Should you try it or not: Have you experienced blueberry capsule peeling yet?

The world of facial treatments is constantly evolving. After introducing us to charcoal, gold, and spirulina, it's now the turn of berries. We set out to see if it really works.

Blueberry Facial (photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)
Blueberry Facial
(photo credit: SHUTTERSTOCK)

In the beauty industry, there’s never a dull moment. For years, we've welcomed skincare products packed with ingredients like vitamins, plant extracts, caffeine, and even hyaluronic acid. Facial treatments also bring their own trendy stars to the mix. First, it was gold that made our faces shine, followed by charcoal, which brought a lot of black and plenty of likes on social media. Some brave souls who live on the edge even tried snail slime and real blood, which promised to do wonders for the skin.

In recent years, capsules have emerged as game-changers in facial treatments. The capsule revolution, known as OXYPODS, is an Israeli innovation considered a global success. This breakthrough is credited to Pollogen, a subsidiary of the giant medical device company Lumenis, distributed by Alphamedix. Let’s take a moment to acknowledge this Israeli company, which has earned international recognition. As proof, over one million Geneo capsule treatments were performed worldwide in 2023.

 GENEO RETOUCH (credit: PR)
GENEO RETOUCH (credit: PR)

Each capsule comes with a specially developed serum to enhance its benefits. The serum is applied to the skin using an ultrasound device, providing deep nourishment. The company has now introduced two new treatment capsules to its existing range. The first is the GENEO PROTECT – a turmeric-based capsule designed to repair, restore, and strengthen the skin's barrier. The second is the GENEO RETOUCH – a blueberry-based capsule that offers a dual-action peeling treatment for intensive skin renewal.

These are two intriguing ingredients. Blueberries, I must say, give me the feeling of a gourmet dessert at a chef’s restaurant, while turmeric transports me to a trip in Goa – but that's probably just me. I decided to try the blueberry capsule. Anastasia, the cosmetologist, swore that I wouldn’t finish the session with skin the color of berries. As she attached the capsule to the magic wand, she began explaining in detail.

In essence, the blueberry capsule provides an intensive skin renewal peeling. It’s based on a unique combination of powerful acids and antioxidants. The capsule offers a dual peeling effect – alongside the mechanical peeling, it delivers a strong chemical peel with a blend of hydroxy acids that speed up and enhance the penetration of substances that help exfoliate and renew the skin. "So, where do the blueberries come in?" I wondered aloud. Anastasia explained that, in addition to the acids, the capsule contains a blueberry extract rich in antioxidants that protect the skin, increase hydration, and reduce sun damage and persistent spots.

 GENEO RETOUCH (credit: PR)
GENEO RETOUCH (credit: PR)

The treatment, which costs between 500 to 800 shekels, is done entirely with a space-age device that has interchangeable handles for each of the three treatment stages. The process begins with nourishing the skin using radiofrequency waves. In the second stage, a gel is applied to help the capsule glide smoothly over the skin. Anastasia warned me that it might tingle, and sure enough, as the capsule painted my face a soft pink, the sensation was mildly prickly – but not too intense. After cleaning off the remaining color and granules, the treatment concluded with a serum packed with active ingredients that absorbed rapidly into the skin.

The result? Skin that feels smooth, healthy, and rejuvenated. But let’s be realistic: like anything, to treat more persistent skin issues, multiple sessions are required. The treatment is suitable for both men and women, for all skin types. It addresses concerns like dark spots, pigmentation, and oily or combination skin following acne (though not for active acne).