We all know that the sooner a good skin regimen begins, the better for you in the long run. But what if you are already in your late twenties or early thirties and your routine has been… somewhat lax? For your good forward-looking intentions, you might just need a little push to renew your skin.
“We have seen massive change in the last five years or so. Younger women are much more educated, much more aware and incredibly knowledgeable about skin health and skin care, ”said Aisling Cleary, RN, River Medical.
And this is where Her.ie met Vita-lase. We were invited to River Medical’s Baggot Street base to try this proactive anti-aging treatment, billed as “the next generation in skin renewal”. A high claim indeed… but could it live up to the hype?
Aimed at women with skin in their mid to late twenties and early thirties, this four-pronged approach combines the thermal benefits of laser treatment, with a pro-peptide infusion of quality peptides and vitamins. medical, followed by a non-invasive resurfacing procedure that simultaneously cleanses, exfoliates and super-hydrates, and ends with the Vortex-Fusion® of antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid.
That’s a lot of big words, we know that. But how does it actually work from start to finish?
Consultation
I went to meet Ailish at River Medical for a consultation and skin analysis. The advantage of going with a company like RM is that you have doctors trained to perform your treatments – and that’s 100% something to keep in mind if you want a focused and effective procedure. Always do your research – remember the results will live on your face.
On the first day, Ailish examined my skin for any sun damage, pigmentation etc. I mentioned that I was going on vacation a week later, so she recommended postponing the treatment until a few weeks after I returned as it is very important to stay out of the sun afterward. We therefore set our date in the agenda.
Treatment – Part 1
According to experts:
The first step is a gentle laser treatment, (1927 nanometers), which works at two levels. The first, the introduction of heat into the skin opens the pores, making the skin more receptive and allowing the deep penetration of the powerful peptides and vitamins that follow. The second benefit is that of the stimulation of collagen and elastin, as well as the improvement of the texture and tone of the skin.
The second step is the application of a mixture of peptides, stem cells and vitamins of medical grade, according to the needs of your skin, whether they are balancing and regulating or proactive anti-aging.
Anti-Wrinkle Solution (AWS) helps remove the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin firmness and elasticity and most importantly helps protect the skin from future signs of aging.
Stem cells contain two key components: growth factors, which are involved in cell division, the growth of new cells, and the production of collagen and elastin; and proteins, which regulate this division of stem cells. When applied to your skin, these two components help firm up wrinkles and slow the development of new wrinkles. An ingredient called arbutin drastically reduces pigmentation, especially liver spots and freckles; and powerful peptides initiate collagen stimulation, strengthen connective tissue and help skin maintain its natural firmness.
Problem Control Solution (PCS) or Skin Balancing Solution smooths and cleanses the skin, helps decrease sebum production and stops acne at the source.
And now we move on to the third step. A calming and soothing Hydro Gel Collagen Mask is then applied which turns from a gel to a liquid, and helps the skin’s ability to absorb the active ingredients. The addition of hyaluronic acid gives the skin an extra boost, smoothing and softening as the patient relaxes.
The Consequences – Part 1
That was it for the first day. I was sent on my right path, with a face like a fire hydrant, straight home and out of the sun. My skin was quite warm and a little tingling, but in no way painful. More of a strange feeling than anything else. I was advised to avoid touching my face or using any products immediately afterwards, so I had a lovely quiet night on the couch. The heat dissipated after about two hours and didn’t bother me in the least from that point on.
Over the next few days, my skin felt a bit like sandpaper, a sensation I had been fully aware of in advance. It wasn’t visible to anyone else and I was going to apply my daily light makeup on it perfectly, but you yourself would notice it to the touch. I was very careful to have plenty of water, to use moisturizer and factor 50 sunscreen.
Treatment – Part 2
The fourth stage of the treatment took place 10 days later when I returned for the last part, a resurfacing treatment that illuminated the skin. At this point, the impurities brought to the surface by the laser treatment are removed during an intensive procedure that cleanses, exfoliates and super-hydrates simultaneously, with an additional application of meso vitamins and peptides. The treatment also uses the power of LED light therapy, which works to renew, plump and firm skin cells.
While the initial laser can be a bit ticklish and even a bit prickly (slightly and only for a moment), this part of the process is actually very luxurious and relaxing.
So I was on my way! As for the result …
The results
They say: The unique combination of treatments leaves the skin visibly nourished, super hydrated and rejuvenated. The skin is pore-free, flawless and quite glowing with health and continues to improve over time.
We say: While writing beauty articles, I got the chance to try a wide range of beauty procedures (I know, it’s hard!). Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the most effective I have ever sampled. My skin looks fresher, clearer and brighter and I haven’t had a single blemish in the two weeks since the second stage of treatment. The sun damage to the bridge of my nose has also visibly faded.
I’m getting married around this time next year and have already vowed to come back twice in the year to keep my skin looking great. What if I had the slightest doubt? I went home last weekend only to get mom to tell me my skin was nicer than she had ever seen it, and to ask me what my new secret was. If that isn’t a seal of approval, I don’t know what is.
To book a free consultation, contact River Medical Dublin on 01 6629106 or River Medical Belfast on 028 9560 7585. www.rivermedical.fr /.co.uk