Tag: treatments

This post was created in collaboration with Pfeffer Sal.

If you’re looking for a short-term escape from the intensity of life in London, and you want long-term effects, it’s a good idea to book yourself in for a Pfeffer Sal ‘Gently Does It‘ facial treatment. I had my first experience of this incredible treatment a few weeks ago and it had such an amazing effect on me and my skin.

It’s not uncommon for me to completely relax during a good massage but never before have I had this experience during a facial. Raluca (my facialist) is an absolute genius with her hands! I was cleansed, massaged and moisturised until I was in a Zen-like state. I could have dropped off to sleep at any moment and would have stayed in the warm cosy bed for an hour longer, were it possible. I spent the first 15 minutes letting go of the days worries and tensions, getting used to the new surroundings and chatting to Raluca. I find it easier to relax if I have a good idea of what my facialist is about to do, that way there aren’t any shocks along the way.

The ‘Gently Does It’ facial is all about nourishing and cleansing your skin in a gentle but effective way. It’s perfect for those with sensitive skin, those who are pregnant or those simply looking for a facial that uses natural and chemical-free ingredients and technology.

It begins with a double cleanse and gentle exfoliation with a enzyme exfoliator. Steam is directed onto the skin throughout to help open up the pores and prepare the skin for extractions. (I know extractions aren’t that common in gentle facial treatments but my skin really needed some help and it was done gently, leaving no red marks.) A lovely custom blended serum is then applied to the skin and ultrasound technology is used to help it penetrate deep into the various layers of the skin. Live probiotics are then massaged into the skin to help rebalance, hydrate and boost the skin’s natural micro-biome, which are key to optimal skin function and structure. A growth factor mask is then applied and left on long enough to stimulate collagen production, boost skin renewal and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Don’t worry, the Epidermal Growth Factor in the mask comes from barley seeds, nothing gross. A botanical and silver-rich mist is then spritzed across the face. Colloidal silver is antimicrobial, meaning it helps eliminate acne, firm skin and heal infections. To finish a face cream and SPF are applied.

Pfeffer Sal is located at the end of a pretty little mews between Warren Street and Great Portland Street stations. You walk down a few steps and through a rustic grey wooden door. Beyond you find yourself in a little underground oasis with air filtering plants and anti-bacterial copper pipes used for door handles, furniture frames and taps. There’s also an air filtration system throughout, combatting London’s polluted air. It’s a calming space with soothing music and soft lighting. The perfect place to relax and recoup.

This post was created in collaboration with Mayfair Aesthetics Laser & Skin Clinic.

Leaving the Mayfair Aesthetics Laser & Skin Clinic my skin felt cleaner and fresher than it had done in months; and a little tighter, too. I was quickly reminded just how important it is to have a regular facial; it had been a few months since my last and I regret that I had left it so long.

I visited the clinic to try out a new treatment in London, the Fire + Ice Skin Resurfacing Treatment, reputed to be fans are Gwyneth Paltrow, Halle Berry, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jessica Alba. Don’t worry the name sounds a lot more scary than the reality. The treatment was perfect for me as it not only moisturises but also tackles pigmentation, uneven skin tone and fine lines; all of which I have.

The treatment started with Siobhan (my therapist) taking me through the iS Clinical products she would use during my treatment. Once I was comfortable and tucked up under a blanket, she began with a thorough cleanse using the Cleansing Complex, a gentle but effective cleanser that contains white willow bark (a source of salicylic acid), sugar can extract (a source of glycolic acid), chamomile oil, as well as vitamins A, C and E. It can be used by all skin types.

I was a little concerned about the next stage of the treatment, the ‘Fire’ part, as it would be my first ever peel. The Intensive Resurfacing Masque contains 18% unbuffered glycolic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, vitamin B3, retinol and potent antioxidants, including green tea extracts. My concern, however, was unwarranted, it was more of a prickly heat akin to when you touch your face after cutting chilli than the burning sensation I had expected. Initially I felt nothing, the tingling starts to develop after a couple of minutes. Siobhan regularly checked I was comfortable and asked where I could feel the mask and at what intensity, 1-4. Only 4 minutes later and it was all removed with another thorough cleanse.

This was followed by the ‘Ice’ part of my treatment, Hydra-Intensive Cooling Masque, a cooling, soothing masque with hyaluronic acid, Japanese green tea extracts, aloe vera gel, liquorice extracts, rosemary extracts and grape seed extracts. Whilst the masque worked its magic, Siobhan worked hers, with an incredible head massage. She gave me the option of dry or with oil, I chose dry as I didn’t want my hair looking like a bird’s nest when she finished. I was close to falling asleep by the time she had finished.

My skin goes red quite easily, even when I wash my face at home, just a light scrub with a cloth can effect it. It returns to normal quite quickly though. Still just to be sure, Siobhan used the Hydra-Cool Serum, after taking off my mask with a third cleanse. She also applied Youth Serum around my eyes and Extreme Protect SPF 30 sunscreen. A high SPF is important as the treatment works with deeper layers of the skin than a physical exfoliant and reveals new skin cells.