New Naperville spa offers affordable luxury

When Sandra Putz used to think about getting a facial, she'd think about the cost first.

"I used to only get facials on Mother's Day and Christmas because I couldn't afford more," she said.

Now, Putz has opened a spa in Naperville that she says will let patrons be pampered and take care of their skin without worrying too much about the price.

Facelogic Spa, located in the Design Pointe development where Brookdale Road meets Route 59, specializes in affordable facials and skin care.

Putz, who has lived in the area since 1990, says she sought out Facelogic franchise owners to bring the business to Naperville.

"I was looking for a franchise to buy into," she said. "I thought, why not get into a franchise that offers something that I can use personally?"

Putz said Facelogic offers a few things -- namely reasonable prices -- that other spas don't.

First-time customers receive a 50-minute facial for $39. After that, clients may sign up to be spa members for $49 a month.

The membership program is fairly unique, she said, and is meant to help clients form a relationship with their esthetician, who performs the facial.

"The client comes in on a monthly basis, so the esthetician gets to know them," Putz said. "They know what's going on in their (client's) life and they know what's working for their skin."

Spa employees are trained in the "Facelogic way," Putz said, which means estheticians stay with their clients throughout the process, performing hand, arm or shoulder massages while the facial products are soaking in.

The spa also provides complimentary re-application of makeup after facials, hoping to attract working clients who are on the go.

"People who want to come in during lunch can go right back to work without having to go home and re-do their makeup," Putz said.

Facelogic founder Sherryl Ford came up with the business idea when she owned a day spa and two Curves franchises in San Diego.

"It was very much an inspired idea at 2 a.m. on a four-by-six inch piece of paper," Ford said.

With her brainchild in mind, Ford got in touch with recently retired Curves president Gary Findley, who is also CEO and founder of the Findley Group, a franchising investment and sales and consulting firm.

Ford told Findley about Facelogic, and he agreed to help make her idea a reality.

Fewer than three years later, Facelogic has opened 40 spas and sold 100 territories that will house a store.

"It was a missed market," Ford said in explaining Facelogic's success. "Everyone loves to take care of their skin; they just couldn't afford to do it until Facelogic came into the picture."

As many as 20 locations are anticipated for the Chicago area, Ford said. The Facelogic in Naperville is the first to arrive in the region.

"Sandra chose Naperville," Ford said, "which is, from what I understand, one of the best cities in the U.S."

"I just think we're going to do well in Naperville," Putz said. "We get people who have never had a facial … and a lot of people come in with a problem with their skin. It's not just a typical spa -- it's skin care, too."

Facelogic, at 1316 N. Route 59, Suite 104, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Call (630) 753-9495 for information.

If you go

What: Facelogic

Where: 1316 N. Route 59, Suite 104, Naperville

Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays

Info: (630) 753-9495

How to keep your skin sparkling

Here are some tips from Facelogic Spa to keep your skin sparkling even during the winter:

• Exfoliate a couple of times a week during drier months. Scrubbing dead skin cells from the body is one of the easiest ways to keep your skin looking delectable in all seasons.

• Moisturizer is a vital part of your skin care regimen, especially in winter. Lotions and body creams provide a protective layer for the skin, helping to hold in the water that keeps it supple.

• Like your wardrobe, your skin needs adjustment during different seasons. Winter calls for more rich and hydrating moisturizers. Regardless of the season, remember to apply sunscreen as part of your daily routine.

• Routine visits with a professional esthetician or dermatologist will help. Facials are one of the best ways to speed up the healing process and bring your skin back to normal during the dry winter.