The entrance to the spa at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
Michael Kleinberg
Fall is always a time of renewal. Even before the crisp air hits, no matter how old you are, back to school season also signals back to business. It’s when we hit the gas on life, hunkering down at work and revamping our closets for the new season. So why shouldn’t your skincare routine get in on the action too? The NoMad Power Glow Facial, an exclusive treatment that’s a partnership between The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad and Dr Dennis Gross Skincare, is the perfect reset for your complexion.
“I wanted to work with a local New York City brand that emphasized a results-driven facial without any downtime and yet feels luxurious while providing the best outcome for our guests,” says Rita Rroku-Berishaj, Director of Spa, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. The signature 90-minute facial delivers a glowy, dewy complexion.
“We started working with our spa partners at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad prior to their grand opening last summer,” says Carrie Gross, CEO and co-founder of Dr Dennis Gross Skincare. “The ideation for the NoMad Power Glow Facial was inspired by the balance and mindfulness of the new spa, which offers a serene oasis in the heart of New York City. We worked with their dedicated estheticians on education and protocol safety to ensure the highest quality experience and optimal results for the guests every time they book a signature Dr Dennis Gross Skincare facial.”
A treatment room at The Ritz-Carlton Spa New York, NoMad
Michael Kleinberg
Best of all, the treatment works for a range of complexions. “The NoMad Power Glow is the perfect remedy for normal, compromised, dry or oily skin types,” says Michele Snyder, Dr Dennis Gross Skincare GM of Professional and Brand Marketing. “This facial offers relief from redness, stressed and dull-looking skin with red and blue LED light therapy, retinol (vitamin A), bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid and peptides which help to stimulate healthy collagen production, clear blemishes, smooth skin texture, diminish inflammation, deeply hydrate and plump fine lines and wrinkles.”
Every facial is tailored to a client’s unique needs. Snyder explains that the Alpha Beta Professional Peel is offered in three strengths—Ultra Gentle, Universal and Extra Strength— which makes it easy to choose the right peel for each guest’s skin type and concerns. “The estheticians at The Ritz-Carlton Spa New York, NoMad are trained to note areas of concern and perform each peel procedure with precision and safety,” she says. “These peels will never throw your skin off balance.”
While most facials deliver an improved complexion anywhere from a few days to weeks, this treatment goes beyond that timeframe, as it was created to be maintained at home to extend the results. “The NoMad Power Glow Facial is designed to jumpstart your skincare routine and revive dull, stressed skin,” Snyder says. “You will see glowy, radiant skin immediately with more pronounced results over time if you maintain your investment with recommended skincare from your esthetician.”
The spa relaxation lounge at The Ritz-Carlton Spa New York, NoMad
Michael Kleinberg
In fact, the most common mistake when it comes to facials is not protecting skin in between treatments. “Wear and tear on the skin happens every day through sun exposure, pollution and muscle movements like talking and eating,” Snyder says. “Protecting the health of the skin in the first place—with a simple but tried and true at-home routine—will do wonders for wrinkles, blemishes and hydration levels in between professional treatments.”
The NoMad Power Glow is powered by LED light therapy, AHAs and BHAs, antioxidants, retinol and reparative actives to instantly boost skin’s radiance and natural glow. “This 90-minute, multi-step skincare treatment provides a complete skin rejuvenation—including double cleansing, red and blue LED light therapy, two-step chemical exfoliation, double masking, facial massage and more,” Snyder says. “Guests receive the original Alpha Beta Professional Peel which helps to eradicate clogged pores, diminish lines and dullness and improve the performance of all active ingredients used afterwards. All treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa New York, NoMad begin with a signature ‘Sensory Experience’ which transforms the guest to being fully present and relaxed in the spa.”
After the treatment, clients are sent home with a full skincare routine curated by their esthetician to extend and maintain the results. “The key to smooth, vibrant and young-looking skin is substantial natural collagen production,” Snyder says. “Supporting healthy collagen production every single day will help to prolong the effects of professional treatments and maintain a strong, balanced complexion between appointments. Collagen is the protein that gives our skin structure and when production begins to slow down with age, we start to notice more fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Additionally, collagen is constantly bombarded by free radicals—from UVA/UVB rays, pollution, smoke and even stress—which act like darts poking holes in the protein structure and weakening it over time. The good news is we can support healthy collagen production and neutralize damage from free radicals with a few clinically-proven active ingredients like LED light therapy, retinol, vitamin C and daily SPF protection.”
Inside the spa at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad
Michael Kleinberg
Though the at-home routine is different for everyone, there are a few products that Snyder recommends for all to prolong the effects of the facial:
DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro
“Red LED light is an innovative therapy used in wound healing that has the ability to connect with skin cell receptors and stimulate the body’s own production of natural collagen,” Snyder says. “The FDA-cleared DRx SpectraLite EyeCare Max Pro uses four clinically-proven wavelengths—amber, red, deep red and infrared—to smooth fine lines and crow’s feet, firm and lift the skin, and even skin tone and texture all around the delicate eye area, which is one of the first places to show signs of aging.” Use the EyeCare Max Pro on clean, dry skin before applying any topicals. $199, drdennisgross.com
Alpha Beta Daily Peel
“While the Alpha Beta Daily Peel has been on the market for over 20 years, recent third-party clinical studies show exceptional performance in increased skin density (aka wrinkles) with long-term use,” Snyder says. “Formulated with a precise blend of AHAs and BHAs, this two-step peel system works to stimulate natural collagen production while also removing dead skin cells, dirt and debris that could prohibit optimal product absorption. The second step in the Alpha Beta Daily Peel is a super-charged neutralizer that not only turns the acids off but floods the skin with collagen-building actives for a stronger, firmer and clearer looking complexion.” Use the Alpha Beta Daily Peel once a day, morning or evening. $92, drdennisgross.com
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum
“Retinol is a tried and true skincare ingredient that is clinically proven to stimulate collagen production, improve cell turnover and even protect existing collagen,” Snyder says. “Retinol also addresses a wide range of skin concerns from acne to hyperpigmentation to overall skin texture and tone. Traditionally, retinol has the potential to be irritating which would limit who could benefit from using this ingredient. However, Dr. Gross combined encapsulated retinol with a soothing botanical blend of bakuchiol, rambutan leaf extract and ferulic acid to eliminate the drying side effects of retinol and even strengthen the moisture barrier with continued use. The Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Triple Correction Eye Serum is a lightweight, hydrating gel-like serum that is gentle enough for the entire eye area, including the eyelids.” Use in the morning or evening. $71, amazon.com
A range of Dr Dennis Gross Skincare products
Keith Greenbaum
Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
“For the face and decolletage, the Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream harnesses the power of the Phyto-Retinol Blend (retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan leaf extract, ferulic acid) to deliver potent, encapsulated retinol into the deeper layers of skin without the risk of dryness or irritation,” Snyder says. “This all-in-one cream intensely hydrates, ramps up collagen production, improves cell turnover and strengthens the moisture barrier for a glowy, smooth complexion.” Use in the morning or evening. $77, drdennisgross.com
All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30
“Daily sun protection is crucial to protect existing collagen and prevent oxidative stress from wreaking havoc on healthy collagen,” Snyder says. “We know that the sun is the number one aggressor for skin, by far. That is why it is so important to wear sun protection every day to protect against skin cancers and premature sun aging. The All-Physical Lightweight Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30 uses zinc oxide and soothing antioxidants to not only deflect the sun’s harmful rays but support healthy hydration for the skin all day. This oil-free formula was designed for everyday protection.” Use in the morning as the last step and re-apply throughout the day as needed. $42, drdennisgross.com
For those who don’t have access to the facial, you can recreate a version of the facial at home. “The pillars of a great at-home facial include cleansing, targeted treatments and sun protection,” Snyder says. Like the NoMad Power Glow, here is a collagen-building facial you can try at home:
Step 1: Cleanse
Regardless of skin concern, it’s essential for every facial to begin with clean, dry skin. “Cleansing is a crucial first step because it removes impurities and dirt lurking on the surface and preps the skin to absorb all the active ingredients applied afterwards,” Snyder says. “For a facial at home, we recommend a double cleanse. First, start with the Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser to breakdown makeup and oil.” Begin with clean dry hands, massaging the cleanser into skin. Wipe away with a dry or damp tissue or clean towel. “Next, wash away dirt and impurities with the Alpha Beta AHA/BHA Daily Cleansing Gel. This pH-balanced cleansing gel contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids to gently release dead skin and buildup on the skin surface without stripping natural, healthy oils,” Snyder says.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare products that can be used in an at-home facial
James Gerrish
Step 2: Treat
“Start with LED light therapy which targets a variety of skin concerns—acne, redness and fine lines—without any negative or drying side effects,” Snyder says. “The DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro uses red and blue LED light in one, easy three-minute treatment to simultaneously boost collagen production while destroying acne-causing bacteria. Red LED light triggers natural collagen, diminishes redness and inflammation, and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Blue LED light helps to clear blemishes and prevent future breakouts by eliminating acne-causing bacteria.” Use the mask on clean, dry skin for one treatment (the device will automatically shut off after three minutes).
Step 3: Peel
“All skin types can benefit from a two-step chemical peel which is why dermatologists and estheticians have been incorporating this treatment into their facials for decades,” Snyder says. “In fact, the original Alpha Beta Professional Peel offered in Dr. Gross’s New York City practice inspired the first ever Dr Dennis Gross Skincare product, the at-home Alpha Beta Daily Peel. Like the professional peel, the Alpha Beta Daily Peel is available in three strengths for all skin types, including sensitive, dry and oily.” First, massage step one into clean dry skin, starting with the face and going down to the neck and chest. Wait two minutes and repeat with step two.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare
Step 4: Mask
“Once the skin is primed and prepped, masking is the best way to deliver active ingredients quickly for optimal absorption and immediate desired results,” Snyder says. “The Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask is a two-step, powder-to-gel rubber mask that delivers deep hydration while soothing inflammation and stress from free radicals with antioxidant-rich Japanese marine algae. Loaded with hyaluronic acid, B vitamins and soothing active ingredients, this treatment transforms dull, dry-looking skin into dewy and radiant within minutes. First, pour the Activating Powder into a bowl. Then, add the Hyaluronic Cushion Gel to the powder and mix. Using the provided spatula, start at the bottom of the face, working in upward strokes around the face; avoid the eye area.” Wait five to seven minutes for the mask to set before removing; mask may be left on for up to 15 minutes for maximum hydration.
Step 5: Shield and protect
“Daily sun protection is critical to preventing the degradation of healthy collagen and protecting against sun aging (sunspots, fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and chronic dryness),” Snyder says. “When investing in a professional or at-home facial, it’s worth protecting that investment with adequate sun protection every day which will only help to strengthen the moisture barrier, even skin tone and prevent lines and hyperpigmentation from surfacing.”