My 12-week Skin Journey
Inches of Oxted launched a 12-week skin transformation programme, and I signed up and committed to a new skincare routine. And as someone who's never stuck to a regimen, I wasn't sure how well this would work for me, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Having tried a variety of products over the last few decades - including Environ, The Ordinary, prescribed Retinol, and high-street bargains - I had all but given up on finding anything that would show real improvements to my skin. Prescriptions, harsh chemicals and vigorous scrubs had made my skin worse. Any unexpected reactions were attributed to the product 'working,' but I was left with an uneven skin texture and breakouts. My skin condition steadily declined, especially at menopause, and I had a constant battle with dryness and undiagnosed rosacea. 
It is a cruel change when you suddenly wake up and find your face has fallen overnight, and the person looking back at you in the mirror is a stranger you don't recognise. Menopause had definitely taken its toll. I wanted to avoid injectables and resurfacing lasers, yet it seemed they may be my only option if I wanted to make a real difference.
So, amid a new (and last) attempt to research skincare and the confusion about what I need, an Instagram post caught my attention, and I found myself booking two tickets to a 'Katherine Daniels Night' at Inches in Oxted, Surrey. The name may seem a little confusing, but this is not a weight loss clinic. It is a comprehensive skin and body beauty salon and spa. The new owners decided to keep the long-standing, locally known business name when they acquired the salon.
The Katherine Daniels event focused on showcasing results-driven skincare and helping people find the best version of their skin. That night, Kate (owner) talked me through a bespoke facial using Katherine Daniels products. She told me my greasy skin was actually the result of dehydration. It was working overtime to produce sebum, which most people mistake for greasiness. All the scrubs and facial peels had damaged my skin barrier, and it was trying its best to repair the damage by producing more sebum to keep it moisturised.
I decided to trust Kate with my face and commit to the 12-week skin transformation programme before the night was out, leaving the event with a selection of Katherine Daniels products and a diary full of treatments and facials for the coming weeks.
As I knew sticking to a complicated routine could be difficult, Kate ensured my daily ritual was tailored to my needs but also to my ability to commit. Double cleansing was non-negotiable (essential cleansing milk), followed by a serum (total skin repair concentrate) and a moisturiser (rehydrating cream) every evening. In the mornings, a quick wipe with my new microfibre mitt would suffice, followed by moisturiser and SPF50 sunscreen. If I could follow this for two weeks up to my first facial, we would be on the right track.
Kate tailored the six bespoke facials to my immediate skin needs while maintaining the goal of overall skin barrier repair and rehydration. Subtle changes were made when I ran out of serum, and all product changes were based on weekly results. The LED lights calmed my inflammation, and the maintenance treatments slotted around the main facials, as required. By the end of the programme, I had signed up for a CACI course and am now looking forward to my first HydraFacial and Skin Pen experience.
The results?
How did my skin respond? When I took the second comparison photograph, I could actually see the softness around my nose, and my lips now look visibly plumper. My skin is on a continuous journey and still has a way to travel, but taking the first steps has definitely produced visible results. And I am now three months into a routine that I can stick to. 
I take the comments from family and friends as the ultimate approval. They have seen the improvements and noticed the fresher look to my face. My skin is no longer sallow and dull. The mirror each morning is no longer dreaded, and I have incorporated a morning cleanse and extra products into my routine. Once the habit is set, it is easier to add a few extra tweaks. Committing to the routine is the start, and this 12-week programme makes that so much easier as you will have support throughout.
The years still show, but they are no longer dragging my face down. With the continued daily routine and small tweaks to products, I know my skin is in safe hands. In future, I will ensure my skin barrier is protected or supported before trying any new treatments. I may incorporate other products with active ingredients like Vitamin A and C, but I will always be mindful of the start Kate has given my skin, and the knowledge that allows me to move forward with more confidence.
The CACI sessions are my favourite addition to the programme, with immediate results seen. An initial course of 10 is recommended, twice weekly for the first five weeks, then monthly follow-ups. I am searching for the best red light mask to use at home, and looking forward to seeing the results of microneedling.
Kate ensured my skin barrier was repaired and ready for additional treatments before they were booked, so I don't undo all the progress achieved from the 12-week skin transformation programme. For more details, or to book your space today, visit Inches of Oxted - or call now on 01883 722 555
For more details regarding Katherine Daniels and their range visit Katherine Daniels Cosmetics