Hot off the press treatment review: Lava Shells Thermal Facial

I was the first journalist on the scene today to try out the new Lava Shells Thermal Facial at Harrods' Urban Retreat.

For those of you who haven't heard of Lava Shells yet, they are a relatively new alternative to hot stones used for massage and are made from recycled clamshells filled with a self heating gel. I wont go into detail now, but they are very eco-friendly and have been met by high acclaim from the beauty industry; in fact they are already used in over 500 salons and spas across the UK which is quite a feat for a product that only launched 14 months ago.

So, having seen such a success with body massage, the company has now branched out into the skincare arena. The new facial is the creation of Alison Gibbs, the co-founder of the company that heads the brand in the UK. She has over 30 years' experience as a therapist, both here and in Indonesia, and has created a treatment that's been distinctively influenced by Asian therapies. The company decided to work with little known Brit brand Spa Find whose products draw on the powers of Dead Sea minerals. And the result is a facial that‘s relaxing and pampering as well as being results-driven.

The journey begins with a shoulder massage to calm the body, progressing onto a cleanse, tone and mask. The neck and shoulders are then stimulated using the warm shells - which are smaller than the body versions and made from porcelain and crushed seashells (you can even buy a set for yourself to take home). The therapist then moves onto lymphatic drainage techniques across the face to remove toxins and then uses the power of massage to lift the skin. Finally, the procedure finishes with a scalp massage that focuses on pressure points connected to the body's most vital organs. The skin is then wiped clean with hot towels, spritzed with toner and swathed with mineral-enriched moisturiser.

Its creator says the benefits of Dead Sea minerals on the skin are quite phenomenal: there are seven key minerals in all Spa Find products so the body can take what it needs to make it brighter and revitalised.

Immediately after the facial I felt completely lifted. I'd arrived at the treatment room feeling sluggish - but despite the procedure being almost sleep-inducing, I left feeling re-energised. My skin now looks a picture of heath; the dry and uneven patches around my nose are now smooth, while my skin has a notably new all-round glow. So much so, that I've decided to go make-up free for the rest of the day.

The facial will be available from August at selected spas nationwide. Contact Shared Beauty Secrets for your nearest venue at www.sharedbeautysecrets.com