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Thursday February 12, 2009

A fine polish

By PATSY KAM

Grind the lines away.

IN France, the number of cosmetic procedures went from 80,000 in 1998 to 250,000 in 2005. And in Europe, 20% of women in urban areas have already undergone a cosmetic procedure of some kind.

While the statistics in Malaysia are not as staggering, there are certainly more women going through aesthetic procedures than before.

Here's a thought: Imagine a machine grinding the marble floor, cleaning off the years of grime and dirt, erasing the scratches, and later, adding a new coat of polish to buff up the whole surface. Now, imagine if you will, a similar treatment working on your face on a micro level. Without having to go for plastic surgery, your face gets "cleaned up" and the lines erased.

Smooth operator: Thalgo's latest treatment, Controlled Micro-Dermabrasion, is claimed to offer an effective salon alternative to cosmetic surgery by using the Thalgoskin Expert as demonstrated by international trainer Dorothée Dennel.

Surely this sounds more appealing than getting cut up?

Thalgo's new Controlled Micro-Dermabrasion treatment is claimed to offer a real and effective salon alternative to cosmetic surgery.

This is by using the Thalgoskin Expert, a technologically advanced micro-dermabrasion machine that is touted to provide a revolutionary mechanical and chemical facial treatment to give an immediate and noticeable difference to the complexion.

Developed by Thalgo in conjunction with one of Canada's leading equipment corporations, the Thalgoskin Expert machine boasts a patented "Turbo Flow" projection system that produces a constant linear and rotary projection speed of aluminium oxide micro-crystals called corindon (the hardest stone after diamonds) for a safe and mechanical skin abrasion under carefully controlled professional salon environment.

In addition, the complementary photo-energy satellite accessory Skinlight, is used to sweep a magenta beam over the face. This gentle treatment is touted to have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties and is ideal for delicate skin.

According to international trainer Dorothée Dennel, although the idea of dermabrasion and removing the upper layers of the epidermis may sound abrasive to the skin, the treatment is really quite gentle on the face.

"The aluminium oxide micro-crystals are sprayed onto the skin by the stylus and instantly picked up again by its unique ‘Turbo-Flow' system to provide a precise, even and effective mechanical peeling. This way, the machine manages to penetrate deeper than your usual exfoliation treatments," she explains.

"The magenta beam (Skinlight) helps to reduce redness as well as lighten and brighten up dull complexion."

After this, a combination of lactic, citric and mallic acids are used to effectively boost cell renewal and help skin firm up. A mask saturated with soothing ingredients is left on the face for 20 minutes and a high-SPF product is applied as the final touch.

"From the very first session, the complexion appears clearer, skin is smoother and minor blemishes are erased. There is a definite rejuvenating effect after you go through sessions as the skin becomes smoother and more supple.

"In addition, accelerated cell renewal helps in the fight against wrinkles and loss of firmness as the skin gains plumpness and radiance," she adds.

Combined with Thalgo's range of natural active ingredients, the facial procedure is said to sweep away dull and listless skin, and reveal a clearer, brighter complexion.

Complementing this treatment are two specific ranges of skin-perfecting homecare products – the Dermo-Resurfacing and Dermo-Peel Kit.

The Resurfacing Kit is a radiance boosting programme targeted at those above 30. The set comes with a Resurfacing Cream and Restoring Mask, a brush and a small dish so you can do it at your own leisure.

Similar to the professional treatment, the Resurfacing Cream contains aluminium oxide micro-crystals that help exfoliate dead cells. The mask allows the restoration of the protecting cutaneous hydrolipidic film of the face by soothing and calming the skin.

The Peel Kit is a skin rejuvenating programme (coffret with six Peeling Lotions and six Soothing Neutralisers), especially useful for those aged 40 onwards as it helps promote firmness, and tackles fine lines and wrinkles.

The Bio-Protective Sunscreen-Cream SPF50+ is important, especially for the first seven days after treatment to help minimise skin cells' reaction to aggression.

The home kits are not recommended for very dry, damaged or irritated skin, or for use by those undergoing any kind of dermatological treatment.