Facials: our pick of some of the best ones available

I think January is the best month to think about facials. It is a cold, dehydrating month for our skin and it is still some time before the Spring and more compatible temperatures. It is always a good idea to try new facial techniques or products as one’s skin can become too used to a regime and therefore they will not to be so effective.

I recently tried the Decleor Facial Lift Yoga and no this does not involve getting your body into unusual positions. In actual fact it is the most blissful yet stimulating facial that I have ever had with actual visible results.

The treatment aims to improve skin radiance and luminosity, reduce the sagging of cheekbones and improve the lift of eyelids, powered by Prolagène Lift. Facial Lift Yoga combats the signs of ageing by activating the collagen and elastin in your skin and promoting the elimination of toxins. Combined with the power and aroma of iris and lavandula essential oils for smoothed, firmed and luminous skin. Your face gets a real workout which may sound exhausting but strangely I did not find it so. However when I came home and had a good look in the mirror I saw a definite reduction in my jowly jawline! My under eyes seemed much less puffy and my skin was much more luminous for days to come.

Sarah Chapman is one of the ‘Queens of the Facial’. She has a new clinic in Pavilion Road just near Sloane Square, London. Her facials are renowned and recommended by celebrities and beauty editors alike. She has trained an elite team of beauticians who will give you good advice on which facial or treatment to choose for your skin. These treatments are expensive so I would recommend one if you have a special occasion coming up – mother of the bride, post hospital stay or if you just want to really indulge your skin.

Espa is a popular choice with spas for both their range of products and treatments. Following skin analysis with their SkinVision™ lamp, naturally advanced spa skincare products rich in plant and marine extracts are selected according to your individual needs and used alongside tailored massage to deeply cleanse, exfoliate, purify and boost your complexion. This customised treatment is then completed with a divinely relaxing scalp massage. If your hair is like mine you will have to go straight home after one of these facials as the scalp massage, whilst divine and nearly better than s**, your hair will be all over the place and quite greasy. However it is worth it as the following morning after a very deep sleep and a  shower your skin and hair will be rejuvenated and hydrated. Try their Regenerating Facial which is intensive care for mature, stressed or distressed skin.

Clarins Tri-Active Facials: As high street facials go, you can’t get better – or more luxurious – than this. What you’ll find in their best-selling face-changing serums on the counter, you’ll find in their range of Tri-Active facials. Expect everything you would in a high-end expensive facial (good massage, prescriptive layering and that elusive attention to detail) as well as the brightening and smoothing effect you always get from Clarins’ botanical rich skincare. A great monthly anti-ageing fix for any skin.

My advice is to find a good beautician who uses products that you like and stick with them as, if they are well-trained, they will see changes in your skin and therefore understand its current needs and will adjust your facial accordingly.