One SWL reporter went to try out a facial.
I was rather looking forward to my first ever facial as I made my way to SKIN Plus Group, based in the Fitrooms gym in Fulham.
Walking in, I immediately noticed the treatment room to be far less clinical than the beauty salons I have visited in the past.
It is comfortable and cosy with a home-from-home feel, made by little touches such as the scented candles.
Banker turned beautician, Gibran Registe-Charles, talked me through the stages of the treatment, and why it would be beneficial for my skin.
“It is the perfect treatment for busy Londoners. It tackles London living. It deals with clogged pores, dryness, dehydration, sensitivity, it keeps moisture, and brightens and refreshes the skin,” said Gibran.
“I call it a ‘ground zero’ treatment, so you start from here and build up a routine. Clients tend to have a treatment once a month or every two weeks.”
All facials begin with a consultation, so that it can be adapted to each individual’s face based on skin type and the best possible results can be achieved.
Lying on the treatment table, I was relaxed and ready for the stresses of everyday life to be taken away from my skin.
Most of the facials at Skin Plus Group are vitamin A based which is good for nurturing skin and helps with elasticity.
The actual treatment itself includes cleansing, exfoliation, toning to rebalance what is called the acid mantle, a ten minute steam, and then a mask of the client’s choice.
There are plenty of masks to choose from, from a rejuvenation mask to a 24-carat gold mask.
That whole process takes an hour and then finally the face is moisturised with a vitamin A moisturiser.
Gibran takes his time and gives enough care and attention so I don’t feel like ‘just another client’ being rushed through.
“The difference with what we do is that it’s very detailed and very thorough and because it’s so thorough you can have it as little or as much as you want and that is why we’ve had so much success with it,” he said.
After my treatment, my skin feels fresher and rejuvenated and my skin is brighter. I even feel more awake despite having had a very long day.
I want to know how maintain my new skin so I ask Gibran for some aftercare advice.
He said: “Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and have a good diet. Blueberries and broccoli are excellent for skin. Wash your face morning and night and use mineral make up such as Bare Minerals or Jane Iredale. Getting rest and not getting stressed is also important, so it’s just all the obvious things really.”
Appointments for Skin Plus Group can be made by calling 07446003288 or by visiting http://www.skinplusgroup.com/
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