COOL down

This month’s new and tested treatments include protocols to boost regeneration and soothe inflammation

Grown Alchemist Advanced Regenerating Facial

Due to launch in September, the new Advanced Regenerating Facial is a 60-minute treatment designed to deliver age-defying results across the face, neck and décolleté. Blending plant-based biotechnology with facial massage techniques, it is designed to mimic the effect of a non-surgical facelift. The treatment begins with a double cleanse and enzyme exfoliation to refresh and prep skin, followed by a hand and arm massage with a gua sha to support lymphatic drainage. Grown Alchemist’s signature sculpting massage then uses myofascial release, buccal massage and cupping to lift and contour. The Regenerating Serum is applied to boost collagen production and skin vitality, followed by the cult-favourite Regenerating Mask formulated with snow mushroom and adaptogens to smooth lines, reduce puffiness and restore elasticity. Skin emerges visibly firmer, brighter and revitalised. For enhanced results, clients can add an optional LED red light therapy mask to stimulate collagen and further rejuvenate the complexion.

Grown Alchemist recommends charging from £150 for the treatment. grownalchemist.com

Tried and tested…

Repêchage Red-Out Facial

The lowdown: Created to calm hypersensitised or sensitive skin, the Repêchage Red-Out Facial uses sustainably harvested seaweed and anti-inflammatory ingredients like quercetin and rutin. Designed to reduce redness and inflammation, the facial is ideal for clients with rosacea, reactive skin or environmental sensitivity.

The experience: I visited Millway Centre for Health in Mill Hill, London, where I was treated by expert facialist and healer Geraldine Kelly. With over 20 years’ experience in some of London’s most prestigious clinics, Kelly brings both professionalism and a deeply intuitive, holistic approach to every treatment. Although the facial is typically a 60-minute protocol, Kelly offers an extended 90-minute version that blends advanced skincare with spiritual healing.

She began by taking a moment to connect with my energy, with breathwork and intention.

The facial began with a cleanse using Repêchage’s Red-Out Cleanser, rich in laminaria digitata extract and micro silver. A second cleanse with Red-Out Serum followed, delivering calming bioactives. Kelly worked intuitively, adjusting it based on how my skin and energy responded. Rather than using mechanical exfoliation, the treatment included a gel mask with anti-inflammatory botanicals. As this worked on my skin, Kelly performed a light massage to my shoulders and chest.

The signature Red-Out seaweed mask came next – a cooling, occlusive sheet designed to push hydrating, ingredients deeper into the skin. During this phase, Kelly added her signature spiritual healing touch, placing her hands gently around my body to encourage balance. To finish, she applied Red-Out Serum once more, followed by Red-Out Calming Cream to strengthen the skin barrier.

The verdict: I left feeling calm and centred, both physically and mentally. Visibly, the facial reduced redness across my cheeks and nose, leaving my skin soothed and luminous. But the real standout was the full-body effect – Kelly’s healing energy added an emotional aspect that made this far more than a facial.

Business benefits: The Red-Out Facial fills a key gap for treating sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, offering visible results with minimal irritation. Backed by Repêchage’s marine-based formulas and supported by a retail range, it’s an easy-to-implement, results-driven treatment that helps attract new clients and boost aftercare sales.

Tried by Ellen Cummings

Repêchage recommends charging £150-180 for the 60-minute treatment; Kelly charges £185 for the 90-minute session with spiritual healing. 0800 731 7546 / beautyfromthesea.co.uk

Tried and tested…

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Age-Defying Facial

The lowdown: Medik8 hosted its Renewal & Radiance Retreat at the new hotel Templeton Garden in London. Part of the experience was a Crystal Retinal Age-Defying Facial with iconic facialist Michaella Bolder – a treatment she created in partnership with Medik8.

The experience: Medik8 recently partnered with Bolder, who collaborated with the brand’s pro education and R&D teams to develop the facial; a hands-on treatment that relies on the skills of the practitioner, rather than just a device.

The treatment combines Medik8’s retinal technology with actives, including the fusion of vitamin A (retinal) and vitamin C in one facial. Designed to be bespoke, the mask is mixed in the treatment room following consultation.

The activating base mask aids penetration of vitamin A and helps boost hydration. Then the Crystal Retinal Concentrate helps speed absorption. You can go up to Crystal Retinal 50 or start low and slow – great if you’ve got a client who’s never used vitamin A before or, on the flipside, someone who’s reached the top of the vitamin A ladder at home and wants a boost.

Retinal is great at targeting hyperpigmentation – so to charge up that effect, Bolder added 15% ascorbic acid to the mix to even my skin tone and give me a glow. If I was having a breakout she could have added pure charcoal to aid oil absorption. She started softly, massaging products in before using her expert touch to get deeper into the tissue and muscles to sculpt and drain. Bolder has the strongest, most precise touch I have felt. This was my first buccal massage and she spent at least 10 minutes on my jaw, which suffers from TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) from stress clenching.

The verdict: Bolder’s hands with Medik8’s high-tech formulations were a match made in heaven. By the time she finished, my face felt different. My jaw was looser, my nasal passages clearer and my eyes even felt more open. My skin was plump and glowy and my face looked lifted, sculpted and a bit slimmer. Over the next few weeks, I was still getting compliments on my skin, which I think is thanks to both the treatment and using the products at home.

Business benefits: Being customisable, this treatment can be adapted to anyone, and combined with facial massage techniques delivers instant rejuvenation and results over time. The facial also presents a great retailing opportunity to ensure that clients see real change and improvement in their skin.

Tried by Kezia Parkins

Medik8 recommends charging £150 for the facial. 0330 995 7999 / healthxchange.com

Tried and tested…

Margaret Dabbs London Ultimate Manicure

The lowdown: Led by podiatrist Margaret Dabbs, her eponymous brand is known for its hand and foot care. Now, the brand’s signature Ultimate Manicure has arrived at South Lodge Spa in Sussex. Combining medical expertise with botanical-led beauty, the treatment uses the brand’s Pure Vegan range alongside LED light therapy and a glass of sparkling wine.

The experience: Stepping into the serene spa at South Lodge, I was greeted by therapist Charlotte Stace with a glass of Ridgeview English sparkling wine and invited to relax as the treatment began.

The manicure began with nail prep and colour selection. I opted for OPI’s Big Apple Red (a classic). Once the shaping, buffing and gel application were complete, the treatment moved into its most luxurious phase.

Stace began the skincare stage with a hand soak and gentle exfoliation to smooth and prime the skin. The Pure Overnight Hand Mask, fragranced with rose and lemon, was then applied before my hands were slipped into Margaret Dabbs London’s Luxury Treatment Gloves to intensify the mask’s hydrating effects, followed by a soothing massage of the hands and lower arms using nourishing oils. For the final step, Stace fitted me with Astraea Natura LED hand mitts and opted for green light therapy, which targets inflammation and skin rejuvenation.

The verdict: My hands looked brighter and smoother after the treatment. The gel finish was flawless, chip-free and lasted for weeks – no easy feat given my laptop-heavy lifestyle. I also noticed that my typically dry hands and cuticles stayed hydrated well beyond the treatment, despite me making the most of South Lodge’s heated outdoor pool.

Business benefits: Margaret Dabbs has taken the traditional manicure and turned it into a holistic wellness treatment that offers spas and salons the opportunity to enhance their hand care services. The brand’s UK-made, vegan formulations and commitment to sustainability will resonate with eco-conscious guests, while the use of LED technology encourages repeat bookings.

Tried by Ellen Cummings.

South Lodge charges £110 for the 80-minute treatment. margaretdabbs.co.uk /exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge