It’s universally known that a poor diet, the sun and the city’s pollution will affect your skin. My commute to work is unequivocally unpleasant for my skin too; a full hour door to door, walking, the London underground tube followed by more rushing around the decidedly polluted Regents Street. When you’ve those types of filthy germs contaminating skin, a skin detox can become virtually impossible. Hydration is important to prevent the break down of collagen and without water, you end up lose elasticity and that fuller, youthful complexion. But sometimes drinking fluids isn’t enough. When my skin’s not in the best condition, I’ll get a duller skin tone with the potential risk of dreadful blotchy patches. Add to that red wine and a cheese board everyday over the Christmas holidays and voila, my skin is truly in dire need of some attention.

You’ve probably heard of CACI before. Champneys Spas, Four Seasons Hotels and The Ritz Carlton are just a selection of the luxury hotels who have given superb testimonials for the CACI treatments that they have in house. It’s even become a bit of a cult sensation among stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston, right through to the likes of Lisa Snowdon and Martine McCutcheon.

CACI focus their treatments around the main concerns; facial toning, lines and wrinkles, eye bags, acne and blemishes, hands, skin peeling, hydration and the neck. Their handy treatment chart will guide you through each of the relevant treatments according to what your issues are so you don’t feel overwhelmed. The ‘Non Surgical FaceLift’ is a must try.  

Lucky for me, I was able to have an at-home facial by the lovely Jules Wheeler. Jules is a celebrity facialist whose discretion and sixteen years experience is well known among the big name set. On her website (www.juleswskincare.com) you can read all about her treatments and ingredients used.   Jules could tell just from looking at my face what I needed and the areas in most distress. Exciting times for Daniel too as he was also offered a CACI facial – his first facial ever! As I relaxed in my lounge, laying on the bed that Jules had brought all wrapped up in the velvety blanket, I closed my eyes and listened to the soft music playing from her speakers.

Orbital Dermabrasion

I’ve had dermabrasion before that was wonderful at getting rid of scars and removing that horrible top layer of dull skin. For those new to dermabrasion or nervous to try it, you can rest assure that you’re in safe hands with CACI as they use individual abrasive tips that are thrown away after use (super hygienic) and you’ve a choice of 4 power levels so it’ll never be too harsh. My skin was buffed and exfoliated until smooth and visibly clear. 

Wrinkle comb

When Jules mentioned ‘wrinkle comb’, naturally I expected myself to look like I did at 14. A throwback to clear skin and a time where there were no such thing as late nights, alcohol and hours spent in an air conditioned office. I totally noticed the difference  afterwards and when I saw Dan for the first time after his, I literally couldn’t stop fussing and staring at his forehead. His was such an obvious difference, I think I made him look in the mirror about seven times that afternoon.

Here’s the science bit. LED photo stimulation is combined with high frequency microcurrent and it’s the synergy of these two technologies that plumps out and softens lines and wrinkles. It’s the perfect non invasive, needle free alternative to collagen injections and other dermal fillers.

Hydratone