*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The product was provided by pHformula, though, the review therein is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Aesthetic Appointment reviews are intended to be for information purposes only, nor should they be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns*
I think that most of us get a bit nervous when it comes to having skin treatments that may result in downtime – as we simply do not have the time to be down – so to speak!
As I travelled to Pretoria to experience a skin resurfacing treatment – courtesy of pHformula, it was with trepidation that I wondered what the surface of my skin would look like post-treatment, as I had a number of events coming up and I didn’t want to scare the children.
But first, you might or might not have heard of the brand – so let me put you in the picture.
The pHformula laboratory is based in Barcelona, Spain, but before you say olé! the brains behind the brand is proudly South African Petru Van Zyl, who travelled the world and researched skin biology as well as the latest cosmetic chemistry information available, culminating in the creation of a dermatological skin resurfacing system, which, as my knowledgeable therapist, Sunette Steenkamp explained, has a unique mechanism of action.
It is different to conventional chemical peelings and was formulated to provide a controlled and targeted delivery of active ingredients while preserving the integrity of your skin’s epidermis. Skin resurfacing stimulates the production of collagen and new skin cells, with minimal destruction of the epidermis. In other words, the skin gets all the benefits – minus the downtime.
What you have to note, is that no treatment is the same – it’s customised to suit your skin as well as your skin concerns. Sunette performed the A.G.E. Resurfacing Treatment on my skin.
In a nutshell, here’s what she did:
Cleansed with E.X.F.O. cleanse: it’s a Make-up remover, cleanser, exfoliator, and mask in one – and don’t we love our multi-tasking products! Then she primed my skin with an alcohol-based degreaser before testing for sensitivity – here’s where your skin will dictate the strength of the ingredients to be used.
A series of acids including lactobionic, mandelic, lactic glycolic acids are applied with a fan brush and left on for 2 minutes. This test is a guide for the therapist to assess the patient’s skin sensitivity levels and to prescribe the correct skin resurfacing protocol in order to guarantee a positive treatment outcome. No problems here for me, as my skin is quite resilient!
The D.E.R.M.A.B.R.A.S.I.O.N. cream was the next step, to exfoliate, followed by the A.G.E.2 Solution applied in 3 layers. The acids were a bit uncomfortable and warm on my skin, but this subsided and Sunette applied a specific N.E.C.K. complex to the neck and décolleté area. The acids were removed after 10 minutes.
Nanoneedling with the PROTONPEN is an innovative, non-invasive transdermal delivery system designed to resurface and rejuvenate the skin, boosting collagen and elastin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improving the overall texture of the skin. Pigmentation is also targeted, as well as scarring.
VITA C transdermal solution – an anti-ageing active – was used for slip. This microneedling procedure did not cause any discomfort.
A soothing SOS repair sheet mask was applied (with natural antibiotic properties) and I succumbed to a divine neck and shoulder massage while the mask did its magic.
After the mask was removed, the P.O.S.T. recovery cream was applied and thereafter the U.V Protect SPF50+.
I asked Sunette to put a thin layer of the C.C cream (SPF 30) – my shade is medium – as I was dying to try it – and this made my skin look flawless. It contains goodies like Vit C and Retinol and gives a beautiful finish.
By that evening, my skin still looked gorgeous and after cleansing, I reapplied the P.O.S.T. recovery cream – which really prevented any itchiness or dryness. I did have some microscopic flaking on day 2, but applying moisturiser took care of that. My event 4 days later went without a hitch – no redness or flakiness in sight.
A reminder:
The pHformula Re-surfacing treatment is safe for all skin types and different skin disorders, like hyperpigmentation, acne, and sensitive skin – it’s ideal for the area around the eyes and lips. Benefits are ongoing if you plan about 3 treatments – say 1 every 6 weeks. You should see a difference in texture and firmness, because of the boost in your collagen production.
I would recommend this lovely treatment if you have a special occasion coming up – and for brides-to-be, it’s a must!
pHformula products and treatments are available at a number of aesthetic clinics and salons around South Africa. For more information, visit www.phformula.africa
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.
📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography