The Glow Journal
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The Glow Journal *
The Fireside Glow Facial
A limited edition bourbon enzyme, a warm hot stone massage for your chest, neck and arms, and 75 minutes that feel like the opposite of November. Here’s what to expect from our November-only Fireside Glow Facial.
November gets loud. Holiday plans, school events, the shopping list that keeps getting longer. The Fireside Glow Facial is the opposite of all that, and it is only here for this month.
It pairs SkinScript's limited edition Smoked Bourbon Enzyme with a warm hot stone massage. Here is what is in it, what happens in the room, and who I think will love it.
Why I love this one
Most facials are about your face. This one is about your whole upper body letting go.
The enzyme gives your skin a fresh, smooth start. The stones give you permission to stop thinking for a while. Put together, it is the treatment I would book for myself right before the holidays.
What is in the enzyme
The Smoked Bourbon Enzyme is enriched with French oak, and yes, it really does contain bourbon. Here is what each part brings:
Papaya enzyme. This is the exfoliating part. It gently loosens dull surface buildup so it lifts away, with no scrubbing and no grit. Your skin looks smoother and brighter afterward.
French oak extract and vitamin C. Both are antioxidants that help defend your skin from everyday stressors like sun and pollution.
Oat extract and bisabolol. These are the soothers. They keep skin comfortable while the enzyme works.
Real bourbon. Bourbon picks up antioxidants from the oak barrels it ages in, which is why it shows up in skincare.
If you have ever had a scrub leave your skin red and tight, this is a very different feeling. Enzymes do the work for you.
The hot stone massage
This is the part people will remember.
Smooth stones are warmed and then worked over your chest, neck and arms. Those are the places where stress quietly settles this time of year: tight shoulders, a stiff neck, arms that have carried too many shopping bags.
The warmth sinks in slowly, and the massage moves at a calm, steady pace. It is a full-body kind of relaxed, not just a face treatment with a little massage added on at the end.
What happens in the room
Every appointment starts with a quick conversation about your skin and how it has been feeling. Then:
Cleanse. We start with clean skin so the enzyme can do its job.
Smoked Bourbon Enzyme. Applied to the face and left to work.
Hot stone massage. While the enzyme works, the warm stones go to work on your chest, neck and arms.
Remove and finish. The enzyme comes off, and I finish with hydration and SPF suited to your skin.
Plan on about 75 minutes from start to finish.
Who will love it
Anyone whose skin looks dull or tired as the weather turns
The person who never slows down and needs a reason to
Anyone with photos, parties or family visits coming up
Anyone who loves a facial and wants to try something new before it is gone
If you are pregnant, using prescription skincare, or your skin has been reactive lately, just mention it when you book. I will make sure this is the right fit for you, or suggest something that is.
After your facial
Your skin will feel soft and clean. As with any exfoliating treatment, wear SPF every day for the next few days, and give your skin a day or two before using strong actives like retinol or exfoliating acids. If you are not sure about your routine, ask me before you leave.
The details
The Fireside Glow Facial, $195 (about 75 minutes)
Available all of November, and only in November
Special November pricing. Cannot be combined with member discounts or other offers.
I would love to see you this month. Tap the button below and an email opens, already written for you. Just add two or three times that work and hit send.
Prefer to talk?
Call us at 210-510-0777.
Keep Glowing!
Paulina
Just Had Dermaplaning? What to Do (and Skip) in the Days After
Fresh, smooth skin is the best part of dermaplaning. Here’s how to protect it in the days after your treatment, plus a few things to skip while your skin settles.
Dermaplaning is a gentle treatment that removes dead skin cells and fine peach fuzz from the face. Most people love how smooth their skin feels afterward, and what you do in the days after your appointment matters too. Here’s how to care for your skin so it stays comfortable and looks its best.
The First 24 to 48 Hours
Right after dermaplaning, your skin may look a little pink and feel more sensitive than usual. This is normal and usually settles quickly. Think of your skin as freshly polished: smooth, but in need of some extra gentleness.
Do
Cleanse gently, morning and night. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Right after treatment, your skin has less of its usual protective layer, so buildup from sweat, oil, and makeup is more likely to clog pores. Washing gently keeps skin clear without stripping it.
Moisturize and stay hydrated. Because dermaplaning removes the top layer of dead skin cells, your skin has a little less protection for a short time. A simple, hydrating moisturizer helps support your skin’s natural barrier and keeps it from feeling dry or tight while it settles. Drinking plenty of water is a good habit for overall skin health, too.
Wear sunscreen every day. The fresh skin underneath is more sensitive to the sun’s UV rays. Without protection, it can get irritated or red more easily, and sun exposure can lead to uneven skin tone and dark spots over time. Use SPF 30 or higher, reapply when you’re outside, and add a hat or shade when you can.
Keep your hands off your face. Touching or picking can irritate skin and bring bacteria to the surface.
Change your pillowcase. Sleep on a fresh, clean pillowcase the night of your treatment and for the next few nights. Pillowcases pick up oil, sweat, and bacteria that can end up back on your skin.
Skip
Strong active ingredients. Retinol, exfoliating acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid), and vitamin C serums are designed to work strongly on the skin. Right after dermaplaning, they can sting, cause redness, or lead to peeling. Hold off until your skin feels calm.
Scrubs and exfoliating tools. Dermaplaning already removed dead skin cells from the surface. Scrubbing again can cause redness, irritation, and dryness.
Heat and sweat. Heat can make freshly exfoliated skin look redder and feel more irritated, and sweat can sting and clog pores. Skip saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, and hard workouts for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Heavy makeup. Makeup can settle into pores and trap bacteria while your skin is extra sensitive. If you can, go makeup-free for the first day. If you need makeup, use clean brushes and a light touch.
Other hair removal or facial treatments. Waxing, threading, peels, and similar services also pull at or exfoliate the skin. Layering them on top of dermaplaning can overload skin that’s already sensitive, so wait until your skin has settled.
Long stretches in the sun. Even with sunscreen, extra sun exposure right now can lead to redness and uneven tone.
Will My Hair Grow Back Thicker?
This is the question we hear most, and the answer is no. Dermaplaning doesn’t change how your hair grows. Because the hair is cut at the surface, it may feel a little different as it grows back, but it isn’t thicker or darker.
How Often Can I Get It Done?
Many people repeat dermaplaning about every three to four weeks, which gives your skin time to go through its natural renewal cycle between treatments. What’s right for you depends on your skin, and we’re happy to help you find a schedule that fits.
When to Reach Out
A little pinkness is normal. If your skin feels very irritated, or the redness or discomfort doesn’t improve, please call us at 210-510-0777 or email care@glowskinlabsa.com. We’ll make sure the right person on our team follows up with you.
The Bottom Line
Dermaplaning aftercare is simple: be gentle, moisturize, and protect your skin from the sun. A few easy habits help you get the most out of your treatment.
Ready for smoother skin? [Book a dermaplaning appointment] with Paulina at Glow Skin Lab in San Antonio.
Why Am I Still Breaking Out In My 30’s and 40’s?
Adult acne is more common than you might think. Here's what's usually behind breakouts in your 30s and 40s, and what can help.
Written by Paulina Saenz · Esthetician
If you thought breakouts were just a teenage problem, you're not alone in being surprised. Adult acne is actually very common, and it can show up even if your skin was clear for years. Here's what's usually behind it, and what can help.
The CausesWhy Adult Skin Still Breaks Out
There's rarely just one cause. A few common ones we see often:
Hormone changes
Shifts from your monthly cycle, pregnancy, or perimenopause can all affect oil production in your skin.
Stress
Stress can raise a hormone called cortisol, which can lead to more oil and more breakouts.
Products that don't fit your skin anymore
Skin changes as you age, so a product that worked well in your 20s might not agree with your skin now.
Clogged pores from buildup
Sunscreen, makeup, and everyday products can build up over the day, especially along the jawline and chin.
Diet and sleep
These don't cause acne on their own, but they can make existing breakouts worse for some people.
Adult acne looks different, too
It tends to sit deeper in the skin, usually around the jawline and chin, and can take longer to heal.
What Can Help
A routine built for your current skin
Skin needs change over time. A gentle cleanser, a non-comedogenic moisturizer (meaning it won't clog pores), and daily sunscreen are a good starting point. Piling on too many active ingredients at once can actually make breakouts worse, so simple is often better.
Facials and professional treatments
Regular facials can help keep pores clear and support healthier-looking skin over time. Depending on your skin, treatments like extractions, chemical peels, or LED light therapy may also help. What's right for you depends on your skin type and how your skin reacts, which is something we can talk through at an appointment.
Consistency over quick fixes
Skin takes time to respond to changes. Switching products too often can make it harder to know what's actually helping.
Give it 4 to 6 weeks before judging if something is workingWhen to loop in a provider
If breakouts are painful, deep under the skin, or not improving with a consistent routine, it's worth having one of our providers take a look. Some causes of adult acne, like hormone imbalances, are best addressed with their guidance.
Adult acne is common, and it's not a sign you're doing something wrong.
The right routine, plus some patience, makes a real difference for most people. If you're not sure where to start, that's exactly what a skin consultation is for.
Curious what's causing your breakouts?
Book a skin consultation with Paulina to build a routine that fits your skin now.
Book a Skin Consultation
Feeling Overwhelmed by Skincare? Here’s Where to Start
You’re not behind you just haven’t had the right plan yet.
Feeling Overwhelmed by Skincare? Here’s Where to Start
If you’re unsure where to begin with your skin, you’re not alone. Many people have already invested in products, routines, and trending treatments, only to feel frustrated when they don’t see the results they expected.
The problem usually isn’t a lack of effort. It’s a lack of a clear, personalized plan.
Why Isn’t My Skincare Routine Working?
Even great products may not deliver results if they aren’t right for your skin type, concerns, or lifestyle. Using too many products or combining the wrong ingredients can also cause irritation and make it harder to understand what your skin actually needs.
Do I Need More Products?
Probably not. More products don’t always mean better results. A simple, consistent routine with carefully selected ingredients is often more effective than an overflowing skincare shelf.
Is My Skin Just “Difficult”?
Your skin isn’t difficult, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Concerns such as acne, dryness, pigmentation, texture, and signs of aging often require different approaches. What worked for a friend or someone online may not be the right solution for you.
What Is the Best First Step?
Start with a professional skin consultation. Understanding your skin, your goals, and your current routine allows us to create a plan that feels realistic, personalized, and sustainable.
You are not behind, and you are not failing. You may simply not have found the right plan yet.
At Glow Skin Lab, we’re here to simplify skincare, explain what truly matters, and guide you toward healthier, more confident skin. 🤍