The charcoal facial
Trialed by Sarah Murray
This is truly what I’d call a ‘clean’ facial because it is free of parabens, mineral oils and nasty synthetics – leaving your skin looking incredibly radiant afterwards. For anyone who hasn’t heard yet, charcoal is the latest product famed for its detoxifying and brightening properties. But let’s go back a few steps.
First a charcoal foam is used, followed by a charcoal mask. The great thing about this treatment is the charcoal works to remove toxins from the skin’s surface right down to deep in the pores – which is what makes it great for those who suffer from the odd breakout.
Charcoal is a heavy-duty dirt-lifting substance which is also good at getting rid of any excess oil you might have on your face. On top of that, it will draw out any bacteria in your skin. My favourite after-effect was how bright and clear my skin looked. I sure could use one of these on a weekly basis.
Our recommendation: Charcoal facial, $120, East Day Spa.
The charcoal peel
Trialed by Danielle Lagos
When asked to try the Bioelements Ultra-Detox Chemical Peel with Activated Coconut Charcoal from Forme Spa, I had big expectations. This is a treatment that aims to tighten skin, unclog pores, visibly reduce fine lines and overall leave skin looking younger. Big call.
The peel has a fine mix of glycolic and lactic acid, which exfoliates the skin and works to dissolve dead cells. Willowherb and aloe vera work to soothe skin as well as prevent irritation. But it’s the inclusion of the activated coconut charcoal that takes this peel to the next level. The coconut charcoal is detoxifying and draws impurities from the skin.
When the peel was applied to my face, after my skin was thoroughly prepped, it tingled – so you know it was working – but as the beautician kept working the product around (what she described as a ‘distracting technique’) it wasn’t unpleasant at all.
Immediately after I begrudgingly heaved myself off the table (you always want longer), my skin looked glowing, supple and bright. There was a slight red tinge but nothing to worry about. I was told a bit of flakiness and redness is common, but that wasn’t the case for me.
The next day and for the rest of the week, my skin still had the healthy glow I left with and my skin stayed hydrated.
But the biggest pro had to be my skin’s texture, which was visibly smoother and the difference was noticed not only by myself but friends. I had a small breakout around my forehead and chin – but I put that down to the coconut charcoal doing its detox thing.
What was also unexpected was not only do you have the active part of a facial – in this case, a peel – but you also get the relaxation that comes with a spa treatment. Very seldom do you get both in one appointment. I would definitely be going back for another round.
Our recommendation: Bioelements Ultra-Detox Chemical Peel with Activated Coconut Charcoal, $160, Forme Spa.
Photos: Christopher Kutner / Snapper Media
