Salon Spy: I tried the Celebrity Medifacial with RF Treatment at Ceramiracle and left with food for thought

I’ve always been a sucker for facials. Not everyone enjoys going for them, but I do! I used to be very adventurous back in the day, going for all sorts of facials under the sun, never quite caring what products were used, as long as it was affordable. Then, I became more particular, and stuck with one salon for many years. When they closed, I was at a loss.

I eventually found solace in another regular facial salon. It is a spa-type facial, which employs the use of massage with hands, without the use of machines or gadgets.

Truth to tell, I am quite wary about facials using machines. I have had them before, but it was with my trusted salon. Ever since it closed, I’ve never trusted another salon with a machine-type facial.

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So, when I was invited to try The Celebrity Medifacial at Ceramiracle salon at TTDI, I paused. I was all ready to say No, when I had a foolhardy moment, and said Yes instead. If it didn’t work out, I’d have a story to tell anyway right? :P

What interested me in The Celebrity Medifacial at Ceramiracle is that it included an RF Treatment, and I had not had one of those for many years! I intentionally waited for over 2 weeks since my facial, before I reported, so I could see the effects (or not).

What is an RF Treatment?

An RF Treatment is a treatment by machine that uses radio frequency (RF) waves to heat the tissue of your skin. This is supposed to stimulate collagen production, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, and lifts skin.

I have had it before. It is very comfortable, except for a warm sensation when the gadget is placed on your skin, and a slight pulling/pinching effect. However, I have to say that I did not quite appreciate it back in the day. I’m approaching my mid-40’s and my skin is certainly a little looser today than it was 6 years ago when I last tried it! That was the key reason I agreed to try this facial.

Ceramiracle salon

Ceramiracle is a salon in TTDI, where parking is atrocious. If I might have one suggestion for the salon it is this – please provide a dedicated parking spot for your customers near the salon. It not only makes life easy for your customers, it also prevents any stress of arriving late for your treatment.

I knew the place was a mess, so I arrived early, and even then, it took me long enough to get a parking spot that I only barely made it for my 11am appointment!

The salon itself is clean, bright and white with soothing grey walls. It is generally pleasing, albeit a little unnerving to a new customer. They have a little cafe space (Ageless Cafe) within, where they serve teas and drinks.

You are asked to fill up a form, for their reference, before your treatment. There is only 1 facial available at Ceramirable – The Celebrity Medifacial. They promise that this facial, styled after a day out in Santa Monica, LA will leave you lifted and refreshed with no downtime, no pain and no extractions. There are no surprises, no add-ons. Just one treatment. Quite intriguing.

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The Celebrity Medifacial at Ceramiracle

The facial begins with a quick cleanse of your skin. This was quite basic. Then, in lieu of extractions or a facial scrub, they employ what is known as a 3D Ultrasonic Deep Cleansing machine. I felt like a cool, smooth tool was bring rubbed on my skin in small circles. It did not feel abrasive or unpleasant.

After that, when the therapist left the room, I touched my skin and it felt very very clean and smooth and a little tight.

The next step was the use of an Arctic Light IPL device. First, a thick cool gel was slathered all over my face, and goggles placed over my eyes. Then, I could feel the zap, and see the bright pulsed light of the device, as they moved it systematically over my face.

This IPL step is not uncomfortable to me. You do feel a little zap on your skin, rather like someone twanging it with a rubberband. You feel it a little more if you have any spots, or areas with more pigmentation. I do have a slightly higher tolerance for pain, so for me, I only really noticed the bright zaps of light.

I was told that the IPL treatment will help improve skin texture, lighten pigmentation (this is very very marginal, trust me) and boost collagen production. It is non-invasive and not unpleasant.

After that comes the Deep Stimulation RF treatment, which is what I was really most interested in! Before you start your facial, the therapist will paste this piece of conductive plaster on your back. This is connected to the RF machine. Honestly, I was quite wary. The last time I had an RF facial, they just clipped these things to my wrists, not stick something on my back!

Because the RF treatment will heat your skin, more cooling gel is applied, before they begin. What you feel is a deep heat, accompanied by a sensation of pinching. The device is moved over your skin in sections. Again, I knew what to expect, so I wasn’t too surprised, nor did I find it unpleasant. Usually, I fall asleep at this point, because I find the heat so relaxing :P But I’m an oddball. This time, I didn’t sleep.

It will take a while, as they go over your whole face, and concentrate on the areas that have deeper lines (naso-labial folds) or need lifting (jawline).

After that, a thick, cold mask is placed on the skin, even over your eyes, before you are left to your own devices. Let me warn you that this is a VERY COLD mask. It feels like your face is being frozen over LOL! But it is comfortable, albeit potentially clautrophobic as it covers the eyes, and I did doze off a little.

I think it operates like one of those rubber masks that lift off, because that’s how it was removed. The mask was lifted off, and some product and sunscreen was applied on the skin, and you are sent on your merry way.

I later read that it is a 85 minute treatment. But for me, it was at best just about an hour. Was I shortchanged because I was invited to try it and not pay for it? I can’t say. I also read from the blurb that they finish off with a facial massage. I did not get that either. Again, I don’t know if it is because I did not pay for it. But there you go!

Were there any results to show?

To be perfectly honest with you, I did not expect very much. But I was quite impressed immediately after.

My skin was not red nor irritated at all. It looked calm and clear and bright. I usually have dark red circles under my eyes but this time, it looked so even toned! You don’t want to put anything at all on your skin, because it just looks SO DAMN GOOD! My hair of course, was a totally different issue – post-facial hair is no joke :P

The other thing I noticed was a noticeable lift to my skin, and significant minimizing of open pores. I noticed the lift, because the corners of my lips were lifted, my nasolabial lines were less prominent, and my jawline looked more pronounced. Hello, I’m 44 years old. I will notice these things :P

I don’t usually take post-facial photos, but I wanted to show you how I looked about 4 hours after The Celebrity Medifacial. I was very impressed.

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I intentionally waited till about 2 weeks after the treatment before sharing my experience, to see how it would hold up. Interestingly, I have noticed that for about 1 week after the treatment, my skin retained its marginal lift and firmness, and almost looks clearer (but I cannot attribute the latter purely to the facial) But the lift and firmness was noticeable. I’m about 2 weeks in, and it has started to reduce a little, thanks gravity! :P I’m seeing the slight sag in the corners of my lips return. Boo! Does it mean I have to continue with RF treatments? :P

To be honest, I would like to return and have another go. Or at least, try it somewhere else maybe. I have read that with regular treatments, the effects can last longer, and of course, any collagen stimulation will be more effective as well.

I think a treatment like this is much more beneficial to someone with more matured skin, who might notice the effects of gravity and age. When you’re younger, this sort of wow-factor is lost on you. Trust me, I’ve been there, I know :P

But I will tell you what I liked and did not like about this treatment at this salon.

What I liked about The Celebrity Medifacial at Ceramiracle

• The results were immediately noticeable especially a lift to skin and firmer, brighter skin
• Results last for about 2 weeks, with skin looking firmer, more lifted, clear and minimized pores
• Not uncomfortable although it might be if you aren’t used to the new sensations
• No down time and no redness
• Comfortable and quiet atmosphere
• No surprises, just one treatment and one price for everyone

What I did not like and could be improved about The Celebrity Medifacial at Ceramiracle

This is less to do with the treatment (which I enjoyed), than it was about the service at the Ceramiracle salon

• Front staff could have been more friendly. One of them was, the other wasn’t and it was not polite nor nice to shout to your colleague at the back, from the front of the salon. I wouldn’t mind waiting while you trot over to check.
• No changing robe is provided. You must go in your most comfortable clothing, because you are not expected to change, as you do in most facial salons. Even the crappiest of salons I’ve been to provides a robe or tube top to change into. It is more comfortable when lying down, and your clothes do not get wet or dirty from the treatment. Here, none is provided at all so it was fortunate that I went in comfortable clothing. No one else seems to mention this, which I find surprising. To me, comfort during a facial is paramount, and this was not comfortable. Ceramiracle projects themselves as a salon, not a clinic and I expect the sort of comfort that I get at a salon.
• Light in the treatment room is too bright. While I understand the need to see while handling the machines, there was just too much light in the room. The only time the lights were turned down were right at the end, when you are left alone.
• You are not left to settle yourself pre and post facial. Perhaps because you aren’t expected to change, you aren’t left alone at any point before or after the facial. I like to take a moment before and after my facial to settle myself, and ease into the treatment. Not be hurried into it like I was a chore to be done and gotten over with. After my facial, I usually feel a little woozy after a short nap, and appreciate a few minutes to collect myself and settle my hair before exiting the room. Again, I do not know if this is because my treatment was complimentary or if it is this particular therapist (who was the same one at the front desk) because I’d be pissed if I were a paying customer and was treated in so brusque a manner.
• Parking facilities should be provided. Due to the location of the salon, I feel that at least one reserved parking lot should be provided for customers. This will minimize stress and late arrival at appointments.

PRICE: RM699 per facial (RM299 for first time customers)

WHERE: Ceramiracle, No. 6 Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
TEL: 03-7627 6568

Will I try a Medical facial again?

Yes I will! :D I have noticed that there are many offered these days, and also by aesthetics clinics and doctors. However, they do tend to be pricey, which is not surprising, considering their investment in these machines.

If I do try others, I’ll be sure to report. The reason I haven’t been doing more posts on facials is because I’ve not been trying anywhere new but now I have new treatments to consider! :D

Have you tried a similar type of facial or a medical facial? Do you have a clinic or salon or treatment to recommend?

While I’m not so keen on invasive treatments like laser, I am open to the idea of a medifacial. I can live with my pigmentation problem, and I can also live with the fact that my 40+ year old skin is no longer as firm and as supple as it used to be. But I’m happy to try something to minimize the latter as I know it’s far too costly to do anything with the former :D Hit me up with your recommendations please!

Paris B