At the beginning this year, I introduced a low dose retinol into my skincare routine and saw a visible improvement on my skin. Speaking of timing, Ella Baché has also jumped onto the retinol band wagon this year. It has released a Ella Baché Retinol Night Treatment Serum with 0.5% encapsulated retinol, as well as rolled out a brand new "Rewaken My Rejuvenation" facial treatment featuring the use of 1.0% encapsulated retinol mask.
In this blog post, I share my experience on this treatment by Julie (the Edith Hallas Award winner this year) at Ella Baché West Lindfield.
Brief overview on retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative which is widely used, and scientifically proven, to reduce signs of aging. It works by boosting skin's production of elastin and collagen, and speeding up cell turnover to improve skin tone and texture. It is the "gold standard" of anti-aging ingredient. However, retinol can cause some common side effects such as dryness, itchiness and peeling skin. Usually, retinol tolerance can be built by increasing usage and frequency gradually.
Who is this treatment for
Anyone who wants an immediate rejuvenation of skin tone, texture and radiance. However, if for those who have sensitive or sensitised skin, consult a professional therapist before proceeding.
The treatment
Cleanse and massage
The treatment began with a double cleanse and a welcome massage. The massage is a signature for treatments in this salon which sets a relaxing, enjoyable tone for the treatment experience.
Exfoliant
After the massage, Julie applied the Revealing Fruit Enzyme Exfoliant on my skin. This exfoliant is a non-abrasive exfoliant and applies like cream mask. It contains papaya fruit enzyme (papain), pineapple extract (bromelain) (both are AHAs) and salicylic acid (BHA) to break down and remove surface skin, as well as rice bran, oat bran and liquorice extract brighten up complexion.
Although this exfoliant is not abrasive, it felt strong on my skin and shortly after it was applied I could feel an intense stinging sensation on my skin. Usually, my skin is very resilient and does not experience stinging sensation easily. The different experience this time may be explained by my recent usage of Ella Baché Retinol Night Treatment Serum. As with all retinol treatment it can potentially makes skin more sensitive. I must admit that at this point in time I was nervous and worried that my skin could not tolerate both the exfoliation and the retinol mask (next step).
Retinol mask
After the exfoliant was removed, Julie applied a generous layer of the salon-only retinol treatment mask. The mask contains 1% encapsulated retinol which is double the concentration of the take-home treatment that I have been using, although the therapist can tweak the strength of this product by diluting it with a buffer cream depending on the skin that she is working on. I was waiting for a stinging or uncomfortable sensation but it never came. The mask was actually quite soothing on my skin which took me by surprise. I've been told that the mask contains pH stabilising enzymes which makes the retinol works harder for longer.
Gua sha
While the mask was still on my skin, gua sha was used in conjunction with lymphatic drainage techniques (see this post for a brief explanation for gua sha, and this post for my prior experience on lymphatic drainage massage using metal balls). The tool used in this facial was made from jade. As compared to the previous stainless steel gua sha, I prefer the jade (by the way, it was a blind test as I did not know what was the tool used until afterwards). The metal one was good, but I think the touch surface of jade gua sha was even better and I completely zoned out this time because it was so relaxing. It did not make me a convert to crystals, but I concede that the different material made a clear difference to my experience.
Product application
The retinol mask is not removed in this treatment. Before I left, Julie applied SPF to make sure that I was well-protected.
Results
I was very surprised that I did not experience any sensitivity or redness. There was a slight rosy flush in my skin due to the increased blood circulation from all the massages but I do not otherwise feel any adverse sensation caused by the retinol.
The results really showed in the next morning, when I was cleansing my face I noticed my skin was soft and smooth to touch. I noticed that my skin looked more refined, with less texture and smaller pores.
How often
This treatment is recommended every fortnight and as a course of 6 treatments.
How much
$85 for 30 minutes.
Tips & pointers
This is a quick and effective treatment - perfect for those with a busy lifestyle and looking for treatments that deliver quick and visible results
As chemical exfoliation is part of the treatment, avoid exfoliation 1-2 days prior to treatment
Avoid retinol use a 1-2 days leading up to the treatment
Avoid sun exposure after the treatment - the retinol mask is left on and not removed. Retionl may cause skin to be more sensitive to sun exposure
Use Retinol Night Treatment Serum between treatments to maintain results
I was invited as a guest of Ella Baché West Lindfield to try out this new offering by the salon. My opinion is honest. Referral link to receive $10 off your product purchase: http://ellabache.refr.cc/stellal
About me
Makeup artist and hair stylist based in Sydney. Founder of the well-known award-winning bridal specialist team Faces Makeup & Hair. Beauty junkie with an obsession for skincare.