When you think of Alaska, does beauty come to your mind? Mountains, lakes, wildlife; but what about skincare? Well, I traveled to Sitka, Alaska to visit the Sugar Chic Salon. This independent salon is owned by Carla Whiteside, an esthetician, eyelash stylist, waxer, and makeup artist who is everything glitz and glam. I spent the afternoon in her chair receiving a Sugar Chic Signature Facial to get some RnR while on the road.
The Service
Carla’s salon is a girly paradise with neon lights, walls of products, and a shabby chic aesthetic. She goes over any problem areas I have and what I desire from the service. I have acne-prone skin with a bit of hyperpigmentation around my cheeks. She lays me down on the table and wraps up my hair with a soft headband. During the service, she checks in on levels of tingling/burning and makes sure I’m comfortable throughout my facial.
The Cleanse
Carla starts by cleansing my skin with the PCA Cleansing Oil to whisk away any impurities before applying a facial wash oil to soothe my skin with ingredients like lactic acid, aloe vera juice, and antioxidants.
The Masks + Stones
A hot towel to wipe away the cleansers, and Carla applies a Detox mask with Japanese white charcoal to refine pores and soak up oils. I love a mud mask, and as it dried, I could see the itty-bitty pores of oil peak through. Gross? Yes. No denying that, but satisfying? Also, yes.
Next, a few pumps of Oxygenating Detoxifying Oil went on my skin to prep for the rose quartz gua sha. Honestly, I never thought gua sha worked for me personally, but Carla’s expert lymphatic draining made my face feel toned and happy. She followed up with a jade face mask. “A weighted blanket for the face,” Carla declared as I snapped a selfie and nestled into the delicious stimulation of the cool jade.
The Corrective Peel + Red Light
For my hyperpigmentation, the Pigment Correct Peel was the solution. A mix of acids to combat sun spots, acne scars, and general unevenness; I was all about the peel. It tingled a bit as Carla explained I couldn’t get my face wet for 24 hours. The peeling would take place during this time, leaving me with peeling dead skin cells and renewed skin underneath. I love a brightening treatment, so this peel was totally worth it.
She followed up with red light to combat fine lines and redness on my skin. The cave-like device was super futuristic and surprisingly relaxing. After ten minutes, she followed up with post-skin care and a touch of lip balm on my pout.
Final Thoughts
Once the treatment was complete, I felt snatched. My face was less puffy; I glistened and glowed. I simply couldn’t stop looking at myself in the mirror. Carla sent me home with a lovely trial-sized skin set to continue my post-peel care.
I felt taken care of at Sugar Chic Salon. An individual looking for curated support for my skin, not just another customer. Carla’s warm and bubbly personality made the time feel therapeutic and healing. My skin has been clearer, softer, and most importantly, feeling healthier since my visit.
If you find yourself in Sitka, stop by Sugar Chic Salon under the Westmark, 101 Lake St, Sitka, AK 99835.
