Do you pamper yourself often? Many of us prioritize everything else before taking care of ourselves, especially when there are countless things to do in a day. This treatment might change your mind when it comes to looking after yourself and feeling rejuvenated. I decided to treat myself to a Yoga Facial after hearing about the non-invasive treatment online. My skin was looking tired, dehydrated, and prone to breakouts due to my lifestyle, pollution, and sun exposure. So, I took a trip to Aesthetics Labs, nestled in London’s Belgravia with another location in Primrose Hill.
Aesthetics Labs offers a variety of non-surgical skin and body treatments, including 3D Rejuvenation, HydraFacial, Microneedling, Plasma Facials, Alab Yoga Facial, and CoolSculpting. I went for the Alab Yoga Facial, which claims to calm and refresh the skin, something I definitely needed. The treatment is also designed to relieve any tension from the face, neck, and head.
But what exactly is a Yoga Facial? Dermatologist and founder of Sky Clinic, Salome Dharamshi, explained that face yoga “lifts the facial structure and tones the skin.” It not only reduces tension and “decreases the signs of aging, especially in the mid and lower face” but also “improves blood and lymph flow, making skin more glowing and healthier looking.”
Facialist Alicia Falero from The Skin Culturist described face yoga as “a popular trend for some people looking into non-invasive ways to improve their appearance and to look younger.” She added, “Face yoga combines facial exercises and massages that target your skin, facial muscles, and lymphatic system. There are many muscles in your face and neck, more than just the ones you use for expressions, so these exercises aim to engage and move all muscles.” Strengthening specific facial muscles can sculpt your jawline, improve jowls, decrease face puffiness, and improve overall skin tightness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. While the benefits of facial exercises are inconclusive, some studies suggest that daily facial exercises may improve the volume around the upper lip, cheeks, and jawline, decreasing the appearance of saggy skin and wrinkles.
Before your Alab Yoga Facial, a professional will discuss your skin health and daily skincare regimen, as well as any issues affecting your skin, before conducting a skin assessment. This allows them to tailor your treatment to your individual needs.
The treatment is non-invasive and lasts for an hour. An aesthetician (mine was called Tania, who was professional, lovely to chat with, and made me feel calm throughout) took a before picture of my skin to show what it was really like up close. Before receiving the Yoga Facial treatment, I had to get into a detoxifying, lymphatic drainage suit. This is part of the treatment which helps to flush toxins from your body and improve your overall skin health. It can feel strange and claustrophobic at first with the material going up to your waist and adding pressure to your legs, but you soon forget about it after your facial begins.
Tania then gave my facial muscles a mini workout, adding deep pressure massage techniques and using skincare products to heal and soothe your skin. Just 10 minutes in, and I could already feel the difference. The treatment lasts for 60 minutes, and the site recommends having between one to six sessions to feel the benefits. The expert can target all of the areas in need of soothing, lifting, and firming. They will knead, stretch, and exert select pressure points to encourage the lymphatic release of toxins. While also heightening oxygen levels in your facial muscles to help tone them, the Alab Yoga Facial also stimulates the natural production of collagen and elasticity to further enhance your skin tone post-treatment. This particular facial has been designed by skin experts to lift and revitalize your skin. It takes a holistic approach, combining deep tissue massage and lymphatic drainage with cosmeceutical products proven to improve skin health.
Once the hour was up, my skin felt so much more refreshed and dewy, and the yoga workout relaxed my mind and skin. You could certainly see the difference when Tania took a photo of my skin after my treatment was done. I’d definitely recommend this treatment to anyone who is feeling a little “urgh” about their skin and looking for a little pick me up. My skin has never looked so good.
