Sophia Christie checks out the beauty scene, a market saturated in cleansers and creams, super serums and SPFs, Botox, fillers and potions with promises, all in the pursuit of looking good. Will she find it? We follow her facial journey over the coming months with her personal and honest experiences along the way……
Is your skin looking tired, puffy and laced with those unattractive under eye shadowy circles? Do you dream of a radiant glowing and healthy complexion? I do. It’s an age thing. And, like many of you, I’m looking for the secret and the solution to reduce inflammation and firm the skin to reveal sleek cheekbones, a contoured jaw line and at the same time fortify the skin’s barrier to strengthen against pollution and gain a smoother texture.
I went in search for a bespoke service, with a good reputation and one that was not going to frighten my credit card. On so many occasions, I have interviewed others who have reported the run-of-the-mill facials, leaving with the feeling of being yet another customer filling an appointment and then faced, at the finale, with a sales pitch, as well as an eye-watering charge. No thanks. I was therefore heartened in my quest to be recommended to The Vanity Lab, located in the suburban surrounds of Beckenham, Kent. They also practise in Harley Street in West London which itself carries a gold stamp of approval but this place seemed more welcoming and a less scary environment. Through the glass doors it’s stylish in pink and chrome, compact and contemporary with a smiley, friendly and professional team.
Before arrival I had completed questionnaires with my medical history and my concerns. So now both parties were ready and my facial journey began with a consultation. Firstly, I was invited to lean into the revolutionary Observ Skin Analysis Scanner which accurately diagnosed my skin conditions both on and under the skin’s surface. Utilising LED lighting and the skin’s own florescence, it is the latest in skin analysis detecting inflammation, pigmentation and dehydration (as well as so much more I suspect).
The scanned images were then presented in full glory on an iPad. These speckled images in varying colours and shades depicted scary and confusing results. But each was explained in depth with treatment solutions and compiled into a suggested bespoke programme. It all made sense after querying those complicated medical terms and names. It was also reassuring to hear that their policy is that any suggested programme would not start immediately. The Vanity Lab insists on giving you time to think about your facial needs before going ahead, allowing time for any further questions about the treatments. (An hour consultation costs £50 redeemable against future treatments).
In today’s world there is a growing obsession to look younger but this can be at the expense of long-term health and as demand for the newest craze of treatments grow so do the number of practices and therapists, many of whom that may not be certified. It is vital to do the research and trust only those who are qualified. Each of us has our individual skin requirements, due to our DNA and lifestyle. One treatment or product does not suit us all.
My own research has paid off. I have heard recommendations by word of mouth, dug deep to check out qualifications and testimonials, visited the location and invested in a consultation. At this stage of my facial journey, I’m very happy with the environment and the detailed advice of the bespoke treatment plan designed purely for me. And yes, it’s an age thing to find the best place that can help me be the best I can.
My next visit will involve my first facial which I’m advised will involve laser light to remove redness, veins and hyperpigmentation, a skin peel to remove dead cells, suction which is used in a hydra facial and then be put under a medical grade red LED light which is anti-aging and promotes collagen. Read about the experience in my next article.
About The Vanity Lab
The Vanity Lab specialises in facial rejuvenation using non-surgical treatments. The staff are fully qualified to give injectable treatments and members of the NMC and BACN. It is owned and run by Lucy McGeough, a Registered Nurse and Independent Nurse Prescriber. With aesthetic training at SK:N Clinic on Harley Street in London she is fully qualified to carry out fine lines and wrinkles treatment/consultation and fillers. In 2013 she launched Vanity Lab. She has spent a long time studying and researching natural and alternative therapies and can advise on holistic remedies which can aid the body to heal naturally.
Vanity Lab London, 257 Croydon Rd, Beckenham BR3 3PS.
Tel: 02086582984
https://www.vanitylablondon.co.uk
info@vanitylablondon.co.uk
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