TAKE YOUR DE-CLUTTERING UP A NOCH THIS SPRING WITH A HYDRFACIAL AT THE AIDA BICAJ SKINCARE STUDIO
words HANNAH ATIRA
Spring is in the air, and whether this spring calls for a spring cleaning, spring awakening, or spring forward, a shedding of winter is certainly calling everyone's name. While purifying your home is often thought to be the most important space to declutter, as a New Yorker preparing for the days of less layers and even less time to spend applying makeup, a spring cleaning of my skin is equally important. While for myself, that fresh off-the-beach glow is still a ways away, skincare's latest fixation promises the effect in a solution much closer to home, with the Hydrafacial.
Raved about by the internet's favourite glass skin achievers, the Hydrafacial has grown in popularity in no time. While many have answered the call to the skin-thirsting plea, just as skincare routines are not one size fits all, neither is the Hydrafaical experience. For a glow that is as customisable as the layering of products in your daily routine, “New York’s Skincare Whisper, ” Aida Bicaj NY suites the treatment to your direct concerns, creating an environment of oneness between skin and facials.
Tucked away on a side street of Tribeca’s industrial buzz, the Aida Bicaj skincare studio set the tone for the purging of skin that awaited me. Under the guidance of one of the studio's trusted facialists Tamuna Buadze, a guided journey on the deep cleanse of my skin’s outer layer began.
Falling somewhere between novice and occasional facial attendee, a few pre-game jitters arose as I looked at the ceiling awaiting the treatment to begin. To my relief, the process started with an attentive conversation about the care being given to my skin, my daily routine, and any pertinent concerns. With only a few previous facial experiences under my belt, the Hydrfacial hype and easy 3-step promise created small fears of an assembly line process, that was quickly dispelled at Aida Bicaj. After determining a need for an even deeper infusion of hydration, a boosting of complexion, and targeting of dark spots the removal began.
Tamuna began the adventure by prepping my skin with a mild, cleanser from one of the salon’s trusted brands, Biloqiue Recherche. Smooth and milky in texture the cleanser seemingly levitated the first layer of dirt, reflecting the consistency of nearly an oil. After removing the cleanser, my facial guide proceeded with a preliminary scrubbing away of dirt and debris. Usually, one to stay away from physical exfoliants, I was reassured that for the machine to complete its job, it was the right moment and right time.
As it was time for the main attraction, a blue glow began to emit over my eyes from the hydrfacial’s suctioning device. At first, the feeling of the device moving in an upward motion across every nook and cranny of my face, felt unusual, however after some time, it began to feel like ASMR for the skin. The device simultaneously injected a series of wet serums across my face while sucking out smut, pollution, and buildup from my pores. My jaw metaphorically dropped, when I learned each step of the process is completed by the same tool, including extraction, only requiring a change in the applicator for optimal administration. My facial guide clandestinely imparted that the treatment was especially great for those whose skin is sensitive to too much physical manipulation.
Bringing the experience full circle to our introductory conversation, I was further treated with Britenol and a Derma Builder. My booster infusion was followed by a cat nap under the blue and red twinkling glow of an LED mask, for further product enhancement. In true spring cleaning fashion, the process could only be completed with an added barrier to protect and preserve all that was restored. A final layer of antioxidants was infused into my skin as the machine made its farewell glide across my face. Topped off with a muscle-relaxing massage of creams and a layer of SPF, I was ready to face the rest of my day with skin that felt lighter, looked brighter, and was devoid of filth.
As Tamuna and I discussed aftercare to ensure my skincare goals, she pridefully showed me a container of muddy water that contained the remnants of my liquidation. Leaving with a better understanding of how to consistently care for my skin, a coveted list of products to try, and baby fresh derma, I knew the rumours of a one-of-a-kind experience at Aida Bicaj were true. Standing in its truth the Aida Bicaj studio turned the fad into a ritual that will leave you seeking a Hydrfacial way beyond spring.