esSpa's ongoing evolution blends a generations-old tradition of Hungarian skincare with select advancements in modern skincare technology. Founder and aesthetician Eva Kerschbaumer has defined this expansion with a guiding principle behind BioHacking: technology should enhance skin longevity and support the skin's natural processes rather than replace them. "Through this approach, esSpa has introduced medical-spa-aligned treatments that aim to remain non-invasive, ingredient-focused, and grounded in the same holistic philosophy that has defined the spa for more than two decades," she says. This evolution has resulted in esSpa being acknowledged in the industry alongside growing recognition for Kerschbaumer and the spa within the aesthetics field.
The shift began as Kerschbaumer deepened her work as a national trainer and educator, collaborating with manufacturers and product developers. Exposure to new peptide research, device technologies, and formulation science broadened her perspective on what could be incorporated while still honoring the traditional methods she brought from Hungary. "Understanding where ingredients are sourced and what they actually do changed everything for me," she says. "This knowledge influenced my willingness to explore advanced modalities and expand my offerings."
Among the most notable additions, Kerschbaumer explains, are treatments built around the principle of controlled trauma, such as microneedling, a concept long present in traditional exfoliation methods but now supported by new tools and techniques. Controlled trauma, as Kerschbaumer explains, refers to introducing a measured level of stimulation to activate the skin's natural renewal process. "If you cut your hand, the body begins repairing immediately. Skincare treatments at esSpa can encourage the same instinct without being invasive," she says. "These approaches work with the body's healing cycle, stimulating cellular activity, prompting new collagen production, and promoting long-term skin vitality."
esSpa's menu now includes microchanneling, microneedling variations, intensive herbal-based peels, fibroblast plasma tightening, and emerging treatments such as PDRN and salmon-derived DNA facials. esSpa integrates these tools into a spa setting designed to reduce stress and allow the body to reset. "You can fall asleep during a treatment that still delivers powerful results," she notes. "Atmosphere can make a huge difference in the outcomes."
According to Kerschbaumer, ultrasound-based therapies have become another standout offering. The device used at esSpa was designed by a European physician and operates at a frequency intended to stimulate the deeper layers of the skin without overheating surface layers. She explains that its design allows for collagen engagement below the adipose layer while preserving the integrity of upper skin structures, something that can be challenging with heat-based devices.
Peptide-based treatments form yet another part of the new offerings. She highlights the role of laboratory-engineered peptides designed to mimic muscle-relaxing effects without the use of injectables. One example, she explains, is a peptide inspired by the behavior of certain natural venoms, used topically to soften expression lines without needles. "It may not last as long as injections, but it can create a similar effect without injecting fillers in your face," she says.
While these technologies expand what esSpa provides, the cultural roots behind its philosophy remain unchanged. In Hungary, spa visits are social and immersive, often spanning several hours and incorporating touch, minerals, herbal treatments, and restorative rest. Kerschbaumer sought to translate that experience in the United States, creating a place where guests could undergo multiple services in a single visit rather than approaching wellness as a series of fragmented appointments. Those traditions continue to inform the medispa offerings: even the most advanced treatments are performed in a setting designed to calm the mind as much as renew the skin.
"Individualization remains at the center of our model," Kerschbaumer says. "The team evaluates each client's lifestyle, nutrition, skin condition, and skin concerns before recommending any treatment, ensuring that choices are aligned with the skin's present state rather than preset categories." Training supports that consistency. Every practitioner at esSpa must demonstrate proficiency in Kerschbaumer's techniques, both traditional and technologically enhanced, before working independently with clients. The process can take weeks or months, depending on the individual, but Kerschbaumer insists on it to ensure that every guest receives the same level of care. "People should feel confident no matter who they schedule an appointment with," she says.
esSpa's expansion into advanced modalities reflects a broader vision: honoring the richness of Hungarian holistic care while embracing new tools that align with its non-invasive philosophy. By pairing tradition with thoughtful innovation, the spa continues to grow in a way that feels both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in its origins, a balance shaped by Kerschbaumer's belief in an overall approach that delivers more favorable results. At esSpa, the outcome is all about vitality, not vanity.
