What are the forever evolving top tips for maintaining a soft, glowing and youthful facial complexion? The one procedure that everybody is raving about, due to its significantly positive and immediate improvements, is the HydraFacial. Typically taking around 45-60 minutes to complete, the HydraFacial is a medical-grade skin resurfacing treatment that cleanses, exfoliates and then hydrates your skin.
Dr Rasha Clinic
Located a 5-minute walk away from Green Park station, the Dr Rasha Clinic is small and snug. On my first visit, I’m greeted by two very immaculately presented staff. I’m offered a seat, a welcome drink, and then given an iPad. I tap away and input my personal details, but most importantly, my preferred desired outcome from the series of HydraFacial treatments that I was about to kick-start. With check-in complete, I’m greeted and taken downstairs to my treatment room by Danika; who is one of the specialist aestheticians at the clinic.
I’m told after a quick inspection of my skin, that I have slight blockage on my cheeks (which made sense to Danika after I told her that I’m active and sporty most days, running to and from work) and despite having a quick shower before my working day begins, the investment into the products and the cleansing routine for my face simply needed cranking up a level.
Step 1: Cleanse
Now laying down on the bed, the treatment starts like most by removing any makeup and by cleansing my skin.
Step 2: Lymphatic Drainage
We then move on to the lymphatic drainage, helping to improve circulation of the lymph system and eradicate toxins. This process feels like a light gentle massage, almost as though the vacuum-like attachment linked up to the machine, is softly kissing your skin. As a result of the sucking motion performed from the vacuum-like attachment, the flow of oxygen around my face to the cells is given a welcome boost. This helps to achieve and accomplish a clearer complexion, as well as enhancing the skin’s tone and colour.
Step 3: Exfoliation
Next up – A much-needed deep cleanse and exfoliation, removing any dirt and debris from my skin. This feels like a mini scourer is being buffed and pulled across your face, which is needed to help rid the face of any dead skin cells. In order to aid with this exfoliation process, both lactic acid and glucosamine work in consolidation by being pushed into my pores. This boost of hydration deep into my skins surface helps aid with my exfoliation process.
Step 4: Chemical Peel
Time to uncover a new layer of my skin! This time, with a gentle exfoliation and relaxing resurfacing process. Step forward glycolic and salicylic acids. Both of these acids are powerful and rightly so, as they help to lift and deliquesce any leftover debris. This process benefits towards a brighter-looking complexion.
Step 5: Extractions
Goodbye blackheads and other unwelcome impurities (also the process that I found most fascinating). The vacuum-like attachment gently begins another stage of exfoliation, whilst draining all of my skin’s impurities and blackheads into a transparent plastic container. I cannot emphasise how satisfying it was when Danika showed me the contents of my skins debris inside the container afterward (if not done so already, this is where the HydraFacial will receive your validation). This process is a painless suction sensation, which nourishes and quenches the skin, with the use of intensive moisturisers.
Step 6: Hydration
The surface of my skin is then prepared for some much-needed saturation. This is achieved through the use of antioxidants and peptides, to maximise my facial glow. This time using a pen-like tool from the machine, the hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and peptides are funnelled and transmitted into my pores. A more plump, hydrated and filling effect is achieved on my face from this process.
Finally and because I had opted for a series of the ‘platinum’ HydraFacials (the HydraFacial at The Dr Rasha clinic is available in 3 options: Signature, Deluxe and Platinum), my treatment was wrapped up with the application of a booster serum and LED light treatment. The LED light treatment comes in two different forms, where the blue light is used to reduce acne by killing off any bacteria and the red light for anti-ageing. These red and infrared LED light processes help to reduce redness and further stimulate collagen, supporting the natural production of vitamin D. Your specialist aesthetician will help you decide which of two will be best suited for your skin type.
The results
Despite the HydraFacial being fully machine-based, as opposed to the more manual facial that we’re used to seeing or booking for our spa treatments, I was surprised to experience how relaxing the whole treatment was. The results after my HydraFacial were immediate! My face looked more vibrant, more refreshed and it glowed… it honestly felt like a mini holiday for my face! I went back for two more of the same platinum treatments, again both performed and executed to a professional standard by my aesthetician Danika.
In a nutshell
If you’re a city slicker who spends the majority of your working week amongst the dull and muggy pollution, then this treatment should be the first on your revival list. Also, if you have an upcoming event, then a HydraFacial will be perfect to book in 1-2 days before. The HydraFacial is an absolute yes from me.
The Dr Rasha Clinic offers bespoke HydraFacial treatments from £150 – £350.
To discover more, visit: drrashaclinic.com
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All imagery courtesy of Dr Rasha Clinic.