Sculpt & smooth

New facials nourish and hydrate and we try out two very different body sculpting treatments

Thalgo Cold Cream Marine Replenishing Facial

This facial uses Thalgo’s new Cold Cream Marine range to smooth and nourish dry or very dry skin. Step one is “Immerse” and involves the Éveil à la Mer massage, which uses relaxing pressure to release tension, followed by make-up removal and exfoliation. The “Energise” phase then comprises energising acupressure combined with mineral-rich Reviving Marine Mist. Step three is “Correct”, where Nutri-Comfort Oil-Serum is applied in light sweeping strokes over the face and neck. The professional Oligo-Marine Modelling Cream, rich in micro-algae oils and micronised marine algae, is then applied for the Heart of the Ocean Massage, which uses relaxing, stretching movements over the décolleté, arms and trapezius muscles.

Then comes an enveloping massage using manoeuvres inspired by the sea, including swirls with the fingers and palms and aquatic decompression. A double mask is then applied – Nutri-Comfort Pro and Oligo-Marine masks and a hand massage performed while they’re in place. The final step is “Enhance”, with application of an eye care product and Cold Cream Marine Nutri-Comfort Cream, then the Réveil à la Mer massage.

Thalgo recommends charging £60 to £80 for the 55-minute facial. 020 7512 0872 / thalgo.co.uk

Tried and tested… Emsculpt Neo

The lowdown: Emsculpt Neo from BTL combines radiofrequency and high intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to reduce fat and build muscle via intense muscle contractions. This device is different from the original Emsculpt due to the inclusion of radiofrequency to target fat cells, which are then removed through natural metabolic processes.

The experience: I visited the Bank, London, branch of Pulse Light Clinic for a consultation with Dr Matin Ahmadi – an aesthetic practitioner and cosmetic dentist. After assessing my concerns – primarily lack of tone in my abdominal area – Dr Ahmadi decided the best treatment would be a course of Emsculpt Neo over three weeks to contour, firm and strengthen the area.

Although Dr Ahmadi did my initial consultation and oversaw the process, the treatments were carried out by Cherrie Brierly, a senior technician at the clinic. After I had removed clothing from the area, Brierly placed the large applicator on my mid and lower abdomen and set the device off on its 30-minute session. While the strong muscle contractions caused by the machine were a bit of a surprise at first, I got used to them after a few minutes and was able to relax and watch Netflix on the TV provided.

The radiofrequency aspect was barely noticeable, with only a slight warmth. After the treatment, my skin was slightly reddened from the radiofrequency, but this wore off after a few minutes, and I was left feeling like I’d just done an intense ab workout. This feeling lasted a day or so each time but was completely tolerable.

The verdict: I noticed a difference in tone immediately after the first session, and this only improved as the sessions went on. I’ve always struggled to tone my lower abdominal area, regardless of how many ab workouts I did, but Emsculpt Neo definitely helped shift that stubborn area of fat and create more definition. The results are still noticeable three months later, and I think they would be even better if I maintained a consistent exercise and diet regime. 

Business benefits: Emsculpt Neo is quick and easy to set up, and it doesn’t require supervision – so staff are free to carry out other tasks during the session. It doesn’t need to be operated by a medical professional so the sessions can be administered by a trained beauty therapist, meaning medical professionals are free to carry out more advanced treatments for other patients. The device has a wide appeal because it can be used on different areas, and it’s suitable for use on patients with a BMI of up to 35. With so many different technologies it can pack a punch as an express 30-minute treatment or be lengthened for a more luxurious or intense experience.

Tried by Ellen Cummings

BTL recommends charging from £500 per session. 01782 579060 / btlaesthetics.com

Tried and tested… Elemis Pro-Glow Brilliance Facial+

The lowdown: Elemis offers two Pro-Glow facial menus, with the standard version hands-on only and the + version incorporating technologies via the brand’s Biotec 2.0 device. Brilliance+ is focused on radiance and designed to be particularly suitable for skin that’s been exposed to city pollution (like mine). It uses the device for ultrasonic peeling, oxygen infusion and galvanic current. 

The experience: I visited the House of Elemis in London where my treatment began in the ground floor reception and retail area with skin scanning to show my levels of pigmentation, lines, congestion and uneven texture. My therapist Anisah Khan then led me upstairs to the salon’s Penthouse treatment space where she showed me the results and asked about my skin goals (firming and calming). We decided on the Pro-Glow Brilliance+, which works on cleansing, lifting and restoring radiance.

It began with a deep cleanse using the brand’s enzyme-based products as well as ultrasonic peel technology with the Biotec device, which uses vibrational energy and actives to exfoliate and prep the skin for the masks that come next.

Oxygen infusion is the next Biotec technology to be employed and works with a combination of suction and cooled oxygen, which is a superrefreshing step that Khan explained would help calm the redness in my skin. Next, a gel mask was applied ready for galvanic current applicators, which were gently massaged over my face, causing a slight tingle and helping to infuse skin with moisture.

The verdict: My skin looked fresh and plumped and had a firmer, cooler feel. The treatment achieves that blend of being super-relaxing while still feeling like it’s working hard for a lasting effect, due to the inclusion of the Biotec technologies.

Business benefits: Biotec facials are great for spas looking to maintain a luxe feel while catering for the increasing number of clients that want a tech-based treatment. Skin scanning at the start is a great step to help prove results by demonstrating improvements to clients each time they come in.

Tried by Eve Oxberry

Elemis charges £145 for the 50-minute treatment at House of Elemis. 0117 316 1888 / uk.elemis.com

Tried and tested… Wood Therapy at Roseline Academy

The lowdown: I have become fascinated by wood therapy since seeing the explosion of videos on social media that demonstrate the technique, showing clients’ bodies looking red and sculpted. The non-invasive treatment uses wooden tools and suction cups to break down stubborn fat and cellulite, boost circulation and improve lymphatic drainage. The therapy is also said to be skin smoothing and stress relieving.

The experience: I went to a training day with Jasmina Connelly, founder of wood therapy training school Roseline Academy, to try out a stomach-sculpting treatment. She started with dry body brushing from the feet upwards, followed by moisturised hand work to allow hands and tools to glide better. She moved her hands in a butterfly motion to stimulate the complex lymphatic system of the abdomen area.

A big part of the treatment was massaging deep into the organs in a clockwise motion to encourage bowel movement and de-bloating. Then Connelly taught her students a massage technique which grabbed and pinched the deeper layer of fat to warm and help break it up. This was not a soothing step but I can really see how it helps make the fat malleable. Next, it was time for the tools. Connelly’s wood therapy rollers are designed to be flexible to avoid hitting bones and to fit to the contours of different client’s bodies. She and her students worked superficially to gently pummel the stubborn pocket of fat on my lower belly and the contours of my waist in the direction of my lymph nodes, as anything broken down will drain from there. Next was the cupping tool, used to create a vacuum to direct fat and stagnant lymph fluid to the nodes, followed by more massage.

The verdict: This was a fascinating holistic treatment that I can imagine would yield amazing long-term results. During the treatment, students commented that they could see the shape and size of my waist transform before their eyes. When I looked in the mirror I couldn’t believe how much more toned I looked and my clothes felt looser. Writing this, the day following treatment, my stomach is slightly sore, like I have done a lot of sit ups. 

Business benefits: The treatment is cost effective as only training and a few inexpensive tools are needed. Wood therapy is very Instagrammable, so it’s great for marketing. The treatment is also becoming popular post-surgery for its ability to improve results and recovery.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

Roseline Academy recommends charging £75 for a one-hour treatment. roseline.training@gmail.com / roselineacademy.com