I’m doing this as I’m stressed and down in the mouth.

Haven’t done a facial for ages even though I windowed in two a week to my exercise schedule/maintenance diary.

Also have some new product to try and mini reviews.

Basic Facial

Basic preparation for facials

Today I’m using Clarins and Lancome Toner

Champneys 

Treatments Detox Clay Face Mask 100g

As the UK’s original health spa we’ve inspired generations to rest and re-energise since 1925. Containing Glycolic acid and

gently fragranced with oils of Patchouli, Chamomile and Lemongrass, this detoxifying clay face mask, cleanses deep into

the pores, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth.

champneys-treatments-detox-clay-face-mask

Mini Review

This mask wasn’t what I thought it would be as it isn’t mud looking.

After about 5 minutes it started tingling.

When I took it off after a nice rest, some of my skin was red. Mainly my neck area.

Purchased this for the July detox, but it arrived after, so trying it for the November detox.

As I’m still recovering from the July detox my neck was obviously in need of attention..

The redness after facial products is usually the product working.

As well as looking after my neck with product, need to do neck exercises and stand up straight more.

Not sure if the redness could be indicating my posture needs work.

Maybe we detox out signs of ageing also.

I detoxed through my feet which was new to me, so maybe the mask detoxed toxins in my neck.

The product contains Glycolic acid

Glycolic acid is a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugarcane. It’s a popular ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to exfoliate the skin, improving texture, tone, and signs of aging. It works by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. 

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

• What it is:Glycolic acid is a naturally derived, water-soluble alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). It’s the smallest AHA, allowing it to penetrate the skin effectively. 
• How it works:Glycolic acid acts as an exfoliant, breaking down the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. This process helps shed dull, damaged skin cells, revealing fresher, healthier-looking skin underneath. 
• Benefits:
  • Exfoliation: Removes dead skin cells, improving skin texture and tone. 
  • Anti-aging: Can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage. 
  • Hyperpigmentation: Can help fade dark spots and uneven skin tone by suppressing melanin production. 
  • Acne: Helps to unclog pores and reduce breakouts by removing dead skin cells and excess oil. 
  • Hydration: Can help skin retain moisture by improving its ability to absorb and retain water. 
• Considerations:
  • Sun Sensitivity: Glycolic acid can increase skin’s sensitivity to the sun, so it’s important to use sunscreen daily when using glycolic acid products. 
  • Irritation: High concentrations of glycolic acid can cause irritation, dryness, or redness in some individuals. 
  • Product Formulation: The effectiveness of glycolic acid in skincare depends on the concentration and pH of the product. 
• Usage:Glycolic acid can be found in various skincare products, including cleansers, toners, serums, and peels. It’s often recommended to start with a lower concentration and gradually increase usage as tolerated. 

Uses & Effectiveness 

Possibly Effective for

• Acne. Applying glycolic acid to the skin seems to help reduce acne in people 12 years and older who have mild to moderate acne.
• Aging skin. Applying glycolic acid to the skin seems to reduce wrinkles and other signs of aging and sun damage.
• Acne scars. Applying glycolic acid to the skin, alone or together with microneedling, seems to reduce acne scars.
• Dark skin patches on the face (melasma). Applying glycolic acid to the skin, alone or together with other treatments, seems to reduce mixed-type and epidermal-type melasma. But it doesn’t seem to help dermal-type melasma, which occurs in a deeper layer of the skin.

Side Effects

When applied to the skin: Glycolic acid is likely safe when used in products containing concentrations of 10% glycolic acid or less. But it is possibly unsafe when used in products containing higher concentrations. Concentrations of greater than 10% glycolic acid should only be used while under the care of a dermatologist. Using high concentration products inappropriately can cause serious skin reactions.

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This must be a reasonable concentration of Glycolic Acid then.

Didn’t know about the redness warning.

The redness went, but suppose I need to be aware of it.

If I’m ok with it though my neck isn’t too bad, but it has a few lines, had them for as long as I can remember.

My face was fine with it, so will just use it there if I’m allergic on my neck.

Really like the exfoliation, anti ageing and hydration benefits.

I would guess my neck went red as it needed exfoliating, but will be careful.

Sure I’ve used AHA loads before.

If my neck goes smoother guessing it was crying out for moisture maybe.

eye pads

ELEMIS

Pro-Collagen Hydra-Gel Mask 6pk

Product details

For eyes that need a hydration boost in a pinch, these clinically proven* eye masks are key. Formulated with powerful marine actives and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, this unique gel treatment provides an instant skin-tightening effect whilst deeply moisturising the delicate eye area. In just 20 minutes, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye contours are visibly reduced, for a younger, smoother and tighter look.

How to use

How to Use Apply when needed. Step 1 Remove the first mask from the backing sheet and gently press it under the eye, sticky side down. Step 2 Remove the second mask and place under the other eye area. Step 3 After leaving on for 20 minutes, remove and dispose. Step 4 Avoid direct contact with the eyes. Should contact occur, rinse thoroughly with water.

Mini review

These are bigger than eye masks I’m used to but they also must address the upper cheek bone area; this means it is adding collagen to a vaster area.

I applied my detox mask around these pads, but I didn’t want to detox this area anyway so the two masks together worked really well.

(This worked well now I’ve researched Glycolic Acid.)

Hoping if I use these regular it will improve my eyes and cheekbones.

Barabara Curry talks of this problem in her yoga video.

Got a few of these masks to go at now so will give it a good try.

A few hours after it looks like my cheek bones have lifted, like a face lift effect.

Shame the advertising isn’t like pre covid, it would explain this effect better.

Hope you get what I’m explaining.

Elemis was always in pre covid Beauty salons.

Really excited to of got these to try.

Moisturise

Clarins

Cryo-Flash Cream Mask 75ml

Product details

Inspired by Cryotherapy and Clarins’ expertise, this high-performance face mask reproduces the benefits of cold on the skin in order to prevent and fight signs of aging. Its formula combines powerful active ingredients, including the M.G.A. molecule which is derived from menthol and organic evening primrose extract, leaving the skin feeling lifted, firmed and glowing with youth. The smooth and ultra-fresh blue-green cream texture glides over the skin like ice, providing an intense and immediate cryo effect, visibly effective from the first application.

Suitable for

Combination/Dry/Oily/Normal Skin Types

How to use

Apply a thick layer to the entire clean and dry face 1-2 times a week, avoiding the eye area. After 10 minutes, remove the excess mask with cotton pads or gloves soaked in toner. Place in the refrigerator beforehand to enhance your routine and maintain a fresh face effect.

What is a Cryotherapy Facial

Cryotherapy facials, also known as “frotox” or cryofacials, are a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that utilizes extreme cold to rejuvenate the skin. The treatment involves exposing the face to sub-zero temperatures, typically using a stream of vaporized liquid nitrogen, to stimulate collagen production, reduce inflammation, and tighten the skin. 

How it works:

• A controlled jet of vaporized liquid nitrogen or a cooled device is used to apply extreme cold to the face. 
• The cold temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, and when the skin returns to normal temperature, blood vessels dilate, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the face. 
• This process can stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Cryotherapy facials can also help reduce inflammation, redness, and the appearance of pores. 

Benefits:

• Boosts collagen production:Stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, leading to a more youthful appearance. 
• Reduces inflammation and redness:The cold temperature can help calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation associated with acne or other skin conditions. 
• Tightens skin and reduces wrinkles:By stimulating collagen production and constricting pores, cryotherapy facials can help tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
• Brightens skin and improves tone:The increased blood flow and oxygenation can result in a brighter, more radiant complexion. 
• Reduces puffiness and swelling:The temporary constriction of blood vessels can help reduce swelling and puffiness, particularly around the eyes. 
• Non-invasive and relatively quick:Cryotherapy facials are a non-surgical procedure that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time, often around 15-30 minutes. 

Things to consider:

• Professional application:Cryotherapy facials should be performed by trained professionals using appropriate equipment to ensure safety and effectiveness. 
• Not a permanent fix:While cryotherapy facials can provide noticeable results, they are not a permanent solution and may require multiple sessions to maintain the desired effects. 
• Individual suitability:It’s always best to consult with a skin specialist or healthcare professional to determine if cryotherapy facials are suitable for your specific skin type and concerns, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions. 
• Potential side effects:While generally safe, some individuals may experience temporary redness, tingling, or tightness after the treatment. 

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Mini review

Not sure about this?

Obviously the Clarins mask is just inspired by the “frotox” or cryofacials.

Old school facials used to tell you to use cold water after your facial to close your pores. That created a tightening effect.

It sounds a bit similar.

This has inspired me to remember old school facials.

I really enjoyed this mask, not sure I like the idea of sub zero temperatures?

This mask was just cooling and really pleasurable.

Guessing it has contributed to the facelift effect.

It would be nice if it stayed up.

Used to have a No7 face mask that self heated, the opposite effect, really miss that product and it worked.

Antipodes

Was running out of time so just opted for this.

Used this all over my face ~ love Antipodes.

Was craving this brand as my face felt really good days after using a few of these products in my last facial.

Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream | Antipodes

With lime caviar AHAs and plumping peptides.
Massage a generous amount daily into cleansed face, neck, and decolletage. For best results, apply after your favourite Antipodes® serum.
Help boost collagen and nurture plumper, more radiant skin with this AHA-enriched moisturiser. Made in New Zealand,

Need to get this product into my neck now I’ve exfoliated it.

Description

Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream 60ml

• With lime caviar AHAs and plumping peptides.
• Massage a generous amount daily into cleansed face, neck, and decolletage. For best results, apply after your favourite Antipodes® serum.

antipodes-lime-caviar-collagen-rich-firming-cream-60ml

Q+A

Seaweed Peptide Eye Gel 15ml

Description

Q+A Seaweed Peptide Eye Gel 15ml

• Supports new collagen synthesis
• Firms and lifts the delicate skin underneath your eye
• Brightens dark circles

Seaweed Peptide helps to soothe while supporting collagen levels in the skin. Peptides are the essential building blocks of protein in the skin. This Peptide is synthesised from Seaweed Amino Acids, an essential active ingredient! This formula is also supported by organic Aloe Vera.

Q+A are on a mission to demystify skin care.

Directions:

Delicately apply to the under eye area. Dab any excess gel using your finger tips. Use morning and night. Keep out of direct sunlight.

Mini review

Liked the immediate effect of this gel.

Love seaweed to eat and wash my hair with, so think I will try and get a daily routine going including this eye gel.

Tonight it has added to the overall facelift effect so good choice.

My eyes were really dry, but feel more moisturised now.

Then I completed my youthfull spa day with collagen drink.

Vitabiotics

Perfectil Platinum Collagen Skin Drink 10x50ml

Directions:

DRINK 1 BOTTLE (50ml) PER DAY.

Take after your main meal. Shake well before use. Do not exceed the recommended intake. This product may be used for as long as required and a regular intake is recommended.

vitabiotics-perfectil-platinum-collagen-skin-drink

I’ve noticed collagen drinks tend to be different with each woman.

This is my favourite, I couldn’t get some of the others down, but find this one really enjoyable.

I just purchase this brand now along with a lot of their supplements.

Think you just have to try a few till you find the one that works for you.

Conclusion

This facial made me really aware I was having a facial.

The Elemis eye masks and Champneys detox mask looked like a pre covid advertisement. It looked professional and am hoping it stays how it looks at the moment.

The cryo mask has got me thinking, liked having a cooling sensation after being stressed.

The wonderful fragrance of the Lime Caviar lifted my spirits and I already know this works.

Everywhere I masked is now smooth, soft and moisturised.

My skin feels hydrated, my spirits lifted I still look stressed to be honest, but the immediate effects of this facial are lifting everything upwards.

The thing to do is get my facial back to two times a week.

If you feel the same, window yourself a spa day or afternoon or evening into your busy schedule.

If we have to work hard fair enough, but equally we need a bit of time to pamper our spirits and keep a youthfull appearance.

It used to be called work/life balance or something like that.

All I do of late is work.

Well I managed this facial hopefully I’ll get to do more and discover more products for you.

Enjoy

Saphire.