Face Changes
On pursuit of flawless skin, we try two much-hyped face treatments and find out if they live up to their reputation.
Clear + Brilliant
Often described as baby fraxel, or lunchtime laser the Clear + Brilliant laser facial is a minimal downtime laser that promises clearer, glowing skin.
The Experience
On arriving at the clinic I was greeted warmly and asked to take a seat while I waited for my dermal clinician. I had completed a questionnaire online regarding my skin and health prior to my appointment which saved time upon arrival. The clinic is no nonsense and focused on skin science and data rather than fluffy feel-good treatments, which makes sense given the experience of its staff.
I was take into a treatment room and met with Derya Koch, the Director of the Victorian Dermal Group who has over 15 years experience in the industry. Derya and I had a general chat about my skin goals (more clarity, refinement and ‘glow’) and we talked about my skin regime and the products I currently used. After a thorough skin cleanse it was off to the to have a full dermal video. This process was a simple and painless, a series of photographs of my face were taken from all angles. This allowed Derya to apply a series of filters to look at different aspects of my skin condition – hydration, sun damage, wrinkles and oiliness. It was a suprising process, I had much less sun damage than I expected, even though I had always taken good care of my skin and wasn’t a sunbather by virtue of living in Australia under the hot summer sun I expected more damage. I was suprised to learn that I had very mild rosacea or sensitivity, not something I had really noticed before.
After this analysis and confirming that I was a good candidate for Clear + Brilliant we went back to the treatment room to start the treatment. Derya suggested a slightly deeper laser for my skin and set to work.
The Treatment
I laid down and my skin was cleansed and prepped by Derya. A numbing cream was applied and I was given a cup of herbal tea and my phone and spent the next 20 to 30 minutes pleasantly scrolling through Instagram while waiting for the numbing cream to take affect.
Derya returned and it was time for the main event. I was a little apprehensive about the pain level however after the first few passes of the laser it was not really noticeable. Derya gave me a tube of cold air that I could use at any stage to cool down my face but I didn’t need it at all. The laser felt like a bit like a warm scratching feeling scraping across my skin. After about 10 to 15 minutes it was over and Derya popped some protective goggles over my eyes and sat me under a LED light for 10 minutes.
Afterwards a light application of cream was applied and I was done. I was given the appropriate post- care information and creams and then I was out of there.
The Aftermath
Immediately afterwards my skin was red and warm, a little like having sunburn. Luckily I didn’t have anywhere I had to be so it was no problem for me to head straight home. Within a few hours the redness and warmth had subsided. That evening I didn’t need to do anything special, just head to bed.
The next day my skin felt dry and there was a little flaking around my nose and mouth area. The texture was like fine sandpaper, it felt strange but not really noticeable to the naked eye, certainly nothing that would prevent me going to work or out to meet friends. I wore very little makeup, just a touch of mineral foundation base as any powders would have dried the skin out even more. Days 3 and 4 were similar, a scratchy sandpapery feel but by the start of day 6 my skin was super soft – possibly the softest I have felt it in years, and it was really glowy.
Over the coming week I really noticed how refined and clear my skin looked and felt, going make-up free was no problem and it has continued to get better and better.
You can get great results from just one treatment but a course of 3-4 spaced about 2-4 weeks apart will get you closer to the skin of your dreams. What I loved about this treatment is that there is little to no downtime so it didnt interrupt my life.
Would I try it again?
A definite yes, it is a little pricey but if you have a good skincare regime and want something to give you that added clarity and glow that goes deeper than a peel I would highly recommend it. I am looking forward to seeing how my skin continues to improve with a few more treatments. Pain level: 2/10 Cost: $$ Effectiveness: A
Buccal Facial
You may have heard of the Buccal Facial in in the lead up to Meghan Markles’ wedding in 2018. It was apparently the bride-to-be’s facial of choice to get her prepped and ready for her big day.
The Experience
I arrived at Beaute The Facial Destination salon and met April Brodie. April is a renowned facialist and skincare expert who has over 37 years experience under her belt. April took me into the treatment room and she explained the treatment to me.
The Treatment
I laid down and my skin was cleansed. A light peel was applied and then April added a facial oil, put on some gloves and commenced the facial massage. The only way I can explain the treatment if you haven’t had it before is to say it felt strange, not uncomfortable or painful, just unusual. April firmly massaged my chin, neck and facial area before the piece de resistance, the inner cheek massage. April used her fingers on the inside and outside of the cheek and mouth area, it was unlike anything I had ever tried before and was a strange sensation but also quite relaxing. Following the massage April applied a face mask and moisturiser and then I was ready to go.
The Aftermath
Immediately afterwards my skin was a little pink and shiny but nothing that would have stopped me from heading out or seeing people. I could see immediate results of the firming ‘lift’ around my chin and jaw line. The next day my skin was beautifully clear and firm and definitely had a glow. This lasted for a week or so and I imagine that regular treatments would keep your skin in beautiful shape and prevent having to head straight for Botox or filler.
Would I try it again?
Definitely, I would ove to add this into my skin facial regime and visit April at least once a month.
Pain level: 1/10 Cost: $ Effectiveness: A
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