Broadly speaking, facial treatments can normally be divided into three categories: those that treat skin health, those that target muscles to relax and tone them and, finally, those that are more pampering involve a product-heavy protocol.
Which you choose will depend both on your personal preferences and specific skin needs. For those with acne, for example, a more science-based facial to minimise breakouts and scarring is likely to be the best option.
On the flip side, anyone lucky enough to have woe-free skin can have their pick of the three, but may prefer to zone out during a traditional, product-heavy treatment with a focus on relaxation.
And, if you spend your days sitting at a computer frowning at the screen, or suffer from any kind of stress and tension, a good massage-based facial will most likely yield the best release.
Here’s your guide to some of London’s best.
Dr Barbara Sturm Thermal Sculpt Renewal Facial
What does it do?
Dr Sturm’s latest and greatest treatment, this hardworking facial works to minimise inflammation, boost the skin’s oxygen and nutrient supply, stimulate collagen production and enhance lymphatic drainage, flushing away pesky toxins.
What to expect
This verges on the medical, rather than the cocooning, relaxation session some facials aim for. A host of Sturm products are applied as required, then worked into the skin with a facial massage using a smooth metal-headed wand, which alternates between freezing and hot. The aim of the game? To stir lazy lymphatic systems into action. It isn’t particularly comfortable but one is in excellent hands throughout.
The results
Flabbergasted is the word. Our skin was smooth, taut and thrillingly de-puffed, delivering cheekbones and a gratifyingly defined jawline. Over a week later, we were still getting compliments.
The location: 125 Mount St, London W1K 3NS
Dimple Amani Buccal Facial Sculpt
A London-born entrepreneur with Indian roots Dimple spent 16 years travelling the globe to hone her craft. Now back in town, her body and facial treatments integrate ancient Ayurvedic principles with Brazilian lymphatic drainage, gua sha techniques and Finnish infrared therapies with transformative results.
What does it do?
This one’s a sculpting massage that works both as therapy and a facelift of sorts: essentially, all you could ever need to look glowing, fresh and sculpted.
What to expect
The facial uses a host of Ayurvedic-inspired oils across the face and shoulders to cosset and massage the skin. This massage is the foundation of the facial, targeting every part of the face to drain the lymph nodes, ease any jaw tension, sculpt the cheeks and plump up skin. This bit isn’t by any means relaxing (and does include the therapist putting their gloved fingers in your mouth to reach those muscles), but does work. A copper wand and facial roller work to release tension too.
The results
A glowing complexion and a smoother, more sculpted face.
The cost
£150 for 60 minutes
The location: Dimple Amani Flagship, 12 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge
Teresa Tarmey
What does it do?
Teresa’s facials are bespoke, but they’re all skin-health focused and harness machines to treat your specific needs as required
What to expect
My facial began with a peel to brighten and prep the skin, followed by lasers to help minimise pigmentation and red veins, a little bit of fractional laser in some areas and microneedling in others, followed by LED to soothe.
The results
An improvement of skin both in the short and long term, as per your personal needs and goals.
The cost
The Advanced Facial is £289
The location: 206-208 Kensington Park Road, W11 1NR
Seed to Skin at Liberty London
What does it do?
This one’s all about experiencing the phenomenal Seed to Skin products, which are developed at the beautiful Borgo Santo Pietro estate in Tuscany.
What to expect
To be thoroughly nourished and nurtured thanks to the combination of irresistible product smells and textures and soothing myofascial or Gua Sha-led massage to sculpt, detoxify, or tone as required.
The results
The sense of having both soothed skin and senses – and likely a slight obsession with the impossibly beautiful product range.
The cost
From £95 for 45 minutes.
The location: The Queen Mary Room in Liberty London
Marlene Munoz
What does it do?
Marlene combines holistic treatments including acupuncture, with treatments to stimulate collagen production and work on overall skin health.
What to expect
During the facial you will learn more about your skin from a 360 perspective, and may at times have opportunities to zone out if that’s what you like, but it’s somewhere between being a relaxing treatment and an informative one, marrying up Marlene’s love of the science of skin with her understanding that the human within affects what radiates out from it.
The results
Skin that’s plumper, smoother – and a sense of having been looked after and cared for throughout the duration.
The cost
The Classic Glow facial costs £145 for 60 minutes.
The location: The Well Clinic in Notting Hill on Thursdays and Nuriss Skin Clinic on Upper Wimpole Street on Fridays.
Odette Qevani Bespoke City Facial at Gielly Green
What does it do?
Odette takes an entirely personalised approach to her facials, often using machines to deliver the best results for her clients. That said, those who aren’t in the market for machines are also in for a treat, as Odette has magic hands and delivers the most phenomenal deep sculpting sculpting facial massage.
What to expect
With Odette’s clever combination of massage, machine use and excellent skinceuticals products to treat your complexion as it needs, this facial delivers both in terms of relaxation and seriously great short and long term results.
The results
This hardworking treatment left our skin feeling fresh, glowy and bouncy, but also contoured thanks to the much-needed lymphatic drainage.
The cost
£180 for 60 minutes
The location: 42-44 George Street, London W1U 7ES
Pam Marshall at Mortar and Milk
What does it do?
This one’s all about skin health: Pam Marshall is renowned for her encyclopaedic knowledge of skin function, and for gently but firmly nudging it in the right direction. She specialises in treating acne, and has earned the nickname ‘the acne-whisperer’ by beauty editors who laud her sensible but effective approach.
What to expect
After cleansing and assessing the skin, Pam may apply an acid to encourage the skin to do anything from clogging less frequently to behaving more youthfully. Micro-needling is sometimes involved, as are extractions where needed, and the application of BYONIK lasers to help repair the skin at a cellular level. As appointments are like gold dust, you may choose to do an online consultation instead, where Pam guides you on what to do and what to use/avoid at home to help your skin out.
The results
You will leave with skin that’s softer and smoother and bouncier – but the real results emerge over time, with Pam’s technique promoting longterm skin health
The cost
A bespoke skin treatment is £300
The location: Mortar and Milk, 5 Hoxton Square, N1 6NU
Website: mortarandmilklondon.com
