I have incredibly sensitive skin, and I have ever since I was a baby. I was even allergic to most sunscreens as a child. When I was around 15, I started seeing a dermatologist for acne treatment, and I have been applying mostly topical, dermatologist-prescribed acne medications ever since. At 28, my skin is manageable overall, but I never did grow out of that teenage acne they always tell you you’re going to grow out of. I’m not too bothered by it, especially since having oily skin has kept me looking younger than I am. Hopefully, that keeps up several decades down the line (the looking young thing, not the acne).
But I do try to indulge in self-care whenever possible. And so when presented with the opportunity to receive a complimentary facial at Glowbar in celebration of their Cobble Hill location opening (their seventh location and second in Brooklyn), I jumped at the chance.
Glowbar is famous for offering 30-minute, customized facials by trained experts in the field, all for a fixed price of $65 for non-members or $55 for members. At the beginning of 2023, Glowbar closed a $10 million growth investment round, and now they are expanding accordingly!
My appointment was booked with a skincare expert named Elena. At the time of booking, Glowbar had me provide information on my skin, from allergies to any medications I was using. I entered these details in a matter of minutes digitally and relaxed knowing that Elena would be equipped to tailor a facial specifically to my needs.
Before the facial, as recommended, I stopped using retinol-based acne treatment. I even worked all day sans makeup to let my skin breathe in preparation for the TLC.
The new digs were beautiful and immaculate to boot. I checked in and was directed to a station full of all the supplies I would need to wash and pat dry my face prior to my appointment.
My esthetician Elena was a delight! We chatted pleasantly for the duration of my treatment, bonding over going to the same high school, our shared skin struggles, and a love of travel. She felt like a friend, but one who also so clearly understood my skin and how best to care for it. Elena performed some extractions around my nose and chin, removed bacteria from my face, reduced redness, and applied a moisturizer that made my skin look fresh and hydrated.
I left Glowbar literally glowing, and equipped with a custom routine courtesy of Elena:
In the mornings, I can cleanse my face with the Environ Mild Cleansing Lotion, and in the evening, I can use the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. For toning, Elena recommended the Environ Concentrated Alpha Hydroxy Toner. When it comes to treatments, the iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum is a good option for me. I can moisturize with the iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion, and most importantly, apply sunscreen with the Elta MD UV Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
Read up on our other Skin Care content HERE.
