Treatment news
Bright side
New treatments this month give skin a glow, with smart technologies that enhance absorption of active ingredients
Dr Vanita Rattan Glow Facial Treatment
Dr Vanita Rattan has introduced the Glow Facial Treatment, a professional facial developed specifically for skin of colour. Created following more than 20 years of clinical research and experience treating hyperpigmentation, the treatment is designed to address concerns such as pigmentation, ageing and uneven texture while minimising risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
The 50-minute protocol combines 12 formulations developed by Dr Vanita Rattan, including the Glow Peel, Glow Serum and Glow Sheet and Jowl Mask, alongside techniques such as gentle microneedling, mild chemical exfoliation, radiofrequency and lymphatic cupping. Microneedling is performed at a shallow depth of up to 0.4mm to stimulate collagen while limiting irritation.
A controlled heat and cooling approach supports product penetration and helps regulate melanocyte activity. The treatment is available exclusively to practitioners with a minimum NVQ Level 4 qualification who have completed specialist training in skin of colour.
skincarebydrv.com
Tried & tested: pHformula Mesoresurfacing
The lowdown: pHformula’s Mesoresurfacing is a non-invasive skin renewal treatment designed to mimic the results of microneedling without needles. Instead of mechanical injury to the skin, the protocol uses purified hydrolysed spicules – microscopic, naturally derived structures – to create thousands of invisible microchannels that remain active for up to 72 hours, helping to stimulate regeneration and enhance ingredient penetration.
The system also uses pHformula’s PH-DVC delivery complex to transport protons into the skin in a controlled way, resurfacing without aggressive peeling.
The experience: I visited Lodsworth Clinic in Haslemere, Surrey, for my treatment with pHformula lead educator Gemma Halil. After discussing my skin concerns – early signs of ageing and hormonal breakouts around my chin – Halil customised the protocol using pHformula’s A.G.E. complex across most of my face to target fine lines and dullness, and A.C. complex on my chin and jawline to help manage congestion and inflammation.
Once my skin was cleansed and prepped, she applied two layers of Mesoresurfacing Level 1 concentrate, which contains around 5,000 spicules. As the product was massaged in, I experienced a prickly, tingling sensation – not painful, but definitely noticeable and a sign the spicules were getting to work. Halil explained this is normal and tends to subside quickly once the treatment is complete.
To enhance results, she nano-needled pHformula’s Exos Biomimetic Concentrate into the skin. This serum contains biomimetic exosomes, encapsulated growth factors and a DNA protect complex to accelerate repair, support collagen production and strengthen the skin barrier after resurfacing.
Before I left, Halil gave me the remainder of the Exos serum to take home and advised reapplying it throughout the day to maximise regenerative benefits while the microchannels remained active.
The verdict: Immediately after treatment my skin looked flushed but healthy, similar to a post-workout glow. The redness subsided later that day, and over the following days I experienced some light flaking – nothing dramatic and easily managed with moisturiser – but the payoff was skin that felt softer, clearer and more refined. My chin breakouts also looked calmer.
What stood out most was how effective the treatment felt without being overly aggressive. The combination of targeted resurfacing, hydration from multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid and the regenerative Exos serum made my skin feel refreshed rather than sensitised.
Business benefits: Because Mesoresurfacing can be layered into existing pHformula resurfacing protocols or used as a standalone booster, it's a versatile way to customise treatments. With minimal downtime and suitability for all Fitzpatrick skin types, it’s a good option for most clients.
Tried by Ellen Cummings
pHformula recommends charging around £225 for the treatment. phformula.com / aspireskin.co.uk
Grown Alchemist Total Skin Health Therapies
Grown Alchemist has updated its professional body treatment menu for 2026, introducing three new protocols alongside its existing offerings. The treatments combine plant-based formulations with manual techniques to address skin texture, circulation, tension and mobility.
The Resurfacing Body Treatment incorporates a body gua sha tool with products from the Resurfacing range to improve circulation, reduce fluid retention and smooth skin texture. Urban De-Stress uses myofascial release, lymphatic stimulation and pressure point work to ease tight fascia and relieve muscular tension. The Rejuvenating Massage applies neurolymphatic reflex points and trigger point therapy to support mobility, alignment and overall muscle flow.
Grown Alchemist recommends charging from £140 for Resurfacing Body Treatment, £130 for Urban De-Stress, and £150/£195 for the Rejuvenating Massage.grownalchemist.com
Tried & tested: Dermalogica Luminfusion
The lowdown: Dermalogica’s Luminfusion is a 60-minute professional skin treatment designed to deliver instant luminosity without downtime. The service combines multiple modalities – including a retinol and hydroxy acid exfoliation blend, nano infusion technology, targeted eye peel patches and LED red light therapy – to resurface, hydrate and energise the skin in one session. It also incorporates the brand’s professional-only Propen device to infuse active ingredients. The treatment is aimed at clients looking to tackle dullness, hyperpigmentation and early signs of ageing.
The experience: I visited the Dermalogica treatment room at Elys department store in London where Dermalogica skin therapist Natalie Eldridge started with a consultation about my skin concerns – mainly dullness and dehydration. She then explained the Luminfusion process and what each stage was designed to achieve.
The treatment began with a double cleanse to remove makeup and oil, leaving my skin feeling fresh but not stripped. Eldridge then applied a professional exfoliant containing retinol, salicylic acid and lactic acid to deliver a deeper level of resurfacing. At the same time, a targeted eye peel patch was placed under my eyes to exfoliate and hydrate.
Next came the nano-infusion stage using the Dermalogica Propen device. Eldridge first worked carefully around the eye area to infuse active ingredients, before moving across the rest of the face to enhance penetration of the exfoliating formula already on the skin. The sensation was surprisingly comfortable – more of a light vibration than anything invasive – and she explained that this step helps maximise the effects of the actives without the downtime associated with more intensive procedures.
To finish the exfoliation “stack”, the previous formula was removed with a frothy application of Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, which left my skin looking brighter and feeling smooth – and we were only halfway through the treatment.
The second half focused on regeneration and glow. Eldridge applied Dermalogica’s professional-only Light Energy Masque before placing me under LED red light therapy to help energise the skin and support cell renewal. It was an incredibly relaxing part of the treatment and a welcome pause after the more active exfoliation stages.
Once the LED session was complete, the masque was removed to reveal noticeably smoother, brighter skin. My complexion looked fresh and luminous, with that coveted “glass skin” effect, yet there was no redness or downtime.
The verdict: Luminfusion strikes a balance between results-driven technology and a relaxing experience. The layering of exfoliation methods gives a visible brightness boost, while the nano infusion and LED elements elevate the facial. Eldridge’s clear explanations and confident technique made the experience feel both professional and personalised, and the instant glow meant I walked out of the treatment room looking far more awake than when I arrived.
Business benefits: For salons looking to offer advanced treatments without the recovery time associated with more invasive procedures, Luminfusion is a compelling option. The multi-step approach allows therapists to address several concerns in one service, while the visible results make it an easy treatment to recommend as part of a course. As Dermalogica suggests a series of three to six treatments spaced three to four weeks apart, it also offers strong potential for repeat bookings and ongoing client relationships.
Tried by Ellen Cummings
Dermalogica at Elys charges £150 for a Luminfusion treatment. dermalogica.co.uk