In my ever-present quest for perfect skin, I recently tried out the Alpha-H Facial at Belsize Park’s Fern Skin Clinic. An extensive cosmeceuticals range used by professional therapists all over the world, Alpha-H supports all skin types and conditions from refining and resurfacing to soothing and restoration. A distinctively Australian brand, the products and results speak for themselves!
I was greeted by my therapist, the very lovely Jodie Bloch, who talked me through the facial step by step – though I usually like to relax, it was fascinating to hear about all the different products, their ingredients and uses as she cleansed, massaged, pummeled and preened my face!
First came the Soothing & Calming Cleanser to rid me of the day’s make up and grime, before a Micro Cleanse Scrub was applied to buff away the muck. A granulated glycolic exfoliant formed with microbeads to help dislodge dead skin cells and oil from clogged pores, it works to refine and reveal a new freshness to skin. The process was accelerated by the use of the ClearSonic, an electric brush - much like an electric toothbrush for your face – which intensifies the cleansing process and removes up to 60% more dirt than cleansing alone. The next step was the Re-Balancing Flower Mask, designed with natural botanicals to draw out the toxins that cause blackheads, enlarged pores, pigmentation and dehydration. Following this, I was doused in what is possibly my favourite named product ever, Liquid Gold, a powerful resurfacing and firming lotion to tighten enlarged pores delivering a lighter, clearer and more even skin tone. So far so good; but this point I was drifting away into a coma of relaxation.
After a number of extractions (painful and awkward, but totally worth it – blackheads are the bane of my life…), there came a blissful massage using Age Delay Oil, an extremely hydrating aromatherapy oil. The best was definitely saved for last, the final step was the Azulene Mask with Bilberry. Extracted from Camomile essential oil, Azulene provides anti-inflammatory agents combined with Bilberry extract, known for its anti-couperose activity which stimulates peripheral blood circulation. The mask was slathered on, I thought it seemed a bit thick until I realised it sets hard and peels off in a tough rubber-like mask. It was such a perfect mould of my face it looked like I was having a mask made for a movie.
Jodie was a fantastically attentive therapist; following the treatment she made a list of products used and gave me some tips to help maintain my newly-glowing skin, a great aftercare touch.
Alpha-H Facial from £72. For more information visit www.fernskinclinic.com
Love Laurel x
