May 3, 2006

Skin in the Game

Pilar’s Skincare Studio

Assembly-line efficiency has its place: Ford Model T’s, chocolate factories, McDonald’s cheeseburgers.

Your spa, however, shouldn’t be one of them.

Luckily, there’s Pilar DiVittorio, of Pilar’s Skincare Studio, who believes in taking her time. Her signature organic facial provides skin analysis and 90 minutes of detoxifying treatments customized for each client.

Every facial uses 25 products (as opposed to the standard five) — all of which are handmade. Natural acids from apples and grapes exfoliate, while a fruit mask, such as hydrating blueberry, is selected based on skin type.

And unlike therapies that affect only external cells, DiVittorio uses products like cinnamon-and-thyme mud to stimulate blood flow and lymphatic massage to purify skin from the inside out.

Now that’s worth slowing down for.

Pilar’s Skincare Studio, 311 Maple Avenue West, Vienna (571-214-8689 or pilarskincarestudio.com).