Cool and calm

One new treatment promises to tackle the effects of menopause on skin, plus we try out a resultsdriven holistic facial

Comfort Zone Sublime Skin Hormon-Aging Facial

This new facial is designed to target the effects of hormonal ageing on the skin and emotions. It works to counter skin thinning and fragility, extreme dryness and loss of density. It’s focused around two oil-based textures and two message techniques – dermal petrissage and Kobido.

These techniqies enhance the performance of the professional Sublime Skin products, which stimulate cellular communication to support regeneration of the skin. Active ingredients such as biotech marine extract promote the synthesis of new collagen while maracuja oil [rich in vitamin E] helps enhance skin regeneration.

“We also provide support to the client on an emotional level by offering comfort and serenity from start to finish, which can often be compromised by hormonal imbalances,” says Comfort Zone’s UK education and training manager Vicky Trueman. After the facial, the therapist concludes with a comforting massage on the upper back, neck and shoulders, giving the guest a reassuring touch.

The facial takes 55 minutes. Comfort Zone recommends spas set their own pricing. uk.comfortzoneskin.com

Tried and tested…

Ashmira Botanica Pure Alchemy treatment

The lowdown: This 90-minute treatment offers far more than a facial, incorporating body massage, sound healing, cupping and more. The concept derives from the Chinese five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, and the treatment can be personalised to the client based on their biorhythm [year of birth], current skin issues or emotions, as well as being tuned to the season and time of year.

The experience: I tried the treatment at the hands of Ashmira Botanica founder Tracey Smith at Chuan Spa in central London, which has recently taken on the range. Chuan offers Pure Alchemy as a seasonal therapy, meaning I had the Wood treatment, themed for spring and designed to energise the body and reawaken the skin.

It began with a cup of stimulating warm cacao before a back exfoliation using ground rice powder, followed by acupressure head massage then an acupressure and meridian back massage to stimulate circulation and balance emotions.

The facial part then began with facial massage, a deep cleanse with Rose Cleansing Oil and creamy Clay Cleanser then a spritz of Rose Hydrosol. Next came exfoliation then pressure point facial massage.

My favourite part of the treatment was the lymphatic drainage, which involved facial cupping using small silicone suction cups around the nose and cheeks, then larger ones along the jawline and neck. This was done over a mask for a smooth glide.

A second mask was then brushed on – the Elemental Wood mask, which is a gorgeous green colour. While that got to work, it was time for the sound bath element, beginning with a large sound bowl then smaller handheld bell-shaped sound bowls moved over the body. Next was more facial massage with super-cooling rose quartz rollers, followed by sound healing chimes to finish.

The verdict: I really enjoyed the diverse range of techniques used in the treatment. It definitely creates a sense of theatre and discovery. The cupping in particular was a great addition – an on-trend but highly effective element. My skin felt super-hydrated and glowy and I left feeling relaxed but energised.

Business benefits: This is a great one for clients who love the spiritual side of holistic therapies but still want serious skin results. The use of crystals, sound healing, cupping and the cacao drink all make this treatment feel out of the ordinary but the hardworking products also have the actives needed to get the job done.

Tried by Eve Oxberry

The Chuan Spa charges £210 for the 90-minute treatment. 01823 428588 / ashmirabotanica.com