Why it works … Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lifting Facial

Proving that Mother Nature knows an awful lot more than we do, the key to Elemis’ anti-ageing facials comes from a ship-wreck at the bottom of the deep blue sea - as Ragdale Hall’s Senior Beauty Therapist Sarah-Louise Waters explains …

What does the Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lifting Facial involve?

It’s a 30 minute facial, and as with all Elemis treatments, it starts with a foot cleansing routine using reflexology points.  The skin is then cleansed, toned and warmed with a facial compress before a massage which focuses on using lifting and draining techniques.  The treatment includes a lot of massage around the eye area and contouring in that region of the face.  We then do an exfoliation, and apply a Quartz Lifting Serum that’s specific to this facial and add a setting mask over the top.  We do a scalp massage while the mask is on and the apply a second Pro-Collagen Quartz Lifting Mask.  When that is removed we apply a serum, lifting neck and bust cream, the famous Marine Cream, and a new eye and lip contour cream to finish.

Where does it come from?

It was created by Elemis - but as with most of their anti-ageing treatments, at the crux of it is a seaweed called Padina Pavonica, which was originally discovered by a diver in a ship wreck who noticed that the wood in one area was better preserved than in others because of the presence of this seaweed.  It was preserving the calcium in the wood because of the way it affects cell structure, and the effect is similar on our skin.

What is it supposed to do?

It is an anti-ageing treatment which re-awakens skin cells and helps them to communicate with one another.  It’s about getting the skin to tighten and tauten against the muscles.  The ingredients have an immediate effect because the serum tightens the skin, while the masks and moisturisers have a longer term effect.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

There isn’t anything in particular beforehand - just spend some time enjoying the spa and the thermal experiences.  Afterwards, it sounds like a sales tool, but realistically the treatments work best if you use the home care routine as well - it’s like going to the gym, you have to keep doing it.  We recommend having a facial once a month, and using the home care products in between … and try not to jump in the pool immediately after the treatment and wash off all the products!

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

Someone who feels as though they are losing the elasticity in the skin or if it’s not as tight as it once was - that can happen at any age, but particularly for anyone over the age of 45 years old.  It is an anti-ageing treatment predominantly, and as most ageing is caused by sun damage it is good for that as well - the only part of ageing that it does not target is pigmentation - there are other facials for that!

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment?

I would say that there are other treatments better suited to younger age groups unless they do have a lot of sun damage.  If you have a facial cancer then it’s best to avoid it, but if you have had other cancers then the massage element can be adapted.

To visit Ragdale Hall go to Spabreaks.com or contact the team on 0800 043 6600.