As a beauty editor, I am lucky enough to trial different facial treatments all the time—it’s literally part of the job description. So when I had the chance to experience a Dermalogica facial at the brand’s renowned headquarters nestled in Crows Nest, Sydney, I said yes. I’m a long-time fan of the brand—it was one of the first skincare brands I ever tried when I was a teenager!—and so the allure of having my complexion treated in a space known for its commitment to skin was very exciting.

Now in my opinion, there’s two types of facials—relaxing or targeted. We all love a relaxing facial but Dermalogica’s approach is to go deep on the skin analysis. They ask: what’s working, what’s not? What products are you using? What could be improved? These were all questions my therapist asked me when I entered the door and I could instantly tell I was in the hands of a professional. That’s not to say it wasn’t relaxing—it was—but the idea here is to actually transform your skin. All within 60 minutes. No big deal.

Prior to the facial, the therapist conducted a consultation to understand my concerns and she then examined my skin again after a double cleanse. The Dermalogica expert’s attentiveness completely put me at ease and I loved how she shared her opinion, while also listening to mine. At first, she recommended a vitamin C facial but after I told her that I was about to fly to America’s winter, she recommended something more hydrating. She noticed that my skin was dehydrated, and so together, we crafted a tailored plan focusing on moisture to address my skin’s specific challenges, using the Pro Skin 60 Treatment, a completely customisable service. 

After the double cleanse (the cleansing process was thorough, preparing my skin for the powerhouse of professional-grade Dermalogica products that would follow) and the face mapping skin analysis (unique to the brand), the therapist went in with a targeted exfoliation. Following this, she introduced a deeply hydrating mask, which she let set before peeling off to reveal glowing skin below (is there a better feeling?). Lastly, she went in with some deeply nourishing barrier products, utilising a bespoke massage technique that had me floating out the door. 

Emerging from the Pro Skin Treatment, I (obviously) took some selfies to catalogue exactly how glowing my skin was. It looked dewy, bouncy and hydrated, while the texture of my skin felt refined. The Pro Skin Treatment had achieved its promise: a revitalised complexion with the extra hit of hydration I’d requested.

At $130 for 60 minutes, the Dermalogica Pro Skin 60 Treatment is worth every cent. Of course, you walk out the door glowing, but you also learn so much about your skin, which will help you manage it in the long-term. The therapist also recommended two products to take home which have helped to maximise both the hydration and the glow—the calming Daily Milkfoliant and the Biolumin-C Serum. 

As we head into the holiday season, this treatment is the perfect way to take a moment to yourself, while actually changing your skin. Try it for yourself here.