Facials

A facial here is an hour of skin care decided by looking at your skin, not a menu of fancy names. It is the gentlest thing we do, the right start for anyone new to treatments, and on its own a good monthly habit for dull or congested skin.

Every facial starts with five minutes under the magnifier lamp and a few questions: what you use on your skin, what has changed, anything coming up. Then a double cleanse, an enzyme exfoliation that suits sensitive skin as well as oily, steam if it helps, and extractions only where a blocked pore will come out cleanly. Squeezing anything else does more harm than good, and we will not do it.

The second half is the part people book for: a facial and neck massage, a mask chosen for the day (hydrating, calming or clarifying), a serum and SPF. You leave with clean, calm skin and a note of what we saw and what we would do next, which is often nothing more than this again in a month.

The clarifying facial is longer on the cleanse and extractions and finishes with a salicylic mask; it suits oily and congested skin and mild breakouts. Active, inflamed or cystic acne needs a GP or a dermatologist first, and we will say so.

What is included

• Five minutes under the magnifier lamp first
• A double cleanse and an enzyme exfoliation
• Extractions only where they help
• A facial and neck massage
• A mask, serum and SPF chosen for the day
• A note of what we saw and what next

What it costs

Signature facial £75 for an hour; clarifying facial £80. A course of three saves 10 per cent, six saves 20 per cent. The prices page works out any course of one, three or six; the skin-goal finder suggests the course for your concern and skin type.