Mirror Mirror
Some days, when I look in the mirror I get a shock. When did all these lines and wrinkles appear? Those of you who are regular readers know that I am seldom happy with my beauty creams, lotions and potions and I am constantly searching for some miracle cream that will help soften those fine lines and make those wrinkles appear less deep. I am scared of Botox and fillers and anything invasive. Too many men and women have ruined their looks by going overboard on surgery. You only have to look at the wonderful Carol Vorderman on “I’m a Celebrity” to know what I mean.
The Sisterhood
I also know women who look incredible for their age and when I ask them what products they use, they trot out some claptrap about throwing any old thing on. I don’t believe them. They have some amazing cosmetologist or maybe needle doctor they won’t share with the rest of us. And that is so mean; I over-share and always did.
But recently, I met another ‘sister sharer’ who, when complimented on her glowing, youthful skin (ok she is a lot younger), told me she had found this facial that made a difference! Tell me more, I said. She did and that’s why I headed across to Donabate in North County Dublin to Sunflowers Salon to try it out for myself! You can see all their latest offers on FB @SunflowersBeautySalon
Sunflowers Beauty Salon
I was welcomed by Helen, the owner, who sat me into a wonderfully comfy chair, wrapped me up in a duvet, had a chat, looked at my skin and told me about the products. I had never heard of Juliette Armand (which hails from Greece, by the way, and is a well-known global brand), but I think it is only in Ireland for a few years. You can read all about it here at www.juliettearmand.ie.
What I like about the brand is that it is paraben, propolyene glycol, mineral oil and is allergen-free and dermatologically tested. Nowadays, clients are looking for high-tech cosmetics with active ingredients comparable to the effectiveness of plastic surgery. In fact, the tagline for the company reads “Your appointment with plastic surgery is postponed”. Love it.
Juliette Armand
Helen recommended the Chronos treatment which addresses lack of water and biological ageing and promises to plump out fine lines and wrinkles. It supposedly replaces the effect of fillers on the skin.
Here is the blurb! “Chronos Therapy facial treatment is designed to replace the use of injectable fillers by using biopeptides to deliver three forms of hyaluronic acids into the basal cell layer of the skin. With a course of treatments, it’s proven your collagen content increases by 382%.” Sounds incredible, doesn’t it?
I was here to see what could be done in one session. According to clinical trials, following my hour and twenty minute facial, I could expect to see a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles of up to 39%. Bring it on, I said! Helen turned on the music, told me not to talk during the treatment, but relax my facial muscles. I did as I was told!
The Procedure
- First, my skin got a thorough cleansing.
- Then a 10% glycolic peel was used to get rid of all dead skin cells.
- The skin was then nourished by a serum infused into the skin by using a latex mask, containing elements to push deep into the basal layer. This covers the entire face including eyes and mouth. Obviously the nasal area was left open, so I could breathe! I found this relaxing and in no way claustrophobic.
- The ant-ageing phase was next, which involves another serum and an anaplastic mask which I felt tingle on my skin, particularly where I knew my lines were deepest. Collagen and elastin, so important in skin, are stimulated in this stage.
- This was followed by an antioxidant stage, which helps to build up the skin’s defences against environmental elements. Here a serum and cream are used, containing Lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant ingredient
At some stage, when one of the masks was doing its magic, Helen also massaged my neck and shoulders. I had chilled out, was listening to the music and can’t remember exactly when this happened.
The Results
My skin felt and looked moisturised and the lines were certainly less deep. Helen took some photos during and after the treatment and I think you will agree the results (below) speak for themselves. My skin remained hydrated days later and the lines are still not as obvious as they were before the treatment. I imagine that a course, together with using the products, would deliver even better results. Also I guess, the younger you start on these treatments, the better the results. We all know it is easier to prevent than to repair. And there is so much more available now than there was even five years ago in the world of cosmetology.
If you feel like treating yourself and holding back time a little longer, go check out Juliette Armand Skin Boosters at Sunflowers Beauty Salon in Donabate, Dublin (01 843 4191). I was impressed even after one session and I believe you will be too. But remember if you want the effects to last, you will need to do a course. My facial costs €90, but you can save 10% if you book a course of six.
So ladies if you find a treatment that helps slow down the signs of ageing, that helps us feel better about ourselves, that makes looking in the mirror less of an ordeal, please share. Don’t be one of the silent sisters; be a sharing sister, like me!
I would also love if you would share my blog posts with your friends. See the icons at the bottom of the post. You can register by e-mail address where it says SUBSCRIBE or follow by liking my page on FB.
My comment section is working again, so please feel free to leave a comment explaining what products or treatments have worked for you. We are all different and I realise that what works for one of us might not work for another. And if you have a wonderful plastic surgeon maybe some of my readers might like his or her name too!
Bye for now
Hilda
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