The treatment: Neolifting is the new facial on the block – here’s what you need to know

Over the last year there has been a growing focus on not just the products used during facials, but the technique and skill of the therapist too, which is almost seen as the ‘secret sauce’ in your results.

And as the methodology behind a good facial becomes more refined, clients are more aware of what they are looking for from a treatment. One of the latest approaches, Neolifting is a non-invasive facial treatment that focuses on the relationship between lymphatic, circulatory, immune and nervous systems as essential components to healthy skin.

Using toning and sculpting massage techniques that include buccal massage (an intra-oral or inner mouth massage – more on that later), it works by stimulating lymph flow by massaging the facial muscles externally and then inside the mouth with a view to calming the nervous system, increasing blood and oxygen supply and collagen production.

It also is designed to release muscle tension that can lead to deep wrinkles and expression lines. Amanda Nordell, who has just opened new treatment rooms in the Dublin suburb of Windy Arbour, has been an acupuncturist for decades and has specialised in facial acupuncture, cupping and Gua Sha (a traditional Chinese healing method using a smooth-edged tool to stroke and sculpt the skin). Nordell has just introduced Neolifting, using her knowledge of Chinese herbs to add traditional tinctures to complement the treatment.

Part treatment, part relaxation therapy, the process starts with a basic cleanse followed by guided deep breathing to promote relaxation and regulate the nervous system. The lymphatic drainage massage is next, a process focused on stimulating the lymph vessels that run below the skin.

The beauty of this is that not only does it feel really good, lymphatic drainage continues to be one of the most underestimated elements of any really good facial, because, though gentle and subtle by necessity, it has the power to transform your skin almost instantly, working on depuffing eyes and getting rid of excess interstitial fluids from tissues. And if you don’t believe me, just ask Anne Hathaway and Jennifer Aniston who are alleged regular devotees.

Once the lymphatic drainage is done, Nordell continues with a muscle release of the neck followed by a sculptural face massage with a focus on lifting, toning, relaxing and sculpting the muscle groups of the face.

The next element is where things go a little off-piste. Key to Neolifting’s approach is the buccal massage, essentially a massage of your inner mouth, or an intra-oral massage, that focuses specifically on the cheek, or buccal, area. The idea is that it further promotes lymphatic drainage, releasing tight muscles and promoting blood flow and circulation leading to a tightening and contouring of the middle and lower part of the face.

It does feel odd, but not unpleasant, and forms only a small part of the 60-minute treatment. Nordell then applies her signature Chinese herbal face mask, a secret recipe that includes Huang qi (a kind of wonder root used to treat everything from a common cold to high blood pressure) dan shen and hong jing tian. While this is working, Nodell focuses on a stress-relieving head massage. The whole treatment is rounded off with some facial cupping to reduce pore size and tone the skin.

And the results are instantly visible, with skin lifted and toned, probably helped by the fact that you are looking at your face through less tired, stressed eyes. For those used to more dramatic tweaks the results might be too subtle, or just not long-lasting enough, but if you are looking for an experience that works for your whole well-being, with your face the biggest recipient, then this is worth your time.

The Neolifting Facial is €130 per treatment, or €650 for a course of six. amandanordell.com