Philips ReAura (Part 1)

Name of product: Philips ReAura

Price: £799.00

The blurb: “Philips ReAura laser skin rejuvination is a breakthrough antiageing programme giving you radian skin in 8 weeks. Based on Fraxel laser technology, it stimulates your skin’s natural skin cell renewal process , targeting several signs of ageing

Reduces fine lines — 81%
Philips RéAura stimulates the production of collagen to reduce fine lines, for example around the eyes and mouth, and on the cheeks. Observed by dermatologists in 81% of users, after 12 weeks of home-use by 64 users. Results are based on analysis of before and after pictures by independent dermatologists

Evens skin tone — 83%
Philips RéAura achieves a more even skin tone and visibly diminishes age spots and sun spots. Observed by dermatologists in 83% of users, after 12 weeks of home-use by 64 users. Results are based on analysis of before and after pictures by independent dermatologists

Smoothes skin texture — 86%
Philips RéAura encourages cell renewal in the deeper layers of the skin for smoother skin texture. Observed by dermatologists in 86% of users, after 12 weeks of home-use by 64 users. Results are based on analysis of before and after pictures by independent dermatologists

Personalise your treatment plan
MyRéAura allows you to define your unique treatment goals via a skin assessment. You can do this on www.philips.co.uk/reaura, or have this done in the shop where you can buy RéAura. Our Philips skincare expert team is happy to help with your skin assessment. Just give them a call”

First impressions: I have been reading all about the claims made for this appliance online, and to say that I am delighted to be carrying out a review is an understatement! I am impressed by the fact that this device has been developed by Philips (I can’t say enough in favour of my Sonicare Toothbrush or the amazing Philips customer aftercare), but in association with Fraxel – I spent a lot of time investigating Fraxel and Thermage a few years ago, even going to chat to an industry expert and dermatologist, but I decided at the time that I was not quite ready for something so radical… I am fascinated by the idea of it though and I am keen to put this device through its paces

I am genuinely impressed by the presentation of this device, it is contained in a super compact, top quality, faux leather zip up case. The appliance itself is weighty in my hand and the instruction manual (I hate instruction manuals) is, for once concise (phew)! Everything I need to know is on the explanatory CD and online on the ReAura site. What a relief

There is a charger, the special gel and the aftercare product, all well made and perfectly presented. I cant wait to get going so I am pleased that the unit is already charged when it arrives!

Ease of Use: I found a lot written online about how uncomfortable this process can be, several people described painful pricking feelings during the process resulting flaky, red, hot skin – similar to sun burn. I must admit that the first time I used the unit on the lower setting, I hardly experienced any more than very mild discomfort and my third session (I am prescribed two sessions per week) I was already on the top power setting. I have carried out this treatment in the morning, and by midday, any discomfort or stinging has subsided and I am ready to apply my high SPF Clinique BB cream and pop to the shops!

Pros: After the third session, my skin has the most amazing youthful aura – I am very impressed already! It is hard to describe what I mean by a youthful aura, but you know that glow that a child’s skin has? I am not entirely convinced yet, but by session 6, the sun spots on my cheak appear to be fading, the texture of my skin appears smoother and the pores on each side of my nose appear smaller.

They genuinely do. Am I going mad?

This treatment is so easy and I am now just 3 weeks into an 8 week course. I cant begin to describe how excited I am about this. However, I am acutely conscious of the price and I am accustomed to spending money on facials and my dermatologist, so I will tell you the truth about the results of this device as they happen for me, I just will, harsh but fair!

Cons: From the second session, my skin felt slightly gritty and I wondered if it looked flaky (apparently it didn’t), so within 24 hours of my treatment, I washed my face with Shiseido Cream Wash Cleanser and my Clarisonic facial brush and the gritty feeling subsided. Since, I have used Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant and my skin looks as bright as ever. I wouldn’t exactly see this as a con though, it just feels to me as though the appliance is genuinely making a difference to my skin

This photo is of my cheek, and the only make-up I am wearing is my lipstick. I plan to see if these two sun spots reduce and post the photographs to enable you to judge for yourself

Value for money: I will hold fire on this aspect of the review until I have completed the 8 week course. This appliance costs £800, so I want to be sure that I am seeing worthwhile results before I comment further, but so far, so good!

Stockists: SpaceNK