Ageing Gracefully

As much as we may wish to, nobody escapes the ageing process. It’s an unavoidable fact of life and, in a tropical climate, constant exposure to sun can accelerate the process. It’s not all bad news though: the wheels of cosmetic innovation keep on turning, and the treatments now available that can mitigate the signs of ageing are becoming ever more effective and affordable.

Words by Natasha Were

A regular ritual of cleansing, toning, moisturising and protecting is essential, but beyond that, scientifically developed facial treatments administered by spa professionals, have more visible, longer lasting results.

Facials

Blissfully relaxing, thoroughly cleansing and exceptionally hydrating, facials tailored to specific skin types and conditions give tired, sun damaged complexions the boost they need. Using specially formulated products that penetrate deeper to stimulate cell renewal, regular targeted facials are an ideal, and very enjoyable, complement to your regular beauty routine.

An hour long Collagen Facial 25+, for instance, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves the skin’s tone and texture, and results in a clearer, softer, more youthful-looking skin. If the worry is more pronounced wrinkles, then the Hyaluronic Facial 35+, which targets areas of concern with infused strips, is the answer. www.bodyworkscayman.com

Chemical Peels

Delving a little deeper into the damaged areas, chemical peels use gentle acid-based formulae of various types and strengths to remove the topmost layers of skin, taking with them fine lines, rough spots and uneven skin tone.

The Kimpton Seafire Spa’s Sea Fan De-Age Facial is ideal for removing signs of sun damage and fine lines. Pure white algae, white wine, white tea and copper peptides deliver superior hydration and stimulate collagen production to impart a more youthful appearance. When combined with an Enzymatic Peel, a vitamin C exfoliator, the mild chemical peel further brightens and lightens tired, dull skin. www.seafireresortandspa.com

Beyond Basics Medical Day Spa offers clients a range of customisable chemical peels. A slightly stronger option, the Rejuvenize Peel combines resorcinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid, which together penetrate a little deeper than glycolic acid, to improve skin health and promote healing. Following the treatment skin may become red and dry, eventually peeling off completely, revealing smoother, fresher skin below. In addition to reducing pore size and acne scars, it can also lighten areas of discolouration and smooth out fine lines. www.beyondbasics.ky

Intense rejuvenation

A more intensive, one-off non-surgical treatment that can achieve dramatic results is the Triniti Treatment, available at Beyond Basics Medical Day Spa. The three-step procedure is performed in a single visit – although a total of three sessions is advisable – and combines three of today’s most effective rejuvenating facial treatments. It begins with a FotoFacial RF to improve spider veins, sunspots and uneven skin tone; this is followed by Refirme Skin Tightening that targets loose skin around the jowls and neck, under the eyes and around the nasolabial folds and finishes with the Matrix IR Fractional for Wrinkles, which reduces wrinkles, increases elasticity and improves the skin’s texture. www.beyondbasics.ky

Microdermabrasion treatments before peels and FotoFacials can further enhance results by sloughing off darkened pigment in advance of a treatment, allowing the acids or laser to better penetrate the epidermis.

Whilst an elixir of eternal youth has yet to be discovered, investing in professional anti-ageing treatments goes a long way towards slowing down, and possibly even turning back, the hands of time.