If you can’t indulge with a massage and facial during Pamper Time month, when can you? For this month’s Treatment on Trial I put to test ishga’s award-winning Hebridean seaweed range to celebrate the brand’s London debut at the Spa Verta Crowne Plaza Hotel in Battersea. The name ishga is derived from the Gaelic word for water. The Hebrides has some of the cleanest waters in the world where the brand hand harvests seaweed to produce its 100% organic ingredient for its skincare range. I’d yet experienced the benefits of seaweed in a beauty range, so I was intrigued to see how this naturally healing ingredient would alter my particularly combination skin.
A now trending ingredient, Hebridean seaweed contains natural antioxidants known as polyphenols that work to protect the skin against the environment by neutralising free radicals. Under normal conditions our body would work hard at replacing these damaged cells with healthy new ones, but if the free radicals aren’t controlled or eliminated, the cells are not repaired, therefore resulting in dull, dry, wrinkled and uneven skin tone. Antioxidants help to fight these free radicals before they bring on visible signs of ageing. ishga products have been developed to work on every skin type by harnessing the potent powers of the purest Scottish seaweed so I was excited to see the effects.
ishga offers a comprehensive range of professional grade products and treatments for use within spas. Dubbed as London’s best kept secret, Spa Verta at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Battersea is located on the south bank of the river, providing serene views of this quieter city hub. As you enter, you’re welcomed by modern and stylish surroundings; an oasis of calm that delivers the perfect place to unwind and destress.
THE TREATMENT
The new ishga Face and Body Experience was on my prescribed spa itinerary, followed by the use of the spa’s hydrotherapy facilities. The treatment has been designed to be both invigorating and relaxing, targeting muscle tension and in turn, re-energising the body. In my case, just what the Doctor ordered.
The treatment began with a medium pressure back, neck and shoulder massage combining a powerful detoxing seaweed body oil with lemongrass, juniper and rose geranium. The oil smelt incredible and I had no problem taking in the aroma. It has a powerful effect that regenerates, firms and tones the skin while being particularly useful in regard to eliminating toxins – perfect for us city dwellers. This was everything I needed and more, leaving my skin feeling soft and supple and my body relaxed. The massage was followed by the facial part of the treatment, combining the best of ishga’s skincare collection. The ishga facial started with a gentle, yet thorough cleanse, exfoliation, tone and moisturise using a powerful blend of organic seaweed. These stages include the brand’s Active Cleansing Lotion, Hebridean Marine Toner and Exfoliating Mask. To conclude, the skin is hydrated and nourished with Nourishing Face Oil, Regenerating Face Serum, Rejuvenating Eye Balm, and finished with the hero product, Antioxidant Marine Cream. I think it’s safe to assume that I didn’t want to leave that treatment room – I could get used to this. During the treatment I also experienced a scalp massage, which is quite possibly one of my favourite treatments; I love people playing with my hair so naturally I was in spa heaven. Overall, if you’re looking to feel relaxed and rejuvenated while experiencing the multitude of benefits that seaweed has to offer, this treatment is perfect. The ishga Face & Body Treatment costs £80 for 55 minutes.
