Devon

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT/WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/south-hams-1000x667.jpg" alt="South Hams winners in the Muddy Awards" class="wp-image-66369" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/south-hams-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/south-hams-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/south-hams-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/06/south-hams.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">South Hams Muddy Awards winners 2024 L-R Jolanta Radko, Amanda Marsden Salons and Alison Miller Skincare &amp; Aesthetics </figcaption></figure>



I&#8217;m off to the &#8216;burbs of Totnes to check out this year&#8217;s Muddy Awards winning Beauty Clinic: <a href="https://www.alisonmillerskincare.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alison Miller Skincare &amp; Aesthetics</a>. If you&#8217;d had the pleasure of meeting Alison in the flesh, as I did at the Muddy Awards after-party, you would be too. She has incredible skin, make that luminous, which is even more jaw-dropping when she told me she&#8217;s knocking on 40. That&#8217;s Alison second from right with the South Hams winners, all of whom work in the fitness or beauty industry. South Hams, you beauts!



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller.jpeg" alt="Alison Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69479" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller-534x800.jpeg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller-667x1000.jpeg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller-768x1151.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



A trained dental nurse, Alison, managed and practised as a skin care specialist in an award-winning clinic for the past 11 years, before recently making the leap to open her own. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1501" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file-47.jpeg" alt="Alison Miller and Dr James Willis Alison Miller Skincare " class="wp-image-69477" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file-47.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file-47-533x800.jpeg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file-47-666x1000.jpeg 666w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file-47-768x1153.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



Now she runs the biz and takes care of the results-driven facials, while the other member of the team, Dr James Willis, does the tweakments. The pair have stacked up over 40 years&#8217; combined clinical experience between them.&nbsp;



Alison specialises in high-tech treatments, including micro needling, thread vein removal, Dermalux light therapy and an anti-ageing Stem Cell Derived Exosome Therapy &#8211; the one celebs are all over which is reputed to turn back the clock on wrinkles. 



I&#8217;m here for Alison&#8217;s signature special, the <a href="https://www.alisonmillerskincare.co.uk/hydrafacialtotnes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hydro Facial</a> &#8211; it&#8217;s her bestseller, apparently, not least because it gives your skin a plumped-up dewy appearance for a few days afterwards, making it the ideal pre-party or holiday glow-up. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file1-9.jpeg" alt="Alison Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69480" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file1-9.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file1-9-534x800.jpeg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file1-9-667x1000.jpeg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/file1-9-768x1151.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The one-room clinic is bijou with a feminine vibe, softly scented with a candle burning and fashionably decorated in earthy decor. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3106.jpg" alt="Muddy Award winning Best Beauty Salon/Clinic 2024 Alison Proctor Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69395" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3106.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3106-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3106-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3106-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Classical piano music is playing gently, and the lighting is low and way less clinical than her facials sound. And look! A topnotch award is on display.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1499" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller2.jpeg" alt="Alison Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69481" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller2.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller2-534x800.jpeg 534w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller2-667x1000.jpeg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-miller2-768x1151.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



The treatment bed is wrapped in a fresh white waffle blanket, and looks extra comfortable thanks to a bolster for your knees. Good thing too, when this facial can take up to 90 minutes. In one corner, there&#8217;s a desk and opposite a machine with various nozzles and gadgets, in the other a sheepskin-clad chair.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-facial">THE FACIAL</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3110.jpg" alt="Alison Proctor Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69397" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3110.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3110-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3110-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3110-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Like I say, the Hydro Facial is Alison&#8217;s most popular treatment. Lasting either 60 or 90 minutes, it harnesses her curated range of cosmeceuticals (a combo of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals which benefit the skin&#8217;s beauty and health). Products are carefully chosen to suit each individual client&#8217;s skin, including Medik8, colourscience and ZO Skin Health. You can&#8217;t get your mitts on these high performance products without being prescribed by a qualified practitioner, but no worries as she&#8217;s just launched a <a href="https://www.alisonmillerskincare.co.uk/freefacials" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skincare Rewards Program</a>, earning you free facials when you buy products from her.



I&#8217;ve upgraded to the Hydro Facial with <a href="https://www.alisonmillerskincare.co.uk/dermaluxflextotnes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dermalux Flex LED Light Phytotherapy </a>which is designed to improve the skin long-term. Using medically certified light wavelengths, it&#8217;s proven to combat a whole load of conditions, including fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, dull tired skin and dehydration, acne, psoriasis and congested skin. 



The facial starts with a quick consult where Alison shines a bright light on my skin to check it over, while I pump her for info on everything from sunscreens and age spots to how to wean my teen off using too many products. I&#8217;m alarmed to hear that skins aren&#8217;t fully formed until the age of 18, so young &#8216;uns really shouldn&#8217;t be using things like Retinols. Apparently, the biggest mistake most people make is in trying to be our own Google beauty doctors, and choosing the wrong products for our individual skin. A case of a little knowledge being a dangerous thing.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1127" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3117.jpg" alt="Alison Proctor Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69398" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3117.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3117-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3117-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3117-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Much slathering, massaging and plumping ensues &#8211; with Alison applying what feels like a mini vacuum cleaner to my skin to wake it up and get the blood flowing ready to receive all the goodness. A clinical grade peel is applied to clear pores, damaged and dead skin cells, which is great if you never get around to exfoliating (yep, ever).



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-lighttherapy.jpeg" alt="Alison Proctor Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69399" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-lighttherapy.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-lighttherapy-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-lighttherapy-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-lighttherapy-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It also involves all sorts of nozzles for radio frequency skin tightening and no-needle mesotherapy, moisture infusion masks, an oxygen infusion mist, and cryotherapy to close capillaries and soothe. Of course, I&#8217;m not very aware of this because to be clear, there&#8217;s absolutely nothing painful going in here, it&#8217;s just a bit tingly at times. What&#8217;s more, it smells lovely &#8211; and what prevents it being entirely clinical is that Alison combines it with traditional facial massage techniques, with your neck and shoulders getting in on the act, and a really divine scalp and hair massage.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-2.jpeg" alt="Alison Proctor Miller Skincare Totnes " class="wp-image-69400" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-2.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-2-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-2-1000x750.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/dermalux-2-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It finishes up with a pair of goggles going on, and I&#8217;m told to shut my eyes for what felt like a few minutes, but was actually 20 minutes of <a href="https://www.alisonmillerskincare.co.uk/dermaluxflextotnes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dermalux LED light therapy</a>, while piano music played and I floated blissfully away. 



Struggling to find a niggle&#8230; but maybe the clock? Its ticking didn&#8217;t disturb my relaxation (make that coma) during the LED light therapy, but I know it can drive some people potty.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-results">THE RESULTS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1127" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3122.jpg" alt="Alison Proctor Miller Skincare Totnes results " class="wp-image-69401" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3122.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3122-800x601.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3122-1000x751.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/IMG_3122-768x577.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



Alison reminds me to drink lots of water that evening and the next day to hydrate, and to avoid too much sun. I have to say I look pretty rosy &#8211; in a good way &#8211; straight away and on closer examination, the pores on my nose look visibly reduced. 



The next day my skin feels tighter and smooth, and my primer and tinted moisturiser slides on like a dream. On day two, I have a really early morning FaceTime with my son, who&#8217;s in a different time zone, and I honestly do a double take when my face pops up on my mobile. I don&#8217;t usually look this fresh at 6am! My cheeks are bump-free and positively glow. Nearly a week later, and I think I still look distinctly less raddled.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-clinic.jpeg" alt="Alison Miller Skincare &amp; Aesthetics Totnes " class="wp-image-69421" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-clinic.jpeg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-clinic-800x533.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-clinic-1000x667.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/alison-clinic-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



It&#8217;s not the cheapest facial, but it does deliver, and I can see why many of Alison&#8217;s clients book back in as they would the hairdresser, every six weeks or so. I&#8217;m intrigued to know how good my skin would look after a few goes. I also love the advancements in tech &#8211; remember the yucky bad old days when &#8216;extraction&#8217; meant beauticians squeezing your blemishes. This face, erm, vacuuming is so much more dignified! Plus, Alison&#8217;s expertise and knowledge is way more economical than buying expensive products which make extravagant claims, but might not be right for, or worse, damaging your skin. 



Good for: a bespoke facial with products expertly chosen to suit your skin; a best of both world facials, fluffy and results-driven; a good skin pick-me-up for pre-party or mini-break; anyone who&#8217;s useless at remembering to exfoliate (who moi?); dulling down open pores, boosting collagen, reducing puffiness; a delicious de-stresser.



Not for: under 18s, pregnant people or those with broken skin or very severe acne (Alison can help but with other bespoke treatments).



The damage: 60 minutes &#8211; £95; 90 minutes &#8211; £140; Dermalux Light Therapy £32.50 for 30 minutes.



Fancy trying it too? Head over to <a href="https://devon.muddystilettos.co.uk/reader-treats/win-hydro-facial-and-dermalux-light-therapy-worth-140/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Muddy Devon Reader Treats </a>for your chance to win a Hydro Facial and Dermalux Light Therapy Treatment, worth £140.



<a href="https://www.alisonmillerskincare.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alison Miller Skincare &amp; Aesthetics</a>, 22 Sparkhays Drive, Totnes TQ9 5LD.

Review: Hydro Facial at Muddy Award winning Alison Miller Skincare & Aesthetics, Totnes

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