Fashionista Philly met with Rescue aesthetician Joanna Kula for some great summer skincare advice…

In the city of Philadelphia, there are mediocre over priced spas where you can get your nails done or maybe an okay facial. Toppers anyone? Ouch no comment.. But if you want the best of the best you head over to 1601 Walnut street to Rescue Spa. Ever since Rescue opened its doors back in 2004, it has ranked as one of the best spas in Philadelphia. The Owner Danuta Mieloch is a skin care genius who trained under the renown Dr. Yvan Allouche in Paris. As soon as you enter Rescue, you feel whisked away from the busy streets of Philadelphia into a secret beautiful and serene setting where the staff caters attentively to their clients. Rescue is my go to spa, and their facials are such a treat for your skin especially with the changing seasons. The summer time is no exception to when your skin needs extra attention. Lucky for all my followers Rescue aesthetician Joanna Kula stopped by to offer some great advice and info for all you skin care lovers:

Q: What are the most common skincare problems that surface up in the summer?
A: Summer always comes with many skin problems, mainly increased oiliness and tendency towards breakouts due to sweat, humidity and environmental elements. I also see a lot of dark spots and pigmentation from increased UV exposure, sometimes dryness and dehydration from indoor air conditioning.
Q: We often hear that should you adjust your skincare from winter to summer is this always true and what are some great tips to help make the transition smooth?
A: If you live in a seasonal climate, where the temperature shifts from one extreme to the other, changing your skincare routine is definitely a good idea. I recommend switching to lighter products that are more water-based during the summer months. If you live somewhere that is warm or cool most of the year, you can tweak your routine as needed, but it may not need to change too much. A professional facial will help keep your skin in optimum shape and help it transition better.
Q: What are some great summer skincare products that you recommend to your clients this time of year?
A: Biologique Recherche Fluide VIP O2: a light moisturizing fluid that instantly plumps, hydrates and oxygenates the skin. It creates a perfect canvas for makeup, but can also be used on its own as a lightweight moisturizer.
Jan Marini Physical Protectant: this in my opinion, is the perfect sunscreen. It’s a sheer, non-greasy formula with purely physical filters and a broad-spectrum SPF 45. It contains micro-sponges to absorb excess oil, along with antioxidants to help combat free radicals. The best part is that it’s tinted, so it doesn’t go on white or pasty. Apply it over a light moisturizer and you’re pretty much good to go, no foundation required.
Valmont DNA Repair Serum: if you spent a little too much time in the
sun, this serum will help prevent long-term damage. Use it at night to boost cell regeneration and promote healing.
Dr. Dennis Gross Glow Pads: These exfoliating alpha-beta peel pads will not only get your skin smooth and clear, but will add a touch of summer glow to your complexion, without the UV damage.
Q: Sunscreen is very important during the summer but finding the right sunscreen can be tricky, not all sunscreens are created equal what sunscreen brand do you prefer and why?
A: For me, a good facial sunscreen must be effective and cosmetically elegant, meaning that it can layer easily with other products like moisturizer and foundation. It should not look obvious on the skin or feel heavy and sticky. You always want to look for a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher. Jan Marini, Institut Esthederm and Natura Bisse lines all offer some great options and can be found at shoprescuespa.com
Q: This is the time of year when people go away on travel, what are some great travel tips for readers to help keep their skin in good shape while traveling?
A: Staying hydrated is key. Traveling can really deplete your skin of precious water and nutrients and in some cases can be extreme depending on the destination as well as the means of travel. I always recommend Valmont Prime Renewing Pack as an emergency skin saver for frequent travelers. It’s a mask/cream that can be massaged in and left on overnight. It does wonders for tired, dehydrated skin.
Q: Rescue Spa has been a big success since it first opened in the city. What do you think is the key to your success?
A: I think one reason Rescue Spa has been so successful is due to its high standards and the level of integrity not found in other spas. Rescue is not about gimmicks. From the amazing products, to the knowledgeable team of experts who are passionate about what they do, Rescue has constantly delivered on its promise and I think that is what keeps clients coming back.
Q: What are some important things readers should look for when selecting a spa?
A: #1: A professional, courteous and knowledgeable team who show
enthusiasm for their work and can provide a relaxing and comfortable experience for the client.  #2: Cleanliness: I cannot stress enough the importance of this detail.  If there is any doubt that a spa is not following proper standards or regulations, I would not take the risk.  #3: A good spa should offer a range of products suited for all skin types as well as services that can be customized to a client’s specific needs. Instead of a standard “cookie cutter” approach, the therapists must be able to ask the right questions and adapt the treatments accordingly.
Q: How often should a person stop in for a facial throughout the year?
A: Anywhere from monthly to seasonally is appropriate depending on the person’s lifestyle and budget. Being consistent is the most important thing to remember. Also following a good home care regimen will help to maintain the results in between treatments.
Q: Are there any new services/products you want to talk about being
offered at your spa now, and any upcoming events?
A: We are currently offering the following summer specials:
http://www.rescuespa.net/spa-services/specials/summer-specials-2014/
Q: What are some of your most popular services that are offered at rescue spa?
A: Rescue is known for its facials, but offers a full menu of services
from waxing to massage, body treatments, nails, hair and makeup.
Click here for more information.
You can spend an entire day here and literally feel like a million dollars when you walk out. There is something for everyone, even men.
Special thanks to Joanna and the staff at Rescue!