These treatments were done in Dublin but there are versions of them available in skincare clinics around the country
Neo-lifting with buccal massage: Amanda Nordell Acupuncture – Price on request
Niamh, Acting Editor
I recently paid a visit to the renowned Amanda Nordell (located in Windy Arbour, Dublin) for a treatment I have long been intrigued by: a buccal massage. I arrived to Amanda’s clinic frazzled (my natural state, to be fair), but instantly was put at ease by this warm and calming former nurse turned facial acupuncturist. Amanda is passionate about a proactive approach to well-ageing skin, that blends Western cosmetic science with Eastern wisdom. She is a pioneer of facial acupuncture in Ireland and already has a loyal following for her signature Synergy Facial Acupuncture, which also includes facial massage, gua sha, facial cupping, red light and micro-current therapy.
Last year, she became one of the first in Ireland to offer Neolifting; a unique non-surgical, non-invasive facial lifting, toning and sculpting massage technique that includes lymphatic drainage and buccal massage (intra-oral massage). What exactly does the last part mean, you may wonder? Essentially, it is a technique where the therapist works from inside the mouth to alleviate tension in the facial muscles and bring more balance to the bones of the skull. I thought this might feel invasive and comfortable, but it was surprisingly relaxing, and it doesn’t last very long. In fact, by stimulating lymph flow and massaging the facial muscles externally and then inside the mouth, NeoLifting calms the nervous system and increases blood and oxygen supply and collagen production. It also releases muscle tension that can lead to deep wrinkles and expression lines, and is said to give a defined facial contour.
I was a little sceptical about how effective one treatment could be, but I saw instant ‘snatched’ results. Compared to a bloated-looking selfie I had taken beforehand, I looked lifted and more sculpted. I also generally felt great afterwards; my head felt clearer and my sinus less congested, after the release of all that tension I’d been holding. And, I was delighted to spot that Wexford-made skincare brand Holos’ products were used throughout. My brother’s wedding is coming up next month and I’m thinking another appointment is in store. To book yours, visit amandanordell.com or call 086 8115877. – Niamh, Acting Editor
The Diamond Signature Facial: My Skincare Clinic – €130
Claire, Digital Journalist
I got to try out the My Skincare clinic’s “créme de la creme” of facials, designed to not just relax your whole body but your mind too. It is also specifically formulated to instantly enhance your skin’s luminosity and hydration levels. It effectively targets and eliminates dark circles, fine lines, and skin breakouts, leaving you with a radiant and youthful complexion. My therapist, Emma, started off by asking me about my skincare concerns and tailored the ingredients and products accordingly. My skin had been feeling quite dehydrated lately so Vitamin C and Kojic acid were prescribed for their brightening and hydrating properties.
Once I was settled in the beautiful therapy room, Emma did a double cleanse to thoroughly clean and prepare the skin before using a gentle fruit enzyme peel that helped buff away dead skin cells on the surface, followed by a luxurious mixture of both Vitamin C and stem cell peptide-based masks to add hydration and give me back the glow I felt my skin was lacking. Finally, she incorporated some lymphatic drainage on my face and neck and did a scalp massage which felt amazing but also aided in getting rid of any puffiness and tension in the body. SPF, eye-cream and lip balm were applied to complete the treatment and a hydrating mist added a moisture boost to my skin.
As well as the warm welcome and lovely surroundings, I loved that I was encouraged to switch off completely and fall asleep if I wanted to. I also remember thinking at the time that it was the best music I had ever listened to while receiving a treatment – more like a classical film score than your average spa soundtrack! I felt utterly relaxed and refreshed leaving the clinic and although I experienced redness in my skin for a few hours afterwards, I was more than happy to leave my face bare for the rest of the day to soak up the ingredients after a thoroughly enjoyable treatment. For optimal results, it is recommended to do a series of two to three treatments. Call 01 2118588 or visit myskincare.ie to find out more.
SkinPen Microneedling: Dublin’s Fitzgerald Private Clinic – From €300
Elle, Beauty Editor and Acting Deputy Editor
I recently experienced the incredible results of microneedling with the wonderful team at Dublin’s Fitzgerald Private Clinic, led by its Medical Director Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald who is one of the clinic’s co-founders, and a Consultant ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon.
In the clinic, they use Skinpen (which is a medical microneedling device) which stimulates the skin’s natural ability to repair itself. They do this by creating thousands of tiny channels where the microneedles penetrate the skin, stimulating the production of elastin, and collagen. This process promotes skin renewal and improves texture, providing a deeper level of rejuvenation to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, age spots, and other signs of ageing. It can also help to even out skin tone and treat acne scars.
Knowing that is a safe and science-backed treatment that offers impressive results for those looking to rejuvenate their skin, I knew I wanted to try it out. While I tend to be a bit of a wimp when it comes to beauty treatments, I decided to give this a go following a detailed consultation with Dr Deirdre. I can hands down say it is by far the best thing I have ever done for my skin. From my first session (I had a course of three in total), my skin therapist, Jade, made the process a joy. She started by applying numbing cream, chatting to me while we waited for it to take effect, and easing any concerns I might have. What followed was nothing more than a pinch as we continued to chatter away throughout the treatment. Jade followed this with an ultra-hydrating sheet mask and at that point, I drifted away for a brief snooze before readying to head home. My skin was quite red at this point (which is what you want), but if you didn’t know I’d had a beauty treatment you might just think I looked a bit flushed. Jade equipped me with exceedingly thorough homecare instructions and a little kit of skincare to apply in the days following while the skin healed. By the next morning, the redness had gone down and I was able to apply my makeup as normal. The only difference was that my skin felt a little tight and dry as it began its healing phase.
With this treatment, they initiate your body’s ability to heal and regenerate in response. In the days following I couldn’t get over the natural ‘glow’ that I started to see on my skin. It looked smoother, brighter, tighter, and much happier. Following this, I did two more treatments and I have to say my skin has never been better. If you are on the lookout for a boost, check out fitzgeraldprivateclinic.com and get ready to glow.
