There are facials, and then there are facials. Whether you’re after one that uses tech to perfect your pores, a skilled therapist to massage the life back into your muscles, or just a spa-style pampering that feels really nice, the downside of having so many types to choose from is working out which suit you best, writes Angela Cockerton, founder of East Lothian-based The Spa at Garleton Lodge.

The good news? At The Spa at Garleton Lodge, all the treatments can be tailored to your specific requirements. Each appointment starts with a consultation where you can relax with a cuppa and chat through what you’d like to achieve from your session, making it really easy to banish your skin woes. 

The revamped spa, which opened its doors in June last year as a bigger and better salon, has been on quite a journey. Therapists Charlie and Niamh have been on a roller coaster of skill elevation and training, and it’s fantastic that they share my passion for skincare and overall well-being. Our aim for the spa was to create a relaxing and inviting space for clients where they can be assured of superior knowledge and advice together with exceptional results-driven products, both in our professional ranges used for treatments and our retail products. 

 In 2023 we will continue to see the demand for minimally-invasive aesthetic treatments as people seek small tweaks that enhance their unique features and give a healthier aspect without looking like they went to an aesthetic clinic. And at The Spa at Garleton Lodge, while our Dermalogica facials are still incredibly popular, we’re starting to see a move toward the offerings on our advanced treatment list, such as peels, microneedling, nanoneedling and microdermabrasian. 

 So what moves a treatment to the ‘advanced’ list? Well, quite simply, it adds another level to the treatment to combat specific concerns such as fine lines, rosacea, hyperpigmentation and acne. At your first appointment, your therapist will undertake a detailed Face Mapping Process, take several photographs to assess your skin condition and document your progress, together with any patch tests that might be required. Then, a recommendation will be given on the treatment, frequency and home care regime. As a rough guide, we recommend a monthly treatment to take advantage of the 28-day cell renewal window. 

Still one of the best ways to deliver instant and long-term skin rejuvenation without any downtime is microneedling. This slightly scary-sounding yet highly effective treatment is rapidly becoming a go-to for the reduction of acne scars, as well as for plumping fine lines and creating fresher skin with a rejuvenated glow. I’m an absolute needle phobic, so I was extremely nervous about letting anyone near me with a bunch of needles! As part of a detailed consultation, Charlie talked me through the process, yet I still felt incredibly anxious. Our microneedling treatment uses Dermalogica’s patented Skin Pen, which provides sterilised single-use cartridges and their innovative Pro-Restore treatment, reducing the downtime typically experienced after treatment. I don’t know why I was concerned, a mild tingling sensation was the worst I experienced, and after a few days, my skin looked noticeably brighter and smoother. I’m looking forward to my next session in three weeks. 

It’s not only me who is a convert; clients have reported a massive improvement in skin tone and texture with a noticeable reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. The use of microneedling offers long-term skin improvements encouraging the growth of elastin and collagen by up to 400% for up to six months after you complete a treatment series. If you wish to generate these results, you only need to go through four microneedling sessions spaced 30 days apart, which will have you well on the way to fresher skin this spring.

Contact us to book a free no obligation skin consultation

THE SPA @ GARLETON LODGE
t: 07731 483213
e: thespa@garletonlodge.co.uk
garletonlodge.co.uk/spa