Feeling worn from the prolonged wintry climate? Our editor reveals her top choice of beauty and wellness treatments that can help to refresh the face and body in time for spring and summer.
As the warm hum of spring arrives in the UK, I’ve busied myself by stowing away thermal garments, desperate to book in an al fresco dinner and midday park picnic. Sharp winds and overcast skies are somewhat of a regular occurrence in the UK, but the last six months have felt endlessly chilly, and my hair and skin have paid the price.
In a bid to restore myself to pre-winter glory (and glow), I’ve searched far and wide for the best treatments that will return the life to my soul, without obliterating the savings from my accounts. Here’s what I found.
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Red light therapy
Despite being an avid user of an LED mask, I’ve never booked a full-body appointment. But — low and behold — the benefits of red light therapy (or photobiomodulation) can extend beyond the face. The treatment uses low levels of red light to target the skin and is said to work by increasing the production of mitochondria — our cells’ energy source. I regularly notice improvements in my skin from use of my LED mask, so a full-body treatment felt like a logical next step.
Get A Drip offers 22-minute treatments at its King’s Road and High Street Kensington locations, at £55 per session. getadrip.com
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HydraFacial
I’m lucky enough to have experienced the wonderful effects of a HydraFacial before — and I doubt there’ll come a day where I don’t sing its praises. Designed to remove the impurities and dead skin cells that build up on the face over time, this facial is the perfect post-winter remedy.
After the extraction, peptides and antioxidants are applied, followed by LED light therapy with the hope of stimulating cell renewal. If you’re local to Fulham, Elenique Aesthetics is a great choice for this treatment, with prices starting at £200. Although it’s on the pricier side, it’s worth it for the fresh-as-a-baby feeling. eleniqueaesthetics.co.uk
Hair smoothing
Winter is brutal to hair. Hours spent blow-drying, straightening and curling often go to waste after a brisk walk in the wild winds of Britain, and I’ve found my roots depleted after months without vitamin D. A smoothing treatment has done wonders for me previously, so I wanted to go for something slightly stronger to banish the build up of frizz.
Cult Hairdressing offers three Aura Smoothing by Lakmé treatments at different intensities, so that you can pick the option that works best for you via a complementary consultation. It’s a softer alternative to keratin, working to enhance and restore texture rather than force the hair into straightness. Treatments start at just £50. cult.london
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Resurfacing body treatment
I’ve long heard of the benefits of lymphatic drainage, but have always felt slightly sceptical of its impact on the body. Its main goal is to transfer lymph fluid from the body to the nodes, where it can be better processed. The Grown Alchemist brand has recently launched a new Resurfacing product line and, with it, a series of body treatments with an aim of stimulating circulation, reducing fluid retention and improving skin texture.
The Resurfacing Treatment, in particular, was recommended to me for the “perfect spring revival” and combines a facial cleanse with a sculpting body massage for a real top-to-toe rejuvenation, all in 60 minutes. £140. grownalchemist.com
Feature image: Grown Alchemist / Get A Drip
