Bringing the mysteries of Russia to London with ingredients that remained secret to the rest of the world for thousands of years, K West Hotel and Spa explains why the Russie Blanche Sibérian Petals Facial is every city girl’s must-have treat … as Celebrity Spa Reviewer, Martel Maxwell, can tell you!

What exactly is the Russie Blanche Sibérian Petals Facial?

There are three stages in the facial.  The cleansing phase starts with a Pearl Jelly cleanser to remove make-up, and a White Toner to open the pores, followed by a gentle exfoliating cream to purify the skin.  Next is the treatment phase, where the face is massaged with a Hydra Rose, Black Orchid and Sibérian Golden Root Moisturising Elixir to lift the skin. Then, a cool-effect mask is applied to the face and neck to close and tighten the pores. It is left on for 10-15 minutes while cooling eye pads are applied and a scalp or hand and arm massage is performed. To finish the treatment stage, a few drops of Multi-Concentrated Revitalizing Serum is applied to the entire face and neck with a thrumming motion. The fast pressure facilitates the penetration of the product. This gives the skin a brighter, more radiant glow.  In the final phase of the treatment, a Revitalizing and Moisturizing Cream is applied to leave the skin supple and soft.

Where does it come from?

The Sibérian Petals Facial products are formulated by Russie Blanche, a brand combining French expertise with carefully chosen ingredients and traditional treatment rituals inspired by the famous Russian “Banïya”. The exclusive formulas are developed in Paris and do not contain parabens, artificial colours, mineral oil, silicone or any animal raw materials.  The name Russie Blanche evokes the Russian origins of its founder, Julia Lemigova, the source of its ingredients, and the purity and natural specificities of its products.  The star on the brand’s logo symbolises the flower of Sibérian Golden Root, one of the most important ingredients in the line, while the colours used are white and black, symbolically differentiating between the face and the body lines and the contrast between the cold of the winter and the heat of the Russian Banïya.  The ingredients used in the products are also important to the brand’s history - Sibérian Golden Root or Rhodiola Rosea has been traditionally used in Russia for ages to increase longevity, stress and fatigue resistance. Since the 1960s, Russian Cosmonauts and Olympic Athletes have been taking Golden Root to increase their performance, but it was only in the ‘90s that its mysteries were revealed to the rest of the world.  Sibérian Ginseng / Eleuthero is also key; a small tree belonging to the same family as ginseng, it is particularly resistant to the coldest climates. Recognized for more than 4000 years by the Chinese medicine, Sibérian Ginseng is traditionally used to reinforce the body.

What is it supposed to do?

Exclusive to K Spa, the Siberian Petals Facial uses only Russie Blanche products and techniques.  This facial combines the signature ritual with customised skin care, harnessing the powers of the Sibérian Petals, a deep cleanse using Pearl Jelly and White Toner opens the pores, before a specific massage treatment with the Hydra Rose, Black Orchid and Sibérian Golden Root Moisturising Elixir is applied using tailored techniques depending on skin type. This lifts the skin on the face.  The Cool-Effect face mask helps to bring immediate radiance and fresh sparkle to the complexion. When your skin feels below par and looks lacklustre, this facial is perfect for immediately brightening and revitalising.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

The products used are specifically tailored towards lightening, refining, rejuvenating, hydrating and inspiring radiance in the skin. The Sibérian Petals Facial harnesses the power of Sibérian Ginseng and White Orchid, which re-energise the skin.  K Spa’s environment is also calming, providing a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, so the relaxing environment aids the rejuvenation and de-stressing of the skin.

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

Guests are advised to use the wet spa area of K Spa. This includes a twinkling hydrotherapy pool, sanarium, sauna, and an aromatic herbal steam room. It also has London’s first Snow Paradise, which mimics the Finnish experience of alternating between freezing and steamy environments.  The sudden and extreme change in temperature stimulates the body’s circulation, which is beneficial for the immune and respiratory system.  The snow is made exclusively of air and water and contains no chemical additives, and the use of the wet spa helps to keep the benefits of the treatment for longer, relaxing the mind and the skin.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It is ideal for dry, dehydrated, dull, mature and normal skin.