Say hello to the new salt bae and goodbye to dryness, the SaltFacial.
You might think salt plus skin sounds like an unlikely recipe for skincare success, surely it will make it drier?
That’s what I assumed but the SaltFacial boasts to slough off a layer of dead skin cells whilst simultaneously bringing moisture to the surface.
Being a sucker for all things new and (that make my skin) shiny – the glowing, not sebum-related kind – I couldn’t resist the salty seduction of trying it out for myself.
Read on for all you need to know about the SaltFacial; what to expect, the results it delivers and why you’ll never look at salt as simply as staple seasoning again.
The SaltFacial is a three-part treatment that promises to improve texture and tone and to rejuvenate your skin; minimising the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, uneven skin tone and acne scarring. What’s more, it can be used all over the body, including hands and feet, and in the treatment of stretch marks.
Step 1: Salt Exfoliation
The SaltFacial begins with a detoxifying exfoliation process using fine organic Himalayan salt, a type that’s only found in two mines globally.
Using pressure the salt is pushed out onto the skin via a iron head which the aesthetician guides around the face. It’s not painful, but as you’d expect feels a little scratchy.
As well as blasting dead skin cells away, the salt via the process of osmosis (hands up who was paying attention in Biology class) also draws moisture to the surface.
Step 2: Ultrasonic Massage
Next, to begin the post-exfoliation healing process, a medical grade ultrasound massage. This acts to tone the skin, oxygenate skin cells and nourish by driving custom cocktail of ingredients, chosen based on your needs, deep into the skin.
The process is rather like a pregnancy ultrasound – but for your face – complete with a cooling jelly to prime to face pre-massage.
It might not feel like very much is happening at all, but while you relax the ultrasonic waves act like crunches for your face, stimulating collagen which lifts and tightens your skin.
Step 3: LED Light Therapy
The treatment is finished with state-of-the-art LED light therapy. As with any LED light therapy there are two options your aesthetician can chose from based on your skin type; red for damage repair and synthesising collagen production or anti-microbial blue to tackle acne.
This is process is completely pain free, you’ll just feel a warm glow from the machine which is placed directly over your head and see a bright red/blue light.
Who is it for?
The SaltFacial is suitable for all skin types and colours except those with rosacea that’s currently inflamed.
It might not feel like very much is happening at all, but while you relax the ultrasonic waves act like crunches for your face
The Results:
Given the abrasive nature of the SaltFacial I was expecting to leave the clinic with a red raw face, and had even warned my coffee date scheduled for post-facial to expect as much. Instead my complexion was instantly more radiant.
Redness post-facial can be experienced by some, it just depends on your own skin sensitivity. But any inflammation will die down after a couple of hours.
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- Before The SaltFacial
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- After The SaltFacial
I had been warned that I might notice a few scratches and that this was normal, and there a couple of pinprick scratches on one of my cheeks that scabbed over. Over the next couple of days a couple these healed and a few under the surface spots finally broke out too. After this period it was all smooth sailing, literally.
Writing this a week on my skin has maintained the post facial glow, is better absorbing products and I’ve fewer blackheads.
Any one who knows me know I *swear* by getting a regular HydraFacial, which has made had a marked difference to the condition of my skin. Having now experienced the exfoliating and rejuvenating effect of the SaltFacial I will definitely be adding this to my skincare schedule; swapping every second HydraFacial for a SaltFacial perhaps.
Given the abrasive nature of the SaltFacial I was expecting to leave the clinic with a red raw face, and had even warned my coffee date scheduled for post-facial to expect as much, instead…
Where to get the SaltFacial?
The SaltFacial is exclusively available at the South William Street Clinic & Spa, on, yep your guessed it, South William Street, right in the heart of Dublin city.
How much does it cost?
The SaltFacial costs between €120-150 for a 30-60 minute treatment, depending on the clinic you visit. Most clinics or spas will also offer packages so you can buy a bundle and save – and I always think that hinting (strongly) for a voucher for your favourite spa is both extremely practical and totally acceptable…
This was a gifted experience from The South William Street Spa & Clinic. I have been a regular, paying customer of theirs for some time and gratefully accepted the offer to try out the SaltFacial.
