NIKKI IN PUNTA CANA
Vacationing With Nikki, Our Skin Care Expert
Prepare For Your Next Picturesque Escape With Nikki
When she isn’t performing professional treatments and providing skin health education, Nikki Rucinsky, LME is often the envy of our practice, frequently traveling to paradise and looking stunning while doing so! And she doesn’t rely on filters to get her glow — she prepares weeks in advance and brings along the essentials to protect her skin and elevate her look.
NIKKI GETTING HER VITAMIN D
Jump Ahead To Your Favorite Part Of A Trip:
- Packing The Skin Care Essentials
- Treatments To Prepare For Paradise
- Post-Vacation Detox & Recovery
- Favorite Destinations & Pet Peeves
- What She’s Bringing To The Lewis Center Location
We invite you to come along with us as Nikki shows what it’s like to plan for, revel in and recover from her breathtaking vacations!
Packing The Essentials: Medical-Grade Skin Care & Sun Protection
“I’m going to be real — I don’t always use all-mineral sunscreen, even though I know it is the best. I’ll use it for my face, for sure, but I’m a little more lenient for the rest of my body.”
- Sunscreen: I always pack three types of SPF: two for the face and one for the body. My go-to’s are Skinbetter Compact, which is easy to reapply, and Alastin Tinted SPF for days when I’m not wearing much makeup.
- Moisturizers: Trio by Skinbetter and Alastin UltraLight are my favorites. They work in both hot and cold climates and are safe for acne-prone skin.
- Cleansers & Toners: I use Skinbetter cleansing gel and SkinEssentia Moisturizing Toner by Environ to keep my skin balanced without using harsh actives, exfoliants and retinoids.
- Clothing & Accessories: I bring a 360-degree sun hat to protect my face and shoulders from the sun, but I skip the long-sleeve bathing suit — I’m there to enjoy the sun not hide from it!
“Avoid those multi-purpose products even if you’re trying to save space. Once you start to combining steps, the products being to lose their efficacy. Keep them separated for the maximum impact!”
NIKKI BY THE POOL
Prepping For Paradise: Pre-Vacation Treatment Planning & Timing
“I like to increase my workout frequency by 1 or 2 more weekly sessions and cut back on alcohol a few weeks before leaving — this reduces bloating and decreases my tolerance, which is a fun time. I also stick to some moderate exercise during vacation, like walking on the beach or using the resort gym, to feel great without missing anything.”
PROCEDURES
What I Get Done Before I Leave
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Dermaplane
Dermaplane is a great procedure to get done 1 week before vacation because it removes dead skin and improves texture
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DiamondGlow
1 week out to make sure my skin is more radiant, but also ready to be in the sun again
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CoolTone
2 weeks before anything with a bathing suit, specifically to tone the muscles in the abdomen
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CoolSculpting
6 months before the trip to ensure full results are showing
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Firm & Tone by SkinMedica
This product must be used consistently for weeks and months to reduce the appearance of cellulite
Back To Reality: The Post-Vacation Recovery Regimen
- First Treatments: Depending on the length of my trip, I either repeat the DiamondGlow or get a comprehensive facial to get rid of the product and debris that may have built up while I was gone.
- The 7-Day Detox: Additional cardio and a detox from alcohol, sugar and all the other good stuff help reset my system after indulging on vacation. We like to do one of these before the trip, too, to start the trip with a clean slate.
“Something I always tell patients before they go on a big trip: make sure you’re taking everything off of your face before bed. And if you can’t, I would much rather you pass out with mineral sunscreen than a face full of makeup!”
Beyond Skin Care: What It’s Like To Travel With Nikki
The Best Spots To Return To
My favorite places are the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas and 30A in the Florida panhandle (especially Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach). Honestly, anywhere with a beach is ideal for me! We also have some upcoming plans to visit Italy and Greece for our wedding, and a domestic trip to Scottsdale for some desert golfing.
“Besides skin health, traveling is one of my greatest passions. And when I get there, I want to park it on the beach and enjoy myself!”
Traveling Struggles & Pet Peeves
The Columbus airport right here is one of the best airports I’ve ever been to — and I’ve been to a lot. It’s convenient and clean. You move right through, unlike with Orlando or Atlanta. I’ll also do anything possible to avoid a layover because I’ve been through enough nightmare scenarios.
If you’ve ever traveled to an international resort, you know the shuttle rides can be an interesting experience. There have been times when I wasn’t sure we were going to make it to the end destination! I just close my eyes, hope for the best and enjoy it once we get there.
My Fiancé, Dylan: The Ultimate Personal Item
“I have to say that Dylan is the best travel partner — he’s up for anything and trusts my judgment completely. Half the time, he doesn’t know where we’re going or where we’re staying!”
Nikki Is The Lead Medical Aesthetician At Our Lewis Center Location
Since she is always moving around, it only made sense for Nikki to play a leading role at our newest location at Evans Farm in Lewis Center, Ohio. And she is bringing some of her signature medical-grade treatments with her, including the Perfect Derma chemical peel, DiamondGlow, dermaplaning and a host of professional facials.
“I am so excited to be on the front lines of our expansion. I believe in everything Donaldson stands for — the vision, the approach, everything. And the Lewis Center area is incredible. I can see it growing right before my eyes.”