Velvet Veil's Mission
At Velvet Veil Med Spa, in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, we specialize in advanced medical aesthetics and wellness, enhancing your natural beauty through advanced, personalized skincare treatments like, skinwave hydrofacial, microneedling, body contouring, laser, and more! We are a nurse-led team, aiming to be the premier destination for a harmonious fusion of luxury, science, and self-care, where every client's natural beauty is unveiled.
At Velvet Veil, we don't just provide a service, we guarantee a journey to your most radiant self. Our Results Assurance ensures you are never alone in your aesthetic transformation.
WE ARE NOW TAKING WALK-INS EVERY SATURDAY 10AM-4PM. NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED!!
Caren Gutterman, RN, BSN/Owner
Hi, I’m Caren Gutterman, RN, BSN. My mission is simple: to help you feel completely refreshed, radiant, and confident in your own skin—without ever looking like you’ve had "work done." After a decade of experience in clinical nursing, I founded Velvet Veil Med Spa to break away from the rushed, corporate approach to medical aesthetics. I wanted to create a peaceful sanctuary where care is deeply personalized, never hurried, and entirely tailored to your unique goals. I’m not here to judge your current skincare routine or push unnecessary treatments; I’m here to partner with you and make your skin work beautifully for you. Whether we are customizing a advanced facial protocol or working on body contouring, you can always expect honest guidance, evidence-based care, and a gentle touch.
Dr. Emy Cummins
Hi ! My name is Dr. Emy Cummins a board-certified Naturopathic Physician who completed her medical training at Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine—now Sonoran University of Health Sciences—in Tempe, Arizona, in 2016. She later earned her Master’s degree in Acupuncture from the Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture in 2021.
With over nine years of private practice experience, Dr. Emy brings a holistic approach that connects internal health with external beauty. She believes that how we care for our skin plays a powerful role in how we feel, and is excited to partner with Caren in helping patients look and feel their best through personalized, integrative aesthetic care.
About Us
Jem Viernes, RN
Hi! My name is Jem! Originally from Hawaii, I am a Registered Nurse and Licensed Esthetician with over six years of acute care experience. I believe our skin can offer valuable insight into out overall health, lifestyle, and self-care habits. Because of this, I view skincare as more than aesthetics-It's an important part of wellness, confidence, and the relationship we have with ourselves. My goal is to help clients feel empowered through personalized treatments, education, and evidence-based care. My passion for healthcare and aesthetics continues to inspire me as I pursue further education in Dentistry, bringing together my interests in wellness, confidence, and helping others feel their best.
Client Results
Skinwave Hydrofacial
Microneedling
T-Shape 2 Body Contouring
Resurfacing
Intense Pulsed Light
Laser Vascular Removal
Laser Hair Removal
Laser Tattoo Removal
Check Out Our Fall Events & Specials!
Velvet Veil Med Spa's Haunted Open Laser House is going live! 🎃
Why let your skin concerns haunt you this season? 😱
We are casting a spell 🪄🪄 on our entire line up of advanced laser treatments to bring you frighteningly great savings! Whether you want to refresh your complexion, clear up pigment, or permanently erase unwanted ink, veins, or hair, we have a SPOOKY great deal waiting for you! 💀
✨️ Laser Resurfacing: Scare away wrinkles and uneven texture for a flawless, smooth canvas. Purchase a resurfacing package during Open Haunted House for 15% off, and receive an $80 value post-ablative skincare kit FREE! Limited kits available! Single treatments are 15% off!
✨️IPL Photofacials: Vanish sun damage, dark spots, redness, or Rosacea with a flash of light. Purchase a package or single treatment for 15% off!
✨️Laser Hair Removal: Ditch the razor and enjoy permanently smooth skin. Purchase a package or single treatment for 15% off!
✨️Tattoo Removal: Ready to ghost that old ink? Let's start fresh! Purchase a package or single treatment for 15% off!
✨️Vascular Removal: Clear away spider veins 🕷🕷 broken capillaries, and cherry angiomas instantly. Purchase a package or single treatment for 15% off!
These bewitching 🧙♀️🧹 offers disappear when October ends!
🎃 Join us for some fun, gifts, prizes, raffles, snacks, and GHOULISH vendor
When: Sunday, October 25, 2026 from 2pm-8pm
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
National Aesthetician Day October 15
Undergoing breast cancer treatment—such as chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or surgery—radically alters how skin functions. Skin cells require specialized, ultra-gentle care during this time due to several key physiological changes:
1. Impaired Skin Barrier & Severe Dryness (Xerosis)
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What happens: Chemotherapy and hormonal therapies often suppress oil (sebum) production and slow cellular turnover.
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Why care changes: The skin’s natural moisture barrier degrades, leading to extreme dryness, scaling, tightness, and intense itching. Standard cosmetics or fragranced lotions can easily penetrate this broken barrier, causing painful irritation or allergic responses.
2. High Risk of Infection & Delayed Healing
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What happens: Chemotherapy lowers white blood cell counts (neutropenia), weakening the immune system. At the same time, tissue repair slows down.
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Why care changes: Minor cuts, cracks from dry skin, or aggressive cosmetic treatments (like chemical peels, microneedling, or ablative lasers) can introduce bacteria and cause serious infections or non-healing wounds. Skin must be handled with sterile, non-abrasive techniques.
3. Radiation Dermatitis & Tissue Fragility
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What happens: Targeted radiation disrupts cellular DNA in the treatment zone, leading to localized redness, hyperpigmentation, peeling, burning, or raw skin (radiation dermatitis).
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Why care changes: Skin in the radiation field becomes extremely delicate, sensitive to friction, and vulnerable to breakdown. Standard active ingredients (like retinoids, AHAs/BHAs, or vitamin C) or hot water can exacerbate tissue damage.
4. Extreme Photosensitivity (Sun Sensitivity)
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What happens: Many chemotherapy agents, targeted therapies, and radiation treatments make skin hypersensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light.
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Why care changes: Sunburns can occur in just a few minutes, leading to severe burns, hyperpigmentation, or lasting tissue damage. Strict physical sun protection (mineral zinc oxide SPF, protective clothing, and shade) becomes mandatory.
5. Increased Sensitivity & Contact Dermatitis
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What happens: Therapies trigger systemic inflammation, making the skin hyper-reactive to substances it previously tolerated.
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Why care changes: Synthetic fragrances, dyes, essential oils, alcohol, and harsh surfactants (like sulfates) must be completely eliminated to prevent severe contact dermatitis or inflammatory reactions.
Key Guidelines for Skincare During Treatment
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Simplify to the Basics: Focus strictly on gentle cleansing, barrier repair, deep hydration, and sun protection.
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Choose Biocompatible & Non-Irritating Formulations: Look for ingredients that mimic natural skin lipids—such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, colloidal oatmeal, and squalane.
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Avoid Actives & Aggressive Exfoliants: Hold off on chemical exfoliants (glycolic, salicylic, lactic acids), retinoids/retinols, physical scrubs, and high-strength anti-aging serums.
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Pause Invasive Aesthetic Procedures: Avoid treatments that break the skin or create thermal injury (microneedling, laser resurfacing, strong peels, or waxing) unless cleared by the oncology team.
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Use Broad-Spectrum Mineral SPF: Stick to physical mineral sunscreens (Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide) over chemical filters to avoid burning or irritation.
Happy National Aesthetician Day! 💖
If my best friend asked me for skincare advice over coffee, here’s what I’d tell them for free:
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Less is more during treatment. You don't need a 10-step routine—just a solid cleanser, deep hydration, and barrier support.
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SPF is non-negotiable. The best anti-aging product on the market is daily mineral sunscreen, period.
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Consistency beats intensity. A simple daily routine done consistently will always outperform an occasional aggressive treatment.
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Listen to your skin barrier. If your face feels tight, squeaky, or irritated, stop exfoliating and focus on hydration!
When a client looks in the mirror and says, "My skin is really bad," here is what is actually going through an aesthetician's mind:
1. "You are being way too hard on yourself."
Aestheticians see skin up close under magnifying lamps every single day. What looks like "disastrous" skin to you in a harsh bathroom mirror is usually completely normal to a professional. They see textured pores, minor breakouts, and uneven tone on almost everyone—and they never view those standard skin functions as "bad."
2. "Your skin barrier is probably just stressed."
Instead of seeing "bad skin," an aesthetician sees a skin barrier that needs support. Often, what feels like a chronic skin issue is simply dehydration, over-exfoliation from too many active ingredients, or environmental stress (like dry mountain air or seasonal shifts).
3. "I see a roadmap, not a flaw."
Where you see frustration, an aesthetician sees an exciting puzzle to solve. They are actively analyzing the root causes—evaluating cellular turnover, oil balance, hydration levels, and inflammation—to determine which gentle, targeted treatments will bring your skin back into harmony.
4. "I'm so glad you're here so we can partner on this."
Skincare is a collaborative journey, not a quick fix or a test you pass or fail. An aesthetician isn't judging your current routine or home habits; they are relieved you came in so they can take the stress off your shoulders, simplify your routine, and guide your skin back to a healthy, radiant state.
Things clients say during a hydrafacial that make aestheticins laugh
Here are a few lighthearted, relatable things clients say during a Hydrafacial that always put a smile on an aesthetician's face:
1. "Can I see the gunk jar?"
The absolute classic! Almost every client goes from slightly hesitant to fascinated, eagerly asking to inspect the waste canister at the end to see everything that came out of their pores.
2. "This vacuum feels like a tiny baby goat (or puppy) is licking my face."
The gentle suction and fluid delivery of the hydro-wand are so unique that clients come up with the most creative, hilarious analogies to describe how it feels.
3. "I think you just vacuumed out a stress headache from 2019."
Between the cooling liquid, rhythmic suction, and scalp/neck massage, clients often feel a level of deep relief that goes far beyond just skincare.
4. "Is it weird that this slurping noise is actually really relaxing?"
The distinct sound of the aqua-delivery tip and suction system becomes surprisingly soothing once you settle into the treatment.
World Psoriasis Day October 29
Eczema Awareness Month
For World Psoriasis Day (October 29), the most crucial conversation we need to bring to the forefront in medical aesthetics is breaking the stigma around chronic skin conditions and bridging the gap between clinical dermatology and aesthetic care.
Here are four key themes you can feature for social media, client newsletters, or educational website content:
1. "Aesthetics Isn't Just for Perfect Skin—It's for Health & Confidence"
Many people living with psoriasis feel excluded from med spas, assuming aesthetic treatments are only meant for "already flawless" skin. We need to normalize having visible skin conditions in treatment spaces.
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The Core Message: Living with psoriasis doesn't mean you have to forfeit self-care, relaxation, or body confidence. Med spas should be a safe, welcoming sanctuary free from judgment or embarrassment.
2. Understanding the "Koebner Phenomenon" & Safe Aesthetic Care
Clients with psoriasis often worry that any skin treatment will trigger a flare-up. Educating clients on how to safely navigate aesthetic treatments when living with plaque psoriasis builds deep clinical trust.
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The Core Message: Physical trauma or aggressive friction can trigger new psoriasis lesions on undamaged skin (the Koebner phenomenon). Nurse-led aesthetic care focuses on identifying active vs. inactive areas, avoiding physical or thermal trauma during flares, and choosing deeply restorative, non-invasive barrier treatments.
3. Prioritizing Barrier Restoration & Deep Hydration
Psoriasis compromises the skin barrier, leading to accelerated water loss, scaling, and severe dryness—which is often compounded by dry mountain air or high altitude.
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The Core Message: Aesthetics isn't always about high-intensity lasers or deep exfoliations; sometimes the most impactful treatment is deep, hydro-infused nourishment and lipid barrier support that calms inflammation and relieves tightness.
4. Normalizing Skin Insecurities & Supporting the Mind-Skin Connection
Skin health and mental well-being are deeply connected. Chronic conditions like psoriasis take a heavy emotional toll, leading many to hide their skin or feel self-conscious during treatments.
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The Core Message: As aesthetic professionals and nurses, our goal is to empower you, listen to your concerns, and tailor care that honors where your skin is today—focusing on comfort, barrier health, and radiant self-love
For Eczema Awareness Month (October), as temperatures drop and cool mountain air sets in, the single most critical fall skincare swap for eczema-prone skin is transitioning from light, water-based summer lotions to a rich, barrier-repairing lipid cream or ointment.
Here are the essential fall swaps and guidelines to protect eczema-prone skin this season:
1. The Core Swap: Light Lotions → Rich Ceramide & Lipid Creams
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Why the change: Summer humidity keeps skin naturally hydrated, allowing lightweight gel-lotions to suffice. In fall, indoor heating and dry winds accelerate transepidermal water loss (TEWL), causing eczema patches to crack, itch, and flare.
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What to look for: Rich, ointment-like creams containing a 3:1:1 lipid ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids to physically rebuild the skin's compromised moisture barrier.
2. Cleanser Swap: Foaming Gel Cleansers → Ultra-Gentle Cream or Oil Cleansers
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Why the change: Foaming cleansers often use surfactants that strip away natural oils—disastrous for delicate, eczema-prone skin in colder weather.
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What to look for: Non-foaming, fragrance-free cream or cleansing oils that clean without disrupting the skin's mantle or leaving it feeling tight or squeaky.
3. Hyaluronic Acid Technique: Apply on Damp Skin → Lock in Immediately
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Why the change: Hyaluronic acid pulls moisture from its environment. In dry fall air, if applied to dry skin without a rich occlusive layer on top, it can actually pull water out of deeper skin layers.
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What to do: Apply hydrating serums or hyaluronic acid directly onto soaking wet skin within 3 seconds of cleansing, then immediately layer a rich barrier cream over top to seal it in.
4. Exfoliation Swap: Ditch Physical Scrubs & Harsh Acids Completely
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Why the change: Cool air already weakens the stratum corneum. Physical scrubs, glycolic acid, or strong retinoids create micro-tears and trigger severe contact dermatitis or flare-ups.
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What to do: Pause active chemical exfoliants during a flare. Focus entirely on barrier repair ingredients like colloidal oatmeal, squalane, glycerin, and niacinamide (at low concentrations).
5. Daily Protection: Chemical Sunscreen → Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF
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Why the change: Chemical UV filters (like avobenzone or oxybenzone) generate heat as they convert UV rays, which can sting active eczema patches.
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What to look for: Broad-spectrum 100% Mineral Zinc Oxide SPF. Zinc oxide is naturally soothing, anti-inflammatory, and creates a gentle physical shield against both UV rays and harsh autumn winds.
Velvet Veil's Autumn Specials!
The Autumn Glow-up Combo
Pumpkin spice is great, but we prefer a pumpkin- season plump. The crisp autumn air in Arizona can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and a bit dull. We're fighting back with our Autumn Glow-up Combo. This exclusive fall special pairs the deeply hydrating, hydrogen-infused power of the Skinwave Hydrafacial with the immediate, volume-boosting benefits of the DermalogicaPro Plump Peel. The result? Clean, deeply hydrated, and instantly smooth skin with zero downtime.
Autumn Special Price: $285 (Save $70!) Regulary $345
The Fall Radiance Reset
Summer memories last forever, but your summer sun damage doesn't have to. Fall is officially the perfect time to reset your complexion. Our Fall Radiance Reset is a targeted two-step powerhouse designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and rebuild collagen.
Step 1: A full-face microneedling session to stimulate deep cellular repair and smooth out uneven texture.
Step 2: A 45-minute Skinwave Hydrafacial scheduled two weeks later to flood your freshly renewed cells with intense hydration.
Autumn Special Pricing: $485 (Save $90!) Regulary $575
Sweater Weather Contouring Routine
Sweater weather is officially here, but we are keeping things tight and toned. Ready to lift, sculpt, and firm? Meet the TShape 2 Body and Facial Contouring System. By combining radiofrequency, low level laser technology, and vacuum massage, this advanced treatment targets skin laxity, stimulates collagen, and defines your natural contours. Whether you want to target facial contours or a specific body area, our Sweater Weather Bundle makes it seamless. Treat yourself to the ultimate body or facial rejuvenation this season!
Autumn Special Bundle Pricing: Get a series of 3 TShape2 sessions:
Face and Neck for just $638 (Save $112!) Regularly $750
Abdomen, Arms, or Glutes for just $765 (Save $135!) Regularly $900
Full Back or Thighs for just $1,020 (Save $180!) Regularly $1,200
Pampering
Indulge in our luxurious spa treatments designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Experience ultimate relaxation and renewal at Velvet Veil Med Spa.
Treatment Packages
Prioritize your well-being with our range of wellness packages. From hydrafacials to injectables, we offer personalized treatments to enhance your health.
Memberships
Unlock exclusive benefits and savings with our membership packages. Join Velvet Veil Med Spa's membership program to enjoy regular pampering and discounts.
Advanced Aesthetics
Enhance your natural beauty with our advanced aesthetic procedures. Our skilled professionals will help you achieve your desired look with precision.
Rewards Programs
We are excited to announce our "Give $50, Get $50" credit program!
Refer a friend, and when they become a new client, both of you will earn a $50 credit for your next treatment. This is our way of expressing gratitude for helping us grow our community! Begin referring today and reap the rewards together!
Capture your post-treatment glow! Click the link:
https://www.giverratings.com/velvet-veil-med-spa
Share your selfies, tag our practice, and enjoy 15% off your next treatment as a thank-you. We love seeing your results and appreciate your support!
Frequently asked questions
5 Star Google Reviews
Andrea Edwards, Flagstaff, AZ
"I had the most amazing experience with Caren! The microneedling treatment left my skin feeling refreshed, smoother, and visibly more radiant. I’ve already noticed an improvement in texture and a healthy glow that I haven’t seen in years. And theT-shape sculpting on my stomach was just as impressive. It felt relaxing, and I can already see a difference in how toned and defined my midsection looks. It gave me a huge confidence boost!"
Nicolas G, Sedona, AZ
"Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish. Caren was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind throughout the entire session. She made me feel comfortable, explained everything clearly, and paid close attention to detail. The whole experience felt very high-end and personalized. Highly recommend booking with her if you want someone who truly cares about her clients and delivers exceptional service."
Suzie Shreve, AZ
"Velvet veil med spa was a very good experience. I enjoyed my time getting to know Caren, Jema and the T shape machine and what it does. I felt so much better this past week from the session. The bloat went away soon after leaving the spa. I hope to make it back to Flagstaff next week. I just wish I lived closer to them. You offer so many great services.🌿"