Over the last few months I have been trotting all over the capital to try out different facials, like the strawberry laser lift for double chin reduction and CACI treatment which promises to be like a non-surgical face lift.
I went on a mission to find the best skincare facial treatments in London out of all the technological treatments available to see which ones are, or aren’t, worth it.
After extensive and thoroughly enjoyable research, I have chosen my top five facials in London…
1. Strawberry laser jowl lift review
When I heard that the world’s first laser for the reduction of double chins, neck and facial jowls had finally arrived in the UK I couldn’t wait to try it.
The Strawberry Lift, available across London, requires no preparation or aftercare. I walked into the clinic and walked out in less than half an hour with a supermodel jawline.
I didn’t have a huge amount to lose, but the skin was lacklustre and drooping, just enough to bother me. Had I been overweight or had a double chin the results, I am sure, would have been phenomenal.
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The first step is to hold a laser around your neck and jaw. This works via lipolysis, penetrating the skin to selectively target the fat cells underneath leaving blood vessels, nerves and other tissue undisturbed. As the fat cells absorb the energy from the lasers this causes the cells to spill out their contents of water, Glycerol and free fatty acids.
The second part of the treatment uses ultrasound technology. The highly focused acoustic energy creates a wound healing response resulting in the formation of new collagen, to lift and tighten the skin in just one single session. The penetration and the controlled thermal effect results in the destruction of targeted fat, as well as contraction of collagen in the treatment area.
Almost one month later and my reflection continues to shock me and when I see photos of myself I am much happier with my appearance. In such a short time, it has given such a huge confidence boost.
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2. CACI Facial review
The CACI treatment seven step facial targets blemishes, age spots and pigmentation, as well as toning and lifting the skin. It combines anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory red and blue LED light therapy to help heal the skin and trigger tissue repair.
I have seen it on many celebrity Instagram stories, so I was excited to visit Seduire Beauty Clinic in Soho to try it.
So what exactly is a CACI Facial? Well, firstly, as with any treatment, there is a cleansing and toning of the skin. Next Ultrasonic peeling and orbital microdermabrasion are used to gently cleanse and exfoliate leaving a brighter, smoother complexion.
Tissue repair is then conducted with small pads, known as ETR pads, which lift and tone the face and neck. This is followed by CACI’s unique Wrinkle Comb to target fine lines and wrinkles with red and blue LED light and then ultrasonic technology targets blemishes.
The final step is the application of a hydrating sheet mask with red and blue LED light used on top to tighten skin and permeate the cells.
This non-surgical treatment provides impressive skin rejuvenation and toning, with zero downtime (or any immediate evidence of treatment, like redness or inflammation).
After just one treatment you can expect to see a more youthful and toned appearance with glowing, healthy skin. Although for long term effects a course of treatments is required — a one-off treatment will be best placed before an event as it’ll soon fade.
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3. Endospheres Therapy EVA facial
This is a brand new treatment available in Sloane Square harnessing the power of micro vibrations, exfoliating different layers of the skin to lift and define the face. Skin is instantaneously nourished, with zero downtime (other than slight redness which quickly subsides).
The hour-long facial is done in three phases. Firstly, micro vibration gives a deep cleanse and exfoliation. Secondly, the compressive micro vibration, with soft gel spheres to massage the face, improve circulation, plump the skin and encourage renewal. Finally, small electric pulses go across the skin which temporarily disrupts the cells which allow the applications of products to penetrate deeper.
It feels much like a massage and on a Friday evening after a long week at work, I found myself drifting off.
As relaxing as it was, a lot of work was going on in my skin while I napped. The lymphatic system of the skin is drained, getting rid of any waste of build-up, muscles are invigorated, oxygenation is increased, cells regenerate and all of this continues for 21 days.
I left with glowing, plumped and spectacularly smooth skin feeling ready for my night out.
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4. Biotherapy facial by Claudia Fallah
On the morning of my treatment with Claudia Fallah, I woke up with a cold sore. I was panicked that this meant I wouldn’t be able to go ahead with my treatment, but after contacting Claudia she told me, with evident joy, that she was a skin trauma specialist and would be able to treat it.
Claudia met me near her clinic and walked me to the secretive spot. She has a lot of celebrity clients and so is discreet about the location and offers private access to the building.
When she first moved to London from Berlin she opened a clinic in Paddington Street but was soon frustrated by the lack of natural ingredients produced in a biodynamic way. Later she created her own product line, Claudia Fallah Cosmeceuticals, which she continues to use in all her treatments.
All her creations are hypoallergenic, organic, paraben free and can be used on all skin types – in particular sensitive or traumatised skin.
Using a biotherapy laser, often used in the medical field as it stimulates tissue healing, she miraculously treated my unsightly scab and it was gone in less than 24 hours. Next time I have a cold sore for a big event I will definitely go and see her.
After working such wonders, she continued with my facial, a bespoke treatment to me as Claudia always discusses any concerns you have with the skin and then tailors the treatment accordingly.
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5. Clarins Gold Salon of the Year boutique treatment
I went all the way to the London Borough of Enfield in north London to visit the 2017 Clarins Gold Salon of the Year, Winchmores Hair & Beauty, to try on their facials.
The treatment lasts an incredible one hour and 50 minutes. It includes a facial, décolleté massage and then either a scalp, hand or foot treatment.
Just thinking about it now is making my shoulders tingle. I do not exaggerate when I say it was absolute bliss.
Throughout the decadently long treatment, I lay wrapped in a light sheet while the highly capable hands of the therapist went from face to body, to body to face, alternating the treatments and allowing the incredible relaxation to remain seamless. I have to admit I dozed off towards the end, it is very easy to do in such excessively soothing circumstances.
After a facial analysis done simply through touch, the therapist could tell that I had mostly good skin that was slightly dehydrated around the edges. She also asked what concerns I had, to which I replied that ageing (as I creep closer to 30 and lines begin to embed) was my main concern.
She asked me about my skincare regime, which I hesitantly explained was lacking, and then she was able to ascertain the best products to use throughout the treatment. My face was cleansed and creamed and soaked in incredible products, all made from natural ingredients. There was a lot of patting motions for application, which she later explained was the best way to apply lotions so as not to drag the skin and contribute to any sagging.
I’ve heard so much about the strawberry face lift, might have to give it a try ❤