Arturo facial review
Arturo facial review
Give your skin some TLC after the summer and prepare for the autumn months ahead
If you’re just back from a holiday in the sun, your skin may be feeling tighter and drier than usual. Even if you’ve religiously layered on the SPF and rinsed off after every dip in the pool or sea, long flights, endless air-con and humid weather can take their toll. Add in late nights, and perhaps more cocktails than usual, then your skin is likely to have suffered.
I headed to Arturo in Kingston to find out the best ways to regain skin health after the summer months and prepare for the autumn ahead.
The salon, on Richmond Road, is a bright welcoming space with a peaceful private room for treatments.
With an extensive background in skincare, Tracy is hugely knowledgeable on all things skin health. She started with an in-depth consultation about my health generally and my main skincare concerns – for me, that is a loss of collagen and emerging wrinkles.
A facial is usually recommended every four to six weeks and my initial session focused on getting to know my skin, with nourishing and hydrating the priority. The treatment began with a double cleanse, followed by a gentle enzymatic exfoliant and light extractions (mainly on the chin and nose). Tracy then used ultrasound technology to enhance serum absorption: the herb centella asiatica, known as an antioxidant, and vitamin C were chosen for their soothing and hydrating properties.
A mask rich in omegas 3 and 6 was applied to support the skin barrier and help with dryness. A lifting massage with lymphatic drainage boosted circulation. The session finished with light therapy to promote collagen, firmness, and overall radiance. My skin looked glowing afterwards and it was a hugely relaxing experience.
We also talked about therapies that I could include for my next treatment that would help me achieve my skincare goals. These include Zemits microcurrent therapy to gently stimulate facial muscles and improve tone, firmness and radiance, while radio frequency, which uses controlled heat, could be used to boost collagen and elastin production. Together, they can help reduce fine lines, tighten sagging skin and restore a smoother, more lifted appearance over time.
Tracy then talked about the importance of my homecare routine – I know I could do better, with cosmetic wipes and a dash of moisturiser in the morning being about the most I get round to on a daily basis.
A double cleanse in the evening is highly recommended – the first pass will help to remove all the surface pollutants as well as residual products applied in the morning. The second cleanse will thoroughly remove anything else from the pores, so you’ll be able to absorb more from your skincare. A thorough double cleanse helps to keep skin cleaner, healthier and slow down the aging process as it removes pollutants and free radicals.
After cleansing, it’s important to apply the lightest products to thickest/heaviest, Tracy explained. This can mean applying toner, mists, or hyaluronic acid first followed by serums. A light oil should be applied before your moisturiser, whereas a heavier one needs to be applied last to help lock in all the moisture and create a barrier.
One of my big concerns is that I have lines around the mouth. A gua sha tool 1-3 times a week (3-5 passes per area) can help. This massage technique can also boost circulation, relieve muscle tension, and helps your skin look brighter and more sculpted and lifted. Regular use can also improve product absorption for a healthy, glowing complexion. Tracy says to work upwards, and outwards for best results.
Arturo favours the Esse range of skincare products. For me, Tracy recommended the Esse Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, which can help support collagen without irritation. She also recommended its Protect Pol to strengthen the skin
Finally, I asked Tracy for her tips as we move into the autumn months:
– Continue wearing SPF as it’s important to keep your skin protected from the UV rays.
– Switch moisturiser to a heavier one or add in an oil, this will nourish the skin and keep moisture locked in.
– Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin build up.
– Hydration: What you eat is also important. Having soups and herbal teas can help with skin hydration and nutrients to keep skin hydrated and supple.
– It’s tempting to take hot showers and use hot water to clean the face, but it is better to keep the water warm to prevent dry sensitised skin.
- 90 minute Signature Facials from £150
72 Richmond Road,
Kingston upon Thames
