How Posh Spice’s guru banished my scars
EVER since I was a teenager, I have struggled with spots or scars which have then darkened due to too much melanin in the skin. This predominantly occurs on my cheeks and forehead.
The official name is hyperpigmentation and it’s far more common in darker skin tones like mine.
I’ve tried almost every highstreet solution to get rid of the marks but many are harsh and leave me feeling sore.
I’ve even resorted to rubbing a potato on my face – a failed bid to tackle the problem.
THE SOLUTION
FED up, I decided to try one of six new facials developed by celebrity skincare expert Dr Barbara Sturm – whose fans include Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian – offered at the Espa Life spa at London’s Corinthia Hotel.
The Darker Skin Tone Facial is designed for sensitive skin like mine, and uses natural and gentle ingredients to calm skin, reduce hyperpigmentation and even out the complexion.
THE TREATMENT
MY 75-MINUTE treatment included a 20-step process which kicked off with a consultation with the therapist to establish my needs, then a cleansing ritual to rid my skin of residual make-up and impurities. Part of this was a good scrubbing and facial massage. My therapist used a soothing balm containing extracts of magnolia and a type of African tree bark. The ingredients also minimise pores and prevent breakouts, which I find are often linked to my hyperpigmentation flare-up.
Next came micro-needling, which involved pricking the skin with several tiny needles. This triggers the body’s natural healing response and generates new tissue and collagen, the protein that gives the skin its elasticity.
Evidence suggests this process makes the skin appear smoother and firmer, and some believe it can even out colouring on hard-to-treat dark spots.
I was slightly apprehensive beforehand, but it sounded more painful than it was.
The sensation was similar to a needle lightly brushing your skin and was, at worst, only slightly uncomfortable.
Six to eight sessions are recommended to completely clear the skin – but after just one treatment, I could see results.
My face was glowing, softer and noticeably brighter.
And – much to my surprise – my skin tone was much more even.
The Darker Skin Tone Facial costs £225, while microneedling is a further £95. espalifeatcorinthia.com CHRISTINA OWUSU