Tried and Tested: pH Advantage Signature Facial

By Lucy Douglas, PB assistant editor

Lowdown: The hero treatment from the US cosmeceutical brand developed by plastic surgeon Barry Cohen launched into the UK earlier this year. The formulas in the range were developed using active acids at low pH levels, to give them a more powerful effect on the skin. The Signature Facial incorporates products picked from the range to suit the client’s skincare concerns.

How it works: I road tested this treatment at Harvey Nichols’ Beyond MediSpa. My therapist kicked things off with a thorough skin scan, which rated my skin out of 100 for things such as lines and wrinkles, open pores, redness, pigmentation, bacteria and texture. As I expected, my biggest problem was my pores and congested areas around my nose and chin, so after an initial balancing cleanse, my therapist did a second cleanse using the Acne Cleanser.

Then there was a massage to promote lymphatic drainage and release some of the congestion, followed by an exfoliation with Microdermabrasion Gel, which contains extracts of orange and algae.

A second quick exfoliation with the brand’s glycolic cleansing pads was followed by the soothing Purifying Mask, which uses witch hazel to calm. My therapist also incorporated red light therapy, to promote collagen production, and ended with Balancing Toner to help my pores, a treatment serum and moisturiser.

Best for: The pH Advantage product range is large – there are lines for acneic skin, hyperpigmentation, and anti-ageing, as well as the Control and Booster lines, so most concerns are covered.

The verdict: The skin scan was a bit of a rude awakening for me, but the treatment definitely helped with the congested areas of my face and improved my skin’s clarity.