Most micro-needling sessions take around 30
minutes and involve a numbing cream being
applied to the skin to make the procedure much
more comfortable. Once completed, your prac-
titioner may apply a calming mask or cream
to the skin to soothe it during the minutes
following the treatment, but be prepared for
your skin to take a few days to recover fully.
After the treatment, your skin will naturally
start to regenerate and repair itself, which will
gradually lead to an improvement in skin
texture at the surface, however, most practi-
tioners would recommend booking in for a
course of micro-needling treatments to see the
best results.
Facials
One of the more popular salon-based treatments,
most people will opt for a facial before trying
a more intensive treatment such as a peel. “A
facial reduces stress, promotes circulation that
detoxifies the skin and prevents breakouts,
boosts hydration and nourishes the skin from
deep inside, giving you more youthful, radiant
skin,” explains Raimonda. The main goal of a
facial is to treat your skin to a hefty dose of
ingredients while using expert application and
massage techniques to ensure your skin not only
looks better afterwards but that you are left
feeling more calm and relaxed.
“Facials often come in two parts: the first part
is to treat the skin and the other is to relax the
client so they receive a truly indulgent, enjoy-
able experience,” explains Raimonda.
“Depending on the facial you choose, it may
include a deep cleanse and the application of
different serums, such as Vitamin C or a
mixture of antioxidants, peptides and
Hyaluronic Acid or exfoliants such as enzymes
and Glycolic, Lactic or Salicylic Acids. The
second part of the facial is a soothing, calming,
hydrating experience with massage included,
with the whole process taking up to an hour
and a half to complete.”
Dermaplaning
There are new clinic procedures hitting the
headlines all the time, but one that has received
more press than most is dermaplaning. Not
to be confused with dermarolling, dermaplan-
ing is when a small blade is used to remove
the top layer of dead cells as an exfoliating
alternative to acids and physical scrubs.
“Dermaplaning helps remove the dead cells
and peach fuzz (fine hair) on the face to leave
skin looking ultra-smooth and perfectly
prepped for make-up, so it takes on an ‘air-
brushed’ finish,” says Kay Greveson, aesthetic
nurse practitioner and founder of Regents Park
Aesthetics. “It is done using a sterile blade
that is held at a 45-degree angle and brushed
along the surface of the skin. A treatment
usually takes 45 minutes to one hour and can
be done either alone or combined with a skin
peel or micro-needling treatment, which is
commonly known as the million dollar facial.”
One treatment is all you need to see significant
results, with most clients seeing an improve-
ment in skin texture and radiance straight away.
To maintain the results, Kay recommends
booking in for a follow-up treatment around
four to six weeks later. If you are concerned
about how your facial hair will grow back, Kay
says there is nothing to worry about: “Contrary
to popular belief, dermaplaning does not make
facial hair grow back thicker or darker. Hair on
the face is a type known as villous hair, rather
than the dark, thick terminal hair with roots
that grows elsewhere. Once it is removed, it
gradually grows back the same as before.”
To see the best results from any of these treat-
ments, it’s best to listen to your practitioner.
When it comes to aftercare, they will advise you
on the best products to keep your skin healthy
while it recovers from your chosen procedure. As
a rule of thumb, think about including more
gentle, calming formulas in your routine, ditch
anything exfoliating and don’t skimp on the SPF.
ISSUE #10 | 2019 | SkinHealthMagazine.com 19