Facials are hard to beat when it comes to A) pampering and B) whipping a lacklustre complexion into a lit-from-within state.
In the cooler months though, they’re particularly essential to help keep our skin barrier intact and prevent issues arising such as dry skin, itchiness, redness and more. Here are five of our faves, each promising youth-enhancing benefits, clearer, more radiant skin, smoother texture and protection-plus!
The iS Clinical Fire & Ice Facial
What is it? You may have heard the likes of Rosie Huntington Whiteley, Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow and Beyonce bang on about this facial. It’s been nicknamed ‘The Red Carpet’ facial because it quite literally delivers results worthy of the ruby rug.
The Fire and Ice facial is a powerfully rejuvenating treatment that combines the nurturing of a facial with the desquamation of a peel. It’s designed to resurface the skin rapidly and safely, thereby improving the efficacy of further active, age-defying ingredients.
It relies on two therapeutic masks, incorporating both active (fire) and soothing (ice) formulas, which work in unison to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve the look of uneven and blemish-prone skin, reduce dark spots and areas of pigmentation, and leave the skin feeling hydrated, soft and smooth. Red-carpet-ready, if you will!
The “Fire” mask is basically an Intensive Resurfacing Masque that contains 18 per cent glycolic acid. It whisks away the top layer of dead skin cells to brighten and refresh. Then, in come sugar cane extracts, green tea leaf extract and vitamins A and B3 to get rid of any remaining debris and to infuse glowing goodness into the skin. Next up, the “Ice” mask aims to soothe and cool after all that exfoliating. It infuses Hyaluronic acid and antioxidants to restore moisture balance and protect against free radicals.
Following this, your eyes get some pampering with an anti-wrinkle serum, while the face, neck and decolletage are treated to a series of vitamin and soothing serums, as well as a deep moisturiser.
Results? Expect better hydrated, glowing skin that is resistant to winter’s harsh conditions.
Where to get it? To find a salon near you, visit www.isclinical.com.au
The Hydra Facial
This is the ultimate treatment for those with uneven skin tone, congestion, dullness, dryness and fine lines. This deep-cleansing, exfoliating treatment combines traditional hydrodermabrasion with an infusion of a super serum best suited to your particular skin issue at the time of the facial. The Hydrafacial works in three stages or ‘steps’, initially with a medium level of suction and cleansing, followed by a much deeper pore extraction stage. In the final stage, the pneumatic (air) pressure is reversed, to infuse the skin with the super serums, leaving skin looking fresher and more radiant. The treatment can be performed alone, or as part of a rejuvenating facial. It’s not painful and there is no downtime – you can go back to your normal activities immediately afterwards.
RESULTS: Expect a clarified complexion that is better able to absorb ingredients from treatment products and looks luminous at all times.
Where to get it? To find a salon near you, visit https://imageskincare.com.au/apps/stockists
Image Skincare Signature Facelift
This ‘lunchtime face-lift’ suits all skin types, especially those in need of some instant “wow”. The relaxing treatment comprises firstly, a gentle yet thorough exfoliation followed by a signature peel which uses vitamin C and retinol to help accelerate skin renewal and boost collagen production. Some clients may experience a slight tingling as the peel works its wonders on the skin, but this only lasts a couple of minutes, if that. Following this, a resurfacing masque packed with glycolic and salicylic acids was applied, which works to nibble away at any stubborn debris. Finally, an enzyme masque is gently massaged into the skin.
Results? Expect a real-life, no-filter glow, that lasts up to one week.
Where to get it:https://imageskincare.com.au
Pure Fiji Vitamin C Brightening Facial
Vitamin C is known as the great brightening vitamin. This facial is based solely around vitamin C, so you can get set to glow! The treatment begins with a vitamin C based Cleanser, followed by a refreshing spritz of Coconut Water hydrating toning mist. After an exfoliating scrub sloughs away dead skin cells and built up debris, a vitamin C Face Mask is applied.
Results: This is your go-to treatment for a simple, effective, relaxing facial that really leaves your skin glowing. The facial alone was simply divine but the finer details about the treatment such as the coconut & flower bowls made it a treatment suit for Fijian royalty.
Where to get it: https://au.purefiji.com
The Dermalux LED Light Facial
Best for those with lacklustre, fatigued skin, this facial will brighten, strengthen, heal and restore – all within one hour. It can even help ease acne, if that’s the issue at play. The facial itself plays out as most facials do – cleanse, exfoliate, massage, mask – however it finishes with an application of product that is best suited to what your skin requires. If your skin is dull, a brightening serum may be applied. If you’re suffering redness, ca calming serum is likely to be called upon. If Acne is your issue, your therapist may choose a resurfacing serum.
From here, the Dermalux LED Light is gently placed over your face and throat and you will be given tiny goggles to wear. The light is quite bright, but don’t worry – it isn’t damaging. It comprises either Red, Blue or Near Infrared LED light, which your therapist will choose according to your concerns. You may need one or the other, or a special combination of all three. Red is typically used for healing and anti-ageing, Blue for strengthening, healing acne, infusing anti-bacterial benefits and aiming to minimise sun damage, while Near Infrared is typically used for people with deeper wrinkles and more advanced skin-ageing.
Results? This is one of my favourite facials at any time of year. Some people feel a little claustrophobic under the light, but I find it so relaxing and soothing. And yes, my skin always looks a million bucks after this treatment!
Where to get it: www.dermaluxled.com.au
