Results-driven relaxation at OSKIA

Air conditioning, central heating, wind, rain, heat, cold, detox, retox; your skin doesn’t half get a hammering over the winter months.  We’ve tried and tested a selection of the best London facials for glow-getting results.

Dr Murad – Redness Therapy

I first discovered the benefits of Dr Murad’s skincare range on a recent long haul flight, and after trying a selection of the products in-flight, stepped off the plane looking positively glowing. With such impressive results I was excited to try a Dr Murad treatment for size. One of six Dr Murad facials on offer at the Smooth You salon in Islington, Redness Therapy is designed for the most sensitive of skins, and treats ailments from broken capillaries to rosacea. Key ingredients used in the facial include goji berry extract (anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory), seaweed and green tea extract (to soothe and comfort), and skin-cooling peppermint leaf extract.

The treatment lasts over 75 minutes, and is of one of the most relaxing and gentlest facials I’ve had. It is the only treatment in the range in which skips extractions and steaming, so as not to push blood flow to the skin; a recipe for redness for those who suffer from sensitivity. Results are noticeable immediately, and I left feeling very much the VIP, thanks to the complimentary champagne, herbal teas and iPads on offer – not to mention the goodie bag of chocolates and Dr Murad samples. For more information, see the Smooth You website.

Review by Gabrielle Sander.

OSKIA Signature Glow Facial

Having tried and tested many skincare brands in the past, I can attest that the British natural and active range OSKIA is one of the few that actually delivers the goods. So when I discovered they had started offering facials, my heart did a loop-the-loop and I promptly headed down to the brand’s newly-opened Boutique Spa to try one out.

Located in central London, the pretty, softly lit treatment room was cosy enough to curl up and fall asleep in, while my therapist was friendly and knowledgeable. I opted for the Signature Glow Facial which includes an AHA mask to speed up skin cell renewal and rose oil to provide a protective barrier during the cold winter months, involving plenty of in-depth massage and acupressure to improve skin tone and help flush out toxins. I was once told that when it comes to facials, you get the most value for money when a good deal of massage is administered – and after my OSKIA facial it was easy to see why. The stress-induced tension in my face had disappeared, and my skin had taken on a radiant glow, as opposed to its usual ghostly pallor. Sent on my way after a soothing cup of herbal tea, I floated out of the door feeling supremely relaxed, with my skin looking and feeling the best it had ever been – an effect which lasted well over a month. For more information, see the OSKIA website.

Review by Viola Levy.

Dr Alkaitis Skin Food Facial

In the heart of quaint, villagey Marylebone, Content is a apothecary, as well as a spa; all products on sale and used in the treatment room below must adhere to strict criteria – expect the crème de la crème of organic and natural skincare. After deliberating over the range of treatments on offer, I opted for the Dr Alkaitis Skin Food Facial. Dr Alkaitis proclaims, rather boldly, that you should be willing to eat anything that you use on your skin, so all of the products in the range are natural and organic; with the doctor even ethically cultivating his own plants to ensure the highest natural standards.

Starting off with a double hot cloth cleanse, I was treated to an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory oatmeal enzyme mask followed by an exquisite massage of my arms, hands, face and neck. At this point I believe that I had fallen into a semi-catatonic state, having been transported into another world of relaxation and luxury (all organic, naturally). The mask was soothing and calming, smoothing the skin before a layer of Manuka honey – an antipodean treat full of antibiotic goodness – was applied. My therapist then rubbed her honey-covered hands over my honeyed face to remove any impurities. Dr Alkaitis’s cooling moisturiser rounded off the treatment, and I opened my eyes 60 minutes later, feeling fresh and blissful. For more information, see the Content Beauty & Wellbeing website.

Review by Nina Smith.

ARK Skincare – Power Facial

ARK salons serve up boutique style skincare treats, with salons in Wimbledon, Putney and Fulham. One of the most popular on the menu is the 45-minute Power Facial; a signature therapy that uses your age, not skin type, as the key to younger looking complexions. As the title suggests, the facial is less about luxury and more of an energising pick-me-up, and after the dip in temperature, I was more than ready to fuel up with a healthy helping of hydration.

Intraceuticals uses hyperbaric oxygen

We started with a cleansing routine that included an exfoliation and masque application using ARK’s very own Age Awareness skincare line, followed by a steam application and examination for any existing problems or concerns. Purified and prepped, my skin was set for the final flourish; my therapist applied a gentle massage to the face and neck to maximise the absorption of ARK’s enriching Age Repair serum and moisturiser, yielding a healthy, long lasting softness and giving a zingy sensation. For more information, see the ARK Skincare website.

Review by Julie Vuong.

Intraceuticals Infusion

This Australian-developed treatment uses hyperbaric oxygen to deliver a skin-repairing serum containing hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C and E, and calming green tea. Oxygen ensures that the serum works deep below the surface for the skin, but without the use of needles. After discussing my main skin concerns with the therapist (touch sensitivity, redness, blocked pores), she suggested the Opulence course (there are three other options: Rejuvenate, Atoxelene and Clarity), which is designed to brighten and replenish.

Make-up removed and skin cleansed, I lay back as an airbrush-like contraption was swept over my skin to encourage lymphatic drainage and deliver the key ingredients, while the gentle whirring of the machine almost sent me off to sleep. After one treatment, my skin looked immediately fresher with none of that post-facial redness, which meant I could go out afterwards without attracting concerned stares. Cleansing the next morning, the bumpy congested pores I’d had around my chin and t-zone were completely gone; in their place, smooth, healthy-looking skin.  For more information, see the Renew Medica website.

Review by Gabrielle Sander.