More than massage

New launches tackle the effects of menopause on the skin and body, and we try out some bespoke facials and mechanical massages

Voya Spring Tides menopause treatments

Menopause is a time of hormonal imbalance, which often leaves women feeling uncomfortable. To help address the symptoms, Voya has launched three spa treatments. The three “Tides” – Nourish, Grounding and Fortify – focus on different menopause symptoms and can be tailored to the individual client. Nourish Tide hydrates the skin and calms the body, beginning with fennel tea, a walk with breathwork, thermal experience to boost skin receptors (if heat facilities are available) and a Voya Nourishing Cocoon treatment focusing on rebalancing the body. Grounding Tide focuses around sleep and includes a sound bath, chamomile tea and the Voya grounding session, which closes with calming meditation. Fortify Tide is to help with metabolism, immunity and circulation and includes the yoga, peppermint tea and Voya’s Fortify Face & Body treatment, which use aromatherapy, reflexology and scalp massage.

Prices range from £90 to £130 +353 71 91 61872 / voya.ie

Tried and tested… Bespoke facial with LPG Endermologie

The lowdown: This summer’s humidity and dreariness have been disappointing to say the least. Couple this with hayfever, and my face has been experiencing puffiness like never before, especially around my eyes and sinuses. As LPG Endermologie is famous for mechanical massage and lymphatic drainage, this was the perfect time to try a facial.

The experience: I visited LPG’s training centre in Hammersmith, London, where lead trainer Esther Simon began the treatment with LPG’s Expert Cleansing Balm and micellar water. My face was exfoliated using the new Micro-Exfoliating Silky Powder, an enzymatic peel that contains succinic acid, AHAs, papaya and pineapple extract. This was my first time trying any of LPG’s skincare products and I must say I really liked them.

Simon then performed mechanical stimulation with the Ergolift treatment head, using a protocol called Fluid Mobilisation, which is great for lymphatic drainage, removing puffiness and helping sinus issues.

She then used a smaller head to firm my jowls, cheeks, forehead and around the eye area to help minimise fine lines. This step lifts the skin by stimulating collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production. I loved the feeling of the device moving across my face. I could feel tension evaporating from my temples and jawline and my sinuses felt much clearer.

Simon then used the LPG Peeling Technology (20%) which is 10% glycolic acid and 10% mandelic acid, as I had a lot of hormonal congestion. This is normally left on for a few minutes but we left it on for just over a minute as my skin is sensitive.

LPG’s Post-Care Collagen Mask was then applied to my face and neck, The sheet mask includes collagen and hyaluronic acid, liquorice for brightening and centella asiatica for rejuvenating. It was so soothing after the peel.

The treatment finished with the hydration range, Endermocell, which is based on Korean skincare and has an anti-exposome shield to protect skin from pollutants.

Simon used the Active Replenishing Essence, Eye Balm, Oil in Water Replenishing Serum, Dynamic Replenishing Gel cream and finished with SPF 30.

The verdict: I felt de-puffed and my sinuses, which had been really bothering me, seemed so much clearer. I also got an immediate glow thanks to all of the LPG skincare products, and the deep hormonal spots I had under the skin of my chin have almost completely smoothed out.

Business benefits: The draining and lifting effects of the Endermologie machine on the face were instant but can also make a big difference over time. LPG’s skincare line really blew me away and seeing as you can retail it to your clients it’s a great way to make extra profits and ensure your clients’ skin continues to improve between visits.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

LPG recommends charging £150 for a bespoke facial 020 4538 3805 / endermologie.com

Tried and tested… Hydropeptide customised facial

The lowdown: Hydropeptide is a science-focused skincare brand which uses epigenetics to influence how genes express themselves by turning on the genes that signal cells to act healthy and turning off those that don’t. Hydropeptide’s skincare products contain gene-signalling peptides which influence how cells behave.

The experience: I visited Beyond Medispa in Harvey Nichols, London, where Hydropeptide has recently launched facial treatments including the Uplifting Power Facial, Spot Check, Calming Recovery and Hydroglow, as well as express treatments. I opted for a customised facial, which was performed by therapist Rochelle Bailey, who is also Hydropeptide’s international education specialist.

My main concern was pigmentation, so Bailey planned my treatment using products to treat this, as well as some to hydrate. She started with a double cleanse then applied the Honey Tri-Zyme Peel, formulated with mushroom, pumpkin and protease enzymes plus raw honey and natural AHAs to resurface and hydrate. Extracts of papaya and honey also helped to exfoliate while infusing my skin with antioxidants and polyphenols.

After the peel, Bailey used Hydraflora Probiotic Essence and Moisture Reset Phytonutrient Facial Oil to provide protection from environmental aggressors. She then applied the Moisture Infusion Mask, an antioxidant hydrogel mask, which she used with LED light to enhance penetration. She removed the mask and did some light facial massage with a gua sha before applying Daily Drench Hyaluronic Acid Peptide Booster, Lumapro-C Skin Brightening Pigment Corrector and Eye Authority gel, then sealing it in with Aquaboost Oil Free Moisturizer and Solar Defense Tinted Broad Spectrum SPF 30.

The verdict: I love the products – they’re targeted, scientific formulas but still retain a spa-treatment level of sensory experience; I particularly enjoyed the peel, which actually smelled like honey. A lot of products were used but my skin didn’t feel overprocessed, and I left with a glow.

Business benefits: The Hydropeptide range is extensive and can tackle a host of concerns. Peptides are trending at the moment (read more on page 88), so taking on Hydropeptide’s products is a great way to make the most of this surge in interest.

Tried by Ellen Cummings

Beyond Medispa charges £125 for the 45-minute Hydropeptide Customised Facial. 020 8868 4411 / hydropeptide.co.uk

Tried and tested… Endospheres for lipoedema

The lowdown: Endospheres is a non-invasive treatment that uses compressive microvibration to break down fat cells, improve lymphatic drainage and fight cellulite. It can be used anywhere on the body and also the face.

Endospheres is one of the only non-invasive devices that has conducted clinical trials for lipoedema, a condition I have which causes pain on a daily basis and is often mistaken for obesity or severe cellulite. After discussing my condition with the Endospheres team, they sent me to see Dr Galyna Selezneva at the Dr Rita Rakus Clinic, Knightsbridge.

The experience: Lipoedema is thought to be a hormonal condition and is characterised by bilateral enlargement of the legs and/or arms due to abnormal deposition of fatty tissue, which accumulates fluid.

Since my symptoms started at puberty, the condition has caused havoc with my body image. One of the only recognised ways to improve its appearance is liposuction, so when I heard of Endospheres I had to try it. On my first visit, Dr Selezneva examined me and asked questions about my health. I was nearly in tears speaking to someone who knew so much about what I was struggling with.

My main concern is the appearance of cellulite (which in my case is not actually cellulite), swelling and pain, and the classic lipoedema ankle cuff that keeps me covered up.

While most people find Endospheres treatments pleasant, like a deep tissue massage, Dr Selezneva warned my first session could be a bit painful due to my lipoedema. Each sweep with the Endospheres head felt like tiny iron fists punching me – 55 tiny fists to be exact, as the Endospheres treatment head has 55 spheres that rotate and massage.

My therapist, Iryna, focused on my legs and kept checking if she should continue. I assured her I could handle it – Ireally just wanted something to work. After the first session I felt more traumatised than light legged and floaty but the sessions following were a completely different story. The verdict: While still painful, each follow-up session was more manageable as my legs became less blocked with lymphatic fluid. After each follow-up session my legs felt so light and I would bounce all the way home feeling like I was walking on a cloud… the effects were instant.

Endospheres made a massive difference to my pain levels and perception of my own body. I had six sessions during March and April and now I’ve gone without it for a few months, I know it is something I want to have regularly. Business benefits: Not only is Endospheres an excellent piece of equipment for fat reduction, toning and cellulite, it also is viable for so many other clients, be that those suffering from sport injuries or a more complex health condition like lipoedema.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

Endospheres recommends charging from £250 for a treatment. 020 7096 0040 / endospheres.com