Whole Body

Beautiful Wellness

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In the year and a half since it’s been open, Evolve Apothecary’s approach to skin care has been distinctive. For starters, the boutique on Hope Street stocks only as-chemical-free-as-possible body, face, and home products, and it’s the only independent store in Providence dedicated to that kind of mindful self-care. They also offer classes and educational events about removing chemicals from your life. But what got my attention was their spa, which recently expanded and now offers more natural face and body treatments – so, of course, I had to try them.

First up: myofascial release, an alternative to massage that achieves similar results in a different way. Instead of working muscles like a massage does, myofascial release works the body’s connective tissues, which need longer periods of lighter pressure to relax. Before we started, Jenny, the masseuse, and I discussed my sore spots: neck, back, and wrists from typing all day. I lay down on the massage table, and she started to push lightly on the persistent knots I can never seem to get rid of. After an hour, I felt looser and lighter – not the kind of jiggly, dizzied-by-relaxation you feel from a really good massage, but comfortable in a lasting way.

After, in a totally calm state of mind, I went across the hall to the facial room, where Gina was waiting to give me a Pure Results Facial. The spa recently brought in Naturopathica products, which are as clean and natural as possible while still delivering powerful results. I’ll admit: I was skeptical, because “natural” and “results” don’t usually exist together when it comes to skin care, but I’m working to be more and more chemical free as I get older, so I was hopeful, too. The facial started with a dose of relaxing aromatherapy, Sweet Lupine Makeup Remover, and Aloe Cleansing Gel, which restores the skin’s pH level and preps it for further skin care. Next, Gina applied a Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel, which removes dead skin cells, and brightens and evens skin tone. (Even though the idea of something fizzling away the grime in my pores is a little upsetting, I recently got on the enzyme peel train, and my skin has never looked better.) Then, an Aloe Replenishing Gel Mask to boost hydration, a facial massage using Sea Fennel Massage Wax to increase blood flow to the skin and promote healing, and a White Tea Antioxidant Mask. When I looked in the mirror afterwards, I was pleasantly surprised: my skin had gotten a huge boost, but with super gentle, natural products. I noticed a difference afterwards, and so did other people. It’s a change I can definitely get behind.

Evolve Apothecary and Spa
769 Hope Street
383-3089

providence monthly, evolve apothecary, julie tremaine, providence, hope street providence,

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