Fresh faced

Treatments to revive dull winter skin and give back that glow to both face and body top this month’s list of launches

Crystal Clear Resurface and Heal

The device and skincare brand has updated its classic microdermabrasion technology with the launch of a new device that combines the exfoliating treatment with LED phototherapy.

Treatments with the new Resurface and Heal device use a two-step approach that combines volcanic microdermabrasion skin resurfacing and phototherapy. The simultaneous use of blue and red phototherapy light enables skin to be treated a little more aggressively than with conventional microdermabrasion, without clients experiencing considerable downtime.

Skin treatments can be personalised following analysis and discussion of skin concerns, with suggested treatment names including Camera-Ready Skin – for a fast pre-event glow, Brighten & Lighten, Body Polishing – particularly recommended to get skin smooth pre-holiday, Skin Rejuvenation & Wrinkle Smoothing, Acne-Scarring & Stretch Marks, and Problematic Skin, which has a particular focus on blackheads and blocked pores.

Crystal Clear recommends charging £75 for a treatment. 0151 709 7227 / crystalclear.co.uk

Tried and tested…

Image Skincare I Spa Vital C Anti-Ageing Facial

The lowdown: This 55-minute customisable treatment combines Image Skincare’s stable tri-vitamin C blend with correcting exfoliating agents, plant-derived stem cell technology and hydrating ingredients to treat inflamed, dry, dehydrated skin and signs of ageing. The experience: I had my facial at the Glasshouse Retreat in Essex with therapist Amy Gilbert. Ahead of my visit, I was sent an in-depth pre-treatment consultation form to fill out, covering health, current skincare routine and concerns, which I then confirmed with Gilbert before the treatment began.

The opening ritual saw crystal presses from Germaine de Capuccini all down the body to introduce the treatment and help me to relax.

Next was a double cleanse, beginning with Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser, followed by the Ageless Total Facial Cleanser, which gently exfoliated.

Gilbert created a custom skin cocktail mixing an oil with an enhancer, in my case an antioxidant enhancer, to help target individual skin concerns, which for me was blemishes.

Next up was the Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque, to eat away at dead skin cells without being overly abrasive, and hydrating the skin at the same time.

While the mask was working, Gilbert gave me a hand and arm massage to help relax the body. After removing the mask, Vital C Hydrating Anti-Ageing

Serum was applied to help lock in the hydration, followed by Vital C Hydrating Eye Recovery Gel to firm skin and fight dark circles, and finally Prevention+ Daily Matte Moisturiser SPF30 to protect the skin. The verdict: The 55-minute treatment was more than long enough to fully relax, and the results of the facial meant I could have happily stepped out make-up free. The hydrating effects of the products didn’t go unnoticed as my skin was soft and plump the next morning. Business benefits: All the different masks and mix-ins available allow for a customisable treatment, dependent on your client’s skin type and preferences. The fact that all the products used are available to retail makes for a great upselling opportunity.

Tried by Lollie Hancock

Image Skincare recommends charging £60–80 for the 55-minute treatment. 0345 504 0461 / imageskincare.co.uk

Hydrafacial Hydrabody treatments

Hydrafacial is branching out beyond the face, with the launch of Hydrabody – six new body protocols. The new treatments are Booty, Back, Hands, Neck & Déc, Arms and Legs, each has a new protocol following the original three-step treatment: cleanse, extract, hydrate.

Booty uses exfoliating glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids to brighten and smooth. Back deeply cleanses the back with exfoliation, extraction and nutrients. Hands exfoliates and revives cracked and ageing hands. Neck & Déc improves texture and signs of ageing in the neck and décolletage area. Hands improves rough, dry patches by gently exfoliating, and Legs exfoliates and hydrates legs to improve the appearance of skin texture and help prevent ingrown hairs. Each has an optional add-on of LED light therapy and lymphatic drainage.

Hydrafacial recommends charging from £90 for a Hands treatment to £250 for Back or Legs. 01788 572 007 / hydrafacial.co.uk

Tried and tested… Million Dollar Facial

The lowdown: The Million Dollar Facial system is the brainchild of Liverpool-based technician and clinic owner Jenna Unwin. The system has 11 protocols but I received the top treatment offering – Million Dollar Facial. The 60-minute, 10-step treatment uses dermaplaning, microneedling and lymphatic drainage alongside scientifically formulated professional products. The experience: Unwin and her lead trainer Annmarie Hughes came to London’s Harley Street to see me. Following a consultation, Hughes performed a pre-cleanse while massaging my face and analysing my skin to determine which treatment and products would be best for me.

My skin is in quite good shape but like many people with darker skin, I have a bit of hyperpigmentation and worry about unevenness and dullness, so Hughes deemed me suitable for the Million Dollar Facial.

Hughes started dermaplaning, which she explained would remove three to four weeks of dead cells, meaning four weeks would be needed between sessions. By also removing vellus hair, this step really helps to brighten.

Unwin explained how important it is to maintain the right pressure and angle to ensure only dead skin is removed and not the healthy skin underneath. The branded cotton pads that my peach fuzz was wiped onto were a great touch and something that clients love to share on social media.

Next came lymphatic drainage massage to flush out toxins before Hughes went in with the MDF globes – icecold glass orbs filled with a gold liquid. The effects were really cooling and worked to reduce puffiness and calm my skin after the dermaplaning.

Within the MDF range, there are three ampoules – radiate (glow and pigmentation), eliminate (problematic skin) and rejuvenate (anti-ageing). There is also a peel for each option.

Hughes chose the rejuvenate ampoule, which includes tyrosine inhibitors, phyto stimulants and antioxidants, and has a low molecular weight, which makes it ideal for the microneedling step.

The MDF uses a 0.5mm needle depth for microneedling, creating microscopic punctures to aid absorption by up to 80% and stimulate collagen and fibroblast activity. Hughes explained the biggest benefit would be seen in six weeks and could last six to 12 months, depending on how fast my collagen depletes. A mask was then applied to soothe and hydrate, followed by SPF. The verdict: I loved the glow that my skin had immediately after the facial. A few days after treatment, I experienced some whiteheads over my cheeks and a little dryness but once this cleared up my complexion looked flawless and I noticed that my make-up glided on effortlessly. Business benefits: With so many treatment protocols, there is something within the Million Dollar Facial system for every client. Thanks to the instant results in many of the treatment steps, this is a great option for clients who want to pep up their skin before a big event but also ideal for those who want long-term benefits from increased cell turnover.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

Million Dollar Facial recommends charging £125 for a 60-minute treatment. 0151 449 3555 / milliondollarfacial.com