High-tech facials: Gelida Freeze-Firm Facial

THE LOWDOWN

The Freeze-Firm Facial is a luxurious combination of Gelida’s Cryo 21 with rejuvenating facial massage. The handle painlessly cools the skin surface for tightening of the blood vessels and pores for a rejuvenated appearance.

THE EXPERIENCE

I went to spend the day at Lound Hall which serves as home and headquarters for Gelida and its founders, to learn more about and experience the Freeze-Firm Facial.

I’ve been in very few stately homes in my life, so arriving through the gates in the quaint village of Retford was incredible. Upon arrival, I was greeted by Charles Mills, chief executive of Gelida, who gave me a quick tour of the beautiful house he grew up in, before I was taken into a lounge to meet Gelida’s head of sales and beauty therapist Gemma Clarke with a few other business owners who wanted to know more about the facial.

We then went into the treatment and training room, where I got to see the whole range of Gelida devices, before getting settled on the bed to start the treatment.

Clarke kicked off the facial with a thorough cleanse. Even during this part, her incredible massage skills stood out.

Yet again I was told that my skin is dehydrated, which is an issue I really need to look into. For this reason, Clarke used a double dose of Gelida’s hyaluronic acid foaming serum. Then, a thicker product called Tone Plus was applied. This has a shea butter base for dry skin and contains marine collagen and lavender, which is a decongestant and anti-inflammatory.

After letting my skin marinate in it for a moment, Clarke removed the product with warm facecloths, while explaining her massage technique to the therapists standing beside the treatment bed, eager to learn from her. She explained that, in a lifting and firming facial, it is always important to work in an upward motion, against gravity, to snatch the face.

Clarke then applied the Gel Rassodante which contains rose water to tone and soothe, and elastin to prevent skin sagging, before starting the cryo treatment.

I have to say, I tend to really hate cold temperatures, but the icy treatment head felt incredible on my skin.

Clarke worked her way up from the neck and, by the time she got to my face, I was feeling very relaxed. She paid special attention to the area around my eyes, moving the cool head with light pressure in an upward direction. A big part of this facial is lymphatic drainage and, with the cooling technology, I could really feel my face being de-puffed.

Cold temperatures can soften lines on the face, partly due to the tightening effect that occurs which is boosted by the massage as part of this facial. Clarke explained that sudden exposure to cold tricks the body into thinking it’s freezing, so it triggers blood to rush towards the vital organs in order to maintain body heat. The capillaries expand, white blood cells work to protect you, and the brain releases adrenaline to stimulate the organs, all of which help cell turnover and stimulate the body’s healing mechanisms.

The cryo was followed immediately by a muscle-stimulating facial massage. This causes the blood vessels to re-dilate, flooding my face with fresh, nutrient-rich blood to repair and awaken tired, saggy skin, while smoothing wrinkles and folds, she explained.

It felt amazing when Clarke went over the area on either side of my nose, as I have some trouble with my sinuses. She told me that Gelida has a protocol that could help and proceeded to rotate the device in small circles over my sinuses. The relief!

THE VERDICT

Aside from looking super snatched and lifted with a healthy flush to my face, I was breathing out of my nose much clearer. Not only did this facial improve my appearance but also my quality of life for a few days, by helping me breathe better. I also noticed that areas of concern, such as around my eyes, appeared a lot tighter.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

Cryotherapy can be used for so many things, inside and outside of aesthetics. As well as tightening, lifting and wrinkle reduction, it can help reduce swelling, soothe inflammation, promote healing, and freeze fat. It is also a great tool to have in your arsenal for rosacea. 

The Cryo 21 device is not just for the face but can also be used all over the body with a lot of indications for injury and sports therapy.

Aside from sinusitis, it can treat psoriasis, sciatica, migraines and much more. With this device, there really is a treatment for everyone.

The recommended treatment price for a Gelida Freeze-Firm facial is £120. For anyone interested in purchasing a device or booking a demonstration they can contact Gelida directly as below:

Gelida sales line 0330 056 2431 Head of sales Gemma Clarke Direct email gemmaclarke@gelidamedica.co.uk