From the pleasingly imposing “dentist’s chair” that fully reclines to form a comfy treatment bed; to the doctors and nurses who are all introduced by first name - the Waterhouse Young Clinic has established itself as a unique hybrid of scientific and luxurious.
And the real beauty is that whilst it is incredibly results-driven, it doesn’t feel at all clinical.
Adhering to the theory of beauty from the inside out, the waiting area is a well-stocked haven of fruit, nuts and super food health drinks (detox, anti-ageing or vitamin boost – take your pick). The water is pleasingly icy, the sofas are mega comfy (and adorned with only the glossiest of mags - nice touch), and you are offered a luxe-looking blanket should you feel a tad chilly. You feel healthier just for being there.
I chose a Hydrafacial, which essentially does exactly what it says on the tin. It is a bespoke treatment that involves a series of acids (hyaluronic and glycolic are key) being infused into the skin via a small suction machine. Crucially, the nurse delivering your treatment is able to identify areas that are dry or oily (or indeed anything in-between), and target these with the appropriate acid.
And for those quite strong of stomach, all of the sebum and bacteria extracted from clogged pores, blemishes and blackheads is available for inspection post-treatment. I must admit thought, darlings – I deigned to overlook that part of the process.
Curious as to what else the clinic could tell me about my skin aside from a reasonably gross bacterial build-up, I had a facial analysis, which involves a series of photographs being taken by a machine much like that curious iris scanner-machine at the airport these days. The machine reads deep into your skin, revealing problem area such as pigmentation, fine lines, UV damage and enlarged pores. And why, aside from a masochistic tendency, would you subject your skin to this? Simply: prevention is better than cure. It reveals areas that – without due care and attention – may cause a problem in ten or twenty years’ time. FYI: it is scientifically proven that skin degeneration begins as early as age 25..
For my enlarged pores (who knew), I was advised to switch to a glycolic –based cleanser, and to treat two minor pigmentation clumps with an anti-oxidant rich serum.
Aside from the pre-requisite glowingly dewy skin, I left the clinic an hour later with a far greater understanding of my skin’s health, and with the confidence to choose the correct skincare (let’s be honest, who doesn’t get dazed by the vast array of lotions and potions available, and their veritable smogorasboard of promises?)
The Waterhouse Young Clinic is a must-visit for anyone who is truly interested in their skin and would rather be a driver than a passenger in their journey through skin ageing.
The Hydrafacial treatment leaves skin soft to the touch and pleasingly supple – in fact, I defy you not to surepticiously attempt some Am Dram warm-up expressions on the tube ride home.. And it passed the kiss test with Mr. C – soft soft soft!
