Treatments designed to smooth skin and reduce wrinkles may rely on the power of hyaluronic acid. Learn some of its secrets with Groupon's guide. If your joints don’t creak and your eyeballs don’t squish around in their sockets, you have hyaluronic acid to thank. It’s a gel-like substance that lubricates and gives shape to several key components of the body, and with the help of dermatologists and chemists, it becomes even more versatile. Injected in the form of dermal fillers such as Juvéderm and Restylane, it can soften fine lines and replace lost volume in skin, creating a more youthful appearance that can last up to a year. Because it’s already found naturally in the body, it doesn't irritate surrounding tissues when injected. (And humans aren’t the only creatures who rely on the substance—before chemists learned to synthesize it, it used to be extracted from rooster combs.) Hyaluronic acid also appears in many moisturizers and anti-aging creams, but unlike dermal fillers, these won't have much impact on wrinkles. "When you use hyaluronic acid topically, it doesn't penetrate the skin," says Dr. Debra Jaliman, author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist. "It only acts as a moisturizer." But that effect shouldn’t be underestimated. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning that it draws in water from the air and holds it against the epidermis, hydrating the skin without clogging pores like some lotions and mud pits can. "Patients who are acne-prone really like this, as it is noncomedogenic," Dr. Jaliman adds. "It is also useful for patients who have eczema or rosacea, as it is not irritating." While its effects on the skin are well known, some believe that ingesting hyaluronic acid could also be beneficial. In 2000, ABC’s 20/20 popularized the hypothesis that a diet high in starchy vegetables that boost hyaluronic-acid production was responsible for the unusually smooth skin of elderly people in the Japanese village of Yuzuri Hara, where many residents live to be over 90.

A scrub, steam, and hydrating mask all sound like the components of a relaxing facial. But at Bliss Salon & Day Spa, they're part of the spa pedicure, which the menu aptly describes as "a facial for your soles." The pedicure begins with an aromatherapy foot soak, then segues into cuticle care and an extensive massage. It's not the only service at the spa that combines different indulgences into one—a 90-minute Divine Bliss Luxury facial includes a foot massage, and an Aromatouch massage often mixes the calming scents of doTERRA essential oils with Reiki or other energy work. Meanwhile, the stylists in the salon fashion hairdos to fit any lifestyle and help prepare for special events, such as weddings in which baseball caps aren't allowed. Though they can all expertly cut and color hair, they also have their own go-to specialties—lead stylist Amber Rae, for instance, is a maestro of color-correction and keratin smoothing treatments, and Skyi loves to work with curls. As they develop new looks in Bliss's boutique-like setting, the team utilizes products from Moroccanoil and Bumble and bumble.

Whether you're new to the day spa experience or an experienced vet, Ethereal Spa in Portland has services to accommodate everyone. Keep those pores clear with a relaxing facial courtesy of the spa's expert aestheticians. Maintain youthful and smooth skin with an efficient skin care treatment, such as microdermabrasion and a steam bath. When unwanted hair arises, the staff at Ethereal Spa is here to provide you with private and quick hair removal services, such as waxing, laser hair removal, electrolysis, and epilation. For a divine set of nails, you can choose from any of their amazing services such as pedicures and manicures. Need to relieve some stress? Opt for a high-quality massage. For your convenience, this spa offers appointment-only services that will help keep your visit short and sweet. This establishment offers moderately-priced deals and steals for all of your spa treatment needs. Ethereal Spa accepts major credit cards, including Discovery and AMEX. Convenient street parking is easy to find outside Ethereal Spa. The best-kept hair removal secrets are available at Ethereal Spa so head on over to discover the great hair removal remedies.

Reduce your stress with a day filled with relaxing spa services from Tamara's Beauty Bar in Portland. Recapture a healthy and glowing complexion with a facial from this spa. Improving your skin can do wonders for your look. Take advantage of Tamara's Beauty Bar's skin treatments like a steam bath. The salon services at this spa will have your nails painted, groomed, and looking amazing. Tamara's Beauty Bar is your one-stop shop for all of your beauty and cosmetic needs, including make up application. This spa offers a wide variety of massages to suit your personal needs. Tamara's Beauty Bar provides a comfortable and relaxing environment for guests to receive hair removal services. To accommodate your busy schedule, this spa offers an appointment-only policy so none of your time is wasted. Tamara's Beauty Bar lets you look and feel great without burning a hole through your wallet. You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express or any major credit card. Pay Tamara's Beauty Bar a visit and leave feeling refreshed, balanced, and on top of the world.

Pamper yourself with a relaxing full spa experience at Wholeness Face and Body in Portland. Keep those pores clear with a relaxing facial courtesy of the salon's expert aestheticians. Wholeness Face and Body also offers a wide variety of skin care treatments, including a body wrap. Wholeness Face and Body offers a wide range of painless and effective hair removal remedies, including waxing, threading, laser hair removal, electrolysis, and epilation. This salon provides a wide array of services, all of which are accommodated on an appointment-only basis. Whether you're a solo spa-goer or prefer to relax with friends, Wholeness Face and Body's prices won't stand in the way of your plans. Major credit cards — including Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express — are accepted. Drivers will be surprised by the number of street parking spots available near Wholeness Face and Body. Get the relaxation of an entire vacation in one afternoon at Wholeness Face and Body. Book your appointment today!

The skilled staff and full "beauty bar" at Portland's L'mu Salon will help get you that exact look you're going for. Whether it's that short bob or Brazilian blow out, you're in good hands. On the hunt for a professional and relaxing facial? Look no further than this salon. Liven up your hair with a number of treatments such as hair cuts and color and highlights done by professional stylists. L'mu Salon offers a wide range of painless and effective hair removal remedies, including electrolysis and epilation. L'mu Salon lets you take control of your whole look by selecting from any of its beauty services like make up application. At this salon in Portland, you will have to call and book all of your appointments ahead of time. L'mu Salon respects your methods of personal finance by accepting any and all major credit cards. Customers at L'mu Salon will love the simple and nearby street parking options. Ready for fabulous? Plan your next beauty experience at L'mu Salon.