FREEZE FRAME
Are negative temperatures the positive answer to flawless, healthy skin? By Anne Lee.
If freezing reproductive cells for future procreation purposes is nothing to bat an eye at these days, the possibility of restoring moisture and radiance back to skin with sub-zero temperatures should surely be an aesthetics advancement that’s just as common. Picture an ultra-cold cryotherapy facial that is non-invasive, which also soothes irritable skin to bring a natural, radiant glow back to your skin—especially useful for those with sensitive skin that’s prone to redness.
SUB-ZERO BEAUTY
Dubbed “the new Botox”, cryo facials have quickly become one of the most sought-after treatments in 2018. Employing temperatures that go as low as -10°C, this medical facial is highly efficacious and promises to rejuvenate the skin in just one hour. “During the cryo facial, the ‘cold’ immediately soothes and calms most sensitive skin types, and also rejuvenates tired skin,” says Dr Jason Yip, medical director and founder of Astute Clinic. “We have patients who leave the clinic with visibly brighter, more luminous skin.”
Using state-of-the-art techniques such as cold electrophoresis or iontophoresis, proprietary brightening serums and vitamins are delivered via galvanic currents into the depths of the skin sans injections. Fuss-free and with almost instantaneous results within two to three days, this treatment also aids in reducing inf lammation— goodbye, redness—and increasing the skin’s regenerative process. Think boosted collagen and elastin production in your system.
ICE, ICE BABY
The cryo facial’s low-temperature factor plays a significant role in this process. Dr Yip further explains, “Sensitive skin turns red pretty easily due to external stimuli such as UV rays, heat, AHA, and BHA. These rapid crimson reactions are due to blood vessel dilatations under the skin. And heat is one of the common stimuli that aggravates skin redness. Hence, excessive heat exposure in the case of a facial can sometimes do more harm than good.”
The entire cryotherapy process is kept very gentle, starting with a double cleanse to remove impurities off the surface of the skin. Then, an ultrasonic scrubber that acts as a two-in-one massagerexfoliant eliminates blackheads. Finally, and the most crucial, is the microneedling step, in which the channels on the skin are stimulated to promote better penetration of active ingredients.
Without a doubt, this frosty treatment beats the shock of immersing your face in a bowl of ice cold water every morning— and with better results, too. In an hour, skin will feel calmer and look brighter, with effects that last up to four weeks. Player one, are you ready to brave the blizzard and take the icy plunge? J Astute Clinic, L2-18, Level 2, DC Mall, Damansara City, Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 03-28566188. www.astuteclinic.com