Review: The Bespoke Glow Facial at Skin Matters—Where Celebs Get Red Carpet Ready

When I turned 25, my birthday present from the universe was rosacea. Undiagnosed, of course—because who has time to see a dermatologist when you can just Google your symptoms and spiral instead? But the evidence was clear: a permanent flush, the kind that makes people ask if you’ve just been for a brisk walk when, in reality, you’ve barely moved all day.

Since then, I’ve thrown everything at it. Countless facials, expensive creams, LED masks that promised miracles… and yet, my rosy cheeks have remained stubbornly loyal.

So, when I booked in for the Bespoke Glow Facial at Skin Matters in Holland Park—a clinic where celebrities go to get red carpet-ready—I wasn’t expecting much beyond a bit of hydration and a nice glow.

Skin Matters is tucked away in one of London’s most exclusive postcodes, a discreet haven where A-listers sneak in for flawless skin.

The treatment itself was fully tailored to my (high-maintenance) skin. It started with a deep cleanse and tone—standard, but satisfying—before moving into the real business: a chemical peel.

BEFORE

Now, I’ve had one peel before and panicked, getting it instantly removed, so I knew what was coming.

It stung, exactly as expected, but my therapist reassured me that the burning sensation would fade in 4-5 minutes—and to my relief, she was right.

Just as I was about to start questioning all my life choices, the discomfort disappeared, leaving my skin feeling fresh and prepped for the next step.

Then came something I had actively avoided for years: dermaplaning. As someone with PCOS, I’ve always feared that shaving my face would result in my mustache turning into a full-on beard. But after seeing the layers of excess product build-up on my skin, I caved—and I am so glad I did. My face instantly felt smoother, my skincare sank in better, and, despite my paranoia, I did not wake up the next day looking like a Victorian strongman.

AFTER

Finally, DermaLuxe red light therapy—which, in the past, has done absolutely nothing for me. But with the magic she worked before this point seemed to make this work for me.

I walked in expecting to leave with my usual flushed face, but instead, for the first time in years, my cheeks looked significantly less red.

Not just slightly calmed—visibly different. The inflammation had dialled down, and my skin actually looked even-toned.

For someone who’s been battling with their skin for years, this was borderline miraculous.

It’s not often that a facial delivers on more than just a glow, but this one genuinely seemed to do something.

I’m not saying my rosacea has packed its bags for good, but if Skin Matters can make that much of a difference in one session, I might just have to move in.

If you’re dealing with persistent redness, terrified of dermaplaning, or just want to look like you’ve been drinking 3L of water a day and sleeping eight hours a night, this is one facial worth splurging on.

https://skin-matters.co.uk/