Some claim manual blackhead removal is the only way to effectively solve the problem of blocked pores. But it can be a painful experience.
Fortunately, the Strand in Central offers the procedure with a new option - the AHA Rapid Exfoliator treatment - that promises to deliver cleaner pores without the pain.
The Strand is a newly-opened five-floor hair and beauty salon for men and women. The white interior and simple layout help to create a clean and luminous feel. Each floor is dedicated to a particular use. The third floor, where the 'skin parlour' is located, houses three private rooms - two of which are equipped with shower facilities for body treatment.
The private room is spacious and stylish. Once inside, you fill in a form to assess any particular treatment needs. Then you're carefully tucked into the facial beauty bed. The Strand's beauty director, Brigitte Weber, is the beautician performing my treatment. She begins the AHA Rapid Exfoliator treatment with a cleansing routine, followed by the application of US brand Dr Murad's AHA Rapid Exfoliator to the whole face and neck.
The mildest level is chosen for first-timers but the cool gel still tends to give a light tingling sensation. Weber says this is normal, as the glycolic acid works on exfoliating and clearing dead cells. Weber is attentive to any changes, asking where the tingling is most obvious (in my case, the cheeks) and gently removing gel from the sensitive parts first.
A warm towel is used to remove the gel, followed by a facial massage. Then Dr Murad's Clarifying Mask - a treatment which claims to draw out impurities and absorb excess oil - is applied.