We all know that the sooner a great skin regime starts, the better for you in the long run. But what if you’re already in your late 20s or early 30s and your routine has been… somewhat lax? For your good intentions facing forward, you might need a little skin renewal kick-start. “We’ve seen a massive change in the past five or so years. Younger women are far more educated, far more aware and incredibly well-versed when it comes to skin health and looking after their skin”, said Aisling Cleary, Registered General Nurse at River Medical. And here’s where Her.ie met Vita-lase. We were invited to River Medical’s Baggot Street base to try out this pro-active anti-aging treatment, billed as “the next generation in skin renewal”. A lofty claim indeed… but could it live up to the hype? Aimed at women in their mid-late 20s and early 30s skin, this four pronged approach combines the heat benefits of a laser treatment, with a pro-peptide infusion of medically-graded peptides and vitamins, followed by a non-invasive resurfacing procedure that simultaneously cleanses, exfoliates, and super-hydrates, and ends with the Vortex-Fusion® of antioxidants, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. That’s a lot of big words, we know. But how does it actually work from start to finish? The Consultation I headed in to meet Ailish at River Medical for a consultation and skin analysis. The beauty of opting for the likes of a company like RM is that you have trained medical practitioners carrying out your treatments – and it’s 100% something to bear in mind if you want a targeted and effective procedure. Always do your research – remember the results will be living on your face. On day one, Ailish took a look at my skin for any sun damage, pigmentation etc. I mentioned that I was going on holidays a week later, so she recommended post-poning the treatment until a couple of weeks after I was back, as it’s very important to stay out of the sun afterwards. So we set our date in the diary. The Treatment - Part 1 As per the experts: The first step is a gentle laser treatment, (1927 nanometers), which works on two levels. The first, the introduction of heat into the skin opens up the pores, making the skin more receptive and enabling the deep penetration of the potent peptides and vitamins that follow. The second benefit is the collagen and elastin-stimulating benefits, as well as the improvement in the skin’s texture and tone. The second step is the application of a blend of medically-graded peptides, stem cells and vitamins, depending on your skin’s needs whether skin-balancing and regulating or pro-active anti-ageing requirements. The Anti-Wrinkle solution (AWS) helps eliminate the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improves skin's firmness and elasticity and most importantly of all helps to protect the skin from future signs of ageing. Stem cells contains two key components: growth factors, which play a role in cell division, the growth of new cells, and the production of collagen and elastin; and proteins, which regulate that stem-cell division. When applied to your skin, these two components help firm wrinkles and slow the development of new lines. An ingredient called Arbutin dramatically reduces pigmentation, especially liver spots and freckles; and potent peptides initiate the stimulation of collagen, strengthen the connective tissue and helps skin retain its natural firmness. The Problem Control Solution (PCS) or skin balancing solution smoothes and clears the skin, helps decrease oil production and stops acne at the source. And now, we’re on to step three. A calming and soothing Hydro Gel Collagen mask is then applied which transforms from a gel to a liquid, and helps the skin’s ability to absorb the active ingredients. The addition of hyaluronic acid gives skin a further boost, smoothing and softening as the patient relaxes. The Aftermath - Part 1 That was it for day one. I was sent on my merry way, with a face like a fire hydrant, straight home and out of the sun. My skin felt quite hot and a bit tingly, but by no means painful. More of a strange sensation than anything else. I was advised to avoid touching my face or using any products immediately afterwards, so I had a lovely quiet night on the couch. The heat dissipated after about two hours and didn’t bother me in the slightest from then on. Over the following days, my skin felt a little sandpaper-like, a sensation I had been fully advised of in advance. It wasn’t visible to anyone else and I was perfectly fine applying my daily light makeup over it, but you would notice it yourself to the touch. I was very careful to get lots of water, use a hydrating moisturiser and factor 50 sunblock. The Treatment - Part 2 Step four of the treatment happened 10 days later, when I returned for the final part, a skin-illuminating, resurfacing treatment. At this stage, impurities that have been brought to the surface by the laser treatment are removed during an intensive procedure that simultaneously cleanses, exfoliates and super-hydrates, with a further application of meso vitamins and peptides. The treatment also utilises the power of LED light therapy, which works to renew, plump and tighten the skin cells. While the initial laser can be a bit tickly and even a bit stinging (mildly and only for a moment), this part of the process is actually very luxurious and relaxing. Then I was on my way! As for the result… The Results They Say: The unique combination of the treatments leave the skin visibly nourished, super-hydrated and rejuvenated. Skin is left poreless, flawless and utterly radiant with health and continues to improve with time. We Say: In my time writing beauty features I’ve been lucky enough to trial a wide range of beauty procedures (I know, tough gig!). Without a shadow of a doubt, this is the most effective one I’ve ever sampled. My skin looks fresher, lighter and brighter and I haven’t had a single blemish in the two weeks since the second stage of the treatment. Sun damage across the bridge of my nose has also visibly faded. I’m getting married this time next year and have already promised myself that I will return twice over the year to keep my skin in tip-top condition. And if I had any doubt at all? I visited home last weekend only for the Mammy to tell me my skin was looking better than she’d ever seen it, and asking what my new secret was. If that isn’t a seal of approval, I don’t know what is.   To book a free consultation, contact River Medical Dublin on 01 6629106 or River Medical Belfast on 028 9560 7585. www.rivermedical.ie /.co.uk