Pride tests the most exciting, non-invasive and innovative treatments around. By Shevelle Rhule.
The Fish Pedicure
This new beauty craze involves immersing your feet in a tank of warm water filled with tiny flesh-eating Garra Rufa fish from Turkey, which nibble on the hard, dead skin. The toothless fish always leave the healthy skin beneath and basically work as a living alternative to the pumice stone. Even so, I head to Malika salon in St Paul’s, London, with some trepidation. There are four tanks filled with the tiny fishes, and I am handed a glass of Cava (to calm my obvious nerves) before I hesitantly put my feet it. My first reaction is complete and uncontrollable giggles, and I’m not too sure I like the sensation either. I find myself unconsciously kicking my feet out and then feeling an immense amount of guilt about potentially killing a fish. It is pretty ticklish, but once I get over the school of fish clearly enjoying nibbling my toes, I begin to relax. In fact, watching the fish swim around your feet is bizarrely calming too. After 30 minutes, when I’m asked to take my feet out, I feel a little disappointed – I was beginning to get used to it. The therapist then moisturised my feet, which feel delightfully softer and smoother than before. This treatment is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from eczema and psoriasis, as the fish saliva contains a unique healing protein. I am so happy with the outcome of my session, I treat myself to the Kurt Geiger sale.
Prices start from £15. For more information, visit www.malika.co.uk
The Fat Freeze
After years of testing non-invasive treatments that claim to reduce fat – from electrolysis (like being punched in the stomach over and over) to odd massage techniques (inches lost: nil) – I didn’t set my hopes high when offered the Cryo Freeze at the Aesthetic Medical Clinic. The treatment works by freezing fat cells, permanently destroying up to 40% of fat in one session. My problem area is the lower part of my stomach, which never seems to go, no matter how much I diet or exercise. I lie back, and a machine with a large suction apparatus is wheeled over to me. A thin sheet with a liquid substance is placed on my stomach, as is the suction device. There is a strange vacuum sensation of having your skin pulled, and then you practically forget it’s there. Clients who have tried this treatment have napped, continued work-related calls or read a book. The hour goes surprisingly quick. When the device is taken off, it hurts for about five minutes, and the area feels numb and cold to the touch. I am told to expect the area to feel tender for 2–3 days and that I will see inch loss after three weeks, as the metabolism flushes away the dead fat cells naturally up to six weeks later. A topical mixture is injected into the numb skin to accelerate the removal of the fat cells. After a month, my silhouette looks flatter, and I can definitely see a reduction in bulk. I’ve lost two inches in total, enough to fit in my skinny jeans. I’m a happy girl.
Prices start from £800. For more information, please contact the Aesthetic Medical Clinic on 020 7636 1313.
The Pigment Clearer
I’ve been suffering from a few bad breakouts recently that have left me with some dark marks on my face, so I jumped at the chance to try a new skin-peel treatment to lighten dark marks and scars caused by acne at The Renew Medica clinic in the City. Upon arrival, I was taken to a private room for a consultation. I was prescribed the Renew Skin Lift, using the Image 30% Vitamin C Enzyme Resurfacing Solution. The treatment was customised by adding a special skin-lightening enhancer called Kojic acid and a few drops of high-potency retinol. Although this treatment is essentially a skin peel, it felt more like a facial. The Total Resurfacing Mask used was lovely and left my skin feeling fresh and smooth. Lastly, the Renew Skin Lift was smoothed on to my face. This clear gel was on my skin only for a few minutes, but I could immediately feel a tingling sensation. Just when I thought it could get too much, it was removed and my face was cleansed. After the facial I could immediately see a glow to my skin, even through make-up, which was okay to apply straight after. As this was a peel, a couple of days later I had a few dry patches of skin around where my dark marks were, and the skin underneath was a bit lighter. Although my skin wasn’t completely “cured”, after the treatment I certainly noticed an improvement and would definitely complete a course to see the full effects.
Prices start from £80. For more information, contact The Renew Medica City on 0844 576 8309.
