Christina Depascale Opens Scheál Spa in Rumson

FEATURED PHOTO: Christina Depascale, owner of Scheál Spa | CREDIT: Lori Donnelly

Owner Christina Depascale loves to banter and laugh with her clients, making the treatments that much more enjoyable.

Christina is an empath healer aesthetician, a true “skin guru”, having studied organic chemistry for years, earning many certifications. Raised between Europe and Rumson, she honed her craft working side by side with makeup magnate Laura Mercier for more than 16 years, treating such luminaries as the princesses of Georgia and Turkey and many celebrities. Last month, Christina opened Scheál Spa in her hometown of Rumson where skin treatments are based on individual skin issues, rather than a rigid menu of services. She is a big believer in technology and often combines many different systems in one treatment. And, Christina formulates her own custom skin care line of products on site, Scheál Organics. She has a philosophy of “giving back” with a special emphasis on helping women who have experienced domestic violence. Meet your neighbor, Christina Depascale.

CM: What is the origin of the name Scheál?
(pronounced “Shee Al”)

Christina: Scheál is named in honor of my mother. It was her last name and means “she heals”- so it fits perfectly. Unfortunately, my mother suffered domestic violence and it is a big part of why I formed LOVE -Love Overcomes Violence Everywhere. I try to set aside one day each week to give free facials to women presently experiencing domestic violence, and I also donate a portion of proceeds to organizations helping women recover.

CM: How did you get started in skin care?

Christina: In my mid-twenties I experienced severe acne. I had access to so many products, but nothing was working for me. So, I threw myself into skin school to heal myself. I started making compounds and healed myself in a couple of weeks. Then I started making it for everyone else and it started taking off.

CM: How is Scheál different from other spas?

Christina: Music, Original Products, Makeup, Rewards, and Giving Back. When we meet new clients, we make a note of the type of music they prefer to have played during the treatments. I created an organic line of Scheál products which I make fresh each week. We carry a natural makeup line and I give lessons, accentuating how to achieve a flawless skin appearance. I keep it simple using only a little bit of product and just a few steps. Scheál also has a rewards program to use on future treatments. Another way Scheál is different is in our giving back to women suffering domestic violence.

CM: Is there a success story that stands out to you?

Christina: (Laughs) I’ve had husbands call and tell me to keep doing whatever I am doing for their wives, because it is helping, and I tell them not to forget they can always purchase gift certificates. Women joke and tell me they “used to be ugly.” But one client who stands out is a young woman who came to me with severe acne. Within 18 days after starting treatment she looked like a completely different person. A man at the gym where she attended for three years didn’t recognize her. She broke my heart when she reflected that she felt the acne was a type of handicap, that she never realized she had gotten used to the way people looked at her differently. Now she is more confident.

CM: What are the advantages of using Scheál products?

Christina: Unlike manufactured products, which are made months in advance with preservatives, I personally make fresh batches of Scheál products each week. They have a distinct vitality, and the beneficial results on all types of skin are noticeable very quickly. I use only organic ingredients based in aloe, cucumber and chamomile, and they are extremely healing. They calm the skin and allow the skin to heal. Skin is alive and wants to be our best friend. But we tend to fight against it, and try to rip it off, or mask it or laser it. When skin is calmer it will look softer. As we age, and from sun damage, we get more dead skin which makes our skin appear thicker and makes us “turn into a raisin”. I help get rid of spots and the thick skin. I love to make the skin glow!

Scheál Organics are available for purchase. Visit scheal.com and Facebook for more information on services and products.