Professional Beauty - Let’s talk about perfect skin.

How would we define it, exactly? Throw in my two cents, and you’ve got hydration; it’s that uber-dewy, healthy glow that’s seemingly reserved for the young. Listing off hydration-boosting actives will come with ease for many of our readers but ask me, and I often find myself leaning on hyaluronic acid to get my fix. Its consistent presence on product ingredient lists suggests I’m not alone in my love affair. An obvious example of a brand who has taken its prowess on board is Intraceuticals, that’s education around hyaluronic layering underpins its entire product library. So what’s better than applying this miracle worker in good faith each night before bed? Popping in for an Oxygen Facial treatment with its founding brand, I discovered.

I booked myself into Skin and Laser Studio in Sydney’s St. Leonard’s where Iwas met by Kylee O’Ryan, trained clinic therapist and National Account Manager at Intraceuticals Australia. While kind and softly-spoken, Kylee brought with her a wealth of knowledge on the science of skin. During my consultation, Kylee and I chatted through the areas of my skin I wanted to address, while Kylee in turn provided me a clear explanation on not only what she could do to help, but on why issues were arising in the first place. I jumped straight to my overly oily T-Zone – the area I’d described as my most consistent concern. Without prompting, Kylee also correctly identified the inflammation I was experiencing on my cheeks – an issue I’d long shoved into the ‘too hard basket’ and figured couldn’t be helped. Instead of settling on a one-size-fits-all approach, she instead chose to tackle each area of my face with a different product line-up, each aimed at producing a different result.

We began the treatment with a Gentle Gel Cleanser to remove any excess oil that had accrued that morning. Kylee followed with an application of the brand’s Rejuvenate Enzyme Exfoliant, which she used sparingly given I had applied glycolic acid to my skin the night before. While the product contained a mix of carnauba, beeswax and bamboo microbeads for a physical exfoliation, Kylee chose to leave the product on my skin to act as a mini-peel for a less abrasive approach.

Next up came the treatment’s pièce de résistance –the oxygen serum infusion. The treatment works by imparting layers upon layers of serum into the skin with a direct and targeted approach, using a blast of oxygen to target product deeper into the channels of the dermis. Using a serum applicator pen, the clinician has total control over where and to what degree serum is applied, usually placing attention on any fine lines. The ability to apply pressurised oxygen means that a lifting and firming technique can be practiced during the treatment. My treatment was broken up into two parts, the first of which would target my oily T-zone. Kylee chose to work with the Intraceuticals Clarity Range along my forehead, sides of my nose and chin, delivering a lightweight oil-free hydrating gel to these areas. While exfoliating, the treatment worked to rebalance hydration levels in these areas and provide a protective barrier against external free radical damage. To manage the developing fine lines around my eyes and upper lip, Kylee switched to the brand’s Rejuvenate Daily Serum and Rejuvenate Eye Gel to tighten and brighten. For my flushed cheeks, Kylee applied the brand’s Retouch Highlight for a lasting hit of hydration and radiance.

There’s no doubt having a cool mist of air and fine liquid applied in an orderly grid across your face is relaxing. The routine in which the product was applied was consistent and comforting to the point I let out a sigh of disappointment once Kylee wrapped up; I could have stayed put under that pen all afternoon! On close inspection post-treatment, my face appeared as though it was covered in a fine glaze; luminous and supple. With zero downtime, this result lasted well into the next day; never before had my tired eyes looked so alert! This is the kind of treatment to lock in pre-major event, when looking nothing short of your best is on the cards. Sign me up for the summer holidays, thanks!

Hannah Gay Professional Beauty