Niamh O’Reilly tries out the new Ultraceuticals Signature Facial Plus+ to see if it can help with her challenging skin issues.

My skin can be a bit of a horror show. Suffering with cystic acne for a good portion of my late teens and twenties, it’s something that’s back in my life again with monthly hormonal flare ups.

Add to that roster some fine lines making an appearance and with two small kids in my life, I find I’ve little time for any proper skincare routine.

THE BRAND

Ultraceuticals are an Australian brand which offers cosmeceutical-grade skincare products and professional in-clinic treatments. Its philosophy centres around visible results which are customised for the individual.

I was trying its new Signature Facial Plus+, which uses two signature massage techniques and serum infusions to help refine and hydrate the skin.

THE CONSULTATION

Ahead of my facial, I had a Zoom consultation with brand expert Michelle Macken. She asked me a host of questions about my skin, its history, my current (non-existent) routine and chatted through my main skinconcerns – ageing and hormonal cystic acne on my jawline and neck. She prescribed a regime of Ultraceuitcals products from their ultra-calming range to use for 10 days pre-treatment.

THE FACIAL

The facial began with a welcome massage and a thorough cleanse of my skin. The main feature was the UltraSonophoresis machine.

It uses low-frequency ultrasound to infuse the skin with actives, in my case retinol. It’s been shown to increase transdermal penetration of ingredients up to 1,000 times than that achieved with other application methods.

The sensation was like a thin metal scraper going gently over my skin. It felt slightly warm but not uncomfortable at all. The soundwaves were a little jarring at first, but soon I got so used to the hum and it sort of put me into a soothing trance.

What was thoroughly surprising was just how relaxing it all was. It was very much like having a luxurious spa treatment, rather than just an all-business facial. There were elements of massage on the shoulder, arms and head, as well as the face. It all had me very close to nodding off at one point - in fact a micro snore may have slipped from my lips.

THE RESULTS

Post-treatment, my skin felt super soft and hydrated. Often those with acne or breakouts like myself can neglect hydrating the skin, so this was very much needed.

I was advised to stay out of the sun and use an SPF on my face as I’d had retinol put into my skin. In the days that followed I continued to use the regime of products and found my skin retaining that new softness. I did have a small breakout on my jawline, but this was expected after bringing the congestion to the surface.

For details of salons offering Ultraceuticals treatments visit ultraceuticals.com/ie