Review of the Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial at S-Thetics, by Kate Kirrane.
When I was invited to review the new Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial at S-Thetics, I was intrigued. As a yoga teacher, breath work is a major focus in my classes. As well as its obvious function, I understand how, when we inhale fresh oxygen, it regenerates the body at cellular level whilst calming the nervous system and purifying / detoxing from within. So, it made perfect sense to me that oxygen could be harnessed in the beauty world too.
Intraceuticals is a high-tech skincare brand with a philosophy that skin hydration is critical to achieving a vital, healthy looking complexion. Rooted in scientific research, both its product range and treatments are based on its own 3-step system of hyaluronic layering (natural water binding ingredients applied to the skin), with the objective to boost hydration and deliver superior results. The oxygen comes into the facial treatment as a clever delivery tool to help the ingredients penetrate more deeply.
My treatment began with a Lymphatic Drainage Detox Massage, a 30-minute bolt-on option which my therapist explains helps to prep the skin by stimulating lymph flow and thus eliminating unwanted fluids and toxins from the complexion. Simply put, it felt like a deeply therapeutic head, neck and facial massage, except its main purpose was to maximise the effects of the oxygen facial.
Actually, MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) is one of the few complementary therapies recognised and endorsed by our medical system to treat the likes of lymphedema and water retention/ puffiness, with far reaching results.
My therapist was amazing and she was clearly highly experienced and therefore accomplished in her delivery. She carefully massaged the lymph nodes around my head and face, along the bottom of my skull (which felt incredibly releasing), around my upper back and also across my décolletage. As well as its physical benefits, this treatment felt wholly holistic, indulgent and profoundly relaxing.
I managed to peel myself off the bed and float into another room to meet LA based facialist Lord Gavin McLeod-Valentine, who works on the celebrity circuit in California and Miami. He explained that this facial is particularly popular with the A-listers before a red carpet appearance due to its immediately visible effects and zero down time.
The treatment comprised three applications of hyaluronic acid of varying strengths. As Lord Gavin said, fine lines are often a result of parched, dehydrated skin. So, putting moisture back helps to revive, replenish and protect the skin for a healthier, more radiant complexion.
After each of the three applications, he used an applicator to deliver a highly-pressured jet stream of oxygen to help the hyaluronic acid penetrate more deeply into the dermis for maximum results. He also applied product to my eye lids and lips.
The treatment lasted for 45 minutes and the facialist was incredibly thorough. I also got the scoop on some good celebrity gossip from a clearly reliable source.
After the treatment ended, I left armed with a 3-step programme of home use products to use daily to max out the benefits of the facial.
As I waited in the playground with not a scrap of makeup, I received a few compliments on how glowing I looked. The next morning, I woke up and glanced in the mirror, noticing immediately how my skin appeared soft, dewy and lifted. Since every facialist I have ever met has told me I have dehydrated skin, I felt this treatment was just what the doctor ordered.
This treatment is particularly good for those wishing to hydrate skin, before an event for a super-charged glowing complexion or to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
SHERINA BALARATNAM, owner of S-Thetics Medical Aesthetic Clinic.
“The Intraceuticals oxygen facial treatment is an exciting addition to our treatment portfolio to treat dehydrated, disrupted and sensitised skin. Using Oxygen as a delivery system encourages skin to repair efficiently whilst producing luminous and healthy skin.”
The Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial starts from £140 and is available from S-Thetics Medical Aesthetic Clinic in Beaconsfield Old Town.
For more information or to book, contact 01494 670990 or visit www.sthetics.co.uk.
