Talk about laser focus. A state-of-the-art treatment that actively works to combat ageing, reduce acne, improve fine lines and leave a goddess-like glow, editor Sophie Ritchie tries Kichi’s ‘BabyFace’ laser facial worshipped by celebrities and London’s elite
I’ll be honest, I’m not always much of a makeup girl. And my hair can go a little frizz-illa from time to time (by which I mean, every other day when I leave the gym in a scramble to get ready for work). But when it comes to skincare, that’s my jam. My non-negotiable. And something I’m a little bit obsessed with, especially since reaching my thirties and realising that nobody can escape the pressure of ageing. So when the opportunity arose to try clinical skin studio Kichi’s BabyFace laser treatment, I sped to 108 Health Club faster than you can say “Where’s my train ticket”.
An airy space showcasing the best specialists in movement, fitness, mindfulness, beauty and grooming, this is one of two of Kichi’s London BabyFace locations (Hershesons in Belgravia also offers the service). Based at the top of 180 The Strand, which feels like a hive of collective trendy energy the moment you step inside, the various places to lounge and rest within the club are endless – giving a guest the ideal opportunity to sink into their own world of calm pre and post-treatment.
Now, this isn’t your typical relaxing massage or soothing facial. A treatment with Kichi’s founder Natasha Clancy doesn’t incorporate traditional beauty techniques or involve a state of all out relaxation in the swish private room. What it does seriously deliver, however is results – so much so that Natasha’s regulars include the A-lister likes of Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Olivia Wilde. It’s all about the science for Natasha – delivered via medical grade, clinically tested machines from Korea.
For the BabyFace facial, this is performed via the Lutronic Thuillum LaseMD Ultra – a pioneering non-invasive laser treatment that uses a 1927nm laser to create microchannels in the skin, stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture and tone.
Natasha also holds the title of being the first to bring the non-ablative machine to the UK market. Suitable for all skin types, the BabyFace treatment creates dermis-level induction for 90% absorbency of its special targeted serums. To put that power into context, the average absorbency rate is 2-5%.
It also comes with another serious major benefit – very minimal downtime, which means you can go about your day in as little as an hour without wandering through the streets of London looking like a walking tomato. Tick and tick.
How the BabyFace works
1. LED Light Therapy: First step, LED Light Therapy. LED (light-emitting diode) light therapy is a non-invasive treatment that enters the skin’s layers to improve the skin, resulting in a wide host of benefits that can treat a variety of skin concerns – including acne, rosacea, eczema, sun damage and more. This process can lead to the formation of new blood vessels and skin cells, along with increased collagen and elastin production for youthful appearance. I was ‘marinating’ with numbing cream under the light for around 15 minutes before the actual BabyFace application, during which Natasha put me at ease by chatting away as she prepped my skin.
2. The BabyFace: Now, I’m no stranger to lasers. I started having regular hair removal treatments post-lockdown, after extreme stress led to hormonal changes in my body and face. This felt very similar to those sessions, small zaps across my face that whilst not the most comfortable were in no way painful. The Lutronic can be ramped up to a maximum charge of 20 but Natasha set the designated machine power to a level 8, a comfortable middle ground. Each treatment is tailored to the individual, so some might have higher or lower intensities than others depending on their skin types and history. It’s during this stage that the 100% risk-free laser works its penetrative magic, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, tightening pores, and evening out your complexion.
3 Cryo globes: After the laser treatment, Natasha used soothing cryo globes (frozen stainless-steel orbs) to cool down my skin. After the warm laser, it’s a welcome relief as they glide over my face, which feels like I’ve been laying out on a sun lounger without SPF for a few hours too long. Cryo globes are another tool hailed by the beauty industry – regular use can enhance circulation, reduce eye circles and help drain your lymph nodes. Take that, bloating.
4 Post-treatment: Good things take time, and the BabyFace effect is one of those. Natasha tells me to expect the shedding “Cats Tongue” phase for around 3-7 days post-visit, leaving my skin with a rough, sandpaper-like feel as the skin began to shed. This soon waned however, leaving me with a smooth fresh-faced glow that had me smugly looking in mirrors at the desired effects. For the gym bunnies, it’s worth noting there’s a strict 24hours no sweat policy to avoid damaging the skin – so no cardio sessions, no hot yoga and no swims either!
The Wordrobe verdict
Talk about laser focus. A state-of-the-art treatment that actively works to combat ageing, reduce acne, improve fine lines and leave a goddess-like glow, the BabyFace laser facial might burn into your bank account but it’s worth every penny.
My skin started to gleam around ten days post-visit and I noticed a significant reduction in fine lines, particularly an irritating forehead line that decided to grace my face after a particularly stressful recent work project. If you’ve got a special event planned and are looking for some significant skin wow-factor, it’s time make a beeline for this innovative facial.
Make it happen
Wallet: £500.00 for an individual session
Where: 180 Health Club, 180 The Strand, London WC2R 1EA, United Kingdom
How: Shop via kichi.studio
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
