Burnout isn’t the only side effect of our hectic schedules - the signs are written all over our dull, lacklustre faces. When your skin care products are no longer cutting it, it’s time to bring in the big guns; namely, a facial or three that works overtime to brighten, hydrate or deep-cleanse your skin. I road-tested a few and found that these were the best targeted professional treatments for a complete skin reboot.
If you want to brighten your skin
The facial we recommend: Biologique Recherche Soin Masque Exfoliant P50 Visage
The lowdown: Look no further if you’re after a customisable facial that feels really relaxing but also delivers hard-hitting results. Utilising products and technology from famed French skin care brand Biologique Recherche, the treatment starts with an in-depth analysis using their signature machine to test your skin’s hydration, resilience, pigment levels and elasticity (among other things). Then it’s on to a cleanse, exfoliation, mask and moisturiser application. However, being a luxurious French brand, each step is extraordinary. The highlight of my treatment was, surprisingly, the deep-cleansing massage - honestly, who would have thought a cleansing milk massaged into my face, neck, chest and shoulders for over five minutes could be so enjoyable? A special shout-out also goes to the P50 peel that helps brighten the skin’s surface instantly (without feeling too irritating on skin), as well as the Masque Visolastine +, which made my face look incredibly hydrated post-application. Want to level-up your facial? Add on the LED light therapy to boost luminosity even further.
The result: I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked at my skin straight after the facial - my skin tone looked more even and my complexion appeared much dewier. Results lasted well into the week; I put this down to the efficacy of the products and the special massaging techniques used throughout the treatment.
The price: $350 at The Ritz Carlton in Perth. The additional LED light therapy is $95.
If you want to hydrate your skin
The facial we recommend: Li’tya Yirri
The lowdown: Australian botanical ingredients are incredibly underrated when it comes to hydrating your skin and rejuvenating your complexion. They’re generally under-utilised in facials, but I was glad to come across the Li’tya Yirri facial at The Darling. The treatment combines ingredients like Tasmanian kelp, wild rosella and old man weed extract in products like serums and masks that make your skin seriously glow. The therapeutic massage is also a nice touch; it made me feel super Zen and ready for a nap, and the scalp massage was able to ease my tension headache. I highly suggest clearing your schedule post-treatment as I can guarantee you’ll be paralysed with relaxation straight after.
The result: Juicy-looking skin? Tick. Bouncy skin that boasted elasticity? Double tick. What more could you want?
Price: $210 at The Darling
If you want a seriously deep cleanse
The facial we recommend: HydraFacial
The lowdown: Where HydraFacial lacks in relaxation it makes up for in results. In the treatment, my face was cleansed and exfoliated with a peel, then my skin was degunked and hydrated with a suction device that looked like an oversized pen. The HydraFacial is a two-in-one treatment: the hand-held device shoots a moisturising elixir out of its nozzle whilst sucking up dead skin cells and debris. Discomfort was minimal. To be honest, the sound of the machine was much more confronting than the actual experience.
The result: My skin was ultra-smooth to touch, and it just *felt* cleaner. I highly recommend this treatment to those that need a heavy-hit of exfoliation.
The price: from $175, click here to find your closest location
Healthy skin starts with a good cleanser; here are five super fun ones for people who hate washing their face.
What's your favourite facial for a skin reboot? Let us know in the comments below.
Iantha is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor, and has been part of the team since the site launched in 2016. Besides pinky-nude nail polish and wispy false lashes, she has a healthy obsession with face masks and skin care ingredients. Her previous work can be found in Virgin Australia Voyeur, Women's Health, and SHOP Til You Drop.
