From face to buttocks, these are the treatments worth investing in.
From face to buttocks, these are the treatments worth investing in.
Image: Supplied

Think of us as financial advisors for your face and body. We’ve road-tested some of the latest potions and technologies to let you know what works — and what’s worth spending on.

FOR A NEW FACE: Retistore Peel

If you’re looking for a new-and-improved face in one week, put the Lamelle Retistore Peel on your list of fixes.

This superficial peel layers a salicylic acid solution, which loosens the intracellular glue that holds the top layer of cells together, and a vitamin A solution to speed up the skin’s cell turnover and induce peeling.

The treatment takes less than 20 minutes and leaves skin with a slight tingle and warmth, but nothing too painful or uncomfortable. The aftercare of this treatment is extremely important as the skin is very sensitive and must be protected from sun exposure with a broad-spectrum sunscreen and kept hydrated with a rich barrier-repair cream. Expect to gradually peel for five to seven days but on day eight, prepare to greet your new face as end results yield a smoother, more radiant texture that is absolutely worth the price. Lamelle Retistore Peel, R1,200.

FOR A QUICK FIX: The Caviar Glow

If you’re looking for a quick, youthful glow that lifts and illuminates, La Prairie’s caviar extract-infused skincare is the one. Head over to the Saxon Spa in Sandhurst and book the La Prairie Caviar Lift Facial (90min, R1,840).

This treatment starts with a relaxing back-and-neck massage before tackling the skin’s lacklustre appearance by layering the rich textures of products from the Caviar Lift product line, such as the Skin Caviar Liquid Lift. After this facial, expect to feel like a million bucks with an intensely hydrated and light-reflective glowing skin to match.

La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, 50ml, R9,090, from Woolworths.
La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift, 50ml, R9,090, from Woolworths. 
Image: Supplied

FOR A REVAMPED PELVIC FLOOR: Emsella Chair

You’ve probably never thought about investing in the functioning of your pelvic floor, but in today’s world of female-empowered beauty narratives, and the quest for great sex, we’re game. The Emsella Chair by BTL is a non-invasive 28-minute treatment that strengthens the pelvic floor and combats incontinence. With high-intensity focused electromagnetic technology pulsing through a chair while you sit, fully clothed and comfortable, relax while a machine takes care of your daily 1,100 kegel exercises. Visit Nix & Tee.

The Emsella Chair by BTL.
The Emsella Chair by BTL.
Image: Supplied

FOR A DEEP SOLUTION: Bio-Cellular Skincare

These days, it’s not enough for skincare to superficially tackle our concerns; it needs to treat them right down to the cell. A new breed of hi-tech serums and elixirs is targeting ageing cells and imbalanced cellular energy levels to reconstruct skin at the source.

The Dior Capture Totale CELL (cutting-edge long-lasting) Energy skincare serum targets mother cells. They comprise a tiny percentage of the skin’s biological makeup (about 0.2%) and are responsible for effective communication with the rest of the skin’s cells, but lose almost half of their cellular energy over time. Using bio-cellular technology, the mother cells are re-energised to stimulate skin regeneration and combat ageing.

Lancôme uses the theory that a healthy microbiome (the bacterial environment on the skin’s surface that keeps skin balanced) promotes healthier body functions to regulate the skin. Using prebiotics and probiotics, the microbiome is regulated to both help cells regenerate and strengthen the skin’s barrier. 

FOR YOUR BUTTOCKS: BTL Emsculpt

The Treatment

Emsculpt is a non-invasive, buttock-lifting procedure that builds muscle and burns fat, using high-frequency electromagnetic energy to target muscles and induce what are called “supramaximal contractions”. That’s short for doing 20 000 contractions in 30 minutes — and is equal to the same number of squats!

BTL Emsculpt.
BTL Emsculpt.
Image: Supplied

First Impressions

I lay on the bed and two large paddles were placed on my glutes. The machine went through contractions which became increasingly longer and more powerful. These were interspersed with some pounding or massaging which released the lactic acid in the area and prevented pain — the kind associated with major exercise. You can take the strength up to 100% but I only made it to 80%, though my friend (who exercises a lot more than I do) managed to get to 100 every time.

The Process

Before you begin treatment, your doctor will assess your health and your goals and determine whether the treatment is right for you. It’s not recommended for obese patients— the best results are seen in people with a normal body mass index who want to work on muscle definition. It also works on the removal of small, stubborn areas of fat. Each treatment takes about half an hour, and once you’re finished, you can return to routine activities. You may feel like you’ve had a strenuous workout immediately after treatment and the next day, but I felt no significant discomfort or pain after a series of two treatments a week for four weeks. My favourite part? No downtime needed.

The Results

After four weeks of sessions, my muscle tone was improved with a slight lift of the buttocks. I felt more muscle strength during exercise and had a much smoother skin tone. BTL Emsculpt, R5,000 per 30-minute session. — Sharon Armstrong

 From the March issue of Wanted 2020.

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