If you're a north London native you may have heard of Sorbet, the South African beauty salon franchise that's slowly edging its way around the Northern Line. If you're not a north London native, chances are you might be making a journey to East Finchley sometime soon.
Sorbet London now has four outposts, in Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Mill Hill and the newly-opened East Finchley. Conveniently, its front door is about 50 metres from my old flat. Inconveniently, I moved to Clapham three years ago. Nevertheless, I made the trek back up north a couple of weeks ago to give it a whirl and boy, am I glad I did.
I've never tried a chemical peel before - echoes of Samantha's crispy-faced faux pas in SATC always play on my mind - but with the promise of Dermalogica's BioSurface™ Peel on hand to help give me supermodel skin* how could I resist?
The treatment is designed to help reduce acne, pigmentation and signs of premature ageing to reveal smoother, brighter and softer skin, safely removing dull outer layers of skin and help skin underneath regenerate for a more radiant complexion. In general, it can help with skin roughness, signs of photodamage, fine lines and wrinkles, acne breakouts, skin congestion and some forms of hyperpigmentation and unbalanced skin tone.
At £75 a pop it may seem pricey, but considering some facials I've had at a similar price that seem to do precious little, this is worth every penny. Three layers of acids are applied - working up to five when you return for a second treatment - which will usually cause a faint tingling or stinging sensation, a bit like a mild sunburn. Immediately after your BioActive Peel treatment, skin may appear red and flushed and as it goes through the renewal process, it is normal to experience dryness, redness and tightness, as well as potential peeling or flaking within a week.
Having said all of that, it clearly depends very much on your skin. My therapist - the wonderful Christina - was completely astounded that I didn't feel a thing, even in areas of 'broken' skin where it would usually be more sensitive. Coupled with that, my redness had subsided within seconds of the final layer of acid removed, with no after effect. She literally couldn't believe her eyes; apparently she'd never had a client that had happened to before and was super keen to get me back in for a second to see how I would react to more layers - apparently I have super strength skin.
I never go outside without make up on - literally, never. Not even to the corner shop. Yet as soon as this treatment was over I was, quite simply, glowing. My skin looked and felt incredible and I can't tell you the number of comments I've had on it in the last week.
Post-treatment care is important, as skin will still be delicate (even mine) and needs to be looked after, particularly with an SPF. A post-treatment kit is provided with tailored Dermalogica product, including UltraCalming™ Cleanser, broad-spectrum Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 and two nourishing moisturisers, as well as AGE Smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant® to help buff away any post-treatment peeling.
Two weeks down the line and I've still got my glow on. I'm itching to get back there for a second one and see how I fare. This is one treatment that's worth every penny.
*DISCLAIMER this is not promised. I said that for dramatic effect.
For more information and to book visit www.sorbetsalons.co.uk
Love Laurel x
