Premium glow

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder? Not really. But in the hands of the dermatologist.

Welcome to the world of ultra-premium facials that radically re-define appearances by enhancing features and skin tones.

The days of visiting branded salons for a facial or clean-up performed by a beautician who uses chemical-laden creams is quickly making way for a range of scientifically-designed beauty therapies that are constructed and delivered by experienced dermatologists. The ubiquitous de-tan and bleach, gold and diamond facials and goji masks are getting replaced by hydra-facial, carbon-Q and vampire facials.

These treatments provide benefits like removal of impurities, clearing of pores and fine lines and are delivered through a systematic methodology that helps bring out the desired results in an instantaneous manner, say experts.

For example, oxygen infusion is a facial replenishment treatment that hydrates the skin by stimulating collagen levels, says Chiranjiv Chhabra, director and consultant dermatologist, Skin Alive Dermatology and Aesthetics. "Serum is injected into the skin, followed by the infusion of oxygen via a wand in the skin. This not only rejuvenates and restores moisture but also makes oxygen reach the inner-most layers of the skin."

Facials like vampire, which is an anti-ageing therapy, work by clinicians withdrawing a sample of blood to extract the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that contains essential growth factors. The PRP is then delivered into the skin with superior techniques to stimulate cellular regeneration.

Hydra-facials, meanwhile, offer cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously.

Experts are witnessing a surge in demand for these premium treatments. Blossom Kochhar, chairperson, Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies, says consumers have been moving towards luxury facials as they want to pamper their skin and crave for the instant effect.

According to Chhabra, people these days encounter a lot of stress and anxiety and this is one of the factors driving the demand for premium facials, "as these treatments help to relax and refresh, besides providing skin benefits.''

Pankaj Chaturvedi, director, consultant dermatologist and specialist hair transplant surgeon, MedLinks, says although clients up to 75 years of age also go in for such treatments, it is mostly people in the 30-50 years bracket who constitute the crux of the clientele. Moreover, around 40% of that clientele comprises men who are taking such therapies.

The high-end facials do command a premium price, with hydra-facials and oxygeneo costing from Rs 10,000-12, 000, while vampire facials can set you back by up to Rs 25,000 at top-notch skin centres.

Experts say despite the high prices and the availability of a host of regular facials at beauty parlours, the client demand for these niche therapies has been surging due to the fact that these are performed in a systematic manner by clinicians and carry fixed ingredients and protocols across the world. Chaturvedi says unlike salon facials that use bleach-based products with no scientific back-up, premium facials use medical-grade ingredients to rejuvenate the skin with long-term benefits and carry no side-effects.

Hydra-facials and oxygeneo use serums that have ingredients like ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, skin brightening agents like arbutin that increases melanin production, and kojic acid and antioxidants that boost health, all of which are not present in regular facials, claim experts.

"Luxury facials use ingredients that are exotic and expensive and bring in a different kind of radiance to the skin, thus catering to client needs of having a glowing skin and appearance immediately,'' says Kochhar.