A spa day for nurses

FACIAL

The nurses are eager to indulge in exhale’s signature True Facial, which customizes an enzyme mask to skin type. Because Abramowitz has sensitive skin, exhale Day Spa aesthetician Stella Aulova applies a very gentle hydrating mask and massages her face ever so lightly. Denihan, who gets regular facials because her skin suffers from the harsh hospital environment, enjoys every minute of hers, and chimes in: “I love it, it’s so relaxing.”

Penina Abramowitz

A Balancing Act
Abramowitz, 29, has two little boys, and as a per diem nurse, she has a flexible schedule that allows plenty of mom time. “We go to kiddie gym classes and to the park,” she says. Between her shifts at home and at work, though, it’s no surprise she needs to unwind. What helps: playing tennis with her husband, squeezing in a massage or two now and again and listening to music.

At-home spa tips: About face

All you need are 10 to 15 minutes for an effective, two-step DIY facial.

First, cleanse, tone and open pores. Start with a mild cleanser, exfoliate with a gentle peel and apply a toner. Bring some distilled water to a boil and stand with your face over the pot for four to five minutes with a towel draped over your head to trap steam. Blot your face and apply a mask suited to your skin type. When the mask is dry, splash with warm water to remove.

Then, give your skin a tall glass of moisture. A serum can undo the damage from drying heat and air-conditioning inside hospitals and offices. Apply a few drops to parched skin before you put on your moisturizer—it has deep-penetrating properties that really heal tired-looking, stressed skin.

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