Custom facials at Twisted Scissors

Getting a spa treatment at a salon often means forgoing that deep, meditative relaxation that comes from a combination of tension-melting silence and gentle pampering normally found at spas. That’s not the case at Twisted Scissors. The salon, which recently expanded and now offers facials, effectively shuts out the chatter with the closing of the treatment-room door. With a velvet Elvis watching over the room and down-tempo indie tunes setting the mood, aesthetician Andrea starts my customized Age Smart multivitamin exfoliation treatment with a series of questions to learn about problem areas—winter dryness, T-zone clogging, etc.—before picking out a battery of cool, soothing Dermalogica skin-care products. As the spa steamer opens up pores, and exfoliants, cleansers and deep moisturizers work their magic, Andrea takes the relaxation to a new level with hand, arm and foot massages. Now whatever’s happening out in the bustling salon seems not only a world away, but a universe or two. When my 75 minutes are up, my skin, and my mind, are left feeling fully refreshed. $75 for 75 minutes. 2001 N Point St (773-227-1077, twistedscissorschicago.com).