Sarah has long been an admirer of Emma Coleman, who trained as a nurse specialising in dermatology, moved on to being an aesthetician (an über-facialist) and also a skincare formulator.

Emma offers a bespoke blend of approaches depending on her clients’ individual complexions. So facials might include acupressure and lymphatic drainage massage, with foot reflexology, as well as glycolic peels, micro- needling and natural antioxidant masks to help brighten and invigorate tired, troubled and/or ageing skin. Emma also provides wrinkle-smoothing injections and dermal fillers if that's your wish.

When Emma asked Sarah to try her new Red Carpet Facial, there was a bit of a gulp because it includes a glycolic peel and also mesotherapy. The owner of a very sensitive complexion, Sarah usually says a firm ‘no thank you’ to peels; and when she had mesotherapy a couple of years ago it was one the most painful things she’d ever had done to her face in the name of beauty.

So she said ‘no’ to the peel.  Then she said ‘maybe’ because she knew and trusted Emma. Then she said ‘OK, do it!’  And golly gosh, it was a good decision. 

After thorough cleansing (we’ve been trying out foundations at BB HQ), Emma applied a 30% glycolic peel for just two minutes (rather than the usual three), explaining that it contained cranberry and mulberry extracts to provide a deep cleanse and exfoliation.

Then came the mesotherapy, where teensy needles pushed in a serum based on organic frankincense and clary sage essential oils, blended with evening primrose, kiwi seed and Alpine willow herb to soothe and hydrate.

Neither hurt or even made Sarah’s skin tingle then or later. After an acupressure facial massage, Emma applied a probiotic mask, made with mango butter and green algae.

Emma explained that the ingredients were designed to balance post-menopausal and stress hormones and rehydrate the skin.

So – an hour and a bit later Sarah took a peek in the mirror and mentally sang the hallelujah chorus as she took in her healthy looking, even-toned, pink-cheeked face. Since then, the results have just got better – and better. Her skin looks brighter, softer, plumper and, yes, younger. Emma warned it might be dry but that hasn't been an issue.

Just one important warning: after any facial peel, you always need to use a high SPF daily. Sarah turned to Dr Rita Rakus slightly tinted, super-nourishing Protect Moisturiser SPF45, £37 for 50ml, drritarakusshop.com.

Treatment length: 75 minutes Price: £195; clinics in Kent and Harley St, London; for more details visit inner-soul.co.uk.

Prize Draws