A FACIAL WITH A DIFFERENCE
WHAT IS IT:
Skin Renewal’s 5-Phase HydraTouch Facial is a non-invasive, multi-layer, medical facial that combines hydradermabrasion, chemical resurfacing, skin tightening and transdermal mesotherapy with electroporation and photodynamic therapy. Together these techniques aim to tighten, resurface and hydrate skin as well as address signs of ageing such as fine lines, puffiness, age spots, mild sagging, dehydration and congestion.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
On arrival at the Skin Renewal Waterfall branch, I was greeted by a warm group of staff who guided me through an extensive patient form documenting preferences, skin concerns or health issues to be aware of. The therapist also gave me an outline of what the treatment entails, what each step is for and had me sign a consent form giving her permission to touch me and perform the facial.
THE EXPERIENCE:
The treatment starts off with a two-part deep cleansing of the skin. The first is a standard soapy cleanse to remove dirt and makeup. The second is done by hydra-dermabrasion using distilled water dispensed through a suction pen device. The pen is guided over the face using light upward strokes, while the distilled water is pushed through the pen onto the skin and simultaneously suctioned off. It feels cold and slightly scratchy, but is not painful. The therapist also administers two chemical peel infusions; the first with AHA and the second with BHA as well as a moisture infusion that uses pure hyaluronic acid to rehydrate the skin. The diluted peels are gentle so no discomfort, flaking or peeling is expected. The therapist then applies a sonar gel to the face and uses an electroporation device in conjunction with a hydrating serum to work on the deeper layers of the skin, using a blend of electroporation and photodynamic therapy. You might doze off at this point as the device feels like a relaxing, cool metal face massager. You may experience a slight tingle at first, similar to ants walking on your face as the device penetrates. Then a skin-tightening device with electrical pulses is utilised. Your muscles may spasm as it goes over facial contours like the brow bone, cheeks and jaw. Lastly, a cold alginate mask is applied, which starts off as a thick liquid and gradually sets into a jelly-like mask on the skin. While the mask set, I was given a neck and shoulder massage. Once set, the mask is removed, revealing drenched, super-soft skin.
THE VERDICT:
This is definitely not your average facial. Although eight to 12 treatments are recommended for optimal results, my skin felt noticeably more hydrated, radiant, smoother and refreshed. For the next few days it also felt more supple and hydrated, had a continuous glow and there was no irritation or peeling. 5-Phase HydraTouch Facial 1,695.