FACIALS
Every facial treatment at Canonbury Beauty is tailored to your skin and no two are the same. To ensure the right treatment for you all of our relaxing and rejuvenating facials includes an examination of your skin to determine its properties. If you are new we recommend adding a complimentary 10min consultation, which you can book online.
While no two facials are the same, they all have common features:
- A facial cleanse to remove oil, dirt and other debris
- Exfoliation to take away dead skin
Steaming to clear pores, aid circulation and hydrate - Extraction of whiteheads and blackheads from pores
- A face mask to remove excess oil, close the pores and soften the skin
- Finally, while the mask works its magic, a neck, face and shoulder massage
DISCOVER YOUR SKIN TYPE
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It is incredibly reactive to external factors like the climate, the time of year, and the products we put on it. One of the most important things in understanding our skin and learning to care for it is to determine skin type.
This short quiz will give you an idea of your skin type, and suggest a few treatment options that could benefit you.
1) What best describes the appearance of pores on your face?
2) At the end of the day how does your skin feel?
Your skin type is Oily. Oily skin tends to age better than other types, but it can also be difficult to manage. People with oily skin may struggle with face shine, large or clogged pores, and breakouts. They may find it difficult to wear adequate SPF protection or maintain a face of makeup throughout the day.
What is oily skin?
The face naturally produces a waxy, oily substance called sebum, which can sometimes get a bad reputation from products and creams that claim to eliminate it. In reality, sebum protects and hydrates the skin- it’s just that with oily skin types the sebaceous glands are producing more than what is necessary.
Many products that claim to be designed for oily skin actually dry it out excessively, which often ends up increasing oil production. Cleansing with a gentle, water-soluable cleanser, followed by an alcohol-free toner, a chemical exfoliant, and a gel moisturiser is usually recommended as part of a skin routine for oily skin types.
Pores
When the pores in your skin are over-producing oil, they are more likely to be enlarged and as a result may become clogged with oil, dead skin, and pollution. If you find your skin is becoming irritated or breakout-prone we’d recommend a deep pore cleanse that will extract impurities such as blackheads, and prepare your face for any antibacterial topical treatments, serums, or creams that will work to clear up and heal any irritation. Whatever treatment you choose, it will include an examination of your skin to determine your skin type, which your therapist will use to adapt treatments and products to your specific skin profile. If you’re new to the salon, we offer a complimentary 10min consultation.
Don’t be afraid of oil!
Just because your skin is prone to excess oil production doesn’t mean you should shy away from treatments such as aromatherapy facials, which incorporate essential oils to naturally heal your skin, soothe your facial muscles, and alleviate stress. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts- there are over 90 of them, each with its unique scent, application, and history. Your therapist will use their experience to select a unique combination of oils. She may use oils such as Clary Sage and Rosemary – which are used to balance oil and sebum production in both skin and hair treatments.
Your skin is Dry. Dry skin tends to be clearer skin, but it can struggle to produce enough of the natural oils it needs to keep your face fresh, bright, and wrinkle-free. People with dry skin may experience skin tightness, dullness, itchiness, and redness, especially in dryer climates.
What is dry skin?
Dryness means there are tiny cracks on the skin’s surface due to a lack of sufficient moisture. In extreme circumstances these tiny cracks become visible cracks that lead to flaking skin. This is most common in autumn and winter- the so-called ‘dry skin seasons’ –
when humidity levels drop and the skin needs even more help to maintain its health and elasticity. Wearing adequate sun protection year-round is also crucial, as damage caused by the sun’s UV rays makes it even more difficult for dry skin to retain moisture.
Not all moisture is created equal.
It’s not just about ‘feeding’ the skin by finding and applying the richest creams. We must create the conditions through which the skin is able to retain that moisture in the first place. For day-to-day care, serums containing hyaluronic acid are often recommended to prepare the skin for moisture intake, but they must be used correctly to avoid drying out the skin further: apply the serum to damp skin, then immediately apply moisturiser.
All our facials begin with steaming the face, which opens pores up so they are ready to take in moisture when oils or a face mask are applied. This is followed by a facial massage, which stimulates blood flow to the face and aids the absorption of moisturising products.
Looking for something more?
Microdermabrasion is very effective in brightening dry skin, as it gently removes the outer layer of the epidermis to speed up the rejuvenation cycle. It also stimulates the production of collagen, which is the basis of skin elasticity.
Want a more natural treatment?
An aromatherapy facial is a more holistic approach to balancing the skin’s oil production. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts; there are over 90 of them, each with its unique scent, application, and history. Your therapist will use her experience to select a unique combination of oils for your skin. They may use oils such as Ylang Ylang, which is a staple for dry skin treatments as they are calming and promote new cell growth.
Whatever treatment you choose, it will include an examination of your skin to determine your skin type, which your therapist will use to adapt treatments and products to your specific skin profile. If you’re new to the salon, we also offer a complimentary 10 minute consultation.
Your skin type is likely Combination. Combination skin is a mixture of the two skin types: dry and oily. Usually, the oily area is in the ‘t-zone’ (the forehead, nose, and chin), while the cheeks tend to be dry. Those with combination skin may experience shine in the oily areas, and the size of the pores may vary considerably in different parts of the face. Caring for combination skin is all about balance: identifying which areas of the face are dry and which are oily, and choosing a balanced skincare regime that regulates oil production in the t-zone, while ensuring that the dry patches get the moisture they need.
What causes dryness?
Dryness happens when tiny invisible cracks appear on the skin’s surface due to a lack of sufficient moisture. In extreme circumstances these tiny cracks become large enough to be visible, which causes the appearance of flaking skin. This is most common in autumn and winter- the so-called ‘dry skin seasons’ -when humidity levels drop and the dry skin areas need even more help to maintain their health and elasticity.
What causes oiliness?
In oily skin areas the sebaceous glands are over-producing a waxy, oily substance called sebum. Sebum sometimes gets a bad reputation from products and creams that claim to eliminate it, when in fact it protects and hydrates the skin- the only problem is that in oily skin areas there is a little too much being produced. Often, products that claim to be designed to tackle shiny or oily skin actually dry it out, which can have the inverse effect and end up increasing oil production in the oily skin regions, whilst making the dry skin regions even dryer.
How could facial treatments benefit me?
All our facial treatments begin by gently cleansing the skin, followed by exfoliation to remove dead cell buildup in both the dry and oily areas. For an enhanced exfoliation, you can opt for a facial that includes microdermabrasion, which is a process that uses tiny crystals to remove the outer layer of the skin and speed up new cell growth. It can be a great way to ‘reset’ damaged combination skin by removing sebum build up in the oily areas while brightening the dry areas by removing dead cells that cause roughness or flakiness.
After exfoliation, the therapist will steam the face to hydrate dry areas, open up the pores, and soften any impurities that have become clogged in the t-zone. This will be followed up with extractions – which is where the therapist manually cleanses the pores by removing blackheads or other blemishes. This process offers a deep clean of the impurities that have built up under the skin’s surface, while protecting both the oily and dry areas by avoiding harsh washes or facial cleansers (for acne suffers or those with clogged pores, our deep cleanse/acne facials are perfect, which spend extra time on the extraction process). This will be followed by some form of face mask, oil, or serum treatment depending on the type of facial you have chosen, and lastly a face, neck, and shoulder massage.
Whatever treatment you choose, your therapist will adapt the process and the products used to your specific skin profile. If you’re new to the salon, we also offer a complimentary 10 minute consultation beforehand
Your skin is Normal. ‘Normal’ is a term used to describe well-balanced skin where the pores are neither very large or very small and are broadly the same size across the face. It’s a great asset to have! While you still need to be mindful of how you care for your skin, you can focus on
maintaining and enhancing your natural balance through products and treatments rather than rectifying existing problems.
It’s important to note that as people with normal skin age their skin tends to become dryer and with time may begin to fall into the dry skin category. This is normal, as the ageing process affects the skin’s elasticity and its ability to retain moisture; it shouldn’t be a problem if you are prepared and know when it may time to integrate more moisture into your routine and treatments as you begin to feel these changes.
While normal skin usually signifies healthy skin, it’s still possible to develop sensitivities, allergies, or inflammation if it is not well cared for, so it’s important to pay attention to product ingredients, perform patch tests, and ensure that you are hydrating your skin more in winter than in the summer. While acne and breakouts are more common in oily skin due to sebum overproduction, they can also be caused by other factors- such as hormonal changes, pollution, or stress- and affect normal skin.
The key to caring for normal skin is to maintain consistency in your routine and be flexible when you’re getting signals that something needs changing. If your skin is looking dull one winter, switch up your routine to include a more hydrating moisturiser or serum and schedule a few microdermabrasion sessions. If you’re experiencing stress-related inflammation, come in for a soothing aromatherapy facial.
WHICH FACIAL IS BEST FOR ME?
Thinking of coming in for a facial treatment but not sure which is best for you? This short quiz will give you an idea of which treatments could benefit your skin profile and lifestyle. If you’re still not sure, you can book a free 10 minute consultation with one of our therapists who will examine your skin, advise you on your skin’s needs, and adapt any future treatments accordingly.
YOU'RE LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIN TEXTURE...
Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that works by using tiny crystals to remove the outer layer of the skin and promote new cell growth. It is very effective in brightening dry, dull, or rough skin as it gently removes the outer layer of the epidermis to speed up the rejuvenation cycle and encourage new cell growth. It also stimulates the production of collagen, which is the basis of skin elasticity. It’s most effective on skin that has recently undergone a deep pore cleanse, so if you’re not a regular salon-goer you might want to consider a facial that incorporates extractions a week or so before your microdermabrasion session to make sure you really make the most of what it can offer. Facial massage – which is a component of all our facial treatments- also works to improve skin texture by stimulating blood flow and breaking up the collagen in the tissue underneath. Facial massage is incorporated in all our facial treatments.
YOU'RE LOOKING TO CLEAR UP YOUR SKIN...
We’d recommend starting with a PAYOT deep cleanse/acne facial. This will unclog and cleanse your pores, which will not only improve the skin’s appearance and texture but will prepare it for any topical treatments, serums, and creams that you are using to sink into your skin and work more effectively.
The therapist will cleanse, exfoliate, and steam your face to open the pores so that extractions – the manual cleansing of pores – can take place. Blackheads are the most common reason for extraction – these dark spots often aren’t ‘dirt in the pores’ as most
people think. Their dark appearance comes from excess oil stuck in the pore, which has been exposed to air and has oxidized- much like slices of an apple that have been left out on the counter for a few hours. Pustules and pimples can also be extracted, depending on their size and depth.
Some pores may not be ready to be extracted on the first attempt and may require several treatments before they can be cleared. Cleaning up acne is a slow but rewarding process, and you’ll see gradual results after each
session. After a few sessions your therapist may suggest incorporating other treatments more targeted to healing the skin now that it has gone through the cleansing process, such as microdermabrasion or an aromatherapy facial massage.
YOU'RE LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR SKIN TEXTURE (SCARES/HYPERPIGMENTATION)
Cleaning up acne or other skin conditions is an incredibly rewarding process, but sometimes people can be left with scars, hyperpigmentation, or rough skin in the areas that were previously inflamed. Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that works by using tiny crystals to remove the outer layer of the skin and promote new cell growth. It’s most effective on skin that has recently undergone a deep pore cleanse, so if you’re not a regular salon-goer you might want to consider a facial that incorporates extractions a week or so before your microdermabrasion session to make sure you really make the most of what it
can offer.
Facial massage – which is a component of all our facial treatments – also works to improve skin texture by stimulating blood flow and breaking up the collagen in the tissue underneath. Facial massage is incorporated in all our facial treatments.
YOU'RE LOOKING TO DE-STRESS
Not only is a facial treatment a soothing and relaxing way to treat yourself after a long week, but the procedures involved actively work to reverse the effects that stress has on the skin. When we get stressed, our body releases cortisol, which in turn leads to the production of a hormone called CRH that stimulates oil production in the face and scalp. This can cause breakouts, aggravate irritation, and cause shine. Stress also affects the proteins in our skin, which has the effect of speeding up the ageing process by reducing skin elasticity and causing fine lines and pigmentation.
Aromatherapy is an age old practice that incorporates the use of targeted essential oils to simultaneously heal the skin, soothe the senses, and relax the mind. Essential oils are extracts that capture the ‘essence’ of a particular herb and plant. There are over 90 of them, and your therapist will choose which oils to use according to your specific skin profile and how you are feeling on the day. Your therapist may use relaxing essential oils such as lavender or chamomile. If you have trouble with falling asleep, they may also recommend oils like ylang-ylang.
If you’re less keen on the oils but still want an intensely relaxing treatment, look no further than the luxury bespoke facial. Following the procedures of a classic facial, your therapist will adapt the products and steps of this treatment to your skin’s needs, and incorporate an extended calming face, neck, and shoulder massage while your mask works its magic.
BECAUSE YOUR SKIN IS CONSISTENTLY EXPOSED TO BLUE LIGHT
Many of us nowadays have jobs that involve sitting at screens for long periods of time, and with the current COVID situation, technology is featuring more and more in our leisure and social time as well. Research has shown that exposure to blue light promotes the same kind of stressors in skin that cause skin damage, such as weakening, colour change, and inflammation. The good news is that there are measures you can take to minimise this damage!
What is blue light?
We talk a lot about avoiding damage to the skin from the sun’s UV rays by wearing SPF protection, avoiding the sun in the middle of the day, and wearing sunglasses; but so-called ‘blue light’, which lies right next to UV on the spectrum of light, gets a lot less attention when it comes to skincare. Like UV, blue light is also emitted by the sun, but we are most exposed to it by our household digital devices such as smartphones, laptops, tablets, TVs, and fluorescent lightbulbs. While our devices only emit a fraction of the blue light that we are already exposed to from the sun, the difference is that our face is much closer to this source of light – and this proximity matters.
Our skin works to its own clock
Most of us have heard about circadian rhythms and know that we should avoid scrolling through our phones before we go to bed to avoid disturbing our sleep cycles – but research shows that blue light affects more than just our sleep. While skin cells partly obey the body’s central circadian rhythm – the one that’s active in daylight hours and slows down at night – they also have an autonomous function which means that they can be influenced by factors like blue light and become desynchronised with the rest of the body.
What can I do about it?
Paris-based skincare brand PAYOT have been looking into the effects of these desynchronised skin biorythms, and have developed a set of treatments – the Payot Blue Techni Liss range- to protect, regenerate, and rejuvenate skin following consistent blue light exposure. The combination of two hyaluronic acids smoothes the skin surface and plumps it from within to counteract the effects of this ‘photo-ageing’ (damage by light). This range of antioxidant rich products are combined in the PAYOT Anti-ageing facial.
BECAUSE YOU'VE GOT A BIG EVENT COMING UP
A microdermabrasion session will renew your skin for that perfect photo-worthy glow. Microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment that works by removing the outer layer of the skin to promote new skin growth. It’s most effective on skin that has recently undergone a deep pore cleanse, so if you’re not a regular salon-goer you might want to consider a facial that incorporates extractions, such as our acne or anti-ageing facial a week before your microdermabrasion session to make sure you really make the most of what it can offer. We recommend booking 7-10 days before your event, as although the treatment is minimally-invasive it is common to be left with a little irritation a day or two after treatment.
If you’re really looking for the perfect skin day, you can also book a 30 minute taster facial for the day before your event. This will nourish your skin and leave you with a healthy brightness, while skipping the extraction process that can sometimes cause a bit of short-term irritation.
PRICE LIST
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PAYOT Bespoke Facial
Not sure which facial is best for you or want to see how you feel on the day? All of our facials include a consultation to personalise the facial to your skin. Facials will include a combination of cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, moisturising and a massage. Dependent on your needs we will tailor the time spent on particular areas and use the right products for you and your skin
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Taster (30mins) £45
A quick bespoke facial ideal for those with a busy schedule
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Luxury (60mins) £70
Indulge and relax in our luxury bespoke facial treatment, which will allow us to get the best results for your skin
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PAYOT Anti-ageing Facial £85
Anti-aging facial reduces wrinkles and fine lines, while leaving your skin protected from overexposure to skin damaging blue light emitted from electronic devices. The Payot Blue Techni Liss fights the effects of desynchronised skin biorhythms, and mitigates the impact of blue light on the skin, allowing the cells to regenerate easily. The combination of two hyaluronic acids (crosslinked and high molecular weight) smoothes the skin surface and plumps it from within
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Aromatherapy Facial £70
Our aromatherapy facial uses essential oils, chosen according to your skin type. These essential oils work to the advantage of your skin and take care of a variety of beauty problems like pimples, acne and rashes
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PAYOT Deep Cleanse/Acne Facial £80
This facial is aimed at those that want a deep pore cleanse. It is great for anyone suffering from acne - the extra time allows us to truly give your skin a thorough treatment
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PAYOT Facial w/Microdermabrasion £85
Suitable for all skin types, microdermabrasion is a skin resurfacing treatment used to treat a range of skin concerns including wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, acne or other types of scarring, sun damage and clogged pores
