Launches aimed at detoxification and skin regeneration take centre stage this February

Germaine de Capuccini Dermatech Pen

Available from February, the new Dermatech Pen is an automatic microneedling device which employs 36 disposable needle cartridges to induce collagen, regenerate skin and allow for better absorption of active ingredients.

The 90-minute treatment commences with a cleanse and deep exfoliation using lactobionic acid, one of the new generation of AHAs that possess enhanced exfoliating, antioxidising and hydrating powers. Localised ferulic acid is applied before the pen is activated on each area. This antioxidising action neutralises the impact of free radicals and protects cellular DNA and the dermal structure while also tackling pigmentation. Following the microneedling, a mask is applied, with the therapist choosing between a vitamin-infused tissue mask or the Collagen Mask, depending on the client’s needs.

Distributor Totally UK recommends charging from £125 to £175, depending on location. Call the company on 01784 259988

Nimue Skin Thermal Detox Peel

Following the lash facial trend, this 30-minute rejuvenating treatment aims to deliver rapid results in a fraction of the time that traditional peels require. After cleansing the skin, the Thermal Detox Peel, a rich charcoal-based multi-functional peel that delivers instant hydration, plumping and all-round radiance, is applied.

This peel combines a bubbling action to deep-cleanse the skin from environmental pollutants, toxins and impurities, with a thermo-sensory mechanism that creates a warming sensation to boost blood circulation and oxygenation of the skin cells. Post peel, skin is protected with relevant products, and after just one salon treatment, Nimue says clients’ pores will be more reined and lines and wrinkles less apparent, creating an overall radiant and smooth complexion.

Nimue suggests charging £45 for the peel. Call distributor Sweet Squared on 0333 000 7000

This month we tried… Live True winter manicure using CND Brisa Sculpting Gel

The lowdown: Salon group Live True London was established around the concepts of creativity, authenticity and inspiration, with the intention of helping clients express themselves through the treatments they recieve, in a judgement-free space. Recently, Live True started offering nail treatments, stocking brands including CND, Morgan Taylor and Artistic.

The experience: On entering the Live True Salon in Vauxhall, London, I was struck by the open-plan layout and urban-chic interior that makes the space inviting for both men and women. I was greeted with a smile by a receptionist who made me a cappuccino, and then handed over to my nail tech Aliona Stirbu, the nail art specialist at the salon.

Stirbu began by prepping my nails while I showed her some designs that I had found for inspiration. She then glued on tips before iling them into shape and carefully applying the CND Brisa Sculpting Gel. Stirbu took her time to ensure the shape was perfectly moulded, curing each nail under the lamp.

Once the base colour had been applied, she created a unique design on each of my nails incorporating all the elements I had mentioned. Stirbu drew the designs, which included wintery snowlakes and iridescent sparkles, freehand, using a ine nail-art brush and CND Shellac polishes. She then applied two layers of top coat to ensure the glitter didn’t feel rough or bumpy.

The verdict: The inished look was just what I was after: wintery but with a bright base colour to welcome in the New Year. Stirbu listened carefully to what I wanted and created something that expressed my personality and was unique to me. The inal inish felt more natural and thinner than other gel enhancements I have had in the past.

Business benefits: Freehand nail art is a great add-on to a traditional nail service and can keep customers coming back if you have a nail artist they can trust, while the CND Brisa Sculpting Gel offers a very natural-looking enhancement.

Live True London charges from £90 for gel extensions with nail art (depending on the intricacy of the designs). Call distributor Sweet Squared for CND on 0333 000 7000 Tried by Lydia Mormen

Skin Regimen Urban Detox Facial

Billed as the perfect antidote to pollution for city skins, this 60-minute treatment fuses active ingredients with the healing powers of Qigong, aromatherapy and sound therapy. The facial begins with a de-stressing massage inspired by Qigong, encouraging energetic detoxiication and realignment.

The aromas of juniper, copahu, rosewood and cedarwood essential oils further rebalance and reinvigorate the client’s mind. Throughout the facial, products are applied to detox the skin using application techniques inspired by modern physiotherapy, giving the experience a real point of difference. A Detox Mask with chlorella and charcoal puriies the skin and leaves it glowing and brighter. In addition, a further dynamic dimension is added to the facial via the Skin Regimen Macro Waves Sound therapy. This soundscape is designed to allow the client to detach from life’s everyday rhythm while restoring optimal energy levels.

Skin Regimen recommends charging from £90 to £120, depending on location. Call the brand on 020 3301 0496

D. Thomas DNA Photo Re-Nu Facial

Take inspiration from laser specialist Debbie Thomas’s new facial. Launched in January, this one-hour treatment combines IPL and skin resurfacing techniques to reset the skin for 2019.

Starting with a thorough cleanse to remove surface impurities, a mild peel is then used to take the dead cells from the skin’s top layer. IPL technology is applied two or three times to the skin, targeting rosacea, acne and ine wrinkles. Next up, the ResurFX non-ablative laser is passed over the skin to help resurface it and stimulate collagen production. A cooling vitamin C cream is then smoothed on to speed recovery, followed by the Oxygenetix Oxygenating Hydro-Matix product to further hydrate and soothe. The inal step is a protective layer of PCA Skin Weightless Protection SPF and application of Oxygenetix Foundation.

D. Thomas Clinic charges £580 for this treatment. Contact the clinic on 020 7118 9000

This month we tried… Body Ballancer

The lowdown: Originally developed for medical applications, the Body Ballancer is a whole-body pressotherapy system that delivers lymphatic drainage massage to tackle luid retention, removing cell debris, waste products and excess luid. The client is zipped into a garment containing 24 air chambers that overlap to apply luent compression strokes, with various pre-set programmes built into the touchscreen interface.

The experience: I had my session with Body Ballancer UK director Jules Willcocks at Courthouse Clinics on Wimpole Street in London. After explaining the health beneits of the treatment, Willcocks helped me into the Body Ballancer pants, which zipped comfortably up to under my ribs.

A specialised jacket is also available to target the upper abdomen, arms and back. The pants were then attached to the computerised air-compression device and we decided on the 45-minute wellness programme for an overall lymphatic drainage massage as I didn’t have any particular areas of concern.

Although the pre-set programme went through waves of different massage patterns, Willcocks explained that we could increase or lessen the intensity as it continued. I found the feeling of gradual inlation and lowing massage pressures completely comfortable and enjoyable, and I could have lain on the couch for far longer than my 45-minute programme.

The verdict: I emerged feeling rested, my muscles relaxed and considerably lighter on my feet, which Willcocks explained was to do with the elimination of water retention, reducing any swelling or pufiness, commonly around the knees and ankles.

Business benefits: The convenience of this treatment is a real USP – clients don’t have to remove any clothing and there’s nothing involved that interferes with make-up or hair, meaning Body Ballancer could truthfully be marketed as a “lunchtime” treatment. It would also be a great option for salons wanting to move into offering machine-based solutions to complaints like cellulite, excess weight and poor skin tone without any invasive procedures or downtime. Plus, because clients can sit up with their head and décolleté out of the garment, therapists can easily perform facial or lash and brow treatments during a session, adding to treatment spend.

Body Ballancer recommends charging from £45 for a 30-minute session, depending on location. Call the brand on 01491 682700 Tried by Georgia Seago