Industrial beauty; Charged!
By Julie Jacobs
Brace yourselves for the industrial revolution happening in the beauty industry right now. Sophisticated equipment normally incorporated in salon treatments – like René Guinot and Elemis facials – are now being sold for home use (though nothing like the electrolysis, cellulite or blackhead removal contraptions sold in the back of Sunday newspapers). These mini appliances are ‘tip top’ devices offering treatments a professional aesthetician normally does. As I’m a qualified — non-practicing — **Beauty Therapist I’m not sure I’d appreciate parts of my specialist treatments being offered as a ‘DIY’ from the comfort of your sofa, but as a consumer I like it a lot and here’s why.
Due to the mechanicalisation of my own beauty regime, I’m now forced to stand in front of my bathroom mirror for a solid three minutes making sure I do not miss a second of my skin and oral care routine, on the rare occasions I do cut the time short I feel I’ve cheated myself. Mechanical beauty not only guilts me into spending more time on myself but I find I make sure I’m doing it correctly per the instructions. For example take my Foreo ISSA Sonic Toothbrush. I thought I had a pretty thorough manual brushing practice but realised I actually only spent twenty to thirty-seconds (most dentists recommend two minutes minimum). Also, I truly believed my cleansing was very efficient until I received a Clarisonic Facial Brush Cleanser – this was my introduction into the world of mechanical beauty – forcing me to spend one solid minute solely on cleansing. I wasn’t sure it was making any difference until about six weeks later I started to receive compliments on how my skin was glowing, and this occurred even more so after using a Foreo LUNA 2 Sonic Facial Cleanser – if you think about it due to the increased blood circulation that alone would improve one’s complexion. In this busy twenty-first century most things are designed to help save us time and effort and to achieve more in less time. However I think mechanised beauty is telling us the reverse…STOP…take your time… do it properly…you will see results and feel the benefits and I for one welcome this way forward.
**A note to all Beauty Therapists nothing can ever replace the sheer pleasure of lying down and having someone else do it for you, so no need to worry your services won’t be forced into extinction by this revolution.
Silk’n Infinity 4000 Epilation Permanence. “This device combines Galvanic and Optical Energy. Not only have Silk’n upgraded their technology to eHPL (Home Pulsed Light combined with Galvanic Energy and Optical Energy), they have also improved the effectiveness of the hair removal device, which has been clinically proven. Suitable for all skin tones, including the darkest skin colours and almost all hair colours. It also has a unique built-in Skin Colour Sensor, which stops the device from emitting a strong light pulse if your skin tone is dark”.
Braun Silk-épil 9 SkinSpa SensoSmart™ 9/980 epilator. “The Silk-épil SkinSpa is a complete 4-in-1 epilation, exfoliation and skin care system. The epilator includes SensoSmart pressure sensor technology to guide your epilation and remove even more hair in one stroke. Comes with 2 body exfoliation brushes to help reduce ingrown hairs”.
Silk’n Lipo Toning Device. “This device simultaneously reduces fat and strengthens underlying muscles to give your body a slimmer and more toned appearance when following the recommended treatment plan”.
Braun Silk-expert 5 IPL BD 5009 – Permanent visible hair removal. “Skin tone varies across different parts of the body. The unique SensoAdapt™ skin tone sensor continuously reads your skin tone – 80x per second – and automatically adapts the light intensity for best efficacy and safety. Derived from professional light technology, Braun Silk-expert 5 IPL is clinically tested for safe and effective use at home”.
Microdermabrasion Trophy Skin Home – professional grade home microdermabrasion system. “This professional-grade microdermabrasion device combines diamond exfoliation and gentle suction to buff away dead skin and promote cell regeneration. Made from real diamonds, the unique tip is expert at tackling dry, flaky skin and signs of ageing such as wrinkles and pigmentation”.
iGrow laser Hair Rejuvenation System. “Using Low-Level Light Therapy to stimulate hair growth, the light penetrates the scalp and energises the hair follicles and molecules to encourage natural hair growth. The helmet-style of the iGrow covers a large amount of the scalp and means that the laser is as close as possible to the hair follicles, allowing the device to deliver maximum regrowth. The revolutionary design comes complete with an audio port that enables you to listen to music whilst you use your laser system”.
Tripollar STOP V Facial Renewal Device. “The device uses the same technology as the TriPollar STOP (Radio Frequency Technology) but with an additional technology called Dynamic Muscle Activation (DMA). DMA technology targets the Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System (SMAS) layer of the skin. It tones and lifts the skin by using gentle muscle contractions that create a “facelifting” effect. When combined with Radio Frequency, the two technologies work together to deliver a collagen accelerating, muscle toning effect that tones, tightens.”
Nira Skincare Laser. “As we age, our bodies naturally stop producing Collagen. The NIRA Skincare Laser device reverses this effect by using non-fractional laser to heat the skin to the point where dermal cells send out Heat Shock Protein Formation (HSP) stimulating your cells to rejuvenate and increase collagen production. NIRA does this just below the pain threshold and well below the point where skin tissue is damaged. This technique increases Collagen production, plumping the skin, smoothing wrinkles”.
Smooth Skin Muse IPL Hair Removal Device. ” This contemporary device has been especially designed to stunt your hair cycle and prevent regrowth, ensuring permanent hair reduction. SmoothSkin Muse uses Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) technology, transferring light energy through the skin’s surface with up to 100 flashes per minute. The hair shaft absorbs the light to stunt the follicle’s natural hair cycle, preventing regrowth”.
Tripollar Pose Skin Tightening Device – for the body. “Powered by Radio Frequency technology, TriPollar POSE focuses 4 low power beams deep into the dermal and fat layers below the skin’s surface, This forces cells to release their liquid fat content, as well as tightening collagen fibres and boosting their natural production ensuring a targeted treatment. These two actions reduce the appearance of cellulite and reduce body circumference”.
Clarisonic Alpha Fit Facial Cleanser – engineered specifically for men. “Oscillating 300 times per second, the Clarisonic Alpha Fit works with the skin’s natural elasticity to remove oil, bacteria and other impurities from beneath the surface, a must have addition to any shaving routine, and sufferers of ingrown hair or sensitive skin. The sonic pulsations will help to soften your facial hair and make for easier gliding when it comes to using a razor or shaver”.
Tripollar STOP Facial Renewal. “TriPollar have released a new generation of STOP devices, which takes the incredibly successful Radio Frequency technology of the original STOP device and made some improvements. Powered by revolutionary TriPollar Radio Frequency technology, the device focuses 4 low power beams deep into the dermis layer of your skin. This targeted treatment heats the cells to increase and accelerate your body’s natural production of collagen”.
Tripollar Geneo Personal Oxygenation Device. “A treatment usually only found in salons, real Oxygenation usually only happens when oxygen reaches the skin cells from ‘inside’ the body. This device does not put oxygen on or in your skin, but works by creating a layer of Co2 bubbles on your face. This causes the body to release oxygen to the skin cells, increasing blood flow to the tiny vessels, encouraging the skin rejuvenation process.”
Quasar MD Clear Rayz For Acne For Her. “Using the powerful blue light technology, the Quasar MD Clear Rayz for Acne is proven to kill acne-causing bacteria anywhere on the body. The blue light is clinically proven to kill acne-causing bacteria and is able to penetrate the pore much deeper than topical products. The red light is anti-inflammatory, which helps to calm the skin and encourages healing, without irritation or dryness”.
Nu Face Fix Line Smoothing Device. “Microcurrent is a low-level electric current that mimics your body’s natural current. It sends soft, gentle waves through your facial tissue, deep into your facial muscles. This energy stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which also energises the muscles in your face too and provides instant and cumulative results. Designed to be used with the new NuFACE FIX Line Smoothing Serum”.
Clarisonic Mia Smart. “Introducing the world’s first 5-in-1 cleansing, firming, exfoliating, massaging and makeup blending device ( YES, MAKEUP BLENDING!). Compatible with all Clarisonic attachment heads, the device takes care of all your skincare needs in one handheld device. Cleverly connecting to an app on your phone, the revolutionary device creates custom skincare routines that are personalised to your needs”.
Foreo Iris Eye Massager. “Using alternating T-Sonic Technology: a unique tapping movement inspired by fingertip tapping eye massage with two modes, Spa and Pure. Spa is best suited for skin that is showing more obvious signs of ageing, it combines tapping movement with delicate pulsations to recreate a professional beauty treatment and pure is more gentle inspired by a manual eye massage, this mode is great to use on skin that is beginning to show signs of ageing as uses the tapping massage by itself”.
Foreo Espada Blue Light Acne Treatment Device. “Designed to kill acne-causing bacteria, the blue LED light goes deep below the skin’s surface to destroy the cause of acne. Its T-Sonic pulsations allow the treatment to go deeper to stimulate blood micro-circulation to help with skin renewal. As the light is targeted it can target even the smallest breakouts. The built-in skin sensor activates upon contact with your skin, making sure it’s safe for your skin and eyes”.
Foreo Mini Smart Mask Treatment Device. “Harnessing ‘thermotherapy’, the device uses heat to enhance the skin’s absorption of actives and boost circulation – the full size UFO has ‘cyrotherapy’ – it also utilises LED light (usually only found in a dermatologist’s office) to boost masking benefits, along with T-Sonic pulsations which help the mask formula to deeply penetrate the skin. Whether your skin needs some added moisture, detoxifying or some help targeting fine lines and wrinkles there’s a mask for an array of concerns”.
Intimina Laselle Exercise. Not exactly a professional salon treatment – or mechanical for that matter – but the Intimina KegelSmart does have an on/off button and Jo my Editor really wanted to give a shout out to these. However I do thing this company is worth a mention in any feature. “Intimina is a Swedish brand that offers the first and only range of products dedicated exclusively to all aspects of women’s intimate (vaginal) health. Providing a comprehensive collection of products and information for women at every stage of life, from menstruation to menopause”.
Current Body
CurrentBody is the first company to recognise one of the fastest growing trends in the world of beauty. With modern innovation allowing manufacturers to create devices that mimic the on-site devices used by professionals in salons, spas, and clinics, CurrentBody has brought together a complete selection available for home use technology. They are the only website in the world who specialise in beauty devices with a brand-trained team who provide both stellar education and customer service. A really important part of their customer experience is to provide clients with the best devices, as well as a lifetime of support.
Photography Jason Yates
Beauty Editor Julie Jacobs