I was recently invited to experience a Fire and Ice Facial at the prestigious Cardiff Clinic. The Cardiff Clinic is a non-invasive cosmetic, skin and aesthetic treatment centre on Cathedral Road. It is led by top consultant plastic surgeon, Mr Richard Karoo and features a team of experienced specialists.
Their philosophy is to provide a wide range of non-invasive treatments using the safest, most advanced and effective techniques to suit each individual. The team provide honest and safe advice and aim to deliver you the best results possible.
There are a wide range of treatments available for both men and women such as chemical peels, lip enhancements, fat reduction and many more. You can view the list of treatments here, treatments. The Cardiff Clinic also offers many beauty treatments such as luxury facials, massages, tinting and manicures.
I was offered to try out the new Fire and Ice facial. I'm a busy, working mum so I hardly ever get any alone time, let alone pampering. As you can imagine, I jumped at the opportunity.
The Fire and Ice facial is a resurfacing treatment which is a favourite with celebrities such as Halle Berry and Gwyneth Paltrow. It's the best selling treatment at the Four Seasons hotel. It's an intensive medi-facial which is clinically formulated with the purest pharmaceutical grade ingredients, designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin, reduce fine lines, encourage cellular renewal and address any problematic skin. I couldn't wait to experience it.
I drove to the clinic which is centrally located in Cardiff. I was able to park in the clinics' car park which is located at the back of the building. The building itself is grand and beautiful. Upon entering one of the first things that caught my eye was the gorgeous flooring. It's the original flooring for the house and it looks fantastic.
Photo taken from the Cardiff Clinic Facebook page
The waiting room is large and wonderfully decorated with a mix of modern and classic furniture. Whilst waiting for my treatment I was able to enjoy a delicious latte.
My treatment was with beauty specialist Lisa. Lisa has a wide knowledge of all of the products that were used and was able to advise me on how to care for my skin which i'll fully admit i'm not very good at. I've been using the same moisturising products for years so it was good to get a new opinion.
Photo taken from The Cardiff Clinic Facebook Page
The facial itself lasts about an hour and starts with a cleansing complex which contains a gentle bends of acids and vitamins. This step cleanses the skin without stripping essential natural oils.
The next step is the intensive resurfacing mask which is the 'fire' element of the facial. This uses glycolic acid with vitamin b3 and retinol. It's for rapid exfoliation without peeling. This part can sting but it only lasts a couple of minutes. I felt a tingly sensation on my face but nothing that was too uncomfortable to cope with. Lisa provided reassurance and also stated that it can be removed if I felt it was painful (which I didn't).
Next is the rejuvenating mask which is the 'ice' part of the facial. This uses hyaluronic acid and antioxidants aloe and green tea to soothe, reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis. This felt lovely after the 'fire' part of the facial.
Then follows a range of serums and moisturisers. The super serum advance helps to lighten, brighten and tighten the skin. I certainly needed that around my tired eyes. The hydra cool serum hydrates your skin from the inside out. The youth eye complex is designed to smooth and firm the eye area in particular the fine lines and dark circles (note to santa, i'd love a bottle of this for christmas). The moisturising complex hydrates, soothes and provides anti oxidant protection from daily environmental damage. Lastly was the spf which helps repair existing dna damage. I never think to use an spf everyday but after this facial and Lisa's advise, i'll be using one on a daily basis.
My skin was left glowing and felt very soft. For the days following the facial I experienced some shedding. I normally have quite dry skin but my skin certainly felt hydrated for a while after.
Overall, I had a fantastic experience at the Cardiff Clinic. I felt special from the moment I walked through the door. The staff are knowledgable, attentive, professional but above all friendly.
The clinic itself feels luxurious. It's spacious, comfortable and has the ability to make you feel relaxed. I could have stayed there all day.
I'll definitely be using it for all of my future beauty treatments. It felt like an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and it was certainly a special experience. It feels a lot more exclusive than any other clinic or beauty centre I have been in.
I have a couple of Christmas parties coming up and my mum is also visiting from Australia over the festive season so i'll be visiting Lisa with her to have a manicure and pamper session again soon.
Photo taken from The Cardiff Clinic Facebook page
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