Mimi Nebeche launched Orchard Meadow Therapies last summer. It is no ordinary Beauty Salon. I went along to discover some of the secrets behind what Mimi refers to as her clinic.
I had jokingly asked if Mimi could make me look 10 years younger she replied in her sultry French accent “Mais Oui. Of course”. The treatment in question is Microdermabrasion. Known as ‘the celebrity treatment’ it is used by the likes of Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow to name just a few.
Microdermabrasion is skin resurfacing. Mimi uses a product called Crystal Clear. It is not an aggressive treatment and is a safe controlled method of skin exfoliation. The treatment targets lines, wrinkles, enlarged visible pore, dull dehydrated skin, sun-damaged skin, acne scaring, stretch marks, pigmentation and can also reduce puffiness around eyes, and break down the dreaded orange peel/cellulite with a targeted treatment.
I have not been good at looking after my skin, neglecting all but a basic cleansing treatment daily, It has been depressing seeing the onset of fine lines, and I had no illusions that I would ever be able to reverse the effect of aging without drastic measures (ie cosmetic surgery), which I am not inclined to do. Mimi started with cleansing my skin. I felt in expert hands. The products smelt fantastic and felt great. Now the fun started!
The microdermabrasion is a sort of vacuum over the skin. A flow of crystals hit the skin’s surface, and the speed and abrasiveness of these crystals gently removes the epidermal cells layer by layer. Used crystals and dead skin cells are drawn away through the vacuum action, allowing for controlled exfoliation. It is this gentle vacuum action also gives an immediate lifting effect on tired muscles and stimulates the blood supply to the skin’s surface.
Next followed a beauty serum, then a cool, unctuous Crystal Clear Mini-Lift Mask of algae and wheat proteins. This has been scientifically proven to show a definite reduction in wrinkle depth and appearance. I felt as if my face was being covered with ice cream. The whole neck and face, including lips, are covered in the mask which is left for 30 minutes to penetrate deeply. Mimi left me to relax, bundled up in fluffy towels, and spritzed the room with lavender, a lovely touch. I felt very cared for.
Mimi is like an artist. She uncovers beauty in her clients. I may not have lost all my lines, but I was amazed by the difference just one treatment made. The lines on my “decolltage” had dramatically reduced, as had my worry lines. I never expected it to be so different so quickly. I would most definitely try it again.
The good news is that these treatments are available on our doorstep in Sunbury. The other good news is that the products themselves, which are not available to buy over the counter are sold at Orchard Meadow Therapies.
So, never think it is too late to do something about wrinkles. Get yourself down to see Mimi and let her work some magic on you too!
The treatment costs start from £47 for a 30 minute treatment, 6 or 10 session are recommended for a more youthful-looking complexion. Bring this magazine and get the Mini-Lift Mask treatment for free when you book for a course of six sessions.