I love me a facial. I really, really love it. I'd have a facial every month if I could. In fact, I think that's the only way I could get my skin to behave itself.
But for a long time, I thought a facial was basically a massage for your face. I didn't believe one could actually change your skin. I had my first facial in my early twenties when my skin was very troublesome. Constant breakouts, redness, soreness, the works. The facialist did her best with me, but I left with the sinking feeling that my skin was just not compatible with nice things. You're supposed to come out of a facial looking healthy and glowing, not even redder and sorer than before. Right?
The truth is, every facial is different. You can have a lovely relaxing one, the type you'd get in a spa on a weekend away to a fancy hotel. Or there are the treatment types that target specific issues. They're the ones you'll have to forego makeup after and avoid the sun. However, I learned a couple of weeks ago when I was invited to try the SkinCeuticals facial in The Marker Hotel, Dublin that a facial can be both a treat and a treatment.
The Spa at the Marker Hotel, Dublin
Reader, I fell asleep.
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I have never had a more relaxing facial in my life. AND it tackled my supremely dehydrated visage. My therapist and I had a chat about my skin before she decided on what SkinCeuticals products to use. While I assumed she'd go down the gunk purging route, she decided that my thirsty skin was a bigger issue. I always describe my skin as oily but now that I'm in my thirties I've acquired quite a few more issues, dehydration being one of them. Despite all the water I drink and hydrating masks I put on, my skin looks dull and tight and generally horrible.
So, my therapist chose three SkinCeuticals products out of the thousands available (pretty much) and got to work at giving my skin a good plumping.
I love when a facial feels good and feels like something good is happening to your skin at the same time. I love when the spa lets you hang around after for as long as you like (and use the spa facilities) to prolong your state of bliss. I love when you can trust the experts to recommend products not because they want to sell them, but because they believe they're right for you. That is the SkinCeuticals facial experience in The Marker.
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier €91
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Since the facial four weeks ago, I've been using the SkinCeuticals H.A Intensifier, and it's a friggin' miracle worker. The H.A stands for hyaluronic acid, of course, which is just what my skin needs. The H.A delivers long-lasting (hurray!) hydration, and it targets other infuriating issues I face like fine lines and uneven skin texture. My face just looks healthier. I haven't got any yet, but the H.A. Intensifier is good for using as home care after dermal fillers too.
SkinCeuticals is a really brilliant skincare brand. The only problem with it is the price. The H.A Intensifier costs an eye-watering €91. If you're in the market for some top quality skin care, I do recommend going for a facial at one of the spas that uses the brand. They'll recommend the right products to use - and it's doubtful that you'll regret investing.
