2 mins
All in one
Georgia Seago reviews the HydroFacial Plus at 111 Harley Street
THE LOWDOWN
Cosmeceutical skincare brand 111SKIN gets its name from the location of founder Dr Yannis Alexandrides’s plastic-surgery practice in central London. Alongside face and body surgical procedures, injectables, PRP, IV therapy, laser and more, clients can now also visit for an advanced non-invasive, no-downtime facial with HydroFacial Plus (not to be confused with HydraFacial).
Combining multiple modalities into one platform, the device uses water-based hydrodynamic vortex technology to cleanse, exfoliate and brighten the skin as a basic treatment, extracting deeply-lodged impurities and hydrating the dermis. The suction created can also be used to reduce water retention for mild lymphatic drainage, for a temporarily more sculpted face. However, the device has several add-on handpieces that allow aesthetic therapists to take the treatment and its benefits for clients’ skin further. These include oxygen infusion, cryo-heat, Bohr, ultrasound and multi-polar radiofrequency. The treatment also allows multiple opportunities for 111SKIN products to be layered and/or infused into the skin.
THE EXPERIENCE
I had my treatment with aesthetician Samia Vazir. We were also doing some IPL for pigmentation at the same appointment, but we started with the HydroFacial Plus. After talking about my skin concerns (mainly dullness and blackheads) she first doublecleansed with an exfoliating cleanser. Samia decided we’d do a deep cleanse with the aqua vortex handpiece followed by Bohr exfoliation with CO2 bubbles (which fizzes and foams on contact with the skin) to bring oxygen-rich blood to the surface. Next, she used the aqua vortex handpiece again to perform an aqua peel to address my pores and blackheads, followed by the infusion action to push a blend of topical growth factors into my skin to support its repair, maintain protective functions and promote elasticity.
Samia then applied her favourite 111SKIN product, Celestial Black Diamond Serum – formulated to improve firmness and elasticity, address hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin – and passed over my skin with the radiofrequency handpiece to increase penetration and plump the skin. The last tech stage was a gentle massage with the de-puffing cryo handpiece over the top of Y Theorem Bio Cellulose full-face sheet mask and Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask, which sit under the eyes.
Finally, Samia applied Antioxidant Energising Essence followed by Celestial Black Diamond Day Cream Light and Eye Cream, then sun protection.
THE VERDICT
Even though my HydroFacial Plus treatment was completely relaxing throughout, it’s a hardworking treatment that left my skin plump, glowing and lifted. The ability to mix and match modalities depending on what the client needs on that day sets this apart from other similar platforms and negates the need for multiple different devices in clinic. The treatment (or elements of it) can also be done in combination with other more advanced skin procedures such as laser, IPL and needling. It’s a great all-rounder for rough texture, blackheads, dryness, dehydration and dullness.