Congestion and enlarged pores

Where congestion comes from

Congested skin tends to feel rough and look dull because dead skin and debris collect on the surface. Pores can look more noticeable when they are clogged. Nicola’s two SkinBase facials work on the surface, and she will tell you honestly what a facial can and cannot change.

Clearing the surface with Microdermabrasion

SkinBase Microdermabrasion works in three stages: fine crystals buff away dead skin cells, a gentle vacuum clears the debris and boosts circulation, and the skin is left to renew. SkinBase says the treatment encourages collagen and elastin, for firmer, brighter looking skin.

Your skin is assessed, cleansed and prepared, then the handpiece moves over the face with light abrasion and suction. The treatment finishes with moisturiser and SPF, and takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

Purifying with Hydro

SkinBase Hydro cleanses the skin, then a blend of AHAs and BHAs gently exfoliates, and a personalised serum is worked into the skin. SkinBase describes it as cleansing, exfoliating, purifying and hydrating, and says a treatment can take as little as 30 minutes.

Preparing for your treatment

Before Microdermabrasion, stop retinol, AHA or BHA products and exfoliants for 3 to 5 days, avoid sunbeds and tanning products for 2 weeks, and arrive with clean skin and no make up. Afterwards, avoid heavy make up for 12 hours, swimming and facial waxing for 24 hours, and sauna, sunbeds and sun for 48 hours.

SkinBase recommends a course of Microdermabrasion, then maintenance every 4 to 6 weeks, and suggests 3 to 6 Hydro treatments for a specific concern. A single Microdermabrasion treatment is £50, and a course of three is from £135.