At the ripe old age of 28, I’m unduly obsessed with how my face seems to be ageing. I’m not suggesting I’m craggy with wrinkles (just yet) but, I can see the whispers of what’s to come - the smattering of laughter lines that take longer and longer to fade, the crinkled creases that linger after the argument is resolved. And, I’m worried. While I don't really fancy botox or needles of any kind, I’d like to find easy-on-the complexion elixir to slow down the process. As a regular runner and yogi whose limbs feel out-of-sync if they don’t downward dog once-a-week, it got me thinking: can you exercise your face like you do your abs? Facegym has been promoting this concept for yonks, and now Decleor is getting in on the game too with their Yoga Facial, which uses stretches and dynamic movement to shape and redefine the face. Obviously, I had to try it out…
What Does The Treatment Promise?
Significantly improved skin radiance and luminosity as well as improved shape and definition of the face and lifted cheekbones & eyelids.
How Does It Work?
‘Kobido is a method of massaging the muscles parallel to the wrinkles. By kneading every square centimetre, it sparks muscle tone and the oxygenation of the epidermis. It also activates collagen and elastin synthesis. By drainage, it promotes the elimination of toxins. Exquisite natural face lifting, Kobido is a precise massage that necessitates a perfect technique’, Fiona Brackenbury, Decleor Skincare Expert explains.
What Happens In A Yoga Facial?
My therapist Natasha likened it to the yin and yang elements of Vinyasa Flow Yoga as it relied on a mix of deep energetic movements and more targeted savasana-style massaging.
To begin, the calming mood was set with a back massage followed by quick cleanse, which built to the climax: the red and white clay mask. This thermal facemask heats up to loosen muscle fibres and then moulds and contour the face as it contracts and sets. For a skincare novice, having your lips and eyes covered with the weight of cold thick clay might feel tight and restrictive. Even for me, a cosmetic obsessive this induced a few seconds of panic before I realised Natasha was not going to let anything horrid happen. Luckily, the end result was worth the slight discomfort as I could immediately feel my cheeks rise and my jaw tone.
Was It Worth It?
Surprisingly, I could see and feel a difference, although admittedly I’m not sure anyone else could. My skin felt taunter and yet moisturized - a combination of sensations that are rare to come by. While the look and feel of the treatment only lasted a few days, this is ideal before a big event when you know you’re going to be photographed and you want to look tip-top with cut-glass cheekbones.
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.