Skin prophecy

Pure pumpkin bliss

Each and every year, the arrival of October seems to quietly usher in the holiday season.

The dog days of summer are long gone, the routine of autumn is in full swing and our highly-anticipated winter celebrations are just around the corner.

The air becomes crisp, social gatherings start to fill up our calendars, and we start to crave, almost on cue, pumpkin-spiced everything. But can you blame us? More than a trend, pumpkin is the official flavor mascot of the season. It’s rich, sweet, and aromatic—perfection.

I decide to fully pay tribute to the arrival of October by indulging in this most beloved fruit (yes, pumpkin is indeed a fruit). However, I chose to forgo the famed Starbucks latte to get my fix.

Instead, I visit a charming skincare boutique in Montecito to treat my skin to a little pumpkin-spiced love.

Nestled among the iconic, white storefronts along Coast Village Road sits Skin Prophecy Clinic. The skincare institute and spa offers an impressive variety of high-end services, and luckily for me, is the gracious host of my luxuriously festive facial. Not to my surprise, the lush pumpkin treatment is as delicious for the skin as it sounds. The smooth golden and russet pulp puree treats your face with over 100 different types of vitamins, proteins and antioxidants, including highly concentrated beta- carotene, responsible for its rich color.

Recommended for almost all skin types, the regimen will leave your skin smooth, hydrated and with a youthful glow. I find myself laying there in a state of pure bliss, soaking up the keratolyic benefits and falling in love with the sweet, authentic aroma of pumpkin. I unashamedly admit to my aesthetician that I would return for the treatment no matter what the season. As if the application of the pumpkin enzyme to my face, neck and décolleté wasn’t enough, I am treated with oxygen toner, fitted with an appropriate organic mask for my skin type, and soon after, enjoy a pressure-point cranial massage. Now I am truly convinced.

Just as appealing as the famed treatment is the proprietor herself, Dee Dee, whose skin and spirit are equally radiant.

Her dedication to the health and wellbeing of each Skin Prophecy visitor is apparent—an additional bonus to my already lovely visit. Not only does she match my curiosity with a genuine passion for sharing her knowledge of skincare but she proceeds to direct me around the almost fairytale-like shop with a bag full of samples so that I can settle into an appropriate home regimen.

As I say my goodbyes to Dee Dee and my enchanting experience, I am quickly reminded that my festive pumpkin treatment is only one of many botanical blends. You mean to tell me there’s also Cherry? Lemon? Pomegranate and Red Wine? Honey and Rosemary? I have to ask her again just to confirm. Having just indulged in such pumpkin bliss for this October, I see no reason why I can’t find a new flavor to celebrate every month. *