The Game-Changing Facial That’s So Amazing It’s Been Trademarked

The Intrinsic Facial^®, developed by Bowral-based beauty expert Isabella Loneragan, is redefining the traditional facial experience. Shonagh Walker took it for a test drive.

It combines the art of unique sculptural massage, designed by Isabella herself,  with the revolutionary Buccal technique to deliver unparalleled results.

The Intrinsic Facial^®: A Holistic Approach

“It’s an incredibly powerful treatment in that it’s the only facial massage that treats the face from the inside out,” she advised me before I entered the cosy treatment room. And, after 90 minutes with Isabella, I was right on the same page.

The Intrinsic Facial^® Consultation: A Unique, Informative Start

Isabella’s approach begins with a comprehensive consultation that goes well beyond the skin’s surface.

Isabella and I first had a lengthy discussion, diving into my lifestyle, health, and genetics, to understand the ‘why’ behind my skin’s current condition. She gently placed my face into a photographic device to check my skin’s health.

The ensuing images identified any inflammation, pigmentation, and top-layer texture abnormalities that I might have. Isabella then provided insights into each one and what could be causing it.

“I educate every client about why each layer looks the way it does,” she explained. “Why it’s red, why and what type of pigmentation appears and insights on the top layer and its health. Education is key here and necessarily does take up a large portion of the consultation. We then create a series of achievable goals together – and then I create a customised plan to go about achieving those goals.”

My skin was experiencing redness due to inflammation that was likely the result of too much red wine over winter. It was also dry, dehydrated and crepey looking. This could be put down to my open fire roaring throughout the winter months. Luckily, I don’t have too much pigmentation, thanks to a lifetime spent shunning the sun.

The consultation was eye-opening, as Isabella ran through the causes of each concern in detail and made me aware of even the smallest skin sins I make on a daily basis.

Isabella’s consultation process is so detailed, and unlike anything I’ve ever experienced during a facial.

“It’s important to help my clients understand the ins-and-outs of their skin and proper skincare,” she explained. “So many of my clients had no idea what was causing their skin conditions. Why they had acne, why their skin was red, where their pigmentation was coming from. They were lost and frustrated.”

The Intrinsic Facial^®: A Step-by-Step Experience

The consultation continues throughout the facial, with Isabella using touch and intuition to diagnose any further skin issues and create a treatment plan, and subsequent home skincare routine.

“I find that the combination of the consultation and the facial give adequate information to create the proper plan in order to have the client achieve the goals that we created together,” she revealed. “I use a combination of questions, photos and tactile information gathering (touch analysis during the facial) to be able to create the most effective plan possible.”

Cleansing and Exfoliation

Cleansing and exfoliation are essential steps in any facial, but Isabella takes a different approach. Instead of heavy oil-based cleansers and abrasive scrubs, she uses a lactic acid cleanser and toner.

This combination gently dissolves dead skin buildup and intercellular cement between skin cells.

“I use a medical gauze in this step to remove dead skin. Any cells left are gently dissolved away with fruit enzymes that are in the Exfoliate Elite which is a product from my Ragan Skin range. By doing this, redness or inflammation are not created. It’s a sophisticated cleanse, tone and exfoliating routine – strategically designed for optimal outcome and zero trauma.”

I can attest – I felt zero discomfort during these steps. Rather, I was totally relaxed and loved inhaling the fresh scents of the products as I blissed out  under Isabella’s gentle but firm massage techniques.

The Sculptural Lifting Massage

This unique massage had me so relaxed I was pretty much asleep. Isabella created this technique herself and it’s like no other facial massage I’ve ever had.

Isabella explained: “The major difference between this and a standard facial massage is that this is strategic and osteopathic in its goal.  Traditional facial massage is just supposed to feel nice.”

Starting at the clavicle and ending at the hairline, Isabella uses strategic moves designed to pull facial muscles in directions they rarely go. She uses her Ragan Skin Dream Revival Mask during this massage, which helps to hydrate and brighten dry, dull skin. Unsurprisingly, my thirsty dermis drank it in!

Also, I could literally feel my facial muscles widening and relaxing with every stroke.

“This technique releases years of built-up tension and allows the muscles to bounce up,” she told me. “It delivers relaxation, as well as specific benefits. Your facial muscles really never get a break from the constant contractions they are used to from facial expressions. This sequence allows them to be worked out in a way they never have been before. It’s similar to how you’d feel after a Thai massage or your first yoga class.”

By this time, I was floating.

The Buccal Massage: A Deep Dive

While I’d love to say this Buccal technique took me to another level of relaxation, I can’t. It is a workout, and to be honest, quite uncomfortable. However, it is worth every second of discomfort. I simply put my deep breathing techniques into practice while Isabella worked her magic.

It’s a two-part process that delves deep into facial tension release and relaxation. The upper face involved Isabella’s index fingers inside my mouth, massaging the sinus and eye areas.

Then, she moved to my (overworked) masseter muscles and mouth area, targeting tension in my middle face and jaw. This time, her thumbs were inside my mouth while her fingers worked the lower jaw area in a sweeping motion. The sweeping motion aids lymphatic drainage and lifts the jowls, providing a holistic facial experience.

Once the Buccal massage was complete, I experienced the same feeling I do after a gruelling gym workout. The endorphins were high and my face felt truly relaxed (as did I, now that the Buccal technique was complete).

“Your tissues carry your issues,” said Isabella. This was one amazing way to work them out – this massage combination really does effectively alleviate the tension they hold.

Light Therapy

Next, it was time to zone out under some LED light, which helped to heal and calm any inflammation on my skin. I snored my way through the next 15 minutes and woke up feeling refreshed and totally calm.

When I looked in the mirror, I was blown away. My eyes were wider and brighter. The double chin that had been annoying me had all but disappeared, and my cheekbones were prominent and defined. My skin was truly glowing. It was such a remarkable transformation and I’ve been kicking myself since, that I didn’t take before and after pictures. Never mind though, I’ll be booking back in for The Intrinsic Facial® very soon.

The Intrinsic Facial^®: Fast Facts

Who is it best for?

Anyone seeking facial tension release, holistic facial rejuvenation, relief from teeth grinding or jaw tension, or simply a deep sense of relaxation. “However, contraindications include severe acne and rosacea, dentures, and braces,” heeds Isabella.

Results and Benefits

The Intrinsic Facial® doesn’t just offer the short-term benefits I experienced. With regular sessions, clients can expect healthy skin, depuffed faces, a relaxed jaw, relief from jaw tension and pain, facial sculpting, and clear, radiant skin. It’s a treatment that addresses both cosmetic and wellness concerns.

Promoting Stress Relief and Wellness

The Buccal massage, combined with Isabella’s own sculptural massage, isn’t just about appearance. It’s a wellness journey. By expertly manipulating facial muscles and releasing tension, it provides relief from jaw clenching, teeth grinding, headaches, and general stress. The sensation may be intense at times, but the ultimate relief is worth it.

Maintaining Results and Home-Care

For clients looking to extend the benefits of the Buccal massage, Isabella recommends self-massage and thorough skincare product application. Proper skincare routines can help prolong the effects of the treatment.

Preparing for the Intrinsic Facial

Clients need not prepare anything before their Intrinsic Facial – just come as you are. Isabella’s expertise will guide you through the rest. The Intrinsic Facial® is a treatment that draws people in with its “wow factor” but keeps them coming back for the profound results and tension relief it provides.