A great skincare clinic you like and trust can be the difference between being happy with your ageing skin or not and thankfully I’ve found one I can see myself using long term. Dr Ana The Skin Clinic invited me for a facial using SkinCeuticals products and I’m not looking back.

Firstly, the clinic is tranquil and well kitted out, so I felt relaxed and in safe hands immediately. Dr Ana was on hand to answer questions – she’s hugely experienced and calm which feels important when entrusting somebody with your face.

Secondly, I was subjected to the dreaded LED SkinScope which is a full analysis of the skin highlighting sun damage, congested pores, uneven texture and more. Obviously, it’s terrifying and I looked like a decrepit elder from Avatar, but apparently, I’m not in bad shape so that’s good to know.

Then onto the treatment. The facial entailed multiple stages including lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and bring oxygen to the skin’s surface, exfoliation using glycolic and salicylic acid, chemical peeling, extraction – essentially a mini hoover to suck out any nasties, a combo of SkinCeuticals antioxidants followed by LED therapy in combination with SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective serum, hydrating B5 serum to super charge collagen production and a HydraFacial AOX serum which feeds the skin with antioxidants and peptides to brighten and tighten all topped off with SkinCeuticals mist, hydrator and SPF.

That sounds like a lot of processes when written down, but it all felt very relaxing and extremely nourishing. I didn’t do my usual beauty regime before bed as instructed in order to get the maximum benefits from the products and definitely woke up looking fresher than usual. The clinic recommends a treatment every month which seems doable – the cost is £140 and it takes 1.5 hours.

I’ve also slotted SkinCeuticals products into my routine to keep up the good work in between treatments which is definitely making a difference. The H.A. Intensifier serum every evening is particularly good as is the Simply Clean cleanser. For reference, I’m 47 years old and have normal skin, but the clinic can tailor treatments and products to your particular skin type.

It’s important to say that although this was a complimentary treatment and some SkinCeuticals products were gifted, I wasn’t obliged to write lovely things. I’ve been gifted beauty products and treatments in the past that I haven’t enjoyed or haven’t made a jot of difference and I just haven’t written about them at all. There’s enough nonsense in the beauty industry without me adding to it, so you can rest assured I loved it. It doesn’t mean you will, but it’s definitely worth a look.