Face value

What do Jennifer Aniston, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow have in common? They are A-list celebrities. Two are hot mommas. All three are yoga junkies. Another thing: Aniston, Madonna and Paltrow have beautiful skin, thanks to Guinot’s star facial treatment.

If you are not a rich Hollywood superstar, taking care of the skin can be such an unaffordable luxury. But since beauty begins with skincare, it is all worth it to indulge in products for the skin’s needs. And there isn’t anything more natural than Guinot. This complete and technically advanced skincare system focuses on the face and the body.

Founded in France, chemist Rene Guinot created the Hydradermie treatment (a customized facial using the patented Hydradermie machine) and home spa treatments for clients. The great thing about Guinot’s skincare products is that they are made from 56 biological ingredients like extracts of flowers, herbs, fruits and essential oils to enhance the skin’s natural beauty. No, wonder Guinot is really a skincare specialist.

Nowadays women know exactly what they expect from their skincare cream: It must smooth the features, firm the facial contours, moisturize the skin, or brighten the complexion. Since the radiance and tone of their skin changes (with the seasons, with the weather, because of their moods, or periods of temporary fatigue), women no longer think in terms of skin type – a criterion they consider too rigid. Women these days think in terms of beauty objectives.

Guinot has created specific sources based on specific skin care needs. With these sources, women at last have access to a complete range of treatments, which (because they are perfectly targeted in terms of the moisturization, nutrition, firmness, youthful appearance, radiance, purity or well-being of the skin) are able to produce spectacular results.

Tet Lacuna, Guinot brand manager, says, "Guinot products are not bought over the counter. This ensures customers that they are getting products addressed specifically to their skin needs."

The great thing about Guinot products is that they all contain vitamin C to strengthen the skin’s immune system and help rejuvenates faster for that lasting glow.

If you want a mild, delicate cleanser that instantly removes impurities from the face, try the Refreshing Cleansing Milk. For the comfort and beauty of tired eyes, Guinot’s Eye Gel Crystal/Anti-Fatigue is the perfect treatment for circles and puffiness with a draining effect.

Men shouldn’t be left without a basic skincare regimen. The Très Homme line of cleansing foam, after-shave lotion, and eye gel are great products to start with.

For an instant facelift, the Youth Boost serum guarantees visible results in two weeks. Use this once a year and you get lasting radiant skin. It contains four bottles with day and night treatments.

"This is like an antibiotic for the face," explains Lacuna.

Hydradermie Facial

Usually, skin diagnosis limits a person to the category of oily, normal, or dry. At the Guinot institute, the aestheticians diagnose more intensely. You can have oily and matured skin at the same time or even dehydrated skin. Based on the results, they pick out the products to use.

I was able to experience the facial treatment of the stars. This one-and-a-half hours of sheer relaxation is ideal for both men and women of all ages and skin types. It makes use of a galvanic and high frequency machine to massage, clean deeply, re-hydrate and regenerate the skin’s tissues.

The electrotherapy machine is exclusive to Guinot to work effectively with the products. The principle between Hydradermie is that two negative charges attract. The skin polarity is negative, while the machine is positive. So, when it touches the face, the ingredients of the products allows for quicker absorption. There’s nothing to be scared about because you don’t feel a thing.

This eight-step facial is so complete. From cleansing, draining toxins, to activating tired facial muscles and moisturizing. The high-frequency electrobes clean the pores and gives the face more oxygen. The mask gives an instant radiance. My favorite part is the half-body massage with essential oils. Oh, I was in heaven because my face glowed like a baby.

The great thing about Hydrodermie is that it is non-invasive. "We do not prick because it will open up the pores even more," explains Lacuna. The result is a healthy glow and firm skin. This can lasts for two weeks. Lacuna recommends having this facial twice for the first three months. If you don’t have problematic skin, once a month will do just to maintain that radiance. The aesthetician will prescribe treatments, supported by a homecare routine that will give noticeable long-term benefit.

Guinot, the beauty institute has other suites of treatments for other skin needs:

Hydradermie Plus Plus

The ultimate luxury three-in-one treatment will help diminish specific ageing problems associated with the delicate eye and neck areas. Heavenly relaxation resulting in a youthful and healthy glow to your complexion.

Beaute Neuve

The double peeling action leaves the complexion radiant and softer than you thought possible. It is also extremely effective when applied to the backs of the hands by helping to reduce the signs of aging. The complete peeling treatment takes three sessions each of 45 minutes over three consecutive weeks.

Liftosome

If you have an event to go to and want a quick lift, this will energize and boost the skin. This treatment has specifically been designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, and the problems associated with mature skins. Clients will enjoy both the relaxing and immediate results this facial produces, making it the ideal treatment prior to a special occasion. The use of vitamin C and a wonderfully relaxing thermal mask will stimulate collage production, invigorate the skin cells and protect your skin from the harmful environment.

"Guinot is really a skincare specialist. We really spend time to improve the skin. It is the synergy of the professional services and the retail products that brings about skin beauty on which the company prides itself," concludes Lacuna.

Now you can look like your favorite stars.

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Guinot skincare salons are located at the Wellness Zone, at the fifth floor of EDSA Shangri-La Mall (635-4538), and at 6750 Retail Arcade, Makati (816-3952).