GROOMING
Having A Blast
The latest facial treatment on the block- microdermabrasion may be compared to having your face sandblasted- but as David Lowe discovers that is no reason to be put off.
"Hello Mr Lowe. I'm calling from Thérapie to confirm your treatment tomorrow at 9am. If there are any problems give us a ring, otherwise we'll see you then." Click.
Given that my appointment was made only two days ago, there is something foreboding about this superfluous voicemail message. My imagination goes into overdrive. Just what am I getting myself into? Are broken appointments becoming a problem? Is everyone ditching their date with the skin resurfacing procedure microdermabrasion?
Ever since Samantha Jones was ravaged red-raw by a chemical peel in Sex and the City, skin smoothing treatments have struggled with bad press. Forced to attend a book launch in a veil, it was clear that more than Ms Jones' face was smarting. There has also been a spate of advertising campaigns for DIY microdermabrasion. These handy kits claim all the benefits of the professional procedure, but without redness and scaling afterwards.
Well, bollocks to that. Since there are no long term side-effects, I want to experience the real thing. Pushing the post-voicemail nerves to the back of my mind, I'm soon snuggled up under a towel in a Thérapie treatment room, listening to the piped sound of waves crashing ashore. It's time to see what all the fuss is about.
Audrey, the immaculately presented therapist, starts priming my face with sweet-smelling toner. "Microdermabrasion is ideal for someone who wants an immediate result as it instantly smooths skin and diminishes fine lines. It's a bit like having your face sandblasted, only with tiny abrasive crystals rather than sand," she says.
Having your face sandblasted? Not the most glamorous way to describe a beauty treatment. However, Audrey points out that microdermabrasion is not a light procedure. It requires state-of-the-art equipment and a therapist who knows their stuff. Developed in Italy in 1985, microdermabrasion initially took off in the USA before finding fans in Europe. It is an undeniably intense way to exfoliate the skin, however, due to the low risk involved, and quick recovery, the treatment is fast becoming a favourite in salons throughout Ireland.
As a fairly well looked after 26-year-old I can expect a reduction in the crow's feet, which are starting to leave their imprint around my eyes. The lines on my forehead should smooth out, although a course of 'sandblasting' would guarantee a more striking result. "A course is recommended to deal with more serious skin problems, such as scarring, sun damage, large pores and acne," says Audrey. "The treatment is rigorous enough to cope with these ailments and others."
Suddenly the crashing waves are disconcertingly drowned out by the whirr of the machine. Audrey tests a little patch of my face with the wand-like implement before getting to work. I would describe the sensation as similar to dragging an eraser over the skin. It doesn't tickle, but it's no more painful than a constant nipping.
The wand's suction mechanism is one reason for this. As well as blasting crystals on to your face, it draws them back again. Indeed this dermal hoovering adds to the treatment's efficiency by clearing pores of blackheads and blockages. That's bad news for men, like me, who suffer from noses riddled with the black stuff. As the wand pummels and sucks the nasal area you'll be wincing like a teenager squeezing zits on to the bathroom mirror.
After 20 minutes the roar of the machine dies down. Every square inch of my face has been covered. As Audrey dusts me off I can sense some dryness, but then she dowses my face in a fruit-fragranced foam which instantly refreshes and cools. Next comes a thick salve, which is massaged over the skin until completely absorbed. If any part of microdermabrasion could be called relaxing, this is it. As Audrey's hands sweep over my face it is obvious that the surface has changed dramatically.
But how does it look? As the mirror is raised into view, the flawless visage that stares back comes as a bit of a shock. OK, I am red as a vine-ripened tomato, but I've never seen my face with such a perfect finish. Even to the touch it feels like I've been French polished. You don't have to stick to the face either. For example, women who have a revealing dress lined up for a big occasion often give their neckline, back and shoulders a spring clean.
Over the next few days the redness dies down, leaving behind a bright skin tone I would never have thought possible. Would I do it again? Actually, my next appointment has been booked. Microdermabrasion may be an extreme way to eradicate signs of aging, but at least there's no risk of ending up like Jackie Stallone.
One microdermabrasion session costs €120 and a course of six costs €540 at Thérapie, 8-9 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. Phone: 01 472 1222