Words: Zak Maoui
Trying to relax? Trying to unwind, cool off and breathe easy? A facial treatment is the perfectly pampering way to settle back and simmer down. But they're also extremely beneficial for your skin. Whether you opt for one that rids your skin of the damage of environmental stresses or promises to banish fine lines and wrinkles, you're onto something good.
From hotel spas to standalone establishments, there are more facial options on offer right now than ever. Below are our favourites...
Sarah Chapman Skinesis Bespoke Facial
Super-facialist Sarah Chapman has become one of the most sought-after experts in the skincare industry. Her outpost in Chelsea was established in 2015 (she was elsewhere for many years before) and has long been our go-to for proper facials. The Skinesis Bespoke Facial works to your needs and blends "gymnastic" facial massages with a range of products to rejuvenate and de-wrinkle your face.
ESPA Active Nutrients Glow From Within Facial, The Corinthia Hotel
Held down in the seclusion of the underground spa at The Corinthia, this nutrient-rich treatment feeds your skin, so your face glows with vitality. Concentrated on the scalp, face, neck and décolleté, dull, lethargic complexions appear brightened and refreshed with the power of a sweeping Gua Sha massage, steaming, exfoliation and multi-masking to maximise results for a lit-from-within luminosity.
Black Tie Facial at The Refinery, Mayfair
The Black Tie Facial experience begins by exfoliating dead cells, before multiple techniques are employed to reinvigorate your skin. It takes around 90 minutes — which may seem like a long time. But it allows for applied energy waves to thoroughly heat up deep layers of skin, trigger cell metabolism and the auto renewal of collagen and elastin fibres. The result is an incredibly smooth, tightened and lifted looking visage. Surprisingly, the heat waves don’t dry out your skin — instead, they leave it refreshed and hydrated.
FS Signature Rose Diamond at The Four Seasons Spa, Park Lane
The spa is a relaxing haven in the heart of the city, right next to Hyde Park. The experience itself utilises the power of diamonds and cosmeceuticals, which when combined hydrate, firm and brighten the skin. A deep exfoliation using diamond dust and an enzyme peel is followed by an intensive lifting massage, leaving you feeling instantly refreshed and rejuvenated.
Signature Energy Facial at The Bulgari Spa, Knightsbridge
A facial specifically formulated for male skin (the kind that's been hacked with a razor etc), the Bulgari Signature Energy Facial addresses men’s dermatological concerns. This treatment focuses on reducing puffiness, controlling oil production, and refining texture through the use of purified, chilled air from a cryotherapy machine. The end results? A softer, brighter and polished complexion.
Express Facial at Ned’s Barbershop, The Ned
Down at The Ned Club spa you can get an array of long-winded facials, but for busy city workers, there's on-site barbershop, where you can get a simple, quick and thoroughly enjoyable facial. Just 30 minutes of your precious time, the facial uses Neville products and comprises a quick cleanse, a speedy exfoliation and a rapid mask to finish.
Haeckels Oxygen + Algae Plump Facial
Each Haeckels treatment is tailored to your own individual skin care needs, beginning with a thorough consultation with one of our experts. This facial begins with a thorough double cleanse and exfoliation to purify and smooth the skin. Then Haeckels' Algae Plump serum is combined with oxygen, allowing the advanced ingredients to effectively work into the skin's deeper layers, bringing visible results. Tension is released and the circulation is stimulated with a relaxing facial massage (ask for a back massage too, should you wish) and the treatment concludes with the application of the Haeckels Eye Bright Eye Cream and Ecomarine Moisturiser to boost hydration further.
Dr Motox Clinic
Dr Motox does it all. While he's a trained aesthetician, and will sort out any nooks you don't like, he's also got a gold standard range of facials. Situated next to Selfridges, the clinic offers top tier Hydrafacials, which ar beneficial for long-term skin health and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of all skin types. Meanwhile Motox offers microneedling, which is minimally invasive procedure for your skin and helps to stimulate your skin's healing process, in turn promoting collagen and elastin production. Lastly chemical peels, a professional-grade exfoliating acid, treatment, helps to resurface and retexture your skin. In short, Motox is your one-stop-shop for all your skin needs.
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