Located in London’s St. John’s Wood, Karidis Clinic is acclaimed for its cosmetic surgical and non-surgical treatments. Umesh Patel tries their signature HydraFacial – a deep-cleansing and exfoliating facial treatment…
Ever watched a Brad Pitt film and wondered how he maintains that eternally youthful skin? Recently, I stumbled upon a clip where the actor shared his simple daily routine and endorsed a new skincare brand — naturally. He’s also rumoured to swear by regular facials, including hydrafacials. But what exactly does this treatment entail? Curious, I ventured to Karidis Clinic to experience it firsthand.
As I walked through the sliding doors of St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in St John’s Wood, I admit a wave of apprehension washed over me. I reminded myself that my HydraFacial doesn’t involve going under the surgeon’s knife, nor would I face any needles – a relief given my lifelong phobia. Still, I braced myself for what lay ahead, hoping this deep-cleansing, exfoliating treatment lived up to its glowing reputation.
The Karidis Clinic is a renowned private clinic on the third floor of the hospital that offers both cosmetic surgery and non-invasive aesthetic treatments. Founded by Alex Karidis, a plastic surgeon, the clinic boasts state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
I was greeted by Stevie, an aesthetic nurse administering my treatment. You know that reassuring feeling when you meet your dentist for the first time, and they have perfect teeth? Well, Stevie boasts impeccably flawless skin – a clear sign that I’m in capable hands.
After completing a brief medical questionnaire, a consultation followed to ensure the treatment was tailored to my specific needs. Whether you’re seeking a radiant glow for a special occasion or aiming to maintain healthy skin, the HydraFacial — or, to use its proper name, hydradermabrasion — addresses acne, pigmentation issues, scars and signs of ageing, resulting in a brighter and more hydrated complexion.
This multi-step facial treatment is typically performed with a proprietary machine that cleanses, exfoliates, extracts and delivers a variety of rejuvenating serums. However, if you’re allergic to shellfish, this treatment isn’t suitable for you because many of the serums contain ingredients derived from them. Fortunately, my love for seafood remains unscathed, so Stevie gets to work.
First, a gentle pre-cleanse prepared my skin. Then, a mild salicylic acid solution was applied for cleansing, leaving my skin feeling incredibly fresh and clean.
I admit I was a bit nervous about the next step, but I was assured that I would only feel a gentle tingle from the chemical peel. True to her word, it wasn’t uncomfortable at all, and I could feel it working its magic, shedding the outermost layers of dead and damaged skin cells.
Then came the main event: extraction. It felt like my face was undergoing a vacuuming and sanding process. The gentle suction lifted my skin while the abrasive tip of the device exfoliated it, effectively removing impurities from my pores.
Stevie applied a selection of serums tailored to cleanse, hydrate and infuse antioxidants into my skin, ensuring it felt wonderfully moisturised. Finally, she finished with LED light therapy to revitalise the skin, though the mask you wear may resemble something fashioned by Michael Myers in one of his films.
Leaving Karidis Clinic, my skin felt remarkably smoother and more balanced. Stevie’s thoughtful aftercare advice ensured the treatment’s lasting effects. Compared to traditional microdermabrasion, which involves microcrystals, this method has proven to be far more effective in improving the skin’s complexion.
As I reflect on my experience, I can’t help but think of Brad and his seemingly ageless appearance. Perhaps he’s onto something with his cosmetic facials. My time at Karidis Clinic has not only refreshed my skin, leaving a visible glow, but also reinforced the importance of quality care in achieving lasting results. I’m ready to face the world anew.
If you’d like to know more about the Karidis Clinic’s signature HydraFacial, as well as other treatments available, please visit www.karidis.co.uk.
