No matter how many times you’re exfoliating a week or what kinds of scrubs you’re using at home, sometimes you just need to leave it to the experts to help you achieve that goal of smoother skin. Hey, we’ll take any excuse for a facial! So, Beauty Crew’s editor Carli Alman and myself set a task to find (and try!) the best facials for tackling uneven skin texture.
Vivace
What it is: Think of Vivace as the ultimate three-in-one and minimally-invasive skin treatment for bouncier, smoother-looking skin. “[This treatment] is great for general rejuvenation, acne, acne scarring, rosacea, sun damage and fine lines,” says Dr Naomi McCullum, founder of The Manse Clinic. “The Vivace is [also] really popular for crow’s feet and those under-eye fine lines and crepey textural issues. We can also use it safely on the upper eyelids, which is great. It’s suitable for all skin types including darker skin types, which is fantastic.”
What’s involved: Expect to have some numbing cream applied to your skin 30 minutes before your treatment, to take the edge off. Next, a hand-held device is pressed over your skin - it feels uncomfortable, but not unbearable. “There’s micro-needling, [which] is created for quick healing times and growing new skin, radio-frequency, [which] is great for heating and skin tightening, and the LED is just the collagen-stimulating icing on the energy-device cake,” says Dr McCullum. Expect extra sensitivity around the eye area. The whole treatment is over in less than half an hour. Skin is pink for a few hours post-treatment, but should subside by the next day.
The result: In one treatment, my skin looked glowy and healthy, with some pigmentation areas less noticeable.
The price: from $680 at The Manse.
SkinCeuticals Micro Peel Treatment
What it is: The SkinCeuticals Micro Peel Treatment is a professional chemical peel that can address uneven texture and skin tone, as well as refine the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What’s involved: “Congestion is the bane of my existence, so I will jump at the chance to try any treatment that can help,” says Beauty Crew’s Editor Carli Alman. “If the treatment can have me out the door in 15-20 minutes, even better. What I loved about this peel was that it was customised to my skin type and needs (so if you have sensitive skin, you don’t have to worry about the peel being too strong or irritating). After thoroughly cleansing the skin (including a wipe that got rid of all remaining sebum), the peel was applied and left on for about 10 minutes. While there was a tingle, I didn’t feel like it was uncomfortable (though my pain threshold is pretty high). Once that was done, there was a neutralising process to stop the actives, followed by moisturising.“
The result: “Quick as the treatment was, the results were impressive. My skin looked fresh, plump and glowy,” says Carli.
The price: POA. You can find your nearest clinic here.
Pamperina The Signature Deep Pore Cleansing Facial
What it is: The 60-minute treatment involved a facial cleanse, pore extraction, calming mask, peel and massage that can leave you feeling uber relaxed.
What’s involved: My skin has been the most congested and inflamed in a really long time, so I was in need of some serious TLC. Pamperina’s Signature Deep Pore Cleansing Facial is a fine balance between relaxing (I may have fallen asleep halfway through!) and results-driven. And as much as pore extractions hurt (but the pain is totally bearable), I’m so glad I stuck it out. When combined with the peel and calming mask in the treatment, my skin looked slightly red but glowy.
The result: A few days after the facial I saw an even greater result - my skin’s texture was significantly smoother and much brighter than it was pre-treatment.
The price: $175 at Pamperina.
Dermapen Skin Needling
What it is: Dermapen skin needling involves a device that penetrates the skin at 1296 micro-channels per second to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of pores and acne scars.
What’s involved: “Is this one of the most uncomfortable facials I’ve ever sat through? Yes, but it’s also one that’s given me the brightest, smoothest, most radiant skin I’ve had in a while,” says Carli. “The treatment is non-invasive, and there’s no downtime, but you should avoid active ingredients and using gentle products while your skin is healing.”
The result: “Once the redness has died down (about a day) and your skin has healed (around a week), skin is left plump and glowing,” says Carli.
The price: $219 at Clear Skincare.
A healthy skin barrier will also help you achieve glowing skin: Here’s why your skin barrier is such a big deal.
What’s your go-to facial or at-home product for achieving smoother skin? Tell us in the comments below.
Main image credit: @jessicalbiel
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.
Related tags
Vivace /
