By:  Kristi Larsen and Mike Rebuck

Let’s just start this off with a confession:  I have no clue what products to use on my skin, let alone which ones are best for my specific skin needs/issues.  I’ve never had acne- just random monthly flare-ups.  I hate applying anything on my skin (soaps, cleansers, make-up foundation, moisturizers and yes, even sunscreen).  These products either dry out my skin, give me a rash or make me feel greasy.  For this same reason, I’ve never experienced a facial; nor has Mike. 

We sought the expertise and services of Jessica Devilbiss, Aesthetician and owner of Glow Skin & Body Studio in Ahwatukee.  We arrived for our appointments, completed a questionnaire about our skin, products we use (or don’t use), procedures we have had, etc.  Jessica then spent several minutes reviewing this information with us, individually, because she uses different products on each person- customizing the facial perfectly to match each client’s requirements. 

Jessica asked me to change into a spa gown (for men, she has them remove their shirt, shoes and socks), remove all jewelry and lie down.  She applied, massaged and wiped away several different organic products.  For some of the time she also applied steam to open up my pores.  Each product smelled fabulous, but chocolate was definitely my favorite.  Eventually, she applied an AHA fruit pulp made up of apples and grapes.  She layered this with Hungarian Paprika, warning me that it may tingle or feel hot.  This time she left it on my face while she massaged my feet and legs, finally wrapping them in hot towels.  That felt fabulous!  She removed the products from my face and then using a large magnifying glass she examined my skin closely.  Jessica said my skin was very dehydrated but overall in good shape for my age.  Someone had recently told me the freckles I carried since birth were actually skin damage.  Horrified about that possibility, I asked Jessica what she thought.  Thankfully, she disagreed but she gave me a stern warning about my bad habit of not wearing sunscreen.  “Sunscreen is the number one best thing you can do for your skin,” she said.  Jessica says SPF 30 is a must at all times.  I continued to ask lots of questions, and Jessica educated me on all things skin related.  I was really impressed with her knowledge and recommendations.  She finished up the very relaxing 90 minutes with a hand, arm, neck, shoulder and head massage.  Wow!  Did that feel great!  Jessica explained that facials are recommended once a month, as your skin cells turn over about every 30 days.  Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores and keeps your skin clear and smooth.  We can definitely handle a facial once a month and will both be counting down the days!

She Says:  I must say this was a wonderfully relaxing hour and a half.  A few of my friends raved about their past facials and now I know why.  Jessica could not be nicer and her studio is amazingly beautiful and relaxing.  I learned a ton about skin care and why you need to use quality products, exfoliate and hydrate your skin.  Jessica warned me that I might have a little break out over the next few days, which is totally normal.  By the next day, I did have a blemish or 2 on my chin, but nothing major.  Jessica never pushed me to purchase any products.  Instead, she sent me on my way with samples and insisted I let her know how my skin looked and felt after applying them.  I am implementing all of her advice and can already see and feel a big difference in my skin! 

He Says:  I’m still a little nervous about publicly admitting I loved getting a facial.  To all the men reading this - its well worth the ribbing I’ll take from my beer-drinking, football-watching, insensitive, blue-collar friends.  When I realized I was getting a 90 minute facial, I wondered what I would do with myself for an hour and a half.  I thought maybe I would get 2 cucumbers placed over my eyes and some mud slapped on my face before a nice little nap.  To my surprise, I received much more than just a facial.  This was the royal treatment- neck/shoulder massage, foot massage with a hot towel wrap.  During the facial, she used many different products, some made my skin tingle.  All of them smelled great.  She steamed my face for a little bit.  The hot towels felt so good.  Jessica and I talked the entire time which was entertaining.  She even said I had great skin!  Well, I just checked and I am still definitely a man… with clean, blemish-free skin.  Ladies: send your husbands or boyfriends for a facial.  They will love you for it!

At 24, Jessica Devilbiss is a 7-year veteran of the beauty/skin industry.  She moved from Idaho to Phoenix to attend the National Aesthetic Institute at the age of 17.  Earlier this year, Jessica opened Glow Skin & Body Studio.  Located at 4350 East Ray Road, Suite #108 in Ahwatukee, Glow Skin & Body Studio offers many services including their signature facials, oxygen facials, organic facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, a variety of body treatments, massages, acupuncture, permanent cosmetics, lash and brow enhancements, waxing, and make-up applications.  Visit Jessica’s website: www.glowskinbodystudio.com.  To make an appointment, call 480-759-8400.