High-tech facials: 3D-HydrO2 facial

Contributing reporter Kezia Parkins visits new Marylebone clinic, The Ardour, to experience a life coaching session combined with a bespoke facial

THE LOWDOWN

After meeting the wonderful Anna Miller and hearing all about her unique method of combining coaching with aesthetic treatments, she invited me to experience a session myself at the new clinic founded by Dr Paris Acharya and herself.

THE EXPERIENCE

This is the first time I have experienced a facial alongside coaching, but, when I met Miller and heard about her approach to aesthetics, it made a lot of sense. Life, emotions, and the environment all affect the skin, with factors like stress, poor diet and lack of sleep directly correlating to skin conditions and concerns, which in turn can affect mental health. It’s all connected, so why not take a holistic approach to skin?

After a tour of the beautiful, bright clinic, Miller took me into her treatment room and talked me through a life satisfaction form. I loved that the form was presented as a wheel, as it allowed me to take stock of my life and see all the areas that I need to focus on improving, helping me to visualise the areas that needed most attention.

We spoke about my relationships and setting healthy boundaries, while also setting out a simple morning routine, which I always find impossible to stick to, thanks to ADHD and a tendency to unrealistically overload myself. Feeling positive about the changes I was planning to make, it was time for a facial.

Miller started off by performing a Hydro Peel, which included multiple elements of exfoliation: AHA to dissolve keratin, deep cleanse pores and smooth the skin’s texture, and BHA to remove sebum and cleanse the inside of the pores. Both were infused and sucked up with the treatment head.

The next step was deep cleansing and oxygenation using a vibrational cleanser, in which a single-use capsule combined with glycerol-based gel created an effervescent effect, causing CO2 production on the skin’s surface, inducing oxygen release from red blood cells.

When oxygen is naturally released to the skin from inside the body, it results in true oxygenation and is far more effective than delivering oxygen to the skin externally, Miller explained.

The gel contained galactomyces ferment filtrate, which gives deep hydration and nourishment to the skin, and epidermal growth factors, which boost elasticity and brightness. It also contained hyaluronic acid oligopeptide and acetyl hexapeptide-8, a synthetically derived peptide found in botulinum toxin.

Next was electro ion skin lifting with iontophoresis. The vibrations created by the device momentarily made channels in the outer layers of the skin, allowing better absorption of active ingredients, while the upwards motion of the hand-piece helped with a lifting effect. I could feel all the different muscles in my face jumping and contracting. I thought I was pulling a bunch of funny faces, but Miller assured me that I wasn’t. She then used very light ultrasound on me, as I’m not experiencing skin laxity yet, but the massage and warmth from the device felt lovely and it’s always nice to encourage fibroblast and collagen production.

Next was oxygenation with ‘Oxy’ spray which created the ‘venturi effect’, breaking down the topical molecules to aid absorption and hydration, and increasing cell metabolism.

The hand-piece gently supplied the upper layers of the epidermis with increased oxygen (35%) and ingredients. The increase of blood flow to the cells boosted regeneration and helped minimise free radical damage, while attracting immune cells, giving anti-inflammatory benefits.

Finally, it was time for cold therapy. The hand-piece produced a minimum of 5ºC ice cooling, to instantly tighten and lock in all of that lovely moisture from the infused ingredients.

THE VERDICT

The concept of combining aesthetics with coaching is genius. So much of how we feel about our appearance is tied up with other factors, like our health, relationships and even our work.

It felt amazing to lay down and enjoy a facial, while marinating about the changes I was set to make in my life for the better; it almost became a little manifesting meditation session.

As for the facial, I loved that so many technologies were used from one device. I attended the Aesthetic Medicine Awards that evening and the treatment left me looking snatched and glowing and my makeup applied beautifully.

BUSINESS BENEFITS

The 3D-HydrO2 facial is a device that can do so much. With so many technologies to choose from, you can make bespoke protocols for your clients.

I would love to see elements of coaching in more aesthetic treatments. It made me feel cared for and I can imagine it would produce better outcomes for clients, if they felt better about themselves on the inside.

By offering two services alongside each other, this is a great way to boost income too.

Recommended price: £375