Three different women. Three different skin types. One mission: to plump lines and guarantee the smooth, healthy radiance of youth – minus invasive intervention or pain.
Can it be done? Bh sent our resident skincare junkies to the salon to put three buzz treatments on trial…
Technical treatment
The facial: Priori AHA/LCA Multi-layer Peel
The promise
Supercharging the AHA lactic acid with antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E plus beta carotene, this resurfacing peel works to boost brightness and smooth the skin instantly while reducing lines and furrows over time.
The hopeful
Laina, 28, advertising manager – “Post-summer pigmentation and sun damage is making my skin look dull and rough,” she describes. “And I need preventative measures to nip emerging lines in the bud.”
The experience
“It’s hard to believe that a serious skin overhaul could happen so quickly!” Laina says. “After a thorough cleanse and a layer of skin-prepping lotion, my therapist applied the peel solution and set the timer for exactly three minutes. She explained that the AHAs and other actives are so potent that they work their wonders fast.
“Whilst it was working my face felt slightly tingly, but there was no stinging sensation – plus my therapist kept an eagle eye on me every second. It was over before I knew it! After a dose of Advanced AHA with LCA Complex Perfection Facial Gel and SPF, I was on my way.”
The verdict
“Despite the name of the treatment, there is no actual peeling; the AHAs melt away dead and dull layers of skin while you’re wearing the solution,” describes Laina. “I had no redness or raw feeling afterward and I was amazed how much plumper, dewier and more radiant my face looked after the one session. Even my pores looked refined and my pigmentation was less obvious. I’ve had two more treatments since and the effects are getting even better with each. It’s totally worth the investment.”
The cost: $110 per session. Packages are available for courses of treatment. Four to six sessions are recommended for maximum results.
The Priori Priori AHA/LCA Multi-layer Peel is available from Spa Universe salons
nationally
DIY details
Before having this powerful peel, you need to prepare your skin with take-home Priori Advanced AHA with LCA products. Laina got Priori peel-ready with the Gentle Cleanser ($75) and Skin Renewal Cream ($110).
On the non-cutting edge
The facial: Omnilux Revive (photodynamic therapy)
The promise
Light emitting diodes (LEDs) beam UV-free, narrowband red light into the skin to a depth of 5-8mms. Tuned into the exact wavelength of skin cells, the red light triggers natural processes like rejuvenation, the removal of excess melanin, detoxification, and the synthesis of elastin and collagen.
The hopeful
Janet, 45, account manager – “I want to take some of the crinkle out of my few wrinkles, but, being really into natural beauty products, could never face injectable fillers or surgery,” she explains. “I’d like to get some glow back too.”
The experience
“I don’t know what I expected from a facial without products, but it wasn’t a set of black goggles!” says Janet. “They turned out to be essential, though. Even through the goggles, when the LED lamp was switched on I was dazzled for a few seconds until my eyes adjusted.
“From then on it felt just like I was basking on a beach in Bali, only without the UV risk. So I was surprised to learn that the light itself is completely heatless and the gentle warmth I felt was generated by my own skin as it got busy replenishing and renewing. At least I knew my skin was getting a workout as I took an imaginary holiday for 20 minutes.”
The verdict
“Apart from feeling stress-free, I was really happy with the look of my skin,” Janet reveals. “It looked plump, so much healthier and, though I can be quite sensitive, felt calm and comfy. It didn’t erase my lines like magic, but I do think they looked softer. The morning after, I was still feeling smooth and looking bright. Lasting anti-ageing benefits are supposed to come after eight sessions, so if I can find the time, I’ll commit.”
The cost: $150 (approx.) per treatment. Packages are available for courses of treatment. After the initial eight sessions, only occasional top-ups are required.
Omnilux Revive and other Omnilux light therapies are available in Spa Universe salons around Australia
A natural wonder
The facial: Ilcsi AHA Spicy Organic Facial
The promise
Billed as a pre-event glow-getter, this all-natural treatment applies fruit acids, essential fatty acids and hot Hungarian paprika to unveil smoother skin, kickstart circulation and plump up a lacklustre complexion.
The hopeful
Sarah, 24, editorial assistant – “My skin’s okay, but I could do with a lift,” she says. “Some faint lines have cropped up around my eyes in the last year too.”
The experience
“I was transported to an English garden in summer as the gorgeous Rose Petal Cleanser went on,” Sarah begins. “Next, the AHA Fruit Pulp Treatment was applied. Alone, the apple and grape extracts in this product help retexturise and boost circulation, but it was when the Paprika Herbal Treatment was layered over the top that I could really feel my blood pumping! It certainly lives up to its rep as ‘the hottest facial in town’, though it did cool down after a while and my therapist provided welcome distraction with a relaxing leg and foot massage.
“The cooling, firming Rose Hip Gel Mask applied afterward was soothing, but I still felt an ice bucket would have been preferable. The treatment wrapped up with a delicious-smelling Rich Carrot Mask for hydration, another cleanse and a Rose Hip Whip Moisturiser for a soothing, matte finish.”
The verdict
“As my therapist warned, I was pink for a few hours, but I was really thrilled with this facial. I felt utterly spoilt and my skin felt amazing. There’s no denying it’s super hot, but if you can get over that, you’re in for an amazing treat. I was certainly glowing for the rest of the day and my face looked so supple and smooth. I’d definitely have it before a big event – maybe just in the morning!”
The cost: $120 (approx)
The Ilcsi AHA Spicy Organic Facial is available in Spa Universe salons around Australia
