We pop into our go-to pamper haunt The Face Place with gamut-ranging complaints from mild to moderate scarring and acne; fine lines and wrinkles, and discoloration and hyper-pigmentation. Without missing a beat, ever-in-the-know managing director Marie Hall-Smith has just the recommendation. A lactic acid peel! With ‘reduction’ and ‘removal’ being the catchwords of this mild — yet wallop-packing — alpha hydroxy acid treatment, Hall-Smith assures us we’ll see results after just one application. With a guarantee so promising, we need no further convincing and are already in position on the treatment table. The mechanics of the exfoliating procedure involve the non-irritant dissolving of the old, sun-damaged top layer of skin to reveal a fresh, supple, cell-activated layer that’s sure to receive our seal of approval upon mirrored-inspection — even your friends will take notice of your glowing mug. Come closer as Hall-Smith gives us the skin-improving 411!

TIP 1: Though one session may be more than enough for generally problem-free skin, Hall-Smith recommends undergoing a series of lactic acid treatments in order to fully actualise its many long-term, epidermis-renewing benefits.

TIP 2: When undergoing any exfoliating procedure, sun protection becomes super important in protecting this sensitive and highly vulnerable new layer of skin. The Face Place recommends their Brightening Day Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 sunblock as not only does it keep harmful UVA/UVB rays at bay, it also extends the luminosity of the skin post-peel or regimen.

A FRESH-FACED STEP BY STEP:

1

The Face Place Managing Director Marie Hall-Smith applies a coat of the camphor clay masque to get the ‘ball rolling’ on the treatment. This step is used to de-grease the skin.

2

After approximately ten minutes, the camphor clay masque has dried and is then removed.

3

Next, the 50 per cent strength lactic acid peel is applied to the skin.

4

After a requisite waiting period of a mere three minutes, the exfoliant has dissolved the tired outermost layer of skin and is then removed.

5

Hall-Smith spritzes the newly revealed layer with neutralising spray, which stops any residue from the peel in its tracks.

6

Post-peel, a moisturising facial mask — chosen based on skin type — is then applied and allowed to sit for 15 minutes before its removal. This step re-hydrates the skin with necessary moisture.

7

And voila! All done. Look at that dewy complexion!

THE ARSENAL

Camphor Clay Masque; The Face Place Salon Brightening Day Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50; Lactic Acid Peel; and Post-Peel Neutralising Spray.

THE FACE PLACE

3 Carvalho Drive

Kingston 10

Tel: 929-8356

E-mail: faceplace@cwjamaica.com