Previously the domain of the meticulously coiffed and fastidious 20-somethings, San Francisco’s Stript Wax Bar is expanding their demographic target by offering anti-aging stem cell facials. Thus far, my knowledge of the Stript Wax Bar was as ‘the place’ for lady part maintenance procedures like Brazillian waxing and vajacials, (yep it’s what you think). Check this video for an explanation – where Dr. Lisa Masterson, from the television show the Dr.s can’t say enough good things about this bikini line treatment. This one-stop-maintence-shop is on Vogue Magazine’s list of best places to get waxed and this month in Allure, Stript Bar was named the top waxing destination in Los Angeles.
Back in 2009, Katherine Goldman opened the first Stript Wax Bar intending to transform the spa industry’s approach to waxing and hair removal. Given Goldman’s playful yet bold take on unwanted hair and grooming –one can imagine what she might offer in retail offerings. Within the chic boudoir-esque décor complete with Jonathan Adler wallpaper and a fainting couch, I was intrigued by such goodies as Butt Bleach – my new ‘go to’ gift for the gal (or guy) who has everything. Other offerings include cute panties, jewelry and such.
Back to the facial – I’ve heard of placenta used in skin creams for years, so I didn’t bat an eyelash when I read the words ‘stem cell’ facial. “Finally,” I mused “an answer to my not-so-fine-lines. Yay science!” Goldman, it turns out however, is not pushing the controversial (human embryo) envelope – she uses a product from DermaQuest labs here in the Bay Area, which uses ‘plant’ stem cells. Either way – these hard working cells miracles are apparently all the rage in Hollywood.
I didn’t have to wait long for my treatement and was lead upstairs into a soothing lilac-colored treatment room, which ironically is the base of the glycolic stem cell used in the facial. According to my aesthetician, as we (she was in her 20s) age, our natural skin regeneration slows down – hence, these phyto stem cells derived from lilac increases cellular turnover and stimulates collagen. As I relaxed and tuned into a fun playlist – I was grateful to science and those working hard to help those of us with a diminished collagen output.
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.