The Razor’s Edge for Baby-Smooth Skin
Posted: Monday 15 March 2010 09:04am
A smooth, hair-free face can be achieved with a simple treatment that leaves your complexion almost as soft as a new-born baby’s.
Epi-blading or derma-planing as it is sometimes referred to, is a painless clinical treatment that not only deeply exfoliates the skin, it removes unwanted fine, fair facial hair.
Says Dr Jan Knight of Sydney’s Intelligent Ageing, “Epi-blading has a similar effect to microdermabrasion, but is actually much gentler, so is good for sensitive skins.
“It is one of our most popular treatments around Melbourne Cup as women want to be able to apply make-up to a smooth, hair-free face – nothing looks worse than foundation caught up in peach-like fuzz.”
What is it: Epi-blading uses a specially designed scalpel blade to scrape dead skin cells from the upper layer of the face. It also removes unwanted facial hair common in menopausal women.
Who’s it for: Those sporting downy, peach-fuzz faces, sun-damaged skin, congested complexions, dry, sluggish skin.
What’s involved: The skin is cleansed thoroughly, and then a specially designed surgical scalpel with a fine blade is gently scraped with short, quick strokes across the skin, to remove dead skin cells and excess hair. A nourishing mask or moisturiser may then be applied, as the treatment enhances the penetration of skincare products. The treatment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. “Epi-blading gives you a nice smooth, even result,” comments Dr Knight. “Those with excess hair growth can be given a prescription for Vaniqa, a cream to reduce unwanted facial hair.”
Downtime: None. Your face may be a little red afterwards, but this quickly subsides.
Preparations: None
Not suitable for: People with acne, sunburn, rosacea, dark skin tone, cold sores.
Optimal results: Instantaneous. Skin will be glowing, smooth and hair-free.
Risks and side effects: Make sure you have an experienced practitioner with steady hands, as blades can cut skin. Many people worry that the facial hair will grow back thicker and stronger, but according to Dr Knight this does not happen.
Ballpark cost: $150