The Dermal Dossier: The top skincare treatments to try out in 2021
The top treatments to try out in 2021, for every type of skincare concern, from the best clinics and spas Scotland has to offer…
Congested skin
The treatment
Carbon Laser Facial Peel
What is it?
Also known as The Hollywood Peel, this A-list approved facial is renowned for instantly clarifying the complexion, blasting away blackheads and blemishes in seconds. A carbon paste is smoothed on to the skin, which grips onto impurities, before the laser is applied; the two combined cause a reaction where the carbon ‘explodes’, immediately removing dead skin cells, oil and congestion, and simultaneously jump-starting collagen production.
The treatment isn’t exactly relaxing in a spa sense, with bright flashes of light and loud snaps as the carbon explodes, but it’s completely painless, and the results are well worth it. Just one facial will leave you with clearer, smoother and plumper skin (although a course of three is recommended) – a must-try if you suffer with acne, or an oily, congested complexion.
How much does it cost?
£120 for 60 minutes
Downtime?
None
Where can I get it?
Dr Nestor’s Medical & Cosmetic Centre – Edinburgh
Sun spots and pigmentation
The treatment:
Lumenis M22 skin rejuvenation
What is it?
The M22 is a fractional, skin-resurfacing laser, which treats the layers of skin under the surface, without damaging the surface itself. Heat from the laser works to promote collagen production, reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles, whilst the IPL (intense pulsed light) photo-rejuvenation solution eradicates pigmentation, sun spots and age freckles. The final step, the ResurFX solution, then stimulates collagen and elastic fibre production to give you skin with bounce. There are some ouchy elements to this treatment (more so if you have a low pain threshold), but the results outweigh the short-term pain, giving you plumper, smoother and tighter skin, with a heavy reduction in the signs of pigmentation and blemishes.
How much does it cost?
IPL is priced from £180, whilst ResurFX is priced from £350
Downtime?
You may have some redness or tightness post-treatment, but nothing too dramatic
Where can I get it?
Clinetix - Glasgow, Bothwell and Inverurie
Dull skin
The treatment:
Phototherapy with Dermalux Triwave
What is it?
A bespoke facial that uses light therapy to boost skin’s radiance and health, ideal for boosting dull or tired-looking complexions. Phototherapy sends an intense delivery of light to target cells and skin tissue, accelerating cell renewal and repair to give you hydrated and glowing skin, with a smoother and firmer texture. The process works from the inside out, boosting collagen and elastin synthesis, to give you an improved texture, whilst blood flow and lymphatic systems are also given a lift, to give you a fresher, more radiant overall look.
How much does it cost?
£45 for 20 minutes
Downtime?
None
Where can I get it?
Synergy Clinic – Giffnock
Tired complexion
The treatment:
Oskia Signature Glow Facial
What is it?
Particularly in these chillier months, we might all find that our skin is looking less than its best. To combat it, try this facial, which uses a combination of anti-ageing and glow-inducing techniques, to illuminate, hydrate and tone the skin. It’s even been referred to as a ‘non-surgical facelift’! The facial blends specialised facial and eye contour massage techniques with lymphatic drainage and acupressure, to lift and contour, whilst you’ll also enjoy aromatic steam compresses, enzymes, face masks and serums during the facial. Truly relaxing, with a real boost of juicy radiance that you won’t fail to notice.
How much does it cost?
£115 for 75 minutes
Downtime?
None
Where can I get it?
Bob & Cloche - Gleneagles
Ageing skin
The treatment:
The Zen Triple-Action Facial
What is it?
A three-pronged approach to tackle the signs of ageing, promising a supercharged experience with instantaneous results. You’ll start with microdermabrasion to deeply exfoliate and resurface the skin, stimulating faster skin cell renewal and eradicating dry, dead skin cells. Then, Light Fusion LED light therapy is used (yes, you get to wear the mask!) to stimulate the body’s own natural processes to counteract the signs of ageing, whilst improving hydrating and reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. As a final step, you’ll enjoy a deep recovery sheet mask, to intensively hydrate, plump and repair the skin. The results promise a brighter sheen to the skin, a supple texture and a noticeable reduction in lines and wrinkles.
How much does it cost?
£115 for 80 minutes
Downtime?
You might experience slight redness for around 15 minutes post-treatment
Where can I get it?
Zen - Edinburgh
Puffy eyes
The treatment:
VOYA Marine Facial Treatment
What is it?
If you’re suffering from puffy, tired eyes, then this marine-inspired targeted facial will be just the ticket. It uses organic seaweed eye compresses (hand-harvested from the Atlantic Ocean, no less), along with products rich in green tea and vitamin C, to refresh and rejuvenate the eye area, reducing puffiness and eliminating dark shadows. You’ll experience a mixture of relaxing massage movements, alongside more intensive (but still gentle) lymphatic massage, to decongest the area and banish the signs of puffiness. If the signs of ageing are your main concern, the eye masks can be tailored to address this too. It’s a firming, hydrating treatment that promises effective results, so you’ll look and feel revitalised afterwards.
How much does it cost? £110 for 60 minutes
Downtime?
None
Where can I get it?
Fletcher’s Cottage Spa at Archerfield House – East Lothian