Salon Review: Refresh Treatment @ Alkali Aesthetics & Wellbeing

Beauty salons are ten a penny nowadays, with often the only difference being the array of treatments on offer. Alkali Aesthetics aims to change that, by encouraging clients to become members, and take a more holistic approach to their health and beauty regime. 'We believe in treating the whole patient,' said Dr Aalok Y Shukla, the clinical director. 'It's not enough for us to just give clients a facial, we want to look after the skin inside and out'.

The salon has taken advantage of the growing trend for a more all round approach to beauty, and provides users with access to nutriotinsts, dentists and beauticians under one roof.

Situated just off the bustling high street in Putney, the clinic is well lit and airy with attractive brown and cream swirls adorning the walls. The feeling is of comfort and relaxation, very unlike those clinically white dentist offices. I was booked in for a Refresh treatment which takes a 3 pronged attack to skin and bodycare.

The salon aims to make you comfortable with your procedures, and to this end they have created a useful blog site to run alongside their main website which gives you information on what to expect from a visit.

The Refresh treatment combines a stain removal treatment with a polishing teeth cleaning, and finishes your session off with a microdermabrasion treatment so you'll leave thoroughly buffed.

Prior to my appointment I was liaising with the salon beautician about the microidermabrasion, as she had advice I needed to follow before attending. Due to the deep cleansing effects of microdermabrasion I was advised to inform her of any medication I might be on, and not to exfoliate my skin for four days before the appointment, Sadly the fact that I was currently on medication for acne made me unsuitable for microdermabrasion, as a side effect can be a thinning of the skin which could lead to bruising. Not to worry though, as the helpful Lauren Spiby said she'd perform a Medi-facial treatment instead, using medical grade products called Epionce.

I was sad not to get the microdermabrasion, but appreciated the care they were taking to ensure my experience was beneficial to me. I arrived at the clinic and was greeted by a friendly receptionist. It smelled fragrant and lush, and slightly peony scented.

I was asked to fill in a consent form, and was amused by the question, 'What is your favourite BBC TV show'.

I then had a consultation with Dr Aalok about my teeth, and what I'd like to achieve from my smile. He was the smiliest friendliest dentist I'd ever encountered, with two rows of gleaming teeth, that beamed out at me.

Next came the examination, and having someone probe your mouth with air and metal probes is never the nicest experience, but he made it pass quite quickly. Once this part of the treatment was over we sat down and he went through some of the issues he'd seen in my mouth. I have one twisted tooth at the front which needs extra care due to its positioning and he mentioned options of cleaning it I could use. He also addressed my gums, as he said I had particularly thin gums, and might want to consider having them pushed back. It was quite friendly and informal and didn't have me curling up in embarrassment the way I normally get after a visit to the dentist.

Next part- the facial treat, to take any edge off the mouth exam. I went into the therapists room, lay back on the couch, and immediately realized the relevance of the 'fave TV show' question, as there was a plasma screen on the ceiling and on the wall, all the better for me to relax too. Laure asked what I'd like to watch, and I chose to catch up on the Friday Night Project. The soothing tones of Jonathan Ross helped me relax as she started to massage my face with hot towels, and began the deep clean.

I found the Epionce products really gentle on my skin, and was pleased when she told me she'd give me samples to take home, and found her use of pressure points on my face very effective at de-stressing me. She also performed some extractions, but this was quite comfortable, and didn't result in angry looking weals. She finished off with a blissful neck and shoulder massage that had me considering kidnapping her as my personal slave, and when she was finished I was given time to recover and dress at my luxury.

I finished the day with another chat with Dr Aalok about my skin goals (clearer, brighter, younger) and he made some suggestions regarding lifestyle and diet.

If I were to become a member I'd be privy to regular nutritionist meetings, as well as maintenance facials and dentistry. I really feel this clinic provides a much needed service, and love how it combines all aspects of the beauty industry, as it's important to look at the body as whole, rather than break it into sections. There are a variety of other treatment packages on offer (for both members and non members) and I'm already planning a return visit...

The Refresh treatment costs £130.00, and includes deep cleaning, polishing of your smile & microdermabrasion.

Visit Alkali Aesthetics at 226a Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London, SW15 6TG, or call 0208 788 8588. You can also email them at info@alkaliaesthetics.co.uk .

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