HIGH-TECH FACIALS: MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL AGE-DEFYING FACIAL

Deputy editor Kezia Parkins experienced Medik8’s new Crystal Retinal Age-Defying Facial with celebrity facialist Michaella Bolder

THE EXPERIENCE

Kezia was invited to Medik8’s Renewal & Radiance Retreat hosted at the new and serene hotel and space Templeton Garden. Part of the experience included receiving a facial with Michaella Bolder, who has created a new treatment in partnership with Medik8.

THE LOWDOWN

This was my first time meeting Bolder, a true master facialist, so I knew I was in for a treat. She is the type of person who can put you at ease within a few minutes with her peaceful persona and genuine nature. The brand recently partnered with Bolder, who collaborated with Medik8’s pro education team and R&D department to develop the Crystal Retinal Age-Defying Facial, wanting to create a hands-on treatment that relies purely on the skills of the practitioner, rather than just the device.

The treatment combines Medik8’s signature retinal technology with professional-grade actives, including the rare fusion of vitamin A (retinal) and vitamin C in one facial. Designed to be bespoke to every client, the mask is mixed in separate components in the treatment room following consultation. The activating base mask is designed to help aid the penetration of vitamin a and really helps boost hydration.

Then the Crystal Retinal Concentrate, which makes use of time-release technology with a mixture of fast and slow release, helps speed up absorption during treatment. You can go up to Crystal Retinal 50 or you can start low and slow. This is great if you’ve got someone who’s never used vitamin A before, or on the other side, someone who’s reached the highest of the vitamin A ladder at home and wants even more of a boost. Retinal is great at targeting hyperpigmentation – so charging up that effect Bolder added 15% ascorbic acid to the mixture to even out my skin tone and give me a glow. If I were having one of my breakouts, she could have added pure charcoal to aid with oil absorption.

Now it was time for the magic… Bolder’s hands. She started off softly as she massaged the products into my skin before using her expert touch to get deeper into the tissue and muscles to really sculpt and drain. She doesn’t just focus on the face but also the back of the head and neck to really move tension and get everything flowing and aligned.

Bolder has the strongest and most precise touch I have ever felt… and I have had a lot of facials. This was my first time receiving buccal massage. She spent at least 10 minutes working on my jaw muscle, which suffers from TMJ, thanks to stress clenching.

THE VERDICT

Bolder’s hands with Medik8’s high-tech formulations were a match made in heaven. By the time she was finished, my face felt different. My jaw was looser, my nasal passages clearer, and my eyes even felt more open… I felt like I could see better! My skin immediately after was plump and glowy while the structure of my face and tissue looked lifted, sculpted and a bit slimmer. Over the next few weeks I was still getting compliments on how my skin looked which I think is both thanks to the treatment and continuing to use the products at home.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

Being so customisable, this treatment can be adapted to anyone and combined with Bolder’s massage techniques delivers instant rejuvenation and results over time. The facial also presents a great retailing opportunity to ensure that clients see real change and improvement in their skin.