When you're about to hit 30, you start to notice a difference in your skin. I know everyone says the big three oh is nothing to stress about but trust me, as one who is a mere four months away from saying cheerio to her twenties, I can tell you things are a-changing.
For example, when I was in my early and mid-twenties I could go out all night, get two hours sleep, drink everything I could see, smoke twenty fags and get up the next day looking blearily fine. Someone fresh-faced who knew how to have a good time. These days, my day after face is grey and sad. I can see every drink and "cheeky" cig on my forehead. It's devastating and I'm not taking this ageing thing lying down.
So with spring in the pipeline - and less hats covering my face - I take myself to Paul Edmonds in Knightsbridge for the salon's Ultimate Detox Facial.
My therapist Saynab escorts me to a room that's both clinical and cosy (see above), telling me I look "so tired" but not to worry, she'll make me look better. I trust her, she's a safe pair of hands, she'll sort this face out.
And she does. There's cleansing, extraction, exfoliation, two masks, serum, moisturiser and eye cream - it's all about Environ's antioxidant lotions and potions. Saynab says my skin "drinks up" the product - cold weather leaves you with a dry dermis apparently - and advises products with vitamin C if I want to preserve my skin like a good jam.
Like all good facials, I'm blotchy when I leave the salon but feel more relaxed than I have since Halloween in 2011. That night I sleep for 12 hours and wake up looking dewey and fresh. Positively glowing and about 26-ish. I preen all day. Want to get a spring fresh day in just an hour? This one is for you.
The Ultimate Detox Facial from Paul Edmonds is £80 for 60 minutes. Visit the salon website for more information.
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