WOW! The Facial That Stops Time

When it comes to facials there is always something new to try, be it cutting edge technology or high end lotions and potions. But how many ‘revolutionary’ treatments really do have the wow factor? Something that leaves you looking or feeling like it has really made a difference?

It’s always great to lie back and relax, and a facial is a a perfect way of grabbing some me time and maintaining healthy skin for the body part always on show. But those that relax you rarely make much of an aesthetic difference, and those that do tend to have a 24 hour downtime period during which you resemble a pin-pricked tomato.

So what would you say if I told you I’ve found a facial that not only offers a luxurious 90 minutes of ‘me time, but leaves you glowing and spritely the second you walk out the door, with results that last for weeks?

WOW! You’d say. And I’d say Wow back. Not because we’re ridiculously overenthusiastic people with limited vocabulary, but because that’s what it’s called. The WOW facial – and I’ve been converted.

I booked in for this six-step bespoke treatment at Vie Aesthetics in Harley Street. It’s important to do your research when it comes to anyone sticking pins in your face and I’d read that microneedling is part of the process. Vie is a CQC-regulated, Save Face-accredited medical clinic so while I wasn’t going for injectables it is reassuring to know that all staff are comprehensively trained to a high professional standard.

My aesthetician was Maria – Magical Maria I would like to rename her as everything from her manner to her gentle hands made this one of the most enjoyable facials I’ve ever experienced.

Maria started by discussing my expectations and requirement, I told her my forehead was permanently dented from hours of furrowing my brow trying to homeschool and hold down full-time work during lockdown. No problem, she said. I also mentioned slight pigmentation above my eyebrow and a dislike of my T-zone complexion. No problem, she said again, then set to work organising the best products for my skin, to reduce oiliness on the forehead, and attack those wrinkles. My ‘smile lines’ would also be ‘plumped’ Maria assured me, and I lay back to enjoy the preparation and cleanse step which involves a gentle exfoliate and massage using premium WOW products.

Next comes the peel and treat which offers a choice of four targeted results – Bright, Clarify, Glow, Resurface – I went for glow, and it certainly lived up to its promise.

Next comes the least comfortable bit which is the WOW fusion – a unique cocktail created specifically to suit individual skin which can target hyperpigmentation, vitamin deficiencies, signs of ageing or simply a slightly lacklustre complexion. The fusion is administered via microneedling equipment – and there is the option of added Botox for those that want something more long-lasting – and while I can’t say it’s comfortable, it’s more like prickly heat than the pain of something such as the Morpheus 8 which penetrates much deeper (for more dramatic results) and lasts a lot longer.

That stage was over quickly though, and then Maria moved on to her magical mask. WOW light therapy involves placing an LED mask over the face to encourage the healing process and stimulate natural collagen using professional strength red, blue and green LED lights. And while you’re lying there looking like phantom with a full mask, Magical Maria (should you be lucky enough to have her) administers the most relaxing and reviving head massage you could dream of.

Finally a WOW mask is applied for extra nourishment, then a rich eye cream and SPF50 to ensure your skin is protected for the rest of the day.

As Maria took my after photos I could see my skin was plumper already, and the LED light had taken away all signs of redness. But the best results aren’t as you exit the building back onto bustling Harley Street, they come up to a week later.

Every day in the week that followed I studied my face and could see it settling into plumper and fresher features, and the results lasted well into month two after having it done.

Maria says some people opt for a fortnightly treatment to keep things tip top, others can go for up to 12 weeks, it depends on your expectations, age and skin type, and how dramatic you want the effect to be. At £250 a session it isn’t cheap, but you really do see results.

For me – I met with friends four days later and each individually told me how great my skin looked, and several asked what foundation I was wearing. I wasn’t wearing any and put that solely down to the effects of the WOW.

There’s something very special about the Vie Clinic atmosphere that leaves you settled and relaxed. It’s got a clinical feel but with a personal touch.

• For more information visit www.vie-aesthetics.com or call 020 7164 6140.