This Dublin beauty salon is treating maskne with machine-based facials

Burgundy Skin & Beauty in Blackrock has a range of cutting-edge facials to get your glow back and soothe skin irritated by protective face masks

When Burgundy Skin & Beauty in Blackrock, Co. Dublin reopened in July, they noticed that their clients had skin concerns they didn’t have before. 

Life under lockdown and months of mask-wearing had affected their skin and they were all seeking treatments to target specific issues.

“It’s not just breakouts that we’re seeing, it’s dryness, dehydration and irritation,” explains therapist Michelle Verhoeven, a former Best Beauty Therapist of the Year at the IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards. 

“Masks, as mandatory as they are, can be a breathing ground for bacteria,” she adds. “So if you suffer with problem skin, it’s a minefield and having a treatment that is a little more targeted is going to benefit you more.”

Most of the facials that Burgundy Beauty offer are machine-based. They incorporate technology like LED light therapy, radio frequency and sonophoresis to stimulate facial muscles and help products penetrate deeper. 

“It is a comfort to the client — and the therapist as well — that the treatment isn’t necessarily fully hands-on,” says Michelle. “Our facials are still really relaxing and comfortable but you have the added bonus of getting done what needs to be done.

“Consultations are key,” she adds, “and although many of our treatments are suitable for everyone it’s best to get your own plan in place to receive optimal results along with specific product recommendations.”

Here’s a selection of some of the targeted, machine-based facials they offer. 

Environ® professional facial treatments (€95 – €125)

Combining pioneering dual electro-sonic technology with targeted products, Environ facials increase skincare penetration and make a real, visible difference to skin quality. 

The secret is low frequency sonophoresis (sound waves) together with pulsed iontophresis (electric current) which stimulates the skin and helps to deliver the ingredients where skin needs it most. “You won’t find that combination in any other facial,” explains Michelle. “It’s a one-of-a-kind treatment patented to Environ.”

Burgundy Skin & Beauty also offer Environ’s Cool Peel treatments. These gentle, safe and non-invasive peels rejuvenate the skin and reveal a clearer complexion without the use of aggressive acid solutions.

There are six different types: Youth Renew, Moisture Boost, Bright Recovery, Vibrant-C Micro Peel and, for acne-prone and congested skin, Deep Cleansing and Blemish Control. 

asap microplus (€130)

This dual-acting facial by Australian cosmeceutical brand asap starts with microdermabrasion, a gentle vacuuming system with diamond tips which removes dead skin cells and stimulates circulation — ideal for complexions that are dull and dry after months of being housebound. 

It finishes with sonophoresis, an ultrasonic technology that increases the absorption rate of active ingredients. “The microdermabrasion works superficially while the sonophoresis penetrates into the deeper layers of skin,” explains Michelle. “It’s warm, gentle and really relaxing.”

Venus Freeze Face (€100)

Contrary to the name, this is actually a warm and relaxing treatment which uses non-invasive radio frequency technology to stimulate and plump the skin. 

Radio frequency creates heat under the skin’s surface, which causes a thermal reaction in the tissue which in turn stimulates the body’s natural healing response. New collagen is formed, resulting in firmer, smoother skin. 

“It basically tricks the skin into thinking that there is a mild trauma and it needs to repair,” explains Michelle. “That’s why the skin produces more collagen and stimulates fibroblasts. Plus, with massage and heat you’re bringing fresh blood flow which brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the surface. So you get that plump, tightening look.”

The treatment finishes with an LED light therapy mask, with each colour targeting different skin concerns. Red light increases collagen production, blue light kills bacteria and clears acne and green and yellow lights target dull skin and pigmentation.

Hydradermabrasion Glow (€130)

This three-part treatment starts with a non-invasive, non-chemical peel before a dermal system consisting of a light vacuum with 360° rotating tip and two jet streams is used to cleanse the skin and remove dead skin cells. It finishes with an LED light therapy mask, with a light colour chosen for the client’s specific concerns. 

Michelle describes Hydradermabrasion Glow as a “real all-rounder” that brightens dull skin, improves uneven skin tone and removes impurities built up in the pores. It’s safe for pregnant women, too. 

To book a treatment, call 01 283 6281 or see burgundybeauty.com for more

Feature image: Pexels