The seven secrets to glowing skin, according to a royal facialist

A facial isn’t a facial anymore. Some of the newest ones claim to lift, sculpt, tighten, de-puff and even stimulate our fibroblasts to produce more collagen. On the red carpet, the likes of Margot Robbie (whose facialist is Jasmina Vico) and Emma Stone (she sees Iván Pol) with their dewy, bouncy skin and naturally tight jawlines show just how effective the results of these treatments can be. Some actresses and brides-to-be now start their “skin plan” six months to a year in advance – with their facialist of choice to ensure their skin is at its most glowing on the big day, whether it’s the races or a wedding.

London-based facialist Natasha Clancy, whose client list is full of royals and leading actresses (Lady Amelia Windsor, Princess Olympia of Greece and Denmark, Lady Clara Paget are regulars as well as Sienna Miller and actress Olivia Wilde) is convinced that hybrid facials using the latest beauty technology can promise real but natural results superior to injectables like botox. Not surprisingly, Clancy is much in demand at this time of year with weddings and the summer social season in full swing.

Here she reveals her 7 most useful tips for achieving the best skin you’ve ever had, be it for a wedding or a big event.

Maintain your skin like you would a luxury car

“It’s a real luxury if I can see a bride or an actress a year before the event so we can come up with an exact plan of what we want to achieve, whether that’s getting rid of pigmentation, acne scarring, dealing with rosacea or redness, pore size – or simply prepping the skin to look its most healthy and glowing. If you know and trust a facialist, stick with them as this isn’t the time to chop and change,” advises Clancy.

Since all of Clancy’s facial treatments are bespoke and use a combination of hands-on massage with various devices from radiofrequency, laser and cryotherapy, it will depend how many treatments you’ll need. But as a rule, Clancy recommends that radiofrequency (a collagen stimulating procedure) and micro-needling treatments be done once a year then topped up with collagen boosting facials every couple of months. “I’m not a fan of Morpheus 8 as it can be quite painful. I use a similar device with much finer needles which is less painful, and my actress clients love it because of the tightening effects,” she says.

Gentle laser treatments give an extraordinary glow

“A laser practitioner must be chosen extremely carefully but the results can be extraordinary for smoothing and evening out the complexion. People generally think that lasers come with a lot of downtime, which can be the case,” explains Clancy whose signature treatment, the Baby Face Laser Facial, from £300, is a non-ablative laser that works from the inside out. “It’s the ultimate pre-event treatment. I advise my brides and actresses to have it ahead of an event as a beautiful glow emerges 10 days following the treatment.”

Alternatives to Botox and filler

“I don’t offer these personally and less is definitely more as far as I’m concerned,” says Clancy. “When I was a model in the 90s (she was the face of Olay), it was all about Botox and dermal filler. Things have changed. If my clients tell me they have Botox, I’d always advise tiny microdoses compared to the total line erasing injections of years ago. And I always tell young actresses to wait as long as possible or don’t have it at all. Don’t even think of having it before your late 30’s or if possible, much later,” she stresses.

“If you’re a bride getting Botox, then have it done 4 – 6 weeks before the wedding just in case it needs to be tweaked.” As far as injectables go, Natasha favours skin boosters such as polynucleotides over dermal filler. “Polynucleotides work by stimulating your own collagen production so you get a more natural result as opposed to filler which can sometimes change your appearance.”

The Royal de-puffing trick

Clancy is a fan of using a gua sha tool for a daily draining face massage at home. “I try to do it every morning because it works,” she states.

Her advice for getting the best results? “You must bring the gua sha tool down the sides of the neck which is the draining point and use it over an oil or serum for slip.” Clancy uses Kichi Forever Oil, a lightweight blend of antioxidants and Omega 3, 6 and 9 oils that leaves the skin velvety and glowing (she uses this in her facials too). “Gua sha can particularly help along jawlines to de-puff,” continues Clancy, “but you have to do it daily. I also think cooling cryo rollers can be useful for puffy eyes. Keep them in the fridge in the summertime for an extra cooling effect.”

Take magnesium

Anyone over 40 will relate to sleepless nights. “Sleep has become a bit of a struggle for me at 46 – and there is nothing more ageing than sleep deprivation,” says Clancy, who recommends supplements. “I have found magnesium supplements very helpful which I cannot live without.”

Limit alcohol

“I advise brides and actresses to avoid alcohol for two weeks in the run up to a big day as it can make some people look puffy. Save the champagne for the day. If you really want to join in the celebrations beforehand, try a tequila, lime and soda which feels a bit like a margarita but without so much sugar,” she suggests.

Three beauty must-haves

Clancy doesn’t advocate spending too much on a cleanser (Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser is her favourite), “it’s just not necessary. But I splurge on Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream. It’s beautiful under makeup before a big event.” And of course, Clancy advocates her clients use a good SPF daily to protect their skin or there’s no point spending on expensive facials as ageing UV rays will undo all the benefits. Clancy’s favourite is Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial SPF50.