High-tech facials... BESPOKE COMBINATION FACIAL
Kezia Parkins experienced a bespoke mixed-tech facial with award-winning skin specialist Smita Ahluwalia in her serene garden clinic, Smita London.
THE EXPERIENCE
If you’ve ever met Smita Ahluwalia, you’ll know her for her contagious energy and radiant presence. Yet stepping into her tranquil garden skin clinic, she seamlessly shifts into a state of serene focus, creating an atmosphere that immediately soothes.
Ahluwalia put me at ease straight away, speaking calmly as she asked about what was going on in my life and factoring that into my consultation.
The treatment began with a thorough cleanse, followed by the “fire” step of the iconic iS Clinical Fire & Ice facial. She gently massaged the mask into my skin, leaving it on for three minutes. Within moments, the botanicals created a tingling sensation as they worked. The Fire mask, with natural ingredients mimicking glycolic acid and retinol, exfoliates the skin and boosts cell turnover, setting the stage for my post-facial glow.
After removing the mask, Ahluwalia applied the soothing “ice” phase, packed with green tea, aloe vera, and hyaluronic acid, and massaged it in using her expert hands and specialised acupressure techniques. The cooling effect was immediate, perfectly balancing the intensity of the first step. While this refreshed and calmed my skin, Ahluwalia treated me to a deep shoulder and foot massage that amplified the sense of relaxation.
Further acupressure around my eyes helped to reduce puffiness and left them feeling more open and awake.
Then came the technology. To enhance lymphatic drainage and wellness benefits, Ahluwalia used her LPG device, focusing around my eyes to move fluid down toward the lymph nodes in my neck. She avoided my forehead due to a recent neuromodulator treatment, and for the same reason, skipped radiofrequency.
Next, it was time for microneedling with SkinPen. Before starting, she applied Fillmed NCTF, a powerful cocktail of hyaluronic acid for hydration and glutathione for pigmentation. The microchannels created by the SkinPen pushed these actives deeper into the skin. To finish, she applied a nourishing sheet mask infused with growth factors to soothe and calm, all while continuing to work her magic with a restorative body massage.
THE VERDICT
The results were instant. My face looked lifted thanks to the combination of massage and LPG, while my skin appeared plump, glowing, and only mildly flushed, with redness that faded within hours. This was one of the most relaxing facials I’ve ever had, but beyond the wellness benefits, the integration of body massage elevated the results by supporting lymph flow and circulation throughout the body.
In the days that followed, I received compliments on how rested and radiant my skin looked. The results also enhanced the effects of my recent toxin treatment. This experience was a masterclass in how combining advanced technologies with the healing power of touch can deliver not just visible improvements, but a deeply holistic sense of renewal.