Shine on

New launches give sensitive skin a glow, and we try some high-tech facials to lift, firm and rejuvenate

Hydrafacial Peel Sensitive

Hydrafacial’s new formula for sensitive skin, Peel Sensitive, is designed specifically for patients seeking a gentle yet effective exfoliating skin solution. Combining lactobionic acid (a polyhydroxy acid) and phytic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) in lieu of salicylic acid and glycolic acid, this new formulation gently exfoliates, without irritating inflamed skin.

The personalisation aspect of this treatment allows Hydrafacialists to assess the client’s skin to ensure it is customised to individual skin needs. The three-step Hydrafacial treatment system then begins with a gentle exfoliation using the peeling skin solution. Therapists will then dislodge and remove debris from pores with the suction tool, followed by a nourishing moisturiser chosen to suit the client’s skin. Finally, the skin’s surface is saturated with antioxidants and peptides to maximise the glow.

Hydrafacial recommends charging from £125 for the Peel Sensitive treatment, dependent on location. hydrafacial.co.uk

Tried and tested… Skeyndor Megan

The lowdown: It was my first time meeting Sam Halai at her London clinic, The Beautique by Sam, as well as my first time trying anything Skeyndor. The brand’s new Megan device combines three technologies – radiofrequency, mesotherapy and LED light therapy.

The experience: After a thorough double cleanse, Halai proceeded with the first part of the treatment, the “Hi-Freq” radiofrequency (RF) step. The warmth of the RF made the muscles in my face relax quickly, while the heated treatment bed relaxed the rest of me. As the device moved over my skin, as did Halai’s expert hands, I could feel her over 30 years of experience as she performed thorough lymphatic drainage to remove fluid from under my skin starting from the neck up.

The high-frequency monopolar capacitive current combined with the Megan conductive gel works to regenerate and reshape skin at its deepest layers of tissue. Halai explained that while I’d see tightening results after the first session, I would see the full benefits in a few weeks.

The next step was “Dermaboost” mesotherapy, combined with red, green and blue LED. Dermaboost increases penetration and improves the absorption of active ingredients, thanks to electroporation.

Halai explained that the device, which was first developed to deliver medicine straight to cancer tumours, penetrates each cell with “Cosmetic Drone technology”, an advanced active ingredient delivery system in which microcapsules come loaded with cellular GPS that allows the active ingredient to pinpoint and reach the target cells…so sci-fi!

Each beam of light – red, green or blue – penetrates different skin levels and is applied with a specific concentrate for each need: pores, brightness, firmness, blemishes, wrinkles and sagging. For me, the main concern was brightness.

The verdict: This facial was truly enjoyable and relaxing – no needles, no numbing and no pain. That’s what makes the innovation behind the device so interesting. It combines multiple technologies while being very gentle and also super effective.

Immediately after the treatment my skin looked tight, sculpted and snatched with zero puffiness and a reduced appearance in pore size. Over the next few weeks, my skin should become clearer with a more even skin tone and a luminous glow.

Business benefits: This is a great device for therapists who want to provide results with zero downtime. Plus, it is very customisable, says Halai, who always tailors her Skyendor facials to be bespoke to each client. To tackle deeper concerns like wrinkles or sagging, multiple treatments are recommended. The before and afters targeting these issues after just four treatments are impressive for a device that feels as great as this.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

Skeyndor recommends charging £350 for a facial. 07812 387608 / clinicbrands.co.uk

Tried and tested… 3D Emlift

The lowdown: The 3D Emlift device combines high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy with radiofrequency (RF) for facial rejuvenation and anti-ageing treatments. The electromagnetic energy selectively engages muscles on the face, causing them to contract, which helps build muscle density and quality to restore support of facial features. Meanwhile, RF stimulates collagen and elastin production through dermal heating.

The experience: I tried the treatment during 3D Aesthetics’ launch event in London, with head of training Joanne Leahy. After an in-depth consultation, Leahy cleansed my skin and applied three pads to my face – one on each cheek and one on the forehead. The sticky pads conduct the high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy and RF at the same time but the intensity of each technology can be individually controlled on the device by the therapist.

Leahy says she usually starts people at 40% the first time and gradually increases the intensity as they get accustomed to the treatment. The sensation initially felt very strange – the pad on my forehead made muscles twitch and tingle all the way back across my scalp. As the intensity was increased, the pads on my cheeks caused my whole face to pull up into a smile with each pulse.

The verdict: While the treatment wasn’t at all painful, it’s also not a relaxing one as the sensation is quite intense as it pulses, cycling through forehead, cheeks, then both together. I never quite made it to 100% intensity – I spent most of the treatment at 60%, rising to 80% for the last couple of minutes. When the pads were removed my face did feel firmer and more lifted and with the short 20-minute treatment time, it’s one that I’d definitely be tempted to go back for a course of to see full results.

Business benefits: Taking only 20 minutes, and with no downtime, the treatment is an easy one for clients to come in for on their lunch break. The device has undergone clinical trials with impressive results, which helps with client confidence when booking in for a course.

Tried by Eve Oxberry

3D Aesthetics recommends charging £300 for a facial. 01788 550440 /3d-aesthetics.co.uk

Tried and tested… Cellular Skin Boost with Mariam Abbas

The lowdown: Mariam Abbas is an advanced facialist specialising in bespoke skin rejuvenation and corrective treatments. She has a special interest in skin science and skin health, and after gaining experience at a prestigious medical clinic in London, Abbas now offers bespoke, luxury treatments.

Abbas designed the Cellular Skin Boost as a supercharged, five-step treatment to deliver skin rejuvenation at a cellular level. The protocol blends traditional techniques with advanced technology for skin detoxification, hydration and protection.

The experience: I visited Abbas at The Clinic Holland Park in West London, where she began with a consultation before performing a double cleanse with Neogenesis products and an extraction. This was followed by lymphatic therapy with Hydrafacial, which uses suction to manually massage and encourage draining of the lymph nodes, helping to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and detoxify, tone and firm the skin.

The third step involved the Byonik Pulse Triggered Laser, a procedure that stimulates cell activity by delivering hyaluronic acid and antioxidants into the skin. The laser matches its frequency to the client’s pulse, which helped the skincare to penetrate into my skin cells. Step four was Coollift Cryotherapy, which combines a concentration of atomised active ingredients and a powerful CO₂ flow that targets the skin at a very low temperature with high pressure. This helps ingredients to penetrate deeper to improve skin hydration and texture.

To finish, Abbas switched from high-tech tools to hands-on care. She carried out a gentle but firm lifting massage to release tension and improve circulation and blood flow, before applying an SPF to protect my skin.

The verdict: I’d spent the few days before the treatment in an air-conditioned space and hadn’t had much time to pay attention to my skin, so it was in desperate need of some TLC – which Abbas delivered flawlessly. She was incredibly knowledgeable and thorough, and the treatment she devised left me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The combination of high-tech modalities with more traditional methods was really effective and my skin was left visibly hydrated and glowing after the facial.

Business benefits: Creating a signature treatment that combines different technologies with hands-on techniques is a great way to tackle multiple skin issues while creating a unique experience that clients can’t get anywhere else, helping to ensure long-term loyalty.

Tried by Ellen Cummings

Mariam Abbas charges £375 for the 90-minute treatment. 020 3998 2600 / mariamabbas.co.uk