I Tried the 24K Uplift Facial and Here’s What Happened

Hands up if you are always on the lookout for a facial that scores high on anti-ageing benefits. I, like many others in their late 30’s am constantly on the hunt for treatments that’ll leave me glowing and bright. Add the promise of a lifted, slimmer jawline to that, and you’ve got yourself a deal!

It’s no surprise then, that I visited SW1 Clinic recently to try their popular 24K Uplift Facial. Not only is this treatment the gold standard in anti ageing facials, it also harnesses the goodness of HIFU to give red-carpet-ready-skin - chiselled jawline included!

Semantics and introductions

Clinical facials aren't something I generally look forward to. No-nonsense, and ‘get to your problem’ treatments, they generally allow little room for TLC or any sort of relaxation. SW1’s swanky CBD location on the other hand, shouts luxurious spa from the get go. Delicately designed interiors with just the right hues of pastel, you instantly know there’s more to this aesthetic stalwart than just clinical procedures.

A therapist gets me to sign necessary forms, and takes me through a quick tour of what is going to happen. I also get to browse shelves of their targeted, clinical skin care line (junkie alert) and can't wait to try what’s in store for me! 

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And we start

A treatment that takes about an hour of your time, the 24K Uplift is a hybrid facial that sculpts, lifts and refines the skin. As I get ready for a quick, wham-bam with the HIFU machine, the therapist asks “would you like a warm pillow for your neck”? 

Dial back on all your preconceptions, this is NOT going to be a typical, clinical facial. In fact it has all the makings of a luxe spa treatment and with the promises of technology thrown in!

Warm pillow at the ready, I am asked to close my eyes as aromatherapy is used to relax my mind and body (can I say wow!). Slowly I enter a space of complete and deep calm and we start off on cleansing of my face.

A note here on SW1’s skincare product line. The clinical skincare used at SW1 has been carefully developed by doctors, and is programmed to work. I can feel it with the use of their gentle cleansers all the way to the end of the treatment - subtle or no fragrances but a delicious treat for the skin. 

Post cleansing, you get to indulge in a hot steam that opens up your pores for better absorption of whatever is coming next! This is followed by a Gold Flakes Illuminating scrub. Infused with champagne and pearl, this vitaminsed scrub gently sloughs away dry bits, while the vitamins (A, C and E) nourish and condition deeply. 

Once the scrub is off, get ready for a tingly oxygen treat! SW1 are amongst the few clinics to offer the celebrity endorsed Oxygen Mask which is made of pure oxygen that helps facial skin recharge and heal, giving that instant glow. The mask activates on contact with skin, and bubbles to release pure fresh oxygen. Looking for your next IG story? Tingling and sometimes ticklish, this mask is a fun part of the facial that’ll also make for a great video on Instagram.

Bring out the big guns

I’ve heard so much about HIFU that I was a little intimidated by the machine, to be honest! An effective way to get a facelift but without going under the knife, HIFU or High Intensity Focused Ultrasound delivers heat energy to the skin and gives lifting benefits. Whether it’s bringing you closer to that much coveted V-Shaped face, reduction in a double chin, or fine lines, HIFU has been making headlines across the world. 

The star of the 24K Uplift is Sygma Lift, a clinical ultrasound skin lifting technology with cold laser meant for toning skin. It uses a patented 2nd generation High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU technology that radically transforms facial lifting without the use of needles and scalpel.

So, when the therapist introduced me to this daddy of lifting machines, I was a little nervous. What if it hurts? Does it actually work? Will I feel anything? So many questions, and plenty of answers too! I loved how easy it was to hold a conversation with the staff here. Every question was patiently answered, and at each step I was warned - “I’m going to touch your skin now”, “ The HIFU treatment is starting now” and similar. 

Let me put you out of your misery by saying that I did not feel a thing! A cool gel is applied to the face before using HIFU - this is similar to when you go for a prenatal Ultrasound. The applicator from the HIFU machine is put on the skin and with lifting motions, the therapist massages the face upwards. In my case, she concentrated on my jaw and lower cheek area, treating one side at a time. 

While the procedure feels like nothing - no pain, no tingling, no buzzing, the effect is visible when you see a treated side vs. the other. I could easily make out a slight tightening and contouring of the face when compared to my untreated, left side. 

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Not over yet

Post the Sygma Lift, it's time for another pampering treat. My therapist applied a 24K Gold mask which is designed to fight signs of ageing by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Infused with pure 24K and colloidal gold, this mask is as fresh as they come! A mask activator is poured into the tub of 24K Gold and a freshly stirred pot of decadence is ready for your skin.

The fragrance is subtle but amazingly indulgent and I love how the mask settles into a gelish texture that makes it easy to remove, just ten minutes later. And while I am slowly taking in the richness of this mask, I am treated to a hand massage that takes me further into this version of heaven! 

After the mask is taken off, it's time to treat your face with some serious skincare. This starts off with the Pure Gold Youth Reset Serum (Gold and 24K are pretty constant themes here). A hyaluronic serum that is powered with gold extracts as well as pure vitamin E to soothe, and nourish. The therapist follows this up with Copper Peptide Ampoule which is a super potent clinical ampoule that also contains hyaluronic acid for enhanced delivery. What follows next is a moisturiser - Pink Sake, This ultra-brightening face cream visibly rejuvenates tired dull skin with its hydrating and brightening sake extracts. And can I say it smells divine

Finally, no skincare regime is complete without sunscreen and here too I get a lashing of Snow White, a 100% mineral, light-weight sunscreen mist with foam-activated technology that delivers physical broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. 

Red carpet ready

You know that feeling after a facial, when you want to steer clear of any makeup? The 24K Uplift Facial does that and more. Brighter, clearer skin that begs to breathe sans products, but also accompanied by what felt like higher, lifted cheek bones. This facial is especially popular with those looking to attend a big event or weddings and I can understand why. 

To be able to achieve what many call a ‘red carpet ready’ look through non invasive technology, and in under 90 minutes is somewhat of a skincare miracle. The benefits of tightening, lifting and sculpting the face without any pricks or pain, make it a treatment that’ll be embraced by everyone. But, that’s not all. 

Unlike usual clinical treatments, I loved how this facial felt as relaxing and nourishing as one at a spa. The use of aromatherapy, and massages alongside the actual technical process separates SW1 as an industry leader who understands that while we need great skin, a relaxed mind and body is imperative to the experience too. 

Should you be looking for an indulgence that gets you ready for an upcoming event, this one is a must-try. As for the fact that you’ll keep coming back for more? That’s just down to the glow and numerous compliments you’ll receive over the next 2 weeks!

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