The Scotsman

Beauty

The six-week Me:line programme really helps tackle problem pigmentati­on

- Jessica Kiddle

Tackle pigmentati­on problems at Mulberry House, Edinburgh

The treatment

Me:line Facial Peel, £200 at Mulberry House, Edinburgh. Billed as the only brand in the world specialisi­ng in treatments for problem pigmentati­on – and now available exclusivel­y at Mulberry House in Edinburgh courtesy of facialist Liz Mccarron – these peels are an innovative treatment targeting uneven complexion­s. They are part of a six-week skincare process that includes two peels and an at-home programme designed to get rid of dark patches and even out skin tone and colour.

Why go?

Because, frankly, it works. And anyone who has battled pigmentati­on, melasma (hormoneind­uced pigmentati­on) or sun damage – caused by hyperactiv­e melanocyte­s (that produce melanin – or pigment – in the skin) will know how hard it is to get rid of the brown, mottled patches.

Admittedly, it does require commitment as the process involves the shedding of skin and the associated tightness, discomfort – and yes ugliness – of a peel. However, although the sight in the mirror may be disconcert­ing for a few days, in Liz’s capable hands (she is only a Whatsapp away and comes back to you at lightning speed), you never once feel nervous – even when your face looks like an heirloom tomato with a serious case of dandruff.

The results are rapid and highly satisfying. I saw a significan­t improvemen­t after the first peel and in the days after you feel like a shiny new snake emerging from the confines of an old leather casing. And wow the skin is so incredibly soft and smooth afterwards.

The peel itself involves a cleanse, a de-greasing microderma­brasion prep solution, and the applicatio­n of the peel mask that’s left on for around 30 minutes (which does involve a little bit of a burning sensation). A six to eight week skincare regime follows culminatin­g in a 45-minute peel to round off the proceeding­s.

Our spy says

Not for the faintheart­ed. You need to embrace all the acids – plus retinoids – to knock the persistent pest that is pigmentati­on on its head. In this case both the peel and some of the after care products contain a potent mix of azelaic, tranexamic, mandelic and kojic acid that work to peel the skin and inhibit the production of more pigment.

The results

I’d say that I saw an 80 per cent reduction in pigmentati­on after the first peel and with use of the after care products. With a second peel and fastidious use of SPF I hope I’ll be enjoying my new clear skin tone for the foreseeabl­e future. A word of warning: schedule a day off about three days after the peels to ensure you can shed in privacy. And do not skip buying the Moist (hyaluronic acid serum, £38) – on parched post peel days it will be your best friend. n

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