This facial is a must for an effortless summer glow

Whether you’re a sun seeker or find yourself more comfortable in the shade, each year we Brits search for the secret to a naturally glowing complexion. The latest method to capture the attention of skincare aficionados is the Hydrafacial.


Heralded as a full-service facial, the Hydrafacial does it all: it cleanses, it exfoliates, it brightens and it hydrates, leaving you with visibly smoother and radiant skin after just one session. Before jet-setting off on a beach holiday, I ventured to The KP Clinic at the Knightsbridge Pharmacy on Brompton Road in pursuit of a pre-holiday glow up.


Led by the founder and director of Knightsbridge Pharmacy, Kani Haki, a chemist and skin aesthetic practitioner with five years’ dermatological experience, The KP Clinic launched two years ago beneath the pharmacy.


‘I have done so much research on the best devices out there, and they all kept leading me back to the Hydrafacial,’ says Haki. ‘It has a complete patent vortex technology that is bespoke, which means every treatment can be completely individualised and tailored to the patient – which is something I value highly.’

A non-invasive device-led treatment, the Hydrafacial combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection. As someone who believes there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to skin, the treatment’s ability to be tailor-made was eminently appealing.


After an informal consultation with Haki where we discussed my skin history and the facial process, I was ready for an hour of expertly led, blissful pampering. Opting for the Platinum Hydrafacial, my treatment consisted of six steps. The first is lymphatic drainage. Using a vacuum-like tool, Haki draws over the contours of my face to achieve a defined appearance, enhance blood circulation and prime the skin for a deeper cleanse, which comes next. Using vortex technology, the tool end is switched to one that, according to Haki, customers routinely refer to as a kitten’s tongue. After lifting away dead skin, a chemical peel is used to soften the pores before extracting impurities, oils and excess sebum. Once any blackheads and pore blockages are extracted, the skin is then hydrated with a choice of “booster” to moisturise – and achieve that glassy effect. Following my consultation (taking my personal history with acne into account), Haki opted for the Murad Clarifying Booster that clears, purifies and soothes pores, making the skin texture appear smooth. But the clinic has a variety of boosters available to suit each customer’s needs.

‘There are so, so many different boosters, peels and LED-light combinations, which is what makes a Hydrafacial completely bespoke,’ explains Haki. ‘We currently use the following in the clinic: JLO Beauty, Omorovicza, Murad Vita-C, retinol, NassifMD, ZO Skin Health, Circadia and also all the Hydrafacial-formulated boosters. If I had to choose for myself, my favourite boosters would either be the Circadia Chrono-Peptide or the JLO Beauty Booster – you leave looking like a disco ball. Amazing to have before a big event.’


The final step is a 15-minute Blue and Infra-Red LED Light facial to stimulate collagen, treat any congestion and allow the booster to really absorb into the epidermis. After a full 75 minutes, my skin was left feeling taut and nourished – and no greater confirmation came than later that evening, when at dinner my friend greeted me by saying, ‘You’re absolutely glowing!’. Mission accomplished.


The Deluxe Hydrafacial starts from £220; see thekpclinic.com for details. Knightsbridge Pharmacy, 156 Brompton Road SW3 1HW


Words: Bryony Smith