Suki's Signature Spa Facial 2.0

Known as a go-to destination for hair, Suki's on South Granville boasts another side that you might not know about. Downstairs from the hustle and bustle of hairdryers and stylists is a tranquil full-service day spa offering everything from facials and manicures to steams, massages and body scrubs. Recently they revamped their offerings and they now use only Dermalogica products for their skincare treatments. As a fan of Dermalogica and good skincare in general, I couldn't say no when offered a chance to try Suki's revamped signature facial.

My visit on a sunny Thursday morning began with the requisite paperwork and tour of the spa. Suki's has the relaxing day spa atmosphere down pat: the facilities are luxe, clean and comfortable, and the vibe couldn't be further from the frenetic pace upstairs. After that, it was time for me to change (robe, wraparound towel, disposable flip-flops) and head into my facial room where esthetician Tessa was waiting.

The signature facial feels a bit like an "everything but the kitchen sink" facial. It's good for the uninitiated who don't know what they want and are looking for some overall pampering, but less than ideal for seasoned spa-goers who want very specific things from their facials. Over the course of an hour, Tessa cleansed my skin, exfoliated, applied a masque and moisturized my face and neck. She alternated all of this with some light all-over massage and extractions, as well as plenty of steam and hot towels. In the middle of the treatment, she also performed a "skin mapping," a concept that Dermalogica pioneered. Breaking down my face into 14 distinct zones, Tessa analyzed the problems that plagued each zone. The assessment: a few broken capillaries, some congested pores and dehydration on my cheeks.

The Dermologica products Tessa used on me: soothing eye makeup remover, soothing additive, daily microfoliant, active moist, precleanse, special cleansing gel and colloidal masque.

So did the signature facial do its job? Indubitably. The stress-induced breakouts on the left side of my face appeared diminished, my skin was more even-toned and I felt infinitely more relaxed than when I first entered Suki's.

Thanks to Suki's for letting me try their signature spa facial. For more information about their services or to book an appointment, visit their website.