A SPRING clean for the face was just what I needed after braving the long, harsh winter weather.

I felt the urge to freshen myself up for summer and so, after an informative consultation at Medi Cosmetic, in Whiteabbey, I booked the first of my recommended treatments, a Body Sculptor Excell ‘facial band'.

This treatment is exclusive to Medi Cosmetic in Northern Ireland, so I was keen to learn more and pleased that it was so exclusive.

It's a slimming/well-being treatment which breaks down fat cells and, when used on the face, is great for treating fatty areas and double chins.

Many people use it for their whole body, as you can lose up to two dress sizes over a course of 12 treatments.

For whole-body treatments, the client wears a special body suit while low-frequency waves help to melt fat deposits, through a massage movement.

This, in turns helps to disperse cellulite and draw toxins from the body through what's known as ‘micropressure body drainage'.

Because I was having the treatment done on my face (treatment prices vary depending on whether you are treated on your face or body), I only had to wear the facial band.

Then I lay down, relaxed and enjoyed this non-invasive, painless treatment, as tranquil music played in the background.

Afterwards my face felt fresh and revitalised, as if I'd had a really great massage, which, in a high-tech way, I had.

My second treatment, a week later, was a Microdermabrasion session with Lois, which falls somewhere between a home exfoliation and a chemical peel.

This is a safe, simple, 30 minute exfoliating treatment which left me with a really radiant, healthy glow as well as super-clean, soft and smooth skin and a feeling that my face had been totally 'spring cleaned'.

Lois used a pen-like device over my face to gently exfoliate the build-up of dead skin cells we all have.

The fine stream of medical cosmetic-grade crystals from the applicator pen, combined with a vacuum motion, works to remove dead skin cells in small sections at a time.

It didn't hurt at all, and my skin was much brighter afterwards, drawing compliments from friends later that evening.

Because the epidermis is stimulated during this treatment, production of collagen in the skin is increased and anti-ageing and acne creams are more readily absorbed into your skin afterwards.

Lois explained that Microdermabrasion is suitable for most skin types — but not on broken veins — and it also stimulates lymphatic drainage to remove toxins.

It's great for treating fine lines and |wrinkles, sun-damaged skin, acne-prone skin, blackheads and whiteheads, open pores, superficial age spots and oily, dry or patchy skin.

A course of six sessions is recommended to achieve the best results, at £60 for a |single session, or £320 for a course of six.

For my next visit to the clinic, I'll be trying a Jet Peel, which exfoliates and hydrates before infusing oxygen into the deep dermis of the skin.

In another exclusive, Medi Cosmetic is the only clinic in the province to offer this treatment too.

The clinic is holding an open night on 15 April - for more details contact Medi |Cosmetic, 641 Shore Road, Whiteabbey, |Jordanstown, tel: 208 90 861 186 or log on to www.medi-cosmetic.com.