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spas & salons
Need a new ‘do? Some pampering? High-tech beauty help? Read on…
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pigment treatments
The Problem: Pigmentation and sun damage.
The Treatment: IPL (intense pulsed light) rejuvenation. This non-invasive treatment can treat a number of the ills of ageing including broken capillaries, pigmentation and age spots.
What To Expect: After donning a pair of light-protective glasses, a cooling gel is applied to the area to be treated. Next, the IPL head, which emits the light pulse, is gently worked over the problem areas.
The Pain Factor: Not a bad idea to have a couple of pain killers just to take the edge off. The sensation is similar to being flicked with a rubber band.
Down Time: The procedure takes roughly 20 minutes, with no down time. For optimum results it takes four to six sessions.
Where To Get It: The Clinic, Bondi Junction, NSW, 02 9386 1533.
Cost: $440 per treatment.
Is It Worth It?: Definitely. There was a slight reddening of the skin immediately after the treatment, and the pigmentation darkened a little, but this settled down after a few days. My skin was left much clearer and smoother.
The Problem: Hormonal pigmentation.
The Treatment: Yag Laser. Also non-invasive, it’s recommended you do a course of treatments for best results. It targets pigment that is hormonal and difficult to detect using other lasers.
What To Expect: As with all facial laser treatments, your therapist will give you dark glasses to shield your eyes from the light rays before administering the YAG laser to pigmented areas of your complexion.
Pain Factor: The treatment takes about 15 minutes. It’s slightly uncomfortable for the first couple of minutes, but not painful – it feels similar to tiny pin pricks.
Down Time: You’ll leave looking a little red, but this lessens after about half an hour and is nothing tinted moisturiser won’t cover.
Where To Get It: Concept Cosmetic Medicine, Drummoyne, NSW, 1300 426 869.
Cost: $220 per treatment
Is It Worth It?: Absolutely. It definitely lightens the pigment, but you must be vigilant with your skincare afterwards. Lightening serums and 30+ sunscreen with zinc oxide are a must, as are follow-up treatments (up to eight for best results).
The Problem: Deep-set pigmentation.
The Treatment: Timeless Peel. A retinol-based peel that’s great for budging stubborn pigment and stimulating collagen production. This peel works well in conjunction with YAG laser treatment.
What To Expect: Skin is thoroughly cleansed before the peel is applied over the face. This formulation is quite strong and feels like ants crawling over your skin, but fanning alleviates discomfort.
Pain Factor: Skin stings and itches for a few hours but it’s certainly not painful, considering it removes layers of dead skin and retexturises the surface.
Down Time: It’s best to leave the peel on for at least three hours, preferably overnight, so book your appointment for the end of the day.
Where To Get It: Concept Cosmetic Medicine, Drummoyne, NSW, 1300 426 869.
Cost: $275 per treament.
Is It Worth It?: It’s worth it. Within days. I saw an immediate improvement in the pigmented areas, and after a week my skin felt great. The texture was a lot smoother and the tone was much more even as a result.
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