This post was created in collaboration with Mayfair Aesthetics Laser & Skin Clinic.
Leaving the Mayfair Aesthetics Laser & Skin Clinic my skin felt cleaner and fresher than it had done in months; and a little tighter, too. I was quickly reminded just how important it is to have a regular facial; it had been a few months since my last and I regret that I had left it so long.
I visited the clinic to try out a new treatment in London, the Fire + Ice Skin Resurfacing Treatment, reputed to be fans are Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jessica Alba. Don’t worry the name sounds a lot more scary than the reality. The treatment was perfect for me as it not only moisturises but also tackles pigmentation, uneven skin tone and fine lines; all of which I have.
The treatment started with Siobhan (my therapist) taking me through the iS Clinical products she would use during my treatment. Once I was comfortable and tucked up under a blanket, she began with a thorough cleanse using the Cleansing Complex, a gentle but effective cleanser that contains white willow bark (a source of salicylic acid), sugar can extract (a source of glycolic acid), chamomile oil, as well as vitamins A, C and E. It can be used by all skin types.
I was a little concerned about the next stage of the treatment, the ‘Fire’ part, as it would be my first ever peel. The Intensive Resurfacing Masque contains 18% unbuffered glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, vitamin B3, retinol and potent antioxidants, including green tea extracts. My concern, however, was unwarranted, it was more of a prickly heat akin to when you touch your face after cutting chilli than the burning sensation I had expected. Initially I felt nothing, the tingling starts to develop after a couple of minutes. Siobhan regularly checked I was comfortable and asked where I could feel the mask and at what intensity, 1-4. Only 4 minutes later and it was all removed with another thorough cleanse.
This was followed by the ‘Ice’ part of my treatment, Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque, a cooling, soothing masque with hyaluronic acid, Japanese green tea extracts, aloe vera gel, liquorice extracts, rosemary extracts and grape seed extracts. Whilst the masque worked its magic, Siobhan worked hers, with an incredible head massage. She gave me the option of dry or with oil, I chose dry as I didn’t want my hair looking like a bird’s nest when she finished. I was close to falling asleep by the time she had finished.
My skin goes red quite easily, even when I wash my face at home, just a light scrub with a cloth can effect it. It returns to normal quite quickly though. Still just to be sure, Siobhan used the Hydra-Cool Serum, after taking off my mask with a third cleanse. She also applied Youth Serum around my eyes and Extreme Protect SPF 30 sunscreen. A high SPF is important as the treatment works with deeper layers of the skin than a physical exfoliant and reveals new skin cells.