I tried the 'world's most in–demand facial': £450 'non–surgical facelift' combines lasers, massage and oxygen mist – and promises to make you look younger in just 90 minutes

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

From Hannah Waddingham to Cillian Murphy, many celebrities are known for their youthful looks.
You might think that these stars have fancy creams, cosmetic 'tweakments', or strict diets to thank for their age–defying complexions.
But the real secret to their vibrant appearances is the LYMA Lift – dubbed the 'world's most in–demand facial'.
Loved by celebrities including Nicole Scherzinger, Poppy Delevingne, and Naomie Harris, this futuristic facial combines lasers, massage, and oxygen mist – and results in a 'non–surgical face lift.'
With just one clinic currently offering the service, getting an appointment for the coveted facial is no mean feat.
In fact, Lucy Goff, founder of LYMA, revealed that the 'phone's been ringing with celebrity agents and PA's asking to book their high–profile clients in.'
'Honestly, it's been like a circus, and it was supposed to be top secret,' she added.
Daily Mail's Science and Technology Editor, Shivali Best, was invited to the Marylebone clinic to experience the facial for herself this week – here's exactly what the 90–minute procedure entails.
Arriving at the LYMA Lift HQ, I initially thought I'd got the wrong address.
The studio is located in Marylebone – one of London's most sought–after areas – but is tucked away on the second floor of an unassuming black building you'd probably walk past without a second glance.
However, I soon knew I was in the right place when a stunning woman with glowing skin breezed past me as I walked into the spacious reception.
I quickly realised this was none other than Sabrina Elba – the world–renowned Canadian model who is married to actor, Idris Elba.
When my appointment time arrived, I was ushered into the treatment room by my therapist, Yvonne, who talked me through the LYMA Lift facial.
The 90–minute procedure was designed by plastic surgeons, and combines lasers, massage and oxygen mist.
At the heart of the facial are the LYMA Laser, and LYMA Laser Pro.
The conception of these lasers dates back to the 1960s, when scientists at a medical research facility in Leipzig realised that a laser being used to heal damaged cartilage was having an unexpected effect on the skin.
In order to reach the damaged tissue, the laser needed to pass through the skin – which began to show signs of anti–ageing.
Based on this knowledge, the LYMA team created two handheld 'cold laser' devices.
While most at–home devices rely on LED light, the LYMA lasers use low–level laser therapy.
'Most home devices use LED light which is beneficial but cannot penetrate very deep,' explained Dr Dan Belkin Double, a dermatological surgeon at NY Dermatology Group.
'The LYMA Laser technology, on the other hand, can deliver this wavelength of near–infrared light as a laser, therefore penetrating much more deeply and more powerfully.'
The facial itself is split into four main sections – lifting, sculpting, invigorating, and pioneering.
For the 'lifting' portion, Yvonne first applied a cleanser to my skin, before reaching for both the LYMA Laser and LYMA Laser Pro, which she describes as 'Gua shas on steroids.'
Using a combination of sweeping and kneading motions, she slowly applied the laser across my entire face – draining my lymph nodes and boosting blood flow.
While the lasers shine bright pink, there's surprisingly no heat given off, and the whole process is very comfortable.
Once my face had been lifted, it was on to the sculpting portion, which I was told would reduce puffiness and contour my face.
Unlike the 'lifting' section, which featured sweeping and kneading motions, this second section focused on 'accupressure' – a traditional technique that involves applying pressure to specific points on the face.
Again, this wasn't painful at all, and actually almost had me dozing off!
The third section, called 'invigorating', soon woke me back up, as Yvonne used more firm and targeted motions across my face – including some light slaps across my chest and face.
Finally, the treatment ended with the 'pioneering' section, in which LYMA's anti–ageing serums and creams were applied to my skin.
While 90 minutes sounds quite long, the facial flew by, and I couldn't believe it when Yvonne told me we were finished.
Glancing in the mirror, I must admit I was impressed with the results.
My skin looked noticeably smoother, brighter, and fuller, while my cheekbones looked sharper and more sculpted.
While other facials I've had in the past have caused my skin to break out the next day, this also wasn't the case, with the lifting effects lasting through the week.
According to Yvonne, for the best results, LYMA encourages people to have the treatment at least three times.
But at £450/session, this could leave you facing a total bill of £1,350.
Overall, the LYMA Lift facial was a fantastic experience – but probably not one that I'd do again.
The company isn't shy about name–dropping its celebrity clients (Hannah Waddingham, Cillian Murphy, Phoebe Dynevor, Nicole Scherzinger, Naomie Harris, Poppy Delevingne, to name but a few), and isn't really catering to the masses.
Instead, it's likely to appeal to those looking for luxury, and for who the £1,350 bill isn't going to break the bank.