Wondering if a new trending facial is actually worth your cash, or if fillers are for you? Our ‘I Tried’ franchise trials and tests all the latest treatments to provide honest, frills-free recommendations.
Depending on who you ask, facials are either a rare and often expensive self-care treat or a regular must-have. Personally, I sit somewhere in the middle. Yes, facials can massively help improve skin hydration levels, decongest pores and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (among many other things), but finding the time – and the budget – to have them bi-weekly or even monthly is a tall ask for many of us.
So if you are going to treat your skin to professional pampering, then you want to make sure it’s going to deliver results. Cue the Byonik facial treatment, often referred to as the “NASA facial”, or the “gold standard in cellular rejuvenation”, according to advanced facial practitioner Mariam Abbas, who performed my treatment.
After testing this treatment firsthand, I’m here to share everything, from exactly how it works to the truth about the results (spoiler alert: seven days have passed since Abbas lasered my skin, and it’s still clear, smooth and glowing. Win.)
So, what is the Byonik facial treatment?
“The facial uses the trinity of a pulse-triggered laser, transmembrane light-induced convection and hyaluronic acid to achieve skin-strengthening and anti-aging results,” shares Abbas. “In simple terms, this means that the pulse-triggered laser beams in rhythm with the client’s heartbeat, monitored through an oximeter.”
And, unlike your regular shop-bought hyaluronic acid, the Byonik hyaluron gels have been bioengineered, broken down and dehydrated to be absorbed deeper into the skin and contain great antioxidants such as wakame algae. The lasers then shock skin cells to release any toxins and help to push all of the ‘good’ molecules from the gels in, working to regenerate the skin barrier, plump up the skin and improve its elasticity and overall health.
What actually happens during the treatment?
After starting with a spritz of anti-pollution mist and a good cleanse, Abbas applied an enzyme mask to exfoliate and prep skin for better absorption. This did leave me looking a little flushed, but it was all part of the process.
Then, with what Mariam dubbed as a “clean canvas,” the first round of lasering began, working to improve lymphatic flow and circulation. Let’s be clear: when I say lasering, anyone who has had any form of hair removal or thread vein lasering will most likely be thinking of how painful this must be, but that was not the case at all. Once the protective eye goggles are on, you really can’t feel anything apart from Mariam’s fingers as she guides the lasers across your skin.
A hyaluronic gel was then applied, firstly in a lower strength, lasered in, followed by a higher percentage gel, which was again lasered, before the product was all sealed in with a mask. After one final cleanse, SPF was applied before I headed back out into the world – no downtime needed.
What does your pulse have to do with the facial, and how does NASA play a role?
OK, so here’s where it gets super hi-tech…
“While studying cell activity in astronauts during space travel, NASA scientists found that there is an optimum time for human cells to allow the transport of moisture and molecules through cell membranes – just before the heart beats,” Abbas explains.
“German technology based on this principle then led to the creation of this Byonik treatment.” So, monitoring your pulse through an oximeter, the laser shoots just before each beat to push the hyaluronic acid and antioxidants into each cell when the osmosis rate is at its best and your skin can absorb it all like a sponge.
What results are achieved by the Byonik facial?
As with many beauty procedures, it’s not always a quick fix. For me, after one treatment, the breakout on the corner of my mouth had reduced in size, the lines on my forehead were less visible (as were my under-eye circles), and my skin was overall brighter, tighter and just looked fresh again.
But Abbas did share that regular treatments will, of course, produce better results. “One treatment will make a person look and feel young and fresh. However, the result of cumulative treatments include plumping of the skin, visible reduction in age lines, improved skin elasticity, even skin tone, lighter pigmentation and reduced pore size.”
Who is the Byonik facial for?
Unfortunately, this treatment isn’t advised for anyone who has light-sensitive conditions such as epilepsy, and also for anybody with skin cancer. But for those with neither of the above, it is seen to be perfectly safe even during pregnancy (after the first trimester), for those on oral roaccutane, and for all skin types and tones. It’s excellent for those with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema and acne and can even be used alongside more invasive work or injectables.
“The laser light works on healing tissue inflammation and the bioengineered Ecto gel is especially effective in treating acne, rosacea and dermatitis,” explained Abbas. “Byonik treatments also support healing post-invasive treatments such as chemical peels, facial threads, wounds and abrasions, and the Wakame Algae in the Byonik gel inhibits the breakdown of hyaluronic acid and helps the effects of injectable treatments last longer.”
When it comes to pregnancy, the laser is pregnancy-safe but some clinics advise waiting until after the first trimester as, after all, that is when your baby is growing the fastest and your body is adapting the most.
How much is the Byonik facial and where can you get it done?
Abbas offers a range of Byonik facial treatments at her practice in London, with prices ranging from £125 for the Byonik Quick Power to £325 for the Byonik Intensive Rejuvenation, as well as tailored packages depending on your desired results and budget.
I had the ‘Seriously Good Facial,’ which covers the Byonik cellular rejuvenation treatment, including the application of two gels and three rounds of laser light, an enzyme exfoliation, and mask application (as well as a deep cleanse and extractions if needed), which is is priced at £250 for 60 minutes.
There are also a handful of other clinics also offering the treatments across the country including The Skin to Love clinic in Hertfordshire, The Angel Laser Clinic in London, Andy Millward in Birmingham and The You Clinic in Chiswick.
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