Spa Review: We Experienced the Dragon Facial from Celebrity Aesthetician Erika Janes and Received Some Invaluable A-List Advice

Avant Aesthetics is located in the heart of Beverly Hills and strives to remain at the forefront of innovation in the field of plastic surgery and anti-aging medicine.

How do they do it? How do celebrities get that lifted, flawless, radiant red carpet glow? Not the overly made-up, pulled too tight and fresh out of surgery look. We all know how you get that. We’re talking about that refreshed and effortless luminosity that beams with confidence and clarity.

Meet Erika Janes, a Los Angeles-based master aesthetician whose client roster includes Madonna (to whom she was the “in house” aesthetician for several years), Pamela Anderson, Paula Abdul, Reese Witherspoon and Courtney Cox, to name just a few. Janes inherited her love of Hollywood glamour from her movie stuntman father and her caring and nurturing nature from her traveling nurse mother.

Skin care was Janes’s calling from as early as she can remember. But a teenage battle with severe acne cemented her fate and determination to not only rid herself of the trauma and discomfort of the chronic condition, but the commitment to help others who suffer.

Janes knows firsthand that when we look our best, we are better equipped to tackle the world and become our best selves in both our personal and professional lives. For over three decades, Janes has helped elevate the lives and skin of hundreds, if not thousands, of clients to put their best faces forward, from celebrities to professional women from all walks of life.

Erika Janes is a Los Angeles-based master aesthetician whose client roster includes many celebrities.

So what is this magic facial? It’s called the Dragon Facial and is available at Avant Aesthetics in Beverly Hills by appointment only. Using ultra-luxurious products from French skincare brand Valmont and clinical brand Epicuren, the multi-step facial begins with a deep cleanse followed by an effective and gentle enzyme peel. The real magic happens when Janes applies Epicuren’s famous two-layer tightening mask. This special masks stimulates muscles and collagen while it palpably lifts and firms as you enjoy a relaxing foot and leg massage.

What truly elevates this facial to another level is the addition of Advanced Plasma Light Therapy. Using specific frequencies, the light energy regenerates skin cells, stimulates collagen, elastin, and promotes a natural skin healing response. This therapy helps diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, age spots, sun damage, redness, flushing, and dilated capillaries. It has been proven to be an effective skin rejuvenating treatment.

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This is immediately followed by a special facial massage to encourage lymphatic drainage. The finishing touch is the application of custom serums and a moisturizing sunscreen with gentle massage strokes. According to Janes, the “lifting” effect of the Epicuren mask lasts two days, making it a pre-event favorite.

The best thing about Janes is she has decades of experience and information, which she loves to share. We asked her for some honest opinions and secret celebrity hacks. Janes delivers complete with candor, so read on for advice from a true A-list estie.

Avant Aesthetics specializes in the latest surgical, anti-aging, and medspa procedures.

Why does one still need a facial when there are so many devices and injections available? What are the long-term benefits?

While injections and modalities are great to help maintain or prevent aging, facials are the key for pre and post op treatment if you want the best results. Estheticians take skincare treatments to another level, and we are able to fine tune and customize each treatment with products that work synergistically with our techniques. Facials offer detailed exfoliation and extraction, as well as a relaxing and pampering experience, which promotes and improves blood circulation and relieves muscle tension, which ultimately contributes to a sense of well-being. There is nothing better than the human touch.

What are the one or two most common skincare mistakes you see clients make?

The two most common skincare mistakes are:

Not removing your cleanser with a washcloth—splashing water on the face doesn't get your skin clean of makeup, bacteria, dirt and debris.
The second one is neglecting sun protection. Sun protection is essential for maintaining healthy skin and premature aging. You should apply your sun protection at least every two hours; rain or shine, and you don't need anything higher than an SPF 50.

The relaxation lounge at Avant Aesthetics.

Why have you chosen the specific products you use?

There are tons of skin care products available on the market today, and I am happy to see how important it is to people. I am a very result oriented esthetician and I use skincare lines that have a proven track record with active ingredients for specific skin types. I have about five that I love.

Your best recommendations to get that "celebrity glow" we all crave?

Everything starts from within, whether it comes out on your skin or stays internal. It's all a balance, from hydrating with drinking water (but not too much) a healthy diet, regular exfoliation, and whatever the bliss is that makes you happy. There is something to be said about the quote, "Don't forget to stop and smell the roses." The act of appreciation and recognizing the source of the goodness in our lives.

Favorite skincare hack?

Take about a half tablespoon of baking soda and mix it in with about a bean size of your favorite cleanser, massage in circular movements, gently on your face, then let the water from the shower rinse it off your face. You can start out doing this two times a week, then increase it to four to five times a week, as long as your skin can handle it. My newly launched Erika Janes Serum is the serum I use on my celeb clients for that glow factor. So if you have a serum you like, you can add that to your liquid foundation to get "That Celebrity Glow."

Cost: Dragon Facial ($400)

Hours: 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Mon-Fri)

Address: 9301 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100, Beverly Hills CA 90210

Phone: 310-855-3960

To learn more about Erika Janes, visit the website. To make an appointment at Avant Aesthetics, visit the website. Follow on Instagram: @erikajanesesthetician @avantbh

[Photos courtesy of Avant Aesthetics]

Jody Miller is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles with a primary focus on beauty, spa, travel, fashion, and dining. She has a BA in Social Science and completed an accredited aesthetics program. Jody believes having this background gives her a unique insight and knowledge about beauty and skincare. She has been fascinated by travel and other cultures since she was a child, and savors every travel opportunity and experience.