Why it works … Valmont Facial, Summit of the Cervin

London’s Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre at Cafe Royal combines wellbeing with results driven treatments.  From Swiss origin, their Valmont Facial exemplifies that ideology, bringing together the powers of glacier waters and mountain life for an anti-ageing facial to lift and firm the skin and soothe wrinkles…

What exactly is the Valmont Facial?

It’s an anti-ageing treatment that focuses on lifting and firming the skin.  We follow the Valmont protocol in delivering the treatment, which means starting with a cleanse and an exfoliation with a powdered vitamin C.  Immediately, the skin will be brighter afterwards.

After that we do a massage using two different methods to tone the skin. We focus on the main areas where there are likely to be wrinkles, for example around the mouth and eyes.  

It’s quite an intense treatment. Then we apply a collagen mask for around 30 minutes. At the end we apply a serum that’s a lifting concentrate, an eye cream and a moisturiser.

Where does it come from?

It’s from the Valmont brand.  It’s a Swiss company that was built originally as a clinic on the banks of Lake Geneva, surrounded by mountains and forests.  

It’s always been popular with celebrities and it was thought that the use of glacier water in the treatments was one of the key reasons for the excellent results.  So while they decided to develop their own product line based on the glacier water.

Products also contain salmon DNA and magnesium to help cells to regenerate. All the main ingredients are from the Valmont farm that continues to exist today.

What is the facial supposed to do?

It’s an anti-ageing treatment focusing on lifting and firming.  We use two different product lines. One that’s especially for targeting wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin.  The other is more for toning the skin.

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

We recommend using the sauna, the pool and any other facilities before the treatment to prepare the skin and to relax.  Afterwards we suggest you don’t use facilities for at least two hours so as not to remove products. It’s best to leave them on the skin for a few hours afterwards.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

It’s most effective on or mature skin.  However, it can be adapted to suit those under the age of 50 as well if you’re concerned about wrinkles.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

It is not really for anyone under the age of 25, and it’s not suitable if you have had botox within the last two days.  If you have had any kind of surgery near your face you should consult a doctor and speak to your therapist before booking.  

It is also wise to be mindful about any allergies, especially to collagen or vitamin C, and to make your therapist aware before booking.  It is however ok for pregnant women after the first trimester.