As a beauty editor I like to think that I have a good idea of the latest and greatest facial treatments in the industry. I pride myself on being able to quickly rattle off recommendations of where to get the best microcurrent lift, hydrating boost, or pore extraction. So when I came across a picture of someone with little gold magnets delicately placed across their face, I knew I needed to find out what it was. Upon further investigation I came to learn that it was the Synergistic Qi facial and there is only one esthetician currently offering it in New York: Madalaina Conti.
The acne specialist and previous national training manager for Face Gym decided to open up her own studio centered around what she calls synergistic skincare. In other words, her practice is rooted in a holistic approach to treatments rather than just focusing on quick fixes. You’ll find that Conti incorporates microcurrent, radio frequency, peels, and the techniques of quantum aesthetics brand, Qi Beauty. “Four years ago I came across Qi Beauty in a medical journal study [exploring] how magnets have an effect on cellular communication and I was so fascinated by it,” she explains. While yes the 24k gold magnets used in the treatment are very aesthetically pleasing (and are what originally piqued my interest), the customizable process is extremely anti-inflammatory and can aid with a range of concerns in anti-aging, acne, and rosacea.
A few weeks ago, I ventured to Conti’s studio in Midtown to experience the treatment firsthand and ask her exactly how the facial worked. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Qi Beauty and how does it work?
Founded by Kathy Pedersen in 2006, the principles of Qi Beauty combine quantum technology with acupuncture points to help treat and repair skin on a cellular level. “Cells naturally lose a bit of communication as they age. So if we can get those cells to perk up and remember how to function optimally, the skin is going to act younger which can treat a multitude of things,” explains Conti. This is done by using 24k gold-plated micro magnets and placing them in a strategic pattern along the skin. The gold itself has calming properties, but Conti explains it’s the acupuncture points and magnetism that work below the surface to help the skin function optimally.
After cleansing and prepping my skin with a light massage, Conti begins to create my own gold pattern. “I almost use the face as a map of sorts,” she explains. “We're targeting different points and creating patterns depending on what the client is going through.” For me that meant targeting some fine lines on my forehead as well as addressing redness and puffiness around my eyes and cheeks.
Although the placement is customized per person, I learn that it will always center around a few key acupuncture points. “Everybody will have the same energy meridians. For example, there's three points that we start with. There's one between the brows, one on the upper lip, and one on the chin. Those are going to be like the control center for the matrix. They're very calming points, as well, which is why you have such a relaxing experience,” Conti explains. And when she says relaxing experience, she was not lying. I felt so calm I would book another appointment just to have that moment of zen—the added skin benefits were an added plus.
What are the benefits?
The Synergistic Qi Facial is perfect for those who are looking to knock out inflammation, depuff, and target breakouts or fine lines. “The biggest thing that I normally notice [post treatment] is a big reduction in redness in the skin,” Conti calls out, something especially helpful for those with rosacea. Additional benefits include reduction in water retention, a boost in hydration, and pores looking more refined.
I arrived for my treatment a bit puffy and very red since my skin always acts up at the beginning of winter. By the end of the facial I was happily surprised to see how sculpted my face appeared (especially along my jawline) and how much the redness had receded. As someone who has fairly sensitive skin and is eczema prone on my face, I often lean into restorative practices to help reset and strengthen my barrier. This certainly gave me immediate satisfaction but my skin continued to stay fairly calm for days following my appointment.
Top: Before receiving the Qi Beauty facial; Bottom: After receiving the Qi Beauty facial.
Photo: Courtesy of Adi Giesey
Photo: Courtesy of Madalaina Conti.
Who can benefit from this treatment?
Simply put, almost everyone can benefit from booking a session. “I definitely never used to say this lightly, but Qi Beauty really is for everyone because it lowers inflammation. We can also adjust the matrix to literally whatever your concern is and whatever your goal is,” she explains. The only exceptions would be those who are pregnant since certain acupuncture points can be contraction points. As for those who treat themselves to regular injectables, they should wait at least two weeks after getting Botox and at least four weeks after receiving filler.
How often should you get a Synergistic Signature Qi Facial?
“Most clients come in monthly and I feel like that's always a great rule of thumb for any sort of facial just to keep you on track,” says Conti. “What's great is that this is very cumulative. So unless you go [an extended amount of time] between sessions or have a trauma happen to the skin, your results build upon each other with every treatment.”
Qi Beauty also offers home kits to help prolong the results post facial. Conti describes them as ear seeds for acupuncture but they come in a larger size since these are for the face. She will often help provide a customized map for clients to follow along at home.
Will Qi Beauty become a popular trend?
When asked if she thinks Qi Beauty will pick up in popularity, Conti replied definitely. “I just feel it in every ounce of me because it just solves such a huge problem and everybody can do it because it is so gentle,” she says. “Especially living in a crazy polluted city where our skin is angry and we have all four seasons and it's always going through changes. It's gonna be really life changing for a lot of people and it's definitely something that I wish I had when I was in the depths of my skin situation.”
From my personal experience I have to say I agree with Conti. My skin felt glowy, plump, and calm walking out of her studio. I even noticed that I had less flare ups of irritation in the weeks following. It was refreshing to have someone who wanted to create a personal and meaningful relationship with my skin from the start. I’d absolutely recommend incorporating this into your monthly routine or any time that you feel like your skin needs a little bit of TLC.