UK, February 2013

Up until now, most of what you'll have read on this blog has been about make-up, nails, skincare creams, potions and lotion, and hair. Up until now, there's not really been a huge amount of cosmoceuticals, injectables or the rather more extreme forms of beauty. Up until now.

Recently, I went along to see Dr Rabia Malik, a cosmetic doctor based just off Harley Street, to see what she could do for me. Dr Malik specialises in non-invasive, non-surgical treatments for the skin, providing a personal solution tailor-made to the individual's needs. She makes it a point not to work with injectables, finding instead a holistic approach and other treatments, such as Chemical Peels, Dermarollers and Oxygen Infusions to achieve the best skin possible for each patient.

So, given that I've been so risk averse in the past, Dr Malik's approach seemed perfect for me as a way to dip my toe into the world beyond face creams and

serums. My skin has been more than a little dehydrated recently (read 'parched'), so Dr Malik recommended an Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion to rehydrate and rejuvenate my skin and push some much-needed oxygen and moisture deep into my skin.

The treatment itself takes around an hour in total and is extremely easy - I just lay back and let Dr Malik and her magic tools do all the work. Using the special tool that looks and feels just like something you'd use to airbrush foundation onto your skin, the oxygen, under light pressure, is used to 'push' the serum containing Hyaluronic acid, vitamins and antioxidants deep into the cells to instantly hydrate, plump and refresh the skin. It's not painful at all, not in the slightest. It kind of feels like your skin is being tickled with a dusting of air blowing past your face. It was extremely relaxing and I probably would have fallen asleep if it hadn't been for the fact that I was chatting away!

Immediately after the treatment, I could see a visible difference in my skin; it was more radiant, plumper and fresher-looking. Dr Rabia told me that it would look even better the day after and that after around 72 hours, the effects would gradually wear off, which is exactly what happened.

This isn't a permanent fix but is fabulous for a pre-event boost to the skin - perfect for before a big party or event. My make-up went on much better the following day, I felt I needed to use less foundation and the skin felt softer and smoother. I was also given sachet-sized samples of the Intraceuticals skincare to use in the couple of days following my treatment to capitalise on the hyaluronic-plumping effects of the serum infused into my skin. I don't use Botox or fillers but this treatment works well in conjunction with it. ...

And if you want to find out more about Dr Rabia Malik and her clinic, click on her website link HERE.

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The Skin: Dr Rabia Malik & Intraceuticals Oxygen Infusion