UK, September 2012

REVIEW: Intraceuticals

The USP behind Intraceuticals (much easier typed than said, trust me) lies in the size of the molecule (I guess size is everything afterall..) - you need them heavy enough to work in a layering system of reservoirs, so that the molecule has hydration to pull from.The hype behind H.A., Sharon told me, is similar to that surrounding collagen back in the day. Women spent a decade vehemently applying collagen-rich lotions and potions, without realising they were labouring under complete false pretences - the collagen molecule was to large to be absorbed by the skin. So essentially they were doing nothing, aside perhaps from stimulating the skin through light massage. Well I did say perhaps..

So too might the H.A. craze turn out to be irronious. Sharon explained that the surface layer of the skin is a protective layer of dead cells, which does just that - protect. I.e. it doesn't allow penetration to the lower levels of the skin. Which means that, although products appear to be absorbed, actually they sit only just beneath the skins surface. Infact, Sharon said that many H.A. products may actually dehydrate the skin, since the molecule is indiscriminate in where it draws moisrture from - so it may actually be drawing moisture from the skin, since there is no reservoir to pull from (which is where Intra's unique layering system comes in)

We got down to business and Sharon performed an Intraceuticals facial (sorry, treatment) on me. The treatment itself sits somewhere between results driven and luxurious. By which I mean it actually does something, but isn't painful. Sharon explained this as the Medispa experience, which is apparently the brands' "spiritual home."

...

Half way through, Sharon paused to allow me to compare the treated and untreated sides of my face. I wasn't immediately sold - yes, the right side looked all dewy and fresh, but surely that was the layer of serum on there. But then I smiled and I noticed. Fine lines around my right eye were gone. The apple of my right cheek was firmer - more pert, if you like. Sold. Please continue...

So she did, and after 35 mins on the treatment bed, my face felt taught and healthy - not unlike how my body feels after a light workout.

It was a speedy 35 minutes, too. I was able to open my eyes from time to time, and Sharon chatted to me the whole way through (did you know that she's doing treatments at least once a week on this years' X Factor contestants, to get them HD TV ready? No, me neither. Turns out they call her "mum"..). I was able to take in the imposing floor-to-ceiling double doors, the vastness of the room, and the crystal chandelier roughly above my midriff.

Intraceuticals is the next thing in skincare, we just need to catch-up with our education. Celebs are already lapping it up (they have a glowing testimonial from Victoria Beckham, which I think is saying something) to achieve no make-up-worthy skin.

Try it to believe it - Skin Associates, 46 Wimpole Street

Love, Laugh, Liverty

http://livertybeauty.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/review-intraceuticals.html

I recently wrote a post about water in beauty. You saw it? Excellent. Now forget it. Because I have some awesomely brand spanking new knowledge straight from the horse's (well, from Sharon's, actually) mouth.

I'm talking about the latest beauty buzz word, hyularonic acid, and the chronic fear that's been sparked by sweeping statements such as permanent loss past your early twenties. Over the last year, the humble water-attracting molecule (it can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water. Phew!) has built an avid following, springing up in skincare from Boots to Space NK. Right now, skincare without H.A. is as much of a social faux pas as Pimm's without fruit. It's persona non Grazia.

But. Turns out, not all hyularonic acid products are made equal. I met with Intraceuticals education manager Sharon Oldham to talk hydration, ageing, and why she's called "mum" by this year's X Factor contestants...