpool for special events. The spa is available to all guests as well as locals looking for a little indulgence. I was part of the latter. The HydraFacial is an innovative, noninvasive, high-tech resurfacing treatment designed to deliver immediate results for all skin types. Here’s how it works: A machine filled with various solutions goes through a four-step process of cleansing and exfoliating your skin. A pen-like instrument is applied to the skin – which feels like a mini-loofah scrubbing your face – during a 25-, 50- or 80-minute treatment. A traditional facial mask is applied, and extractions also take place inside a dark, calm room with soft music playing overhead. My 80-minute version included enhancements like a lymphatic drainage, LED light and a luxurious neck, hand and foot massage. On Paradise Point’s decision to become the first resort to introduce the HydraFacial, Spa director Glorianna Myers said, “It is cutting edge. This is exactly what our guests are looking for. I think we all love the idea that we can see immediate results, less fine lines and wrinkles and have radiant skin with little to no redness afterwards.” Introduced May 13, this special facial is slowly picking up in popularity. Brides, conference attendees and locals looking for quick skin results have been the primary consumers of the treatment thus far.
While personally I felt relaxed and rejuvenated post-treatment, whether it’s worth the investment ($150 to $250 a session) is a decision you’ll have to make for yourself. For more information, visit www.ParadisePointSpa.com. Michelle Poveda is a freelance writer in San Diego whose work has been featured in lifestyle magazines. Contact her at [email protected].