Self-care and pampering at Skinsmiths

I’m currently between contracts and have a week off to rest and regroup before starting a new job. For someone who doesn’t shy away from hard work and firmly believes in making the most of the time you have, this is a challenge. There was little to no planning for this free time but I know that I need rest. I sustained a severe eye injury last November and rest is important for these final stages of healing. My dear Aunt back in Dominica advised me to pamper myself. Pampering? Ok. Yeah. I could do a little bit of that. Self-love and self-care. Inspired by Aubrey Daquinag, @theloveassembly on Instagram, I booked myself a facial at Skinsmiths in Belgravia.

The Skinsmiths story starts over 20 years ago with co-founder Jackie Smith setting on a mission to help people achieve skin confidence with regular, membership-based skin clinic visits. Fortune would have it that Skinsmiths are celebrating their first birthday in London this month and the Signature Detox Facial was on offer for £30 (regular price £68). Membership makes consistent treatment more affordable and visible results something you can achieve in months.

The interior of the clinic is gorgeous; peachy pink tones, with pine, gold, white and grey accents immediately relax and soften your mood upon entry. The lovely and friendly Michelle greets me, takes my medical history and runs an in depth consultation where I share my skin concerns and learn which memberships would work the best for my needs. Once all the formalities are complete, my facialist, Courtney, escorts me to the treatment room. Let the pampering begin.

First off, remove the war paint. Yes, I love my makeup and Courtney needs to do a double cleanse. Why doesn’t it feel this good when I wash my face? I must be doing it all wrong! Courtney’s hands sweep
across my face with well-trained effortless fluidity. I won’t be a PYT forever so I should adopt this more gentle approach to face washing.

Makeup removed and the microdermabrasion begins. Courtney uses an aqua-dermabrasion system with combines a diamond tip exfoliating head, a jet of serum and suction. It feels cool and comfortable on the skin, much nicer that the old school jet of crystal powder and suction I’m accustomed to. Courtney answers all my questions and has just the right balance of knowledge and suggestion in her responses.

Next comes the most interesting part of the facial: thermal laser. This is intended to stimulate collagen and elastin in the dermis, the deeper layer of our skin. Goggles are required to protect my eyes and my big, ole hair is doing battle with the goggles strap. I can honestly say I’ve never experienced a sensation like this. Yes, it’s warm as the name suggests, but it also feels like micro bolts of lightning striking into your skin. Not angry, Thor type lightning, mind you, but a mild, neighbourly zippy zap.

The treatment ends with serum and a slathering of SPF 30 cream. I look in the mirror and I’m relieved there is no redness. Fresh, dewy skin and a smile. I’m offered and excellent treatment program to battle the skin concerns which hinder full skin confidence. My goal is to be makeup free. Something tells me Skinsmiths will be able to deliver. I will keep you posted, but in the meantime, check them out!