SMOOTH & soothe

Treatments this month include facials that lift, shape and soothe for all skin types

Thalgo Cica Marin Soothing Repairing Treatment

This facial has been created using Thalgo’s new Cica Marin range with marine prebiotics to nourish and repair sensitive skin. The first “Immerse” step involves the Éveil à la Mer massage, with relaxing pressure to calm as makeup is removed and Gentle Exfoliator applied. The second “Energise” step involves acupressure, combined with mineral-rich Reviving Marine Mist, while the third “Correct” step includes application of Soothing Anti-Redness Serum, with light effleurage movements, followed by the professional Oligo-Marine Modelling Cream, rich in micro-algae oils and micronised algae. The Fundamental Sea Massage then begins, with stretching movements on the nape of the neck, arms and trapezius muscles for an intense release, followed by an enveloping face and neck massage with movements inspired by the sea, including smoothing, swirling of the fingers and palms, oceanic rolls and marine decompression.

A double mask is then applied: Soothing Repairing Mask, with oily extract of golden algae and marine prebiotics, and professional Oligo-Marine Mask – a blend of alginates and micronised algae. A soothing hand massage is performed while the masks work, ahead of the fourth and last step, “Enhance”, where a suitable eye contour product, Soothing Anti-Redness Serum and Cica Marin Soothing Fluid are applied with a Éveil à la Mer massage.

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

Tried and tested…

BTL Emface Submentum

The lowdown: Emface Submentum is a non-invasive combination treatment that combines electromuscular stimulation (EMS) and radiofrequency (RF) to help improve the appearance of a double chin or chin laxity by reducing fat, toning muscles and tightening skin in the submental region. I tried a course of four treatments over four weeks.

The experience: It was my first time visiting 23MD, which is located on a chic London street between Kensington and Chelsea. The clinic is home to two of the industry’s most recognised doctors – Dr Suha Kersh, known for her injectable work, and Dr Martin Galy, a respected hormonal specialist.

After a consultation, a neutral electrode was placed on my back (this allows the high-frequency current to flow to the applicator) before my skin was given a thorough cleanse.

While my double chin has become a concern, I am also worried about lines appearing around my eyes and on my forehead so we went for a full face treatment, which involved pads being applied under my chin, on both cheeks and on my forehead.

At first, we started on a lower intensity of 20, before working up to the maximum of 100. As the intensity rises, so does the discomfort and strange facial expressions but it was nothing unmanageable. The warmth of the radiofrequency felt amazing throughout, and the forehead patch felt fine, even at the highest EMS intensity. It is the patch under the chin that can be uncomfortable.

At my second session, after being ill with the flu, I found it a lot harder to endure 20 minutes at maximum intensity, and the team explained that it wasn’t unusual to find EMS harder to tolerate while unwell or during certain points in the menstrual cycle. The verdict: Two weeks into treatment, my skin looked the best it had in years – clear, smooth and even. I think this was thanks to the radiofrequency in the device. At the four-week point, my face certainly felt tighter and more defined, although I had no major skin laxity to improve.

Business benefits: This is a really low-maintenance treatment for the therapist, as the machine can be set up and the client left to relax for 20 minutes with a few check ins. Emface can also be combined with other treatments for enhanced results. For example, if a client comes in for chin or jawline filler, a course of Emface will get the chin in the best shape before a more invasive treatment.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

23MD charges £750 per session. 01782 579060 / btlaesthetics.com