There comes a time in every good beauty aficionado’s life to up their facial game, graduating to the next level of treatments and kicking their regime into high gear. Chasing the eternal fountain of youth requires effort, careful construction of appropriate lotions and potions, proper diet, and of course regular facials. And for those heavily invested in the anti-aging quest, they know when their efforts have landed them in an advanced stage of the skincare game, with the only option of going deeper. Up-levelling to a medical grade facial is the ticket to first class skin in the aforementioned game of beauty.
My own quest for glowing, hydrated and exfoliated skin landed me on the doorstep of Dr. Kristy Bailey of FCP Dermatology in Toronto. Having heard the word HydrafacialMD from my fellow beauty junkies over and over, I figured it was the perfect time to finally give this holy grail of facials a try. Feeling dull and dry in the dead of winter had me ready for this triple threat of a facial treatment—exfoliating, infusing, and hydrating.
According to a medical aesthetician at FCP, “The HydraFacialMD is unlike a regular facial as it helps to slow down our skin’s own natural aging process by stimulating cellular turnover and by preventing further damage. This treatment will help reveal radiant, hydrated, glowing skin which is necessary in maintaining a healthy youthful appearance.”
The first lesson in exploring more clinical based facials is to not be put off that you’re going to a doctor’s skin clinic versus a spa. The second is to not be intimated by price, but with everything in life you do get what you pay for and in this case you pay for results. In the world of medical grade facials, this one costs around $300, and is the brand name and medical grade HydrafacialMD. Keep an eye out for lower priced imitations and usage of the word hyrdra-facial.
I love that advancements in technology have brought innovation and aesthetics devices down to a more accessible level, and am intrigued by the use of technology in facials. If there is a science-y component or a machine that looks like it’s taking you to outer space, I am there with bells on. Beyond the bliss of indulgent facials, I like my mine with a side of something extra, (thinks derma blading, or micro currents) and in this case, the fancy little number is called the Vortex Fusion. The Vortex Fusion and its magic wand passes over the skin to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, vacuum extract blackheads and unclogs pores. The device then infuses the skin with antioxidant serums for a truly radiant complexion. FCP dermatology also includes LED light therapy to calm any inflammation, promote collagen production, and control any active acne. The whole experience is very pleasant, and thorough with visible results as you walk out the door. I found myself checking my reflection in the rearview mirror and was able to simply swipe on some mascara and go for the days that followed. The verdict is in, and it’s a yes from me!
I sat down with Dr. Bailey to hear more on the treatment, her skin-care favourites, and the celebs who love the HydracialMD. —Lauren Walker-Lee
Why should someone up their facial game with a HydrafacialMD?
A Hydrafacial MD is a great way to give your skin a deep clean and an immediate glow! This medical-grade Hydrafacial gives long-lasting results with no downtime and is suitable for all skin types. A unique Vortex-Fusion device is used to deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin, removing blackheads, and infusing hydration and antioxidants into the skin. At FCP Dermatology we also incorporate the latest in micro-current technology to tighten the skin and give an immediate brow lift. As an added boost at FCP we end the treatment with low level laser therapy to calm inflammation, clear acne, and build collagen and elastin for long lasting results. An added bonus is you can also treat your scalp to a Hydrafacial MD! Our clinic also offers the Keravive Hydrafacial MD to cleanse, exfoliate, nourish, and hydrate the scalp for thicker and healthier hair!
What are the benefits of a Hydrafacial?
The benefits are many! A deep cleanse and blackhead extraction, a light peel and microdermabrasion. Moisturizing and the infusion of protective antioxidants int the skin A skin tightening and brow lift (exclusively at FCP Dermatology) Plus calming of inflammation/redness/acne. Finally, collagen and elastin production for long lasting skin tightening and a more youthful appearance with is also exclusively with our clinic.
From an overall wellness perspective what do you do when winter hits to stay healthy and well with glowing skin?
A few simple tips: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize, and don’t forget to apply SPF! Choose a more-gentle cleanser in the winter and a thicker moisturizer. My personal favourite for winter cleanser is the Soothing Cleanser by SkinCeuticals or Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Foaming Cleanser. The best moisturizer for the winter is Triple Lipid by Skin Ceuticals, other great options are CeraVe, Aquaphor, and Eucerin. If you are not acne-prone, the best winter moisturizer of them all is plain old Vaseline! Vaseline is also great during the day if you are a winter sport lover or work outside, it will protect your skin from the harsh winter elements. The sun still comes through the clouds in the winter so sun protection is still very important. Sunscreen alone has been shown to make you look 25 per cent younger! A morning vitamin C antioxidant is another year-round must have for protection from the sun, blue light, and air pollutants. My recommendation is CE Ferulic by Skin Ceuticals or Silymarin CF if you are acne prone.
Do you know or any celebs that like the hydra facial ?
Yes, from my time in L.A. I can tell you the Hydrafacial MD is a popular choice! In fact, one of the reasons I brought the Hydrafacial MD into FCP Dermatology was the popularity among the celebs in Beverly Hills. What celebs like Beyonce, Britney Spears, Kate Winslet and Paris Hilton like best about the Hydrafacial MD is the clear, smooth, glowing skin with no downtime or side effects.
What are a few go to products to keep skin hydrated and glowing throughout the winter season? What should ppl add to their skin care routine when winter hits?
In addition to the products mentioned above, adding in Skin Medica’s HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator or SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel can give your skin an extra boost of moisture in the dry, cold winter months.
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