RAISING THE BAR

With medi-facials on the rise, we're setting new benchmarks of our expectations from these treatments, and they're delivering

- KONIKA DATTA

It's all about skin right now. Never before have we been so obsessed with the idea of clear, glowing skin than now - a large part of it can be attributed to the rise of the clean girl movement.

These collective needs and demands are met with the medicalisation of the world of skincare, especially in facials. Once a humble multi-step routine of cleansing, exfoliating, masking, and moisturising at beauty salons, has morphed into peeling, microneedling, and lasering your skin at a dermatologist's clinic, making it the fastest and most effective way to get your desired skin.

These medi-facials (medical grade facials that are done at a clinic) are all about going skin deep, literally. Gone are the days when luxury facials were only limited to a Shahnaz Hussain Diamond Facial or a VLCC Gold Facial that will give you fresh, glowing skin for one to two days maximum. Now, it comes armed with needles and scalpels to prod, puncture, and jab your skin for long-term skin health. And we aren't complaining. Here's a bit more insight on today's ever-evolving facial landscape: Most clinics, before starting your facial, will hand you a form to get information about your allergies, last skincare treatment taken, medical history, skincare concerns, and so on. For advancedlevel facials like PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) or strong chemical peels, you would have to sign a consent form that says you are aware of the potential risks that come with the facial.