I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a facial from Sarah Ford, a celebrity esthetician who is known for using both clinical and holistic techniques in her treatments. Merging clinical and holistic modalities is increasingly popular in spa and wellness, so I was excited to try it out for the first time!
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I recently had the opportunity to enjoy a facial from Sarah Ford, a celebrity esthetician who is known for using both clinical and holistic techniques in her treatments. Merging clinical and holistic modalities is increasingly popular in spa and wellness, so I was excited to try it out for the first time!
Although I typically lay out the step-by-step protocol in order, this time I'm going to cover the facial experience in two parts: clinical and holistic.
Clinical Modalities
The treatment included of all the usual aspects of a good facial: cleanse, exfoliate, mask, targeted treatment and finishing SPF. But Ford added something extra at each step based on what my skin needed, making the facial super customized and more intensive than your average skin care service.
Related: Combining Microneedling and Gua Sha
The main issues with my complexion, which came up during our initial consultation, were that my pores needed some serious cleansing and exfoliation, plus I had some leftover melasma caused by hormonal changes during my pregnancy/nursing.
With that in mind, most of the clinical treatments used during this facial were focused on deep exfoliation and stimulating cellular turnover. Ford performed diamond-tip microdermabrasion and chemical exfoliation, followed by light dermaplaning and some intense extractions.
She also used a 0.25 dermal roller to perform a vitamin A infusion, so that she could stimulate even more cell turnover, then performed stimulating microcurrent to give my face an instant lift.
Holistic Therapies
On the more holistic side, Ford incorporated relaxing and therapeutic facial massage techniques throughout the service, including lymphatic drainage and even some fascia work.
She immediately noticed tension around my sinuses, likely caused by some recent allergies and stress. So, one of the facial massages focused on relieving that sinus tension, and it worked like a dream—I totally relaxed and even felt like I was recovering for a cold for a moment.
Related: Bringing TCM Into Facial Treatments
Ford performed Celluma light therapy to address some fine lines and my general skin health. During that LED session, she massaged a CBD serum into my scalp to support hair growth and deliver extra relaxation.
Finally, after all of that intensive work, Ford wiped an ice-cold towel across my face. I know, it's technically a more clinical technique to calm redness and close the pores, but it felt so soothing that it had to be good for my soul, so I’m placing it in the holistic column!
Post-Facial Care
Ford often includes gut health and diet in her discussions about her clients' skin health, particularly those with active acne. I was happy to find out that I'm doing well in that regard, and she recommended that I stay on track and focus on topical cell turnover.
Knowing that I was interested in that holistic approach, though, Ford was nice enough to send me home with Zuma Nutrition goodies to support me inside and out:
- Liposomal Guava Leaf Zinc for antiaging and immunity;
- Fulvic Acid & Trace Ocean Minerals to balance hormones, energy levels and inflammation;
- Biodynamic Mist to tone and hydrate my face.
I left feeling totally tranquil, even though it wasn't really a relaxation treatment. Plus, my face was glowing and poreless, so it was an all-around perfect experience!
