Tweak of the Week is Citizen Femme’s in-depth beauty treatment and tweakment review series, featuring the CF team’s tried-and-tested recommendations for facials, massages and injectables.
For this week’s review, fashion editor Gemma Louise Deeks escaped to the oasis of the Lisa Franklin clinic in Knightsbridge, where she tried the CACI Synergy Purifying Facial, known as ‘Skin Detox’ at Lisa’s clinic. Read on for the full lowdown.
What is CACI?
Lisa Franklin with her CACI machine
Why should you be excited about the CACI Synergy Purifying Facial?
CACI became a household name in the 90s when Princess Diana became a client, and has since caught the attention of A-listers from Madonna to Kim Kardashian. Fun fact, J-Lo actually has a CACI machine in her home.
This clinically-proven, non-invasive technology is matched with CACI skincare products for a facial that tackles sensitive and congested skin, especially complexions with a weakened skin barrier due to environmental factors such as pollution. That’s important because irritation can activate hormones and increase oil production leading to congested pores as well as collagen and elastin break down which accelerates skin ageing.
To tackle all these concerns, the treatment uses microcurrents and high-brilliance LED light therapy, both pain-free yet effective methods of skin rejuvenation.
Tried and tested: what is having the treatment like?
I visited Lisa Franklin’s luxury clinic in the heart of Knightsbridge for my treatment, which is an elegant city sanctuary discreetly tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the area. Lisa believes in effective yet non-invasive treatments, and encourages ageless beauty, which made her clinic the perfect pairing for CACI’s technology.
The sleek and stylish reception and waiting area feels like a beautifully-decorated living room, a far cry from stark, clinical spaces often associated with skincare. I was lead to my treatment room, a cosy yet light and airy space with rooftop views and a playlist of music that felt modern, rather than the same spa sounds we’ve been accustomed to for years.
The treatment starts with a thorough yet kind cleanse, before using an exfoliating tool which is more gentle than Microdermabrasion, but just as effective. There is no pain or discomfort during the treatment. Enhanced Tissue Repair pads are placed on specific areas of concern – which for me was pigmentation and sun damage – followed by microcurrent probes which encourage muscles to activate. A combination of anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory red and blue LED light therapy is then used to heal the skin and trigger tissue repair. CACI’s latest product, the new Purifying Silver Mask is included in the final step: the cooling gel mask is infused with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory Pure Colloidal Silver combined with antioxidant rich ingredients to strengthen the skin’s natural defences.
As a finishing touch, your experience will end with a serving of a rose-tea blend before setting off for the rest of your day.
What results can you expect?
A instantly more glowy, renewed complexion and diminished signs of redness or sensitivity. My main focus was sun damage and pigmentation around my eyes, which was not tackled in just one session and will require a bit of work. (Beauty editor note: the best solution for hyperpigmentation is likely to be a more invasive laser treatment).
What is the aftercare advice?
There is no downtime, so it’s a great treatment to do pre-event for a little pick-me-up. If you want to recreate the facial at home, CACI has just launched the Purifying Silver Mask which smooths and calms any signs of problematic skin.
Who is the CACI Synergy Purifying Facial suitable for?
It’s suitable for a wide range of individuals, including those with sensitised, irritated, oily or hormonal skin. It is fine to experience if you are breast feeding, but not suitable if you are pregnant because of the microcurrent. If your skin is particularly dry, CACI recommends the Hydratone facial instead.
How many treatments do you need?
It’s recommended to buy a course of 10 treatments, but results can be seen in as little as just one. You can have up to two treatments per week.
Why is CACI Synergy Purifying Facial ‘Tweak of the Week’ worthy?
If you want to stay away from botox and fillers, and adopt a non-invasive routine, it’s worth investing in CACI’s facials to age gracefully, whilst still getting results.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?