The Lotus Spa of Aesthetics, Raleigh

The lotus flower's beauty has been revered across cultures and time periods, from Claude Monet's water-lily paintings to its representation of divine beauty in Hinduism. It also symbolizes means new beginnings. As such, The Lotus Spa is a fitting name for a luxurious boutique medspa in downtown Raleigh. Here, owner and nurse practitioner Ashley Baxter and her team administer a host of aesthetic treatments with the aid of cutting-edge technology.

• IPL photofacials: Evens your skin tone, gets rid of unwanted sunspots, and broken blood vessels.
• LED phototherapy: This noninvasive, painless skincare treatment can be used to destroy acne-causing bacteria, promote collagen production, and improve product absorption.
• Dysport injections: To smooth skin, thereby combating signs of aging—specifically, frown lines and crow's-feet—the team administers Dysport injections.
• Chemical peels: Medical-grade peels aim to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, sun damage,and acne by shedding the outer layer of cells to reveal younger, smoother skin.