Beating the winter blues costs money, and short of fleeing to a tropical island, I’m running out of wallet-friendly ideas for treating my seasonal affective disorder. Luckily, The Spa @ Equinox Bethesda has a treatment that is the perfect combination of luxury and mood-booster, their 24k Gold Facial ($165).

 

After I checked in for my appointment, the spa manager showed me to the locker room, and provided me with a robe and fresh socks. Additionally, you’re allowed to use the gym if you’ve booked a treatment at the spa, and you have full access to showers/steam rooms before or after the appointment. Also, Kiehl’s products are featured in the bathrooms and showers, and filtered drinking water is provided.

 

Lauded in the cosmetic world for its regenerative power, the 24k gold facial is designed to help reverse the signs of aging by reducing melanin and combating free radical damage.  The facial is also supposed to leave the skin more firm, fresh, and vibrant.

 

As for the facial itself, the treatment lasted 75 minutes and included the following:

 

-2 step cleansing consisting of one mild, make-up removal cleansing and another more abrasive foamy cleansing to deep clean the skin

-Customized skin assessment

-Hyaluronic acid formula application for moisture

-Extractions

-Face massage

-Primrose oil formula decolletage massage

-Equinox 24k Gold Collagen Mask applied and left on for 15 minutes

-Rinse and application of eye cream and moisturizer

 

I will admit, my skin felt so much better after the treatment, and any blemishes I had were well on their way to being healed by the time I left. The treatment was also very relaxing, which was the perfect way to kick off my weekend.

 

As for the aesthetician, while I firmly believe that no one can replace a good dermatologist, the skin assessment was interesting and she was knowledgeable about the Skinceuticals products she used in the facial.

 

I give the facial and the customer service two thumbs up.  It’s a great way to indulge your Midas fantasy while beating the winter blues.  The facial would also make a great Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone in your life. 

 

Miss M is a retail consultant and marketing guru who lives in Bethesda, MD.  Equinox provided her with a 24k gold facial free of charge, but the opinions described above are her own.