I never seek out a fluffy facial that offers only pampering. I need a treatment that provides kick-butt results for me to commit an hour of my time, which is where the Osmosis Infusion Treatment hits the mark. To understand how this treatment works you need to know what Osmosis skincare can do for your complexion. Its aim is to repair damaged DNA in the skin by speeding up the production of proteins and antioxidants, which help to rejuvenate your skin cells from inside-out. Osmosis claims that its formulas can also lighten age spots, reduce visible capillaries that show as redness on the skin and stimulate collagen production, which ultimately smoothes fine lines - and I have seen some pretty impressive results from using the serums in the range. Teamed with salon-strength products in treatments and the results only get better. Back to the treatment, I visited Clinic 42 in Auckland the home of appearance medicine and medical facials. It's not a destination for relaxation alone, and the Osmosis Infusion is one of their premium skin treatments. While you can expect lots of facial massages and hot towels used as compresses that push the products into skin, you can expect a serious helping of skin rejuvenating at the same time.
Here's how it works.
My pick of the game-changing serums Osmosis Correct Serum, $141. Ideal for this time of the year, the retinaldehyde boost is excellent for shifting brown spots..
Clinic 42 Osmosis Infusion Treatment, $160.
What is it?
A vitamin infusion for skin that needs clarity and hydration. This facial and the selection of ingredients used are customised to suit my skin type (dehydrated) and address my skin concerns (dryness and dark spots). For me, the stars is this magical infusion which is a combination of pure retinaldehyde (the only Vitamin A that is proven to stimulate collagen in the skin), niacinamide (vitamin B3) and CQ10 (that protects skin against free radical damage). However, this is just a few of the anti-ageing ingredients in this infusion - there are 27 in total. Once massaged into skin this cocktail of vitamins works to correct dullness and boost hydration.
How does it work?
The obligatory cleanse removes makeup, followed by a polish mask, and then the powder actives blended with the Correct Serum preps my skin for a power punch infusion, which stay on the skin for eight to 10 minutes. Next, a soothing gel mask calms skin and helps prevent the possibility of flaking (I did experience that a day or two after the treatment, around the nose and chin area). But as I was instructed if this happens it's a sign that my skin was shaking off those last layers of dry, dead skin, and encouraging new skin by increasing my sluggish cell turnover. Finally, a slathering of Quench Intense Moisturiser and the treatment is complete.
What to expect?
It's perfect before an event, or special occasion and the best news, this is a facial you can sneak out and have during your lunch break. One word of warning - you will return to work with skin sporting radiance and luminousity, and a few weeks on my skin still feels smooth, looks hydrated and is positively glowing - success.
Clinic 42 Osmosis Infusion Treatment, $160, allow 60 minutes.