Pamper with champers

Champers is drunk by the gallon in the historically decadent City and now a basement spa at Monument is adding it to beauty treatments – but for good reason. After relaxing with a glass of champagne (or grape juice if you don’t fancy the hard stuff) Magda, my friendly therapist, explains how it works.

The clinic uses Dr Belter – a little-known company in the UK although well established in its native Germany. Products are 95-100% natural and include ingredients such as sea algae.

Now for the science bit: OPCs are plant-based bioflavonoid complexes that act as foragers in the body mopping up free radicals that damage skin. The antioxidant properties in grape seeds have been shown to offer benefits including an improvement to skin health.

I need to lie down after that explanation and stretch out half-expecting a standard, booze-soaked treatment, but the one-and-a-half hour session turns out to be much more than just a facial. After a 10 minute back massage, Magda removes my make-up and gives a mini micro dermabrasion to smooth skin, reduce facial discolouration and help the cream penetrate more deeply.

Alcohol is dehydrating but only a dash of real Champagne is mixed in with the OPC ampoule, the content of which is activated by the bubbles. Only decent Brut champagne works: sweet, Cava or Prosecco won’t do.

Once my face is swathed in a velvety unguent I’m given a spine-tingling head and shoulder massage, then the remaining cream is gently applied using a special fan brush massage technique followed by a heavenly face massage.

This is undoubtedly the most relaxing facial I’ve had. It’s sumptuous, soothing and indulgent and made my skin glow. Good for all skin types, the treatment works to protect connective tissue, enhance blood flow and improve the nutrient supply to the skin. Even though you can smell the alcohol it’s not unpleasant and the fragranced lotion ensures that you don’t reek like you’ve spent the night in a pub lock-in.

It’s also very reasonably priced considering you get a facial, head, back and face massage and a glass of champers. There’s also a caviar facial that uses the real thing, which is good for capillaries as well as protecting against pollution. Either would make a lovely gift to yourself, for a friend, or (listen up, gentlemen) a perfect present for your other half.

The Champagne facial costs £85 for 90 minutes.

Body Silk Clinic
8 Lovat Lane
London, EC3R 8DT

T: 0207 283 5800
www.bodysilk.co.uk