Sly Dr. Foxx gets right in your face;
Facial treatments slow aging process
INDIAN WELLS, CALIF. — The air was crisp, the sky a brilliant blue and the palms gently swayed as I walked by a motionless reflecting pool, then continued past open French doors revealing energetic joggers atop treadmills.
The setting, at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in the Palm Desert area, was the AAA four-diamond Hyatt Grand Champions Resort. I was heading to its Agua Serena Spa (translation: serene water) – not to luxuriate with one of its treatments – but for a doctor’s appointment.
“Good morning, I’m Dr. Foxx,” greeted a gentleman whose crinkled eyes smiled when he spoke. He’s the founder and medical director of the spa’s newest addition. Called The Medical and Skin Spa, the innovative facility (said to be the first of its kind in North America) was mere steps off Agua Serena’s lobby.
“Our door is always open. It wasn’t designed to project the traditional medical environment, it’s meant to be inviting,” the doctor explained. I nodded in agreement, noting the spa ambiance and recalling sterile antiseptic settings of past medical encounters.
The credentials of Richard M. Foxx, M.D. were impressive. He is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, the American College of Sports Medicine and served as Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for a Southern California hospital.
Dr. Foxx’s genial manner rendered him instantly likeable, and I liked the idea of accessible medical advice coupled with therapeutic cosmetic services.
I’m well acquainted with the facility’s typical patient – women interested in aging well but also adverse to surgical intervention. In truth, I’m one of them.
However, I didn’t know what to expect of the newly opened Medi-Spa.
What I did know is that in addition to dietary recommendations and stress management, the medical spa offered an assortment of skin and facial cosmetic services. These treatments ranged from Botox and laser resurfacing to injectable implants – none requiring anesthesia and all accompanied with a promise to resume normal activities the same day.
“I want my skin to look healthy. I’d like to minimize my pores and any lines around my eyes. My goal is to look younger than my age. Not like a woman trying to look younger – but younger,” I said without taking a breath. Is that too much? I silently wondered. He smiled and shared with me his plan.
“Micro-dermabrasion,” was the verdict. The treatment ($150 U. S.) is an exfoliation of the dull top layer of your skin. The promised result was diminished fine lines and wrinkles, general skin tone improvement and the reduction of sun damage. And it worked. I glowed.
Dr. Foxx’s tips to slow facial aging:
- Antioxidants are key: especially selenium, coenzyme Q-10 and lipoic acid.
- Avoid margarine and use olive oil or butter instead.
- We all know to use sunscreen daily (sunblock of at least 20 SPF) but I didn’t realize it should be applied at least twice during the day. Indoor florescent lighting can cause skin damage.
For reservations or additional information contact Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, 760-341-1000; Agua Serena Spa, 760-674-4100 and Medi-Spa, 760-674-4106.