As you get older your skin can look dull and gain a rougher texture, not to mention wrinkles. Never fear, a Decléor Collagen Plump and Lift Facial from gay skincare specialist Stephen Thomas can help, as Noel Sutton discovers

I’ve always been a firm believer in using the best products I can, and not necessarily the most expensive ones either.

Moisturiser is key to my routine and I always make sure it contains a high SPF level of sunblock for my face.

For all my care, over the past year I’ve found my skin to be dull, less plumped and with a rougher texture, all due, I suppose, to the fact that I’m in the golden years of my life – or in gay terms I’ve graduated to becoming a Daddy.

I can take it on the chin, still I wanted to change my routine and try and address some of the issues.

Who better to book an appointment with than Stephen Thomas, a specialist in male grooming who is gay himself and although hardly anywhere near the Daddy years, may understand what I’m going through.

Décor Collagen Plump and Lift Facial

After a consultation with Stephen, he recommended a Collagen Plump and Lift Facial using Decléor products.

Decléor is one of the oldest and most luxurious brands when it comes to facials and skincare.

Their use of essential oils revolutionised the beauty and perfume industry in the 1980s and created the appealing smells that we now associate with relaxation, de-stressing and holistic wellbeing.

De-stress & Relax

As with all all Decléor facials I was treated to a back and shoulder massage at the beginning of the treatment, a great way to de-stress and relax into the ‘ritual’.

Then, after prepping my skin, Stephen applied a layer of sea algae to my face and allowed it to dry, tightening the skin as it did. The algae was then removed through vigorous rubbing of the skin, taking away all the dead cells and older outer layer of skin.

This was a new sensation for me; it felt like my face was getting a good workout.

Then Stephen applied Decléor’s Aromaessence Excellence Oil Serum to my face.

This 100 percent natural oil has been formulated to meet the needs of mature skin, and it contains essential oils of Frankincense, Roman Camomile and Orris Concrete.

It helps to improve the skin’s appearance, combat dryness and even out the complexion.

Adrenaline Rush

The serum was massaged into my skin with a small roller that felt like hundreds of micro needles being gently applied to my face; each movement was like a tiny electric shock to the skin and I could feel tiny adrenaline-like bubbles surface in tingly sensation that I did not want to stop.

With the rich oil still on my skin, Stephen fitted a gauze mask over my face, covering it with a heavy layer of Plaster of Paris.

If you’ve ever had an old-fashioned Plaster of Paris fitted at a hospital in the case of a broken limb, you will remember that plaster-covered bandages are dipped in water and a chemical reaction takes place that makes the plaster heat up and dry out as it’s layered to form a hard shell.

Well the same thing happens when it’s applied to the face. It heats up, allowing the pores to open and the oils to penetrate, stimulating the blood flow and the rejuvenation of colagen in the layers of skin.

Younger Looking Skin

When the plaster is removed, it’s like magic – fine lines had faded away and my skin was plumper that it had been in years, looking amazing, and yes, younger.

Post facial it was time to change my skincare regime and Stephen recommended four key products for me to take home and use.

Now I have never been a fan of oily products or fragranced moisturisers, so at first I was a bit skeptical on some of the recommendations, but after using them for a week or so I found that my skin is not oily at all and the subtle bouquet of aromatherapy first thing in the morning and late at night has a calming influence.

I’m not normally a fan of facials, but I totally loved my facial experience and look forward to having another one soon. I may be in my Daddy years, but I’m glowing.

Stephen Thomas Male Grooming, 64 Dame Street, Studio One, Coghills House, Dublin 2, (01) 672 9444, www.stephenthomas.ie

The Four Decléor Products I Took Home

1. Aroma (white C) Brightening Cleansing Foam

A great product to wash your face with, use it sparingly. It lathers up a good foam, and is highly recommend if you suffer ingrown hairs from shaving.

2. Aromaessence Excellence, Ultra Regenerating Serum

This all-natural oil has been formulated to meet the needs of mature skin, and helps improve the skin’s appearance, combat dryness and even out the complexion.

3. Excellance De L’Age Sublime Regenerating Cream

The ultimate moisturiser to combat all signs of advanced ageing for a firmer, more comfortable and younger looking skin. Day after day, the skin is softer, more supple, ‘plumped-up’ and luminous.

4. Excellance De L’Age Regenerating Night Balm

This 100 percent natural balm with a luxuriously rich texture offers an innovative aromatic night-care treatment to act on the advanced signs of ageing. This uniquely formulated balm targets all signs of ageing to leave skin softer, firmer, perfectly nourished and moisturised.