SPA SPY: CLEARLY APPEALING

AN EFFECTIVE FACIAL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES,

WITH A LITTLE PAMPER THROWN IN FOR

GOOD MEASURE

EDITED BY GABY SOUTAR

THE TREATMENT

A Murad facial at Zen Lifestyle, 2-3 Teviot Place, Edinburgh (0131 2266777), www.staging.zen-lifestyle.flywheelsites.com is a treatment facial rather than just a pampering experience. Not that you don’t feel as if you are being pampered, but these therapies aim to improve, treat and target specific skin concerns, with the emphasis on long-term skin improvement. Prices range from £45 for a 30-minute AHA Rapid Exfoliator Peel to £85 for a 60-minute Resurgence Renewal Facial. Products used are the brainchild of Murad skincare founder Howard Murad MD, a dermatologist, pharmacist and Associate Clinical Professor Medicine at UCLA.

WHY GO

There is a facial for all skin conditions, whether that is blemish-prone, dehydrated, sensitive skin which can often become red, or city skin that is simply in need of a pick me up.

OUR SPY SAYS

The salon itself is an inviting space with a mid-century modern feel, and friendly, well-informed therapists. After a consultation with therapist Jen, I opt for a Sun Undone Vitamin-C facial to combat environmental toll. The treatment starts with a double cleanse using the citrus-scented Essential-C cleanser. The mask applied next is actually an enzymatic peel that brightens the skin and infuses it with Vitamin C, which is supposed to help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Despite my skin erring on the sensitive side, I don’t experience any discomfort other than a mild tingling, but that doesn’t detract from the overall sense of relaxation. While the mask does its work, you can enjoy a hand or foot rub. A silky cream is then used in a wonderfully relaxing facial massage, which fully extends to neck and shoulders too. Then there’s a soothing mask to hydrate and repair, followed by Advanced Active Radiance Serum, to protect and brighten the complexion, and hydrating Essential-C Day Cream, with SPF 30 (which is reportedly one of Fearne Cotton’s favourite products). Checking to see how frightening a make-up free me is looking for the journey home, I’m surprised to find my skin looks clear with no redness despite the deep cleanse and peel.

THE RESULTS

My skin feels much softer and looks more hydrated. I have no flare-ups post treatment, which for a sensitively-skinned soul such as myself comes as a relief. The salon recommends regular facials to maintain skin improvements teamed with a home care with appropriate products. Believe me, you are very likely to want to try these products at home – the scent alone is enough to make you feel as if you are doing your skin, as well as our senses, a favour.

LYNN O’ROURKE

19/20