From the moment I stepped into The Altman MedSpa in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, I knew I was in for something special. The ambiance exuded tranquility, and I was immediately welcomed by the warm and talented Shukurat Alder—Shuk, as she’s known to her clients. I had heard incredible things about the Luxury Epicutis Facial, but nothing could have prepared me for the transformative experience ahead.
A Skincare Philosophy Rooted in Science and Purity
Before we began, Shuk took a moment to explain why The Altman MedSpa swears by Epicutis products. “Thank you so much for taking the time to come and visit our spa. The reason why we love Epicutis is [because of its] simple, clean beauty, and it’s great for any skin type, any inflammatory conditions, any ablative skin care treatments, anyone. And our patients absolutely love the luxurious feel,” she shared. I was intrigued. As someone who has tried countless skincare brands, I was eager to experience a line that was both luxurious and medical-grade.
She added, “One of the reasons why I also chose to bring it on is [because it] doesn’t have a smell, so you know that everything that you’re putting on your skin is healthy to balance that lipid barrier.” The thought of skincare free from unnecessary fragrances and irritants made me feel even more confident in the process.
A Deep, Indulgent Cleanse
The treatment began with the Epicutis oil cleanser. As Shuk massaged it into my skin, I was surprised at how lightweight yet effective it felt. “Most people, especially if they’re acne-prone, think that oil cleansers will clog their pores and that’s not true. Oil cleansers extract oil and pull out any debris that may be congesting skin pores,” she explained.
She worked the cleanser into my skin for about five minutes, her hands moving in gentle, rhythmic motions that instantly put me into a state of deep relaxation. When she activated it with water, I felt it transform into a silky, milky consistency. “It’s not too heavy, which allows me to easily work with it and target specific areas,” Shuk noted. As she rinsed it off, my skin already felt smoother and more balanced.
The Ultimate Exfoliation
Next, she applied the Epicutis oil cleanser again, but this time, she mixed it with the Epicutis enzyme powder. “While the oil cleanser can be used on its own, the enzyme powder is the product, or the catalyst, required to maximize its results and benefits,” she said. As she massaged the mixture into my skin, I could feel an ultra-gentle exfoliation happening. “This acts as a micro-exfoliate. It’s much less aggressive to the skin barrier,” she assured me.
She then activated the enzyme blend with water, which sparked the emulsification process. “I’ll add more water, and then it becomes sudsy, which I love,” she said with a smile. The sensation was light and luxurious. When she finally rinsed it away, my skin felt incredibly soft and perfectly prepped for the next phase: extractions.
Virtually Painless Extractions
If you’ve ever had extractions during a facial, you know they can be uncomfortable. But this time was different. Thanks to the deep cleansing and exfoliation beforehand, the extraction process was virtually painless. “All of the previous steps ensure a much less painful extraction process,” Shuk explained. The sebum had already been drawn to the surface, making extractions smooth and easy. I barely felt a thing as she gently removed any residual debris from my pores.
The Healing Power of the Epicutis Lipid Mask
With my skin now pristine, Shuk applied the Epicutis lipid mask, a serum packed with nutrients that promote skin health and healing. “Once the lipid serum has set into the skin, I’ll apply the Epicutis eye mask and an Epicutis décolleté mask. To properly penetrate the skin, the combined power of these products is left to permeate the skin barrier for 10 to 15 minutes,” she said.
During this time, she didn’t just leave me lying there—she massaged my arms with the Epicutis lipid body treatment. “The formulation of this product is incredible for texturized skin. Like the other products, the body treatment is super nourishing,” she said. The feeling was pure bliss, and by this point, I was so relaxed I could have fallen asleep.
The Cooling Sensation of Epicutis Ice Globes
Once the masks had worked their magic, Shuk removed them and began the final phase: a soothing massage with Epicutis ice globes. “The ice globes minimize any inflammation that may’ve been caused by extractions. They also help everything absorb into the skin, ensuring that you’re experiencing the full effect of the Epicutis skincare range,” she explained.
The cooling sensation was divine, and I could feel the globes tightening my skin and closing my pores. It was the perfect finishing touch.
Sealing in the Glow
To lock in all the benefits, Shuk applied the Epicutis brightening serum, followed by the Epicutis Hyvia cream. “The last and final step, a must in any medical-grade facial, is to complete the treatment with a nice SPF,” she reminded me. As she massaged in the final layer of protection, I could already feel the difference in my skin.
Disclaimer
When it comes to facials, the approach should always be as unique as the individual receiving it—an artful balance of technique, intuition, and personalization. Each step, each movement, can and should be thoughtfully adapted to suit the skin’s ever-evolving needs. However, when integrating Epicutis products into your treatment, it becomes essential to honor the brand’s meticulously developed protocol. These formulations are the result of cutting-edge science and precision craftsmanship, and adhering to the advised method of application is not just recommended—it is the key to unlocking the full potential of their performance. For those who expect nothing less than transformative results, following the Epicutis protocol ensures that every ingredient works in harmony, delivering the elevated, visible results the brand is revered for.
A 10/10 Experience
As I sat up and looked in the mirror, I was stunned. My skin looked radiant, lifted, and completely refreshed. There was no redness, no irritation—just a beautiful, healthy glow. The Luxury Epicutis Facial with Shuk was, without a doubt, one of the best facials I had ever received.
For anyone looking for a facial that is equal parts indulgence and results-driven, this is the one. Epicutis skincare is truly revolutionary, and in the expert hands of Shuk, the experience is nothing short of perfection. If you want to treat your skin to the best, book this facial immediately—you won’t regret it.
Check out the full experience here:
“Thank you so much for taking the time to come and visit our spa. The reason why we love Epicutis is [because of its’] simple, clean beauty and it’s great for any skin type, any inflammatory conditions, any ablative skin care treatments, anyone. And our patients absolutely love the luxurious feel. One of the reasons why I also chose to bring it on is [because it] doesn’t have a smell, so you know that everything that you’re putting on your skin is healthy to balance that lipid barrier.” – Shukurat Alder, Senior Medical Esthetician at The Altman MedSpa in Englewood Cliffs, NJ