PERFECT PAIRING ~ SKIN AUTHORITY & KOHLER WATERS SPA BURR RIDGE

~ The Spa ~

It’s been a few years since I reviewed this beautiful Spa, which is located approximately twenty miles southwest of downtown Chicago.  Kohler Waters Spa Burr Ridge is located in the tony suburb of Burr Ridge, IL.  Since opening in the spring of 2008, Kohler Waters Spa Burr Ridge remains a preferred day spa destination in the Chicago-area for locals and visitors.

The Spa is contiguous to the impressive Kohler Design Center.  It was ingenious to put the two together, since Kohler defines all-things water.  What better way to reaffirm this than to have a Design Center, which features all-things Kohler for kitchen and bath, and then combines it with a Spa that is another show piece for all-things water…which is Spa is all about!

Guests are encouraged to bring their bathing suits and allow at least forty minutes prior to their treatment time, so that they can immerse themselves in the Spa’s indulgent and impressive water sanctuary, the Circle of Tranquility.  This water feature has three self-guided sequential shower experiences, Envelop, Quench, and Deluge; each shower has different water flows and different temperature settings.  After these preparatory shower rituals, guests can then experience a 25-foot whirlpool area, which includes an exhilarating eight-foot waterfall, which provides invigorating hydro massage on stress points.  Guests can then take a bracing dip in the eight-foot cold plunge pool, followed by some downtime in either the dry sauna or steam area, or both.  The variability of hot to cold, cold to hot, is ideal to stimulate the circulatory system, which makes these water features unique to Kohler, which sets this Spa apart from others.  After the treatment therapy, a respite in the calming and restorative Lounge area awaits the guest.  For more information, visit http://www.kohlerwatersspaburrridge.com

~ The Treatment Experience ~ Skin Authority Dermaplaning Facial ~

Dermaplaning is a manual exfoliation technique where a specially trained esthetician uses a medical grade single blade implement, usually angled at forty-five degrees, followed by downward motions on small surface areas of the face.  The quick motion removes surface debris and fine facial hair, leaving the surface incredibly smooth.  Other benefits include the appearance of diminished fine lines and wrinkles, lessening of hyper-pigmentation, and improved luminosity; it also evens-out the skin’s surface, which enables more consistent absorption of topically applied products.  The esthetician is essentially shaving the epidermis.  I was fascinated with the non-irritating “scraping” sound the blade made as it deftly hit all of the areas on my face; it reminded me of the sound made when you use a thin, but firm piece of cardboard and run it quickly over your skin. 

My highly skilled esthetician, Shell, thoroughly explained all aspects of the treatment before, during, and after.  The treatment began with an application of hot towels to the entire face to relax and open up pores and prime the skin for the next steps.  Skin was then gently cleansed using the Skin Authority Age Defying Daily Wash; after the Daily Wash was removed, their professional grade Glycolic Peel followed.  After that was removed and the skin was thoroughly dry, the Dermaplaning sequence began, which took approximately forty-five minutes.  Once the Dermaplane sequence was completed, an application of Skin Authority’s VitaD Fortified Topical Elixir followed.  The grand finale to this extraordinary treatment experience was the application of Skin Authority’s signature SGF-4 (Skin Growth Factor) star products.  The science behind SGF is the utilization of natural skin proteins that restore elasticity and firmness, restores lost nutrients, plumps, lifts, smoothes surface texture, and improves circulation for a healthy glow.  Products used in this treatment experience based on the SGF-4 technology included Skin Authority’s Wrinkle Reversing Serum, Dramatic Eye Lift, and Moisturizing Lift Cream.

~ Taking Care of Business ~

The importance of Vitamin D, often referred to as the “sunshine vitamin”, is vital in helping bodies naturally metabolize this important vitamin for optimal regulation and absorption of calcium and phosphorus; these are also needed for healthy bones and teeth, and in fighting disease.  Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent, because a sufficient amount of this important vitamin is often difficult to obtain in northern climates, for example, where sun exposure is limited based on colder seasons; the application of sunscreens and sunblock further inhibits the body’s natural ability to absorb sunlight; further, certain foods that are rich in this vitamin offer some favorability, but diet and nutritional supplements alone may only provide minimal benefits.  Vitamin D is one of those vitamins where a person needs to be vigilant.

When it comes to Vitamin D for the skin, Skin Authority’s innovative VitaD Fortified Elixir has been the perfect antidote for concerns about Vitamin D deficiency.  I loved using this product; for daytime, I used it without any other product; for nighttime, I used it under my night cream.  My skin’s consistency was silky and luxurious; the Elixir was quickly absorbed, and its dry-technology eliminated any concerns about a greasy or tacky residue.  The Elixir delivered gentle and non-irritating hydration levels that were maintained throughout the day.  Best of all, my overall texture was evened-out, fine lines and wrinkles appeared diminished, and the skin felt firmer; my skin also had a healthy luminosity.  Key ingredients included Vitamins D2, D3, A, E, and K, aloe leaf extract, and mushroom extract.  The formulation is also free of parabens, AHAs, dyes, and added fragrances, and not tested on animals.  The perfect pairing to this amazing Elixir is Skin Authority’s VitaD Fortified Whole Food Spice Powder.  For additional information, visit http://www.skinauthority.com

~ In Closing ~

I was amazed at the transformation of my skin.  It was scrupulously clean, lifted, vibrant, hydrated, and definitely glowed compared to the lackluster appearance of my skin prior to this exceptional restorative treatment.  My only regret was that I didn’t have a “before and after” photo.

Investing one’s time with a highly trained and skilled certified esthetician is well worth the effort.  And experiencing a facial treatment, such as the Skin Authority Dermaplaning Facial, is one way to guarantee the optimal health of your skin.  Experiencing this restorative facial treatment when paired at a beautiful spa, such as Kohler Waters Spa Burr Ridge, adds to the sensory experiences both treatment and spa have to offer the guest.

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Tripatini.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

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