Tried and Tested: The Years Younger Facial

By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 18th June 2010

In this issue, Katharine Griffiths works on her self-image with a treatment from Rani Mirza, the queen of facials

What is it?
The Years Younger Facial is a new treatment developed by Rani Mirza, one of London's premier beauty therapists, utilising Image Skincare products, a professional pharmaceutical skincare range hot from the US.

The products work at a cellular level to diminish fine lines, fade sun damage, increase hydration and stimulate cellular turnover for more youthful-looking skin.

The range encompasses different product lines which can be mixed and matched to produce the optimum regime. They include Ageless, formulated for ageing skin, Ormedic which boasts organic ingredients with medical effectiveness, Clear Cell, formulated for acne and oily skin and Sun which focuses on daily protection.

What really happens?
I went to see Rani Mirza, renowned in London as queen of facials, with glowing testimonials from A-list stars such as Anna Friel, Naomi Campbell, Danni Minogue and Gillian Anderson and, even more importantly, high praise from the UK's top beauty editors who know their treatments.

As you can imagine I was slightly apprehensive as to how a normal mortal would compare with supermodels and top actresses, but Rani was warm, welcoming and completely down to earth. After a brief, no
holds barred, assessment of my current skin condition, Rani got
down to work.

Although I have recently started to see the signs of ageing, with tired skin and lines appearing, I am also still suffering from break outs which Rani decided to target during my facial by using the Ormedic range rather than the Ageless products.

After a double cleanse using the Balancing Cleanser, a gentle exfoliation was applied removing the dead skin cells. Then the Balancing Eye Lift Gel was applied around the eye contour and the Balancing Soothing Gel Masque on to the face and neck in preparation for the steam extraction.

I have never had steam applied in a facial so this was a new experience for me as warm, slightly damp air was blown on to my face. The steam has the effect of softening and opening pores before the
dreaded extraction stage and also helps the gel mask sink into my skin.

After the steam extraction was carried out Rani applied a gentle glycolic peel. This is when you can feel the active ingredients in the Image range as it really made my skin tingle.

A wonderful relaxing facial and shoulder massage followed using Balancing Anti-Oxidant Serum and Balancing Bio-Peptide Crème before we moved onto the facial acupuncture.

Leah, a qualified osteopath, carries out the facial acupuncture that works as a non-surgical facelift. I had a course of facial acupuncture before Christmas so this was a perfect top up.

Acupuncture needles were placed in my hands and feet - both for detoxing and pain relief purposes - one in my head and then in points on my face and in my ear.

Then Leah put in intradermal needles - smaller, sharper needles that are placed in the lines and wrinkles that need work. They were left in for about ten minutes and then Rani returned to finish off with a gentle
massage with a daily moisturiser - in my case Balancing Bio-Peptide Crème.

Worst bit
Rani's diagnosis of my skin. At first I was quite pleased as she thought my skin didn't need the Ageless products aimed at toning and lifting and reversing the signs of ageing, but that was only because skin congestion was a far more pressing problem.

Best bit
The Image products made for a great facial as they smelt and felt amazing, but the best bit was definitely being in Rani and Leah's hands. They are really passionate about producing a great result for their clients and left my skin glowing and clear.

Did it work?
Absolutely - my skin was positively glowing when I left the salon, and I've been receiving compliments on my complexion ever since!

Expert Opinion: Rani Mirza
Like all my other face treatments we always analyse the skin before
carrying out the Years Younger Facial.

The facial is then tailor-made using the correct products from the Image Skincare range, giving us a choice to use either Ageless, Vital C or Ormedic, ensuring that we achieve the best results for your skin type.

By analysing your skin at the start of the facial we can also access any other underlying problems that we can address during the facial, such as blackheads, milia, breakouts.

I'm constantly being sent products by manufacturers to try, but what appealed to me about the Image Skincare range is the quality of their products and the amazing results you achieve with them.

It's a bonus that their products are paraben-free and are full of wonderful natural ingredients.