PAMPER AND PREEN

Skin revival

WORDS JEMMA PEARSON PHOTOS LISA PEARL

THERE ARE A lot of practitioners out there spruiking anti-ageing treatments and making big claims about their effi cacy and results. I’ve tried a few with mixed levels of success, so when I heard about HIFU (which stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound) I was curious to fi nd out more about the technology. I’d read a bit about HIFU and was impressed by the number of positive reviews it garnered, and so as I approached the doors of Australia HIFU in Birtinya I was keen to dive in and see what it could do for me. I mean, who doesn’t want to fi ght those signs of ageing.

I was greeted by the effervescent and highly qualifi ed Chereen Mauk, the founder of Australia HIFU and her associated business, Zap the Fat. Cher’s qualifi cations fi ll a whole wall and then some in her warm and welcoming waterside studio – this woman knows skin. She’s worked in beauty for more than 25 years and has done an incredible amount of research to hit on what she describes as the best non-invasive, non-surgical treatment out there. She not only offers treatments from her studio, but she is also an educator and has trained dozens of other HIFU practitioners around the country, so I knew I was in safe hands.

I have to say I was not just pleasantly surprised, but blown away by the results of this pain-free procedure. So many practitioners and beauticians claim they have found the golden bullet for anti-ageing, whether it’s a topical cream, a technology like laser or IPL, or a supplement. But they so often disappoint. Anyway, I am getting ahead of myself.

HIFU works by creating heat in different layers of the skin. This heat encourages the production of collagen, which is essential for skin structure and elasticity. HIFU tightens and smooths out the skin, improving its texture, tone and elasticity and reducing wrinkles.

After chatting with Cher about HIFU it was clear she is hugely passionate about this technology. She assessed my skin and we talked about my concerns. Her treatments are tailored to your age and skin type, and for me she was treating me to a full face, which she said would help improve the texture of my skin – one of my main concerns.

The HIFU treatment itself is quick and painless – I felt some prickling and a little heat as Cher swept the ultrasound wand over my face, targeting three different layers. She then applied an exfoliant and cleanse from the Australia HIFU cosmeceuticals range. Cher also recommended an alphahydroxy peel and then she followed this up with Australia HIFU’s ‘liquid gold’ skin serum.

Cher recommends clients support the HIFU treatments topically with her cosmeceuticals range (which includes the skin serum, cleaners, moisturiser, exfoliant and more). This range is Australian made and organic, and contains active ingredients that visibly improve the skin. Cher has also developed collagen gummies – I dare you not to indulge in more than the recommended two gummies a day. These beauties are super tasty and help feed and repair the skin from the inside. With the trio of offerings (the HIFU treatment, topical cosmeceutical range and the gummies) you are ready to enjoy your newly glowing skin.

What I also really love about HIFU is that most clients need to have the treatment just one or two times a year for anti-ageing and maintenance. Of course, the frequency of visits does depend on your skin, concerns and age, but a couple of treatments a year is certainly a lot more manageable than some other treatments, which require multiple expensive visits every six or 12 months. The results from HIFU are instant and long-lasting.

As I was saying my goodbyes to Cher I caught a glimpse of myself in a mirror and it’s not an exaggeration to say my skin glowed. I am almost disappointed I won’t need to be back for another six months – this treatment is that good!

“HIFU tightens and smooths out the skin, improving its texture, tone and elasticity and reducing wrinkles ”

IN A NUTSHELL Chereen Mauk from Australia HIFU off ers HIFU treatments backed up by a cosmeceutical range and collagen gummies she has developed herself. Cher off ers a range of treatments such as full face, neck, decolletage and brow. Prices vary and she oft en has specials. Check out the website to find out more. Australia HIFU is at 26 Reflection Crescent, Birtinya. 0408 200 059 or australiahifu.com.au