1. CACI Synergy Purifying Facial, £80 for 45 minutes
Best for: Getting a serious glow
This facial targets blemishes, age spots and pigmentation – perfect for those who have been lax with SPF in the past and may have pigmentation patches on their skin. The facial works by combining antibacterial and anti-inflammatory red and blue LED light therapy, which is intended to heal skin and trigger the repair of skin tissue. Alongside LED light therapy, the treatment combines ultrasonic peeling (controlled orbital microdermabrasion) to exfoliate skin, leaving your complexion that bit brighter, smoother and radiant, a 'wrinkle comb', which targets deep lines and a super-hydrating mask. Although not entirely relaxing, the treatment was never uncomfortable and the results felt quite dramatic. We left – no makeup on – feeling like we could head out for the evening with a confident new glow.
Available at Seduire London Beauty Clinic, Soho and CACI salons nationwide in the UK
2. Brightening Peel, £67.50/£75 for 20 minutes
Best for: The time-poor
Holistic Aesthetic Doctor Rabia Malik's The Peel Boutique facials are customised to cater for all skin types and use professional strength lactic acid. Rabia explains:
"Lactic acid is one of the gentlest alpha hydroxy acids that is still incredibly effective at resurfacing the skin. It tends to irritate the skin less than other alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid. It is also naturally hydrating so does not leave the skin feeling dry. I chose to use lactic acid in the peel boutique treatments because I wanted to offer an alternative to glycolic acid that was effective but not irritating."
Living in a capital city – and working on one of those most polluted streets in the country - means our skin is massively affected by pollution, so we opted for the brightening peel, created for normal skin types. This peel is designed to maintain a youthful and even complexion, using a (very) gentle exfoliation. The treatment was incredibly relaxing and we left with noticeably hydrated and brighter skin in a matter of just 20-minutes. What's more, it was perfect for our sensitive skin - no redness or irritation in sight.
3. NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel, £275 for 20 minutes
Best for: Brightening
Perfect for city dwellers with too much work and too little time, this 20-minute treatment could be the quick-fix you're looking for. 'Retinol' is another word for vitamin A, which can help increase cell renewal and boost collagen production to brighten even the most tired-looking looking skin. We headed to the Eudelo clinic for ours, where Dermatologist and founder Dr Stefanie Williams explained:
"The NeoStrata ProSystem Retinol Peel contains 3% Retinol and a specially developed Retinol Boosting Complex™ to reduce fine lines and promote a bright, even complexion. The formulation contributes to exfoliation and skin thickening due to an increase in fibroblast growth which promotes collagen production, resulting in clearer and plumper and skin."
After the skin is cleansed, the thin see-though peel is applied and must be left for eight hours before being washed off. Moderate flaking is experienced for up to five days after the treatment as the old, dull layer of skin sheds, and after that you'll start seeing results (reaching an optimum point four weeks after treatment). A course of four peels is recommended. After a few days of flaking, our skin felt brighter.
For more info, head to Eudelo Clinic
4. Signature Electrical, £90 for 40 minutes
Best for: Lifting n' plumping
Setting foot in FaceGym, you know you're in for a unique treat – with its stylish boutique and facial oil bar, where you can customise facial products from a variety of ingredients. Each facial is a workout for your face (although way more relaxing than anything you'd find down the gym), comprising of a warm-up, cardio, strength and cool down. We opted for the Signature Electrical – an amped up version of the Signature – and the facialist used fast whipping strokes and electronic muscle stimulation (via their Pro White device) leave our cheeks feeling contoured and our skin plumped. After using the device we could literally see our eyes lifting and cheekbones popping. Relaxing for the most part, the other parts the sensation was just unusual and not uncomfortable, and we left with plumper feeling skin. It also reminded us that's it's not always about the products you put on your skin, but how you apply them and the tools you use.
5. ProSkin 30, £30 for 35 minutes
Best for: Value
Many experts advise getting facials regularly but, for many, spending £80+ every month feels extravagant. Enter the purse-friendly Dermalogica ProSkin facial. The treatment starts with a comprehensive Face Mapping® skin analysis to address any concerns (for us; the skin an oily t-zone and congestion) and so targeted products can be used. The therapist began with a double-cleanse, using a clay cleanser and Dermalogica's awesome new PreCleanse balm, then a thermal skin exfoliation, a spritz of toner, an extraction and a hydration booster packed with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycolipids and algae extract. Some Renewel Lip Complex Conditioning Treatment Balm, SPF and a light application of eye cream completed the facial. If you're after regular, affordable facials to boost the health of your skin, this one's for you!
Available at Selfridges, London and Dermalogica salons nationwide in the UK
6. Derma FNS (Fractional Needling System), from £245
Best for: Long-lasting results
The innovative treatment uses a stamping technique which allows multiple needles to vertically pierce the skin, stimulating the skin to regenerate and repair itself naturally and safely. Truth time: the idea of stamping needles across our face made us slightly nervous, but as soon as we arrived for the appointment the practitioner applied a numbing lotion, making the whole facial a very pain free process. Once the treatment was finished, which took around 45 minutes, our skin was initially red, however by the next day the redness had completely subsided. We were informed by the practitioner that this was because the treatment works by penetrating the dermis layer, which then closes rapidly, enabling the skin to recover quickly, which depending on your skin type can be the same day. After the redness had gone, our skin looked smoother and more glowing. The clinic informed us that it can take up to six weeks to see the final visible signs of regeneration and repair, and that we would see even longer lasting enhancement after multiple facials.
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