Unlike many facials I’ve experienced, Akrim’s is a head-to-toe experience. First, I’m asked to slip into the Slimyonik Air Bodystyler. These are essentially computer-controlled trousers (yes, like something out of Wallace And Gromit, but bear with me). The device boosts circulation and metabolism by stimulating the lymphatic system, thanks to intermittent compression wave massages. It sort of feels like you’re being squeezed for a few seconds at a time throughout the facial. It’s a real two-in-one treatment.
In true Akrim fashion, the facial involves a lot of massage. Targeting every niggle from my furrowed brow to the crown of my head with a bone-focused massage to encourage circulation in the delicate areas of tissue. The goal? To stimulate blood flow and drain any excess fluid from my body. Akrim’s technique is incredibly gentle, while being firm – but by no means uncomfortable – in areas where I held a lot of tension. In fact, I fell asleep until I was woken up by a blast of oxygen that was helping a serum sink in.
A gentle peel, a sheet mask, frozen cryo balls and an extraction to remove any debris from my pores were included throughout the hour-long session. I had gone in feeling tired and stuffy and left feeling revitalised. My skin was glowing, if not a little red from all the bloody flow that had rushed to my cheeks.
Unlike other facials, there’s no downtime (other than the momentary redness), but Akrim is adamant that I steer clear of any alcohol that evening and make sure to drink plenty of water to help aid in the detoxifying process. The good news is that if you book an evening spot, you’re already prepped and ready for bed – no need to wash anything off.
Any tension I was previously holding on to vanished from my troublesome areas, such as my brows and jaw, and my face looked noticeably more awake. Although the lifting and sculpting effects are impossible to cling to long-term, if you’re noticing your skin looks and feels sluggish, this is the definition of a skin reboot. I mean, if it’s good enough for Bella Hadid…
