There are two types of facials in this world; the relaxing, therapeutic application of pretty smelling creams, and the ones aimed at getting the results you need.
Both are fantastic in their own right, with different outcomes for different needs. But lately, I’ve been in need of those serious results facials I just mentioned.
Having had perfect skin as a teenager, it was to my extreme distress when at the age of 19 it went absolutely nuts. While the patches of breakouts have thankfully calmed down after an attack of hundreds of products, some ensuing congestion and a few deep-set pimples remain. Unfortunately.
Finally fed up with my pubescent patches of skin I headed off to Essendon Beauty Lounge for some expert advice.
With over 30 years in the industry, my therapist Anna definitely knew what she was talking about. Her knowledge clearly shone through as she talked me through my skin consultation. This involved an analysis with the Skin Wellness Scanner, a covered light box that shows up every detail of your skin, yes – every detail. There’s nowhere to hide when colour coded patches of skin tell the therapist where you’re oily/congested, dehydrated, scarred, or damaged. Scary thought, I know. Luckily for me, I had minimal sun damage (thank you, fastidious daily application of SPF) and fantastic texture, but no prizes for guessing I had deep congestion around my chin, and scarring from previous blemishes.
A thorough cleanse and it was on to the first step of my treatment; mircodermabrasion. For many, this word brings apprehension but there is nothing to be concerned about. Think of it as a vacuum cleaner for your skin. Just like there can be dirt and dust caught in the loops of your clean (to the naked eye) looking carpet, there can also be dirt trapped deep in your pores, and the small suction nozzle of the machine simply sucks it out. The exfoliating effect helps with marks and scarring left by previous breakouts, something I was definitely interested in. No pain, no after-effect to your skin, just a fantastic exfoliation and cleared out pores.
Anna suggested the best thing for my skin was to have a chemical peel, yet alter the application according to my skin zones. Aspect’s Jungle Brew peel, a salicylic acid peel, was applied to my congested chin area, and a lactic acid peel applied to the rest of my face, as it didn’t need the strength of the Jungle Brew. I’m not going to lie, the Jungle Brew certainly stung, but only for a few minutes until it subsided. Anna told me to expect some light flaking in the area of the Jungle Brew peel. There was no redness, burning or any other adverse effect some people associate with a face ‘peel’ – methinks the word has too strong a meaning in this context.
After an application of Vitamin A, moisturiser and some sunscreen, I was done. Anna advised I keep my face completely out of the sun, as the peels, combined with the Vitamin A would make my skin especially susceptible to sunburn and therefore damage. Not what you want after a treatment that aims to reverse damage.
The results were fantastic, even after only one session. The bumps under my skin on my chin have all but disappeared; there are visibly fewer blackheads on my nose and all round glowing skin. I can only imagine perfectly clear skin after a series of tailored treatments.
Sounds great, hey? Well, here at Onya we like to look after our dear readers, so we’re offering you the chance to get a head start on your own skin woes. More congested than the Monash Freeway in peak hour (like my chin,) or are you concerned with aging and dry skin?
Essendon Beauty Lounge has a customised solution for you, and are offering the first 10 readers to book a drastically discounted treatment for only $99 (worth $337). Simply mention to the lovely ladies at EBL that you are after the “Onya Transformation Pack” aka fabulous skin.
Sounds fantastic, right? That’s because it is!
The Essendon Beauty Lounge is located at 301 Buckley Street, Essendon, Victoria and can be called on (03) 9331 2566.