The Blurb:
The Micro Pen Facial by 111Skin is an extension of micro-needling (you may have heard of Dermaroller, which is a brand of micro-needling). If you’re unfamiliar with this original procedure, it’s basically a mini roller of tiny needles rotated over the skin to lightly puncture it – the damage and repair process encourages skin renewal and collagen production. This Micro Pen Facial is gentler and incorporates 111Skin products, a new range launched by a cosmetic doctor, which contain ingredients used by space scientists to repair astronauts’ skin damaged through space travel.
The Process:
Having experienced a few courses of Dermaroller in the past, and not enjoyed them, I was full of trepidation. My skin doesn’t suffer from scarring or pigmentation so I didn’t want to go through the same brutal experience. Luckily when I arrived at Neville Hair and Beauty, therapist Clare Peters put me at ease immediately. She talked me through the facial, then calmly and coolly talked through each step as I was having it done, too.
The treatment started with a double cleanse, the perfect relaxing start. Next would usually come 10 minutes of Venus Freeze Radio Frequency but I was short on time so she missed this step. The part I dreaded the most was next – the roller.
Clare applied a serum called Y Therum by 111Skin, which helps the Micro Pen glide across my skin as well as deliver antioxidants and nutrients into the skin. Clare moved the Micro Pen across my forehead in small circular movements and changed the length for comfort and for sensitive areas such as around the eyes.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t painful at all – like a light pricking, but not uncomfortable or disturbing – so I continued to relax. Following the Micro Pen session, which lasted around 25 minutes, Clare massaged a serum onto my skin and applied a high performance mask – perfect timing as pores are open and flushed. A stress relieving head massage followed.
The final part of the facial was a finger pressure massage and before I hit the outside world, Clare applied a high factor cream to protect skin – particularly important following micro needling.
The Result:
This treatment is perfect for polishing off dull skin for a brighter complexion, and the space-related technology is impressive. Throughout the following week I could see small patches of skin flake away (not as drastic as Dermaroller) mainly around the cheeks, mouth and forehead. I used a Konjac Sponge during cleansing to help gently smooth this away. The one-hour facial felt blissfully longer and I completely forgot I was in the bustling four-storey Neville’s. The fact that Clare was so down to earth, calm and knowledgeable made the experience even more enjoyable.
