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3 skin-repairing facials for the cold season

Winter has officially kicked off. Just when we thought we were in the clear with summer skin problems behind us – sunburn, blemishes, heat rash, parched lips and uneven skin tone – seasonal skincare woes have reared their head once again. But all you need is a post-summer pick-me-up for your dry or dehydrated skin. Make the most of the gloomy winter months by investing in a professional beauty treatment for complexion perfection. These three editor-approved facials can help your skin get back to its glowing self in time for the return of bare legs and rosé.

EDITOR’S PICK:

THE TREATMENT: ENVIRON MOISTURE BOOST COOL PEEL 1

What skin type is it suitable for? Any and all, especially undernourished and dehydrated skin.

What’s it good for? Revitalising tired or dull skin – between seasons or when you’re stressed.

Why try it in winter? Environ founder and scientific director, Dr Des Fernandes, is the best in the ageing gracefully business. His Environ Skin Care Institute at the Renaissance Body Science Institute in Cape Town is full-to-bursting with cutting-edge treatments for all manner of skincare conditions and concerns. For those looking for something a little gentler this winter, the Environ Moisture Boost Cool Peel can’t be bettered. It’s delivered by expertly trained hands who’ve been in the field for decades and engage you in fascinating skin-chat. First, your skincare professional will assess your individual skincare needs, as well as how you want to feel post-peel. Following a double cleanse, your skin will be gently steamed while extractions are sensitively performed. A 10% lactic acid gel is then passed over the skin to gently remove dead skin cells and stimulate the skin to function optimally. The fully customisable peel comes as one of the brand’s most beloved treatments. It’s brilliant for upping luminosity, tightening pores, firming the skin and smoothing fine lines without any of the irritation. Any tingles are hardly noticeable thanks to a most relaxing head massage while the peel works. Next comes the most indulgent phase of the treatment – the thick, cold algae Alginate Masque, which is smoothed all over your face (including your eyes and lips, depending on how claustrophobic you get). It’s accompanied by a gloriously nourishing hand or foot massage … we dare you not to drift off to sleep! A final application of super-hydrating serums and high-factor SPF leaves skin plumped-up and ready to face the world. You’ll slink out 90 minutes later – skin beaming and baby-soft, not the faintest bit red and looking like you’ve slept for a week. We were still receiving compliments days later. Our top tip: Take home a bag of products from Environ’s Focus Care Moisture+ range to optimise results and keep skin glowing with health for weeks.

Book: Environ Skin Care Institute in Cape Town, or visit www.environskincare.com/za/environ-facials/ to find your nearest Environ-affiliated salon or spa.

THE TREATMENT: SOTHYS HYDRA HYALURONIC ACID 4

What skin type is it suitable for? Anyone with sensitive skin.

What’s it good for? Pre- or post-travel.

Why try it in winter? If the long, cold winter is showing in a lacklustre complexion when you look in the mirror, use it as an excuse to treat yourself to the brand-new, 90-minute Sothys Hydra Hyaluronic Acid4 facial. This relaxing but results-giving facial uses Sothys’ reinvented Hydra line powered by four types of hyaluronic acid. It starts with a double cleanse (we adore the deliciously scented Vitality Cleansing Milk and Cleansing Lotion with grapefruit extracts) to ensure that all makeup and residue is removed. Following this, an energising facial massage gets the blood flowing and drains the under eyes of any fluid to noticeably lift the face. During the mask, expect a neck, shoulder and scalp massage as you float away into French skincare heaven. The final few steps in the process are focused on a series of hydrating products so that your skin is left looking luminous and dewy. You should leave with healthy, fully functional skin.

Book: SoloTu Hair, Body & Aesthetics in Joburg or Claremont Endermologie in Cape Town.

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THE TREATMENT: EXUVIANCE TOTAL CORRECT ANTI-AGEING

What skin type is it suitable for? There’s nothing that will drive skin wild, but do check in with Sorbet if you have existing concerns about specific ingredients.

What’s it good for? A refreshed complexion – particularly those with ageing concerns.

Why try it in winter? For a botanical brand, Exuviance’s 60-minute Total Correct Anti-Ageing facial delivers some punchy results. There’s a lovely double cleanse using the Gentle Cleansing Crème and Purifying Cleansing Gel. Then comes the addictive Glycolic Polish, which uses a concoction of 10% glycolic acid and 2% lactobionic acid. The aim is to refine texture and transform an uneven skin tone, whilst easing wrinkles by plumping the skin. This facial also includes a recontouring facial massage, a 30% glycolic acid Revitalizing-Plus Peel that’s left for five to 10 minutes and an anti-ageing serum to wake up sleepy cells – all topped off with the radiance-enhancing Deep Hydration Mask. Although the peel isn’t a relaxing sensation, it’s definitely bearable. A course of treatments is recommended, but even one brings instant tightness and a gleaming complexion. There’s a 30-minute version if you need to be in and out.

Book: Visit www.sorbet.co.za/store-locator to find your nearest Sorbet Salon.