One of these days I'm going to have a facial that's relaxing. You know, the type where they light scented candles, mutter insipid nothings into my ear, and let me drift off into a very expensive 45 minute nap. This wasn't the case at Hydro Healing, as the only relaxing element of my 60 minute treatment would be the cleansing process (mmm, hot towels) and the fabulous waterbed. On the plus side, I left with skin so glowing that people started to ask me what products I was using!
The clinic was airy and well lit, tucked away in a corner of Kensington, and I was welcomed with the offer of a drink and a magazine. I then completed the questionnaire about my bad habits (smoking/drinking etc), and moved onto the bed. Most salon beds tend to be hard pieces of plastic bolstered with numerous cushions an towels, but this one had a heated water massager attached to it, that sent lovely warm ripples up and down my spine.
Hydrodermabrasion is a lot gentler than microdermabrasion as only water is used, and they use professional quality machines, the type that have previously been used to cleanse war wounds in Iraq! They use a sterile saline solution to exfoliate the face, removing dead skin cells and surface debris to reveal younger fresher looking skin.
No crystals or chemicals are used, and the only ingredient is water, sent through a supersonic nozzle. To start with my lovely therapist deeply cleansed the face with a hot flannel and Ren products, and massaged the lymph nodes. The hydrodermabrasion was going to focus on trouble spots such as the forehead and nose, with less intensity around delicate ares such as the eyes.
The initial sensation was not pleasant as it felt like icy shards of glass were grinding against my skin, but after a few deep breaths (as instructed) it became more bearable. If this is the less invasive treatment I dread to think what dermabrasion is like. The nozzle worked its way around my face twice, and you soon became acclimatized to the strange cold sensation.
I really like how they use water, as it's pretty much impossible to react too, and though it felt cold, really felt like it was doing something to my skin. She finished off with a vigorous head massage to work out any stress that was remaining, and advised me to wear SPF for the next month.
I left with a bounce in my step, and skin that looked glowing. Because the procedure is quite light you don't have to worry about going into the office with a tomato face, and I really feel like it has rejuvenated me for summer.
There are 4 types of Hydrodermabrasion on offer here, Bespoke, Anti Ageing, Acne and Scarring, and you and your therapist can decide which one you're most suitable for. A 60 minute session starts at £85, and it's recommended you do a course.
Hydro Healing, 216A Kensington Park Road, Notting Hill, W11 1NR. Tel: 0207 727 2570
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