Clear run

This month’s launches include treatments to clear and calm the skin and we try some advanced body treatments

Smart Hydro-gen facial

The new Smart Hydro-gen device is a multifunctional skincare machine that addresses numerous issues, allowing salons and clinics to create bespoke facial treatments. It combines eight technologies, each of which can be uses as standalone treatments or combined and layered into a salon’s existing treatment offer.

Treatment start with the HD Skin Analyser which, through its highdefinition camera, establishes the condition of the skin. Other steps, to be included as needed, are hydrodermabrasion with hydrogen molecules, AHAs and BHAs to exfoliate and deep cleanse, plus vitamin-infused solutions to nourish, ultrasonic vibration skin cleaning, and bipolar radiofrequency (RF) for skin tightening. The device also offers “RF Hot and Cold Hammer”, where RF energy stimulates collagen through heat thermolysis and an intelligent epidermal cooling system to shrink pores and calm erythema, plus high-pressure atomisation, with vitamin-enriched serums for brightening and ultrasound to revive dehydrated skin. All treatments then conclude with more HD Skin Analysis to show the results.

The Smart Group recommends charging £109 for a 40 to 60-minute treatment. 01344 411 480 /the-smartgroup.co.uk

Tried and tested… The CACI Clear & Calm Back Facial

The Lowdown: The CACI Clear and Calm Back Facial is a 45-minute treatment that combines skin rejuvenation with microcurrent technology, along with biotherapeutic LED light. Whether clients are looking to calm “bacne” (back acne), smooth uneven skin tone, or reduce the appearance of a lingering scar or blemish, this express treatment can be added on to a CACI non-surgical treatment, or work as a standalone procedure.

The experience: I visited the Lisa Franklin Skin Care Clinic in London and began by filling out an in-depth consultation form, covering skin concerns and medical conditions. My therapist, Nicole Finley, explained each step of the treatment as I requested, however, clients may prefer to zone out and relax during the procedure.

Finley began by cleansing and applying toner to my back, shoulders and upper arms, removing any oils or dirt on the skin. This was followed with a gentle yet tingling sensation from the microdermabrasion with CACI’s Orbital Abrader, combining exfoliation with red and blue light therapy, along with CACI’s Ultrasonic Actuator to deep clean pores.

Finley moved the devices from the top of my spine, butterflying out to my ribs, covering one half of my back then the other. The Orbital Abrader was also taken over my arms to smooth out the appearance of bumpy skin. Enhanced Tissue Repair (ETR) pads, which are connected to positive and negative electrical currents, were then placed on specific areas of concern to help trigger skin tissue repair and healing.

Finley then used CACI’s Wrinkle Comb over my back, using alternate red and blue LED lights to rejuvenate, heal and reduce redness. The procedure was finished off with the CACI Skin Calming Gel combined with a microcurrent and followed by a cup of herbal rose tea in the gorgeous Lisa Franklin reception room.

The verdict: I do naturally have a blemish-free back, so could not give an in-depth account on results for scars. I can, however, contest to the thoroughness of this procedure, and its attention to all factors of skincare. I left feeling rejuvenated with a soft and freshly exfoliated back. Business benefits: We all want our backs out during bikini season but “bacne” is a common condition. As most people tend to subconsciously pick at their scabs when stressed or fidgeting, they are not only causing scarring, but promoting the spread of acne. With this being so prevalent, the CACI Back Facial offers a solution to deep clean and soothe the appearance of acne and scarring. This two-in-one treatment is in-depth and has a whole range of benefits including exfoliation, hydration and repair.

Tried by Michelle Duffield

CACI recommends charging from £50 for 45 minutes. 020 8731 5678 / cacibeauty.com

Pevonia Chocolate Indulgence treatments

There are three new Chocolate Indulgence treatments from skincare brand Pevonia, one for face and two for body. The face treatment is the Cacao & Caramel Decadent Facial, designed to reinvigorate the skin. This three-in-one experience combines cleansing, exfoliation and masking with the power of cacao and a blend of youth-enhancing actives. The rich antioxidants and natural exfoliants in chocolate rejuvenate and reinvigorate the skin for a smooth, radiant and firmer appearance.

For the body, there is the Chocolate Indulgence Full Body Exfoliating Treatment, where skin is exfoliated as a blend of nutrient-rich cacao extract, caramel and energising sea salt deliver antioxidant and repairing benefits. There is also a Chocolate Indulgence Body Wrap Treatment, where clients are enveloped in a warm, chocolate-infused cocoon wrap. This treatment softens skin with chocolate’s natural antioxidants and moisturising.

Pevonia recommends charging £50–£60 for the one-hour facial, £35–£40 for the 35-minute exfoliating treatment and £75–£85 for the one-hour body wrap. 01449 727000 / pevonia.co.uk

Tried and tested… Is Clinical Fire and Ice Facial

The lowdown: This rejuvenating treatment bridges the gap between a mild facial and a more intensive peel. It combines glycolic acid with retinol to resurface, treat breakouts, reduce fine lines, smooth and encourage cellular renewal. The facial is comprised of two professional treatment masks combined with Is Clinical pharmaceutical-grade formulations.

The experience: I visited expert facialist Smita Ahluwalia at her home-based salon, Smita London in Woodside Park. Following a consultation, Ahluwalia and I decided on the Fire and Ice Facial as the best course of treatment for my skin – I had a wedding to attend two days later and Is Clinical describes this as its “red carpet facial”, thanks to its immediate benefits and little-to-no downtime.

Ahluwalia began by cleansing my skin with Is Clinical’s Cleansing Complex, which contains a blend of antioxidants and mild resurfacing ingredients to provide a thorough cleanse without stripping the skin. She then applied the “fire” stage – the Intensive Resurfacing Masque. This intensively exfoliates without the residual peeling that comes as a side effect of many peels, immediately smoothing and resurfacing skin for a glowing complexion. It also has long-term benefits by increasing cellular metabolism. My skin is quite hardy and used to skincare acids, so this peel just felt a bit tingly but wasn’t at all painful or uncomfortable.

After removing the peel, Ahluwalia applied the cooling Rejuvenating Masque for the “ice” portion of the treatment. This masque delivers hydration and a combination of botanical antioxidants helps to soothe post-peel erythema and treat inflammation. Ahluwalia then removed the second mask before following up with Is Clinical skincare products including the Extreme Protect SPF 30 – a broad spectrum SPF which combines Extremozyme antiageing technology with microfine zinc oxide and microencapsulated sunscreens.

The verdict: This was the perfect pre-event treatment; my skin was hydrated and glowing, and I received so many compliments – I can see why it’s such a hit with celebrities. Ahluwalia’s 20-plus years of experience really shone through in the treatment and her attention to detail was incredible.

Business benefits: This facial is perfect for clients who want fast, noticeable results without downtime – and it also has long-term benefits if carried out regularly through stimulating cellular renewal.

The treatment provides great opportunities for additional revenue through add-ons because it works well alongside other treatments; in my case, Ahluwalia added in a neck and shoulder massage while the masks were on and carried out a mesotherapy treatment afterwards, but treatments like LED therapy could also be added.

Tried by Ellen Cummings

Smita London charges from £160 for the 45–60-minute treatment. 020 3868 6242 / isclinical.co.uk