Skin Treatment
Clinical Facials at AEOM
Two clinical skincare ranges, one considered approach to skin quality
Clinical facials sit somewhere between spa treatments and procedural aesthetics — using clinical-grade products and structured protocols to address specific skin concerns, without the downtime of injectables or energy-based treatments. We use two complementary ranges: Meder, a French biofacial system with targeted protocols for specific concerns; and Jan Marini, an American clinical skincare system designed to enhance results from in-clinic treatments. The right choice depends on your skin, your concern, and your wider treatment plan.
Key facts strip:
- Single facial: £125 (60 minutes)
- Course of 3: £325 (£108 per session)
- Course of 6: £600 (£100 per session)
- No downtime, suitable for most skin types and ages
From
£125
Downtime
None
Session
60 min
Areas
Face
Results
12–18 months
HOW IT WORKS
Clinical, not spa
The word "facial" covers an enormous range — from relaxation-led spa treatments at one end to clinical-grade protocols using prescription-equivalent actives at the other. Most facials sold at premium price points sit somewhere in the middle: pleasant, well-presented, but limited in what they actually do for skin.
A clinical facial is different. The protocols at AEOM use professional-only, clinical-grade product ranges with active ingredient concentrations and formulations not available in retail or spa contexts. They're delivered by trained clinical practitioners, not therapists, and they follow structured protocols designed for specific concerns — acne, rosacea, pigmentation, post-menopausal skin changes, fine lines, dehydration — rather than generic "freshen up" approaches.
We chose Meder and Jan Marini because both ranges are genuinely clinical, both have strong evidence and professional credentials, and they cover slightly different needs. Patients new to clinical facials typically have one suggested at consultation; longer-term patients often use both for different concerns at different times.
THE TWO RANGES WE USE
Meder and Jan Marini — two
clinical approaches
Meder BioFacial
Meder is a French clinical skincare brand built around the concept of targeted treatment protocols rather than a single hero facial. Each protocol — EU-SEB, RED-APAX, MYO-FIX, LIPO-OVAL, HYDRA-FILL, ARMA-LIFT — is formulated to address a specific clinical concern (acne, rosacea, fine lines, contour, dehydration, menopausal skin) using a structured combination of actives.
Key characteristics of the Meder approach:
- Targeted by concern. You're not booked into "a facial"; you're booked into a specific protocol that matches your skin's primary issue.
- High safety profile. No retinol, no acids, no hydroquinone, no benzoyl peroxide — making the protocols suitable during pregnancy, for sensitive skin, and for patients with reactive conditions.
- All skin types and tones — formulated to work across Fitzpatrick I–VI without pigmentation risk.
- Boosts and complements other treatments. Meder facials work particularly well alongside microcurrent, energy-device treatments (Sofwave) and injectable procedures — supporting the broader work happening in your skin.
- Suitable in pregnancy — one of the few clinical facial routes available during a period when most aesthetic treatment is off the table.
Jan Marini
Jan Marini Skin Research is a US-based clinical skincare brand with decades of independent research backing its formulations. The Marini approach is more system-based — built around the award-winning Skin Care Management System™, a structured regimen designed to be prescribed and used as a complete approach to skin health.
Key characteristics of the Jan Marini approach:
- Science-led. Formulations backed by peer-reviewed research and independent clinical studies.
- System-based skincare. Designed as a coordinated regimen rather than standalone treatments — though in-clinic facial protocols are also delivered.
- Concern coverage. Strong evidence-base across ageing, acne, pigmentation, redness and texture concerns.
- Enhances in-clinic procedures. Designed to complement microneedling, peels, injectables and energy-based devices — improving and prolonging clinical results.
- All skin types and tones.
Choosing Between Them
Comparison Point
Meder BioFacial
Jan Marini
Approach
Targeted protocols by specific concern
Clinical skincare system
Origin
France
United States
Active Profile
High safety — no retinol, acids, hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide
More traditional clinical actives (vitamin C, peptides, retinol-equivalent compounds in some products)
Suitable in Pregnancy
Yes (one of its strengths)
Some products only — varies by product
Particular Strengths
Sensitive skin, rosacea, pregnancy, post-procedure support
Established concerns (ageing, acne, pigmentation); strong home care integration
Pairs With
Energy devices, injectables, microcurrent
Microneedling, peels, injectables
The honest summary: Meder is typically our recommendation for patients with sensitive or reactive skin, pregnancy, post-procedure recovery, or when a specific clinical concern (acne, rosacea) is the focus. Jan Marini is typically our recommendation for patients building a longer-term skincare regimen that pairs in-clinic facials with structured home care, particularly for ageing and pigmentation concerns. We'll guide you at consultation.
THE MEDER PROTOCOLS
Meder protocols, by concern
Meder isn't one facial — it's a system of six targeted protocols, each formulated for a specific clinical concern. At consultation, we identify which is right for your skin and your primary goal.
EU-SEB (probiotic-based acne protocol)
A protocol specifically designed for inflammatory acne. Uses probiotic-derived actives to support skin microbiome balance, alongside anti-inflammatory and pore-regulating ingredients. Particularly useful for acne patients sensitive to traditional acid-based or benzoyl peroxide treatments. Visible improvements typically across a course of 4–6 sessions, often combined with appropriate home care.
RED-APAX (neuro-cosmetic rosacea protocol)
A protocol formulated for rosacea-prone, reactive and flushing-prone skin. Uses neuro-cosmetic actives (designed to calm cutaneous nerve responses) alongside anti-inflammatory and barrier-strengthening ingredients. The most effective Meder protocol for patients managing rosacea, telangiectasia, or persistent skin reactivity.
MYO-FIX (peptide-mimic wrinkle protocol)
A protocol using peptide-mimic compounds that work on the appearance of expression lines without the use of muscle-relaxing injectables. Suitable for patients in their 30s and 40s wanting to soften fine lines and address early ageing through a topical/professional facial approach rather than anti-wrinkle injections.
LIPO-OVAL (face contour protocol)
A protocol designed to support facial contour, lymphatic drainage and reduce facial puffiness. Particularly effective for patients dealing with post-illness puffiness, fluid retention, or seeking visible "lifted" appearance from a facial without procedural intervention. Often used in combination with Meder massage techniques for compounded effect.
HYDRA-FILL (deep hydration / glass skin protocol)
A protocol focused on deep hydration, plumping and the achievement of the smooth, reflective "glass skin" effect popularised in Korean and Japanese skincare. Particularly useful for dehydrated skin, dull complexions, or pre-event preparation.
ARMA-LIFT (pre/post menopausal protocol)
A protocol formulated for the specific skin changes associated with perimenopause and menopause — loss of elasticity, dehydration, sensitivity, and reduced barrier function. Uses ingredients chosen to support skin during a period of significant hormonal change.
THE JAN MARINI APPROACH
Jan Marini protocols
and skincare integration
Jan Marini in-clinic facials are typically delivered as part of an integrated skincare approach — combining a clinical facial protocol with structured home care to compound results. We use Jan Marini for patients building a long-term skin investment, particularly when established concerns (ageing, pigmentation, acne) are the focus.
Common Jan Marini facial focuses include:
Anti-ageing protocols
- Anti-ageing protocols — using clinical-grade vitamin C, retinol-equivalent compounds, peptides and growth factor-supporting ingredients to address fine lines, texture and skin quality
Pigmentation protocols
- Pigmentation protocols — using brightening complexes and tyrosinase-modulating ingredients to address sun damage, melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Acne protocols
- Acne protocols — using salicylic acid-based exfoliation and antibacterial actives for patients with active or post-inflammatory acne (note: some Jan Marini acne products are not suitable in pregnancy; Meder EU-SEB is the better choice in that context)
Pre/post-procedure protocols
- Pre/post-procedure protocols — designed to prepare skin before and support skin after microneedling, peels and energy-based treatments
For patients on a longer-term plan, we often pair Jan Marini facials with a prescribed home care regimen — extending the work happening in clinic into daily skincare for compounded long-term results.
WHO IT'S FOR
Who clinical facials are right for
Clinical facials are well-suited if you are:
Looking for visible improvement in skin quality through a non-procedural, low-friction treatment
Dealing with specific concerns — acne, rosacea, pigmentation, fine lines, dehydration, menopausal skin changes — that benefit from a targeted protocol
Pregnant and unable to have most aesthetic procedures (Meder is one of the few clinical options available)
Recovering from a procedure (post-microneedling, post-laser, post-injection) and wanting supportive treatment
Building a long-term skin care plan and wanting regular maintenance between bigger treatments
New to clinical skin care and looking for a substantive starting point before procedural treatments
Looking for pre-event skin preparation — clinical facials are particularly effective 5–10 days before a major occasion
Clinical facials may not be the right primary treatment if:
You're focused on structural change (skin laxity, lifting, volume) — these need treatments like Sofwave
You need deep regenerative work for significant scarring or texture concerns — microneedling, PRP or laser may be more appropriate
You expect dramatic single-session transformation — clinical facials produce real, visible improvement but work best across courses
You have active skin infections, open lesions, sunburn or compromised skin barrier — these need addressing first
WHAT TO EXPECT
Before, during and after
Before
Consultation & assessment
Every first-time clinical facial patient begins with a brief consultation where we identify the right range (Meder or Jan Marini), the right protocol (e.g. EU-SEB for active acne, RED-APAX for rosacea), and any sensitivities to consider. For longer-term patients we typically also include Observ 520x imaging on first treatment to track progress.
Preparation: No specific preparation required. Come with clean skin, no makeup. If you're using prescription topicals (retinoids, hydroquinone) or have had recent treatments (peels, laser, injectables), tell us at consultation — we may adjust protocol or recommend timing.
During
The session
A typical Clinical Facial runs 60 minutes:
- 0:00–0:10 — Consultation, skin cleansing, and protocol selection finalised
- 0:10–0:25 — First treatment phase: cleansing, exfoliation, initial active application
- 0:25–0:45 — Core treatment phase: targeted serums, masks or peptide complexes appropriate to the chosen protocol; often with facial massage or lymphatic drainage techniques depending on the protocol
- 0:45–0:60 — Final actives, SPF, and home care guidance
The experience varies by protocol. Some Meder protocols (LIPO-OVAL, HYDRA-FILL) include extended massage and lymphatic work that's deeply relaxing — many patients fall asleep. Others (EU-SEB, RED-APAX) are more functional, focused on getting clinical results into the skin efficiently.
After
Recovery
Immediately: Skin appears visibly clearer, brighter and more hydrated. Mild flush is normal for up to an hour. No bumps, no bruising, no downtime.
24 hours: Most patients report skin continuing to look better through the day after treatment — this is often when the visible improvements peak.
3–7 days: Visible improvements settle. Skin should still look healthier than baseline, particularly with regular cadence.
2 weeks: Most single-session effects largely returned to baseline, though regular skincare maintains the work. Patients on courses see compounding improvements across sessions.
RESULTS
What results actually look like
Clinical facials produce real but measured improvements. They're not transformation treatments — they're consistency treatments. Used regularly, alongside good skincare, they meaningfully improve skin quality over months and years.
Specific changes most patients see:
Visible improvement in skin hydration and glow
Smoother surface texture
Reduced inflammation and redness (particularly with RED-APAX, EU-SEB)
Improved acne and post-acne marks (with EU-SEB and Jan Marini acne protocols)
Better skin tone and clarity (with pigmentation-focused protocols)
Softening of fine lines (with MYO-FIX and Jan Marini anti-ageing protocols)
More resilient barrier function with regular sessions
General "healthier, brighter, calmer skin" appearance
Single session
Immediate brightness, hydration, settled inflammation; effects largely return to baseline in 2 weeks
Course of 6 (every 4 weeks)
Visible, compounding improvements in primary concern; meaningful change typically apparent by sessions 3–4
Ongoing maintenance
Monthly or bi-monthly facials maintain the work and continue improving skin quality over time
THE HONEST PART
What clinical facials won't do
We use these protocols because they work — but only as part of an appropriate plan, with realistic expectations.
They won't replace procedural treatments
Clinical facials work at and just below the skin surface; they don't produce the structural change of microneedling, the tightening of Sofwave, or the regenerative effect of PRP. For deeper concerns, these treatments remain appropriate.
Single sessions are not transformational
Real change comes from regular use across a course, often combined with appropriate home care.
They're not a substitute for proper skincare
A great clinical facial monthly with poor home care produces meaningfully worse results than a sensible monthly facial with a structured daily regimen. Skincare and clinical work compound; without the daily basics, the in-clinic work delivers less.
They have category limits
Clinical facials are excellent supportive and concern-specific treatments. Patients with significant clinical concerns (severe acne, deep scarring, significant laxity, persistent pigmentation) usually need a broader treatment plan; facials alone won't solve more substantial issues.
We'll be honest at consultation about whether a clinical facial is the right answer — or part of a broader plan.
CLINICAL FACIALS COMPARED — HOW THEY DIFFER
Clinical Facials vs other treatments
Clinical Facials vs Spa Facials
Different categories of treatment despite the shared name. Spa facials emphasise relaxation, atmosphere and luxury experience — typically using consumer-grade or hotel-spa branded products. Clinical facials use professional-only product ranges with higher active concentrations, follow structured protocols designed for specific concerns, and are delivered by clinical practitioners. The relaxation element can be present in clinical facials too — but the primary outcome is clinical skin improvement, not relaxation.
Clinical Facials vs JetPeel
Different mechanisms. JetPeel uses pressurised oxygen and saline to deliver actives without skin contact — clinical, but technology-led. Clinical facials use manual application of professional-grade actives, often with massage and lymphatic work — also clinical, but hand-delivered. They produce different but complementary outcomes; many patients have both, alternating across a month.
Clinical Facials vs Microneedling
Different categories of treatment. Microneedling produces controlled micro-injury to stimulate collagen and dermal regeneration — significantly more procedural, with 24–48 hours of downtime. Clinical facials work non-invasively at the skin surface. They complement each other (LED and JetPeel often deliver alongside microneedling courses), but address fundamentally different aspects of skin care.
Clinical Facials vs Chemical Peels
Peels apply acids to the skin to exfoliate at a controlled depth. Clinical facials can include mild peel elements (Jan Marini protocols sometimes use salicylic acid in low concentration, JetPeel includes glycolic acid exfoliation) but the primary work is typically broader — encompassing cleansing, multiple actives, sometimes massage, and finishing with SPF. For patients wanting concentrated peeling specifically, dedicated peel protocols are available separately; for most patients, clinical facials are the more rounded option.
PRICING
Clinical Facial pricing
Treatment
Price
Duration
Single Clinical Facial
£125
60 minutes
Course of 3
£325 (£108 per session)
60 minutes per session
Course of 6
£600 (£100 per session)
60 minutes per session
Add-ons:
Add-on
Price
LED Light Therapy (same day)
£40
Eye Treatment Boost
£40
Decolletage / Neck Add-on
£45
Klarna instalments available on courses, typically up to 3 interest-free payments, subject to approval.
As part of a Programme: A Meder Clinical Facial is included in Glow Reset (£450), the Skin Quality Programme (£895) and Collagen Rebuild (£1,495) — and a final Meder facial features in the Regenerative Lift programme review.
Membership: Foundation and Optimisation members receive a complimentary Clinical Facial as part of their monthly inclusions. Speak to us about membership at consultation.
COMBINE WITH
Treatments that combine well
with Clinical Facials
Clinical Facial + LED Light Therapy
A natural pairing — LED applied at the end of the facial extends recovery support and amplifies the calming/regenerative response. Available as a £40 add-on.
Clinical Facial + JetPeel
JetPeel and clinical facials work at different layers and use different delivery mechanisms — combining them across a month (e.g. JetPeel week 1, Clinical Facial week 3) produces meaningfully better skin quality than either alone.
Clinical Facial + SkinPen Elite Microneedling
Clinical facials between microneedling sessions support skin condition and improve overall course outcomes. Particularly useful for patients on the Collagen Rebuild programme.
Clinical Facial + Profhilo / Skin Boosters
A facial 1–2 weeks before Profhilo prepares skin for the injectable; a facial 1–2 weeks after extends the hydration and quality work happening from within.
Clinical Facial + Sofwave
A clinical facial 1–2 weeks after Sofwave supports skin recovery and complements the tightening work without interfering with collagen response.
Clinical Facial + Structured Home Care
For long-term patients, the most meaningful pairing is in-clinic facials combined with a properly-prescribed home regimen. Jan Marini's Skin Care Management System™ is designed specifically for this — we'd discuss home care at consultation if it would benefit your plan.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a Meder facial and a Jan Marini facial?
Meder is a French clinical skincare range built around six targeted protocols (acne, rosacea, fine lines, contour, hydration, menopausal skin) — formulated with high safety in mind (no retinol, acids, hydroquinone or benzoyl peroxide) and suitable during pregnancy.
Jan Marini is an American clinical skincare system with deeper integration into home care, particularly strong for ageing, pigmentation and acne concerns. At consultation we'll guide you to the right choice based on your concern, your skin sensitivity profile, and your wider plan.
Can I have a clinical facial during pregnancy?
Yes — particularly with the Meder range, which is specifically formulated to be safe during pregnancy. Meder facials are one of the few clinical aesthetic options available during pregnancy when most other treatments are off the table. Some Jan Marini products are not suitable in pregnancy — we'll guide you to the right protocol at consultation if you're pregnant or trying to conceive.
Will a clinical facial fix my acne?
For mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne, the Meder EU-SEB protocol (probiotic-based) or Jan Marini acne protocols can produce meaningful improvement, particularly over a course of 4–6 sessions paired with appropriate home care.
For severe acne, cystic acne, or acne that hasn't responded to over-the-counter treatments, clinical facials are part of the answer but typically need to be combined with medical-grade interventions (prescribed topicals, oral medication). We'll be honest about what's realistic at consultation.
Is there any downtime?
None. Mild flush for up to an hour after some protocols is normal but settles. You can wear makeup, return to work, and resume normal activities immediately. Many patients schedule clinical facials during a lunch break.
How often should I have a clinical facial?
Depends on what you're addressing. For a specific concern (acne, rosacea, pigmentation), a course of 6 facials at 3–4 week intervals followed by monthly maintenance is typical.
For general skin maintenance, monthly facials work well. For long-term skin investment, we'd often recommend rotating clinical facials with JetPeel and other supporting treatments across a quarter.
Are clinical facials worth it compared to good home skincare?
This is a fair and important question. Excellent home skincare consistently used produces meaningful results — and is foundational.
Clinical facials add to that foundation: higher active concentrations than retail products, professional application (better penetration, lymphatic work, exfoliation), and access to professional-only ranges. The combination of good home care plus regular clinical facials produces meaningfully better outcomes than either alone. Without good home care, clinical facials are less effective; without clinical facials, even good home care has ceilings.
Can I use Jan Marini products at home?
Yes — Jan Marini's strength is its integrated approach combining clinical facials with prescribable home care. We can recommend specific Jan Marini products as part of your skincare regimen following a clinical facial. The home care is what extends and compounds the work happening in clinic.
Can I use Meder products at home?
Meder home care products are available through professional channels.
After a Meder facial we can recommend appropriate home care to extend the work. Meder home products are typically slightly more accessible price-wise than Jan Marini's full system, which suits some patients better.
What's the difference between a clinical facial and JetPeel?
Both are clinical-grade, non-procedural skin treatments — but they use different mechanisms.
Clinical facials use professional product ranges applied manually with massage, lymphatic work and structured protocols. JetPeel uses patented pressurised oxygen and saline to deliver actives without skin contact. They produce different but complementary outcomes — many patients do both, alternating across a month or course. Speak to us at consultation about which is more appropriate for your specific concerns.
Do I need to commit to a course?
No — single facials are absolutely available and produce visible single-session results. Courses (3 or 6 sessions) typically deliver more meaningful change and offer better value per session, particularly for specific concerns (acne, rosacea, pigmentation) that benefit from sustained intervention.
Will I see results after one facial?
Yes — visible improvement in skin hydration, brightness, clarity and surface texture is normal after a single session. Whether those results are sustained depends on home care and whether you book another session. Single-session improvements largely settle back to baseline within 2 weeks; course-based work compounds.
Where is AEOM located?
Our clinic is at 116 Seymour Place in Marylebone, London.
Marylebone, Baker Street and Edgware Road stations are all under ten minutes on foot. Free street parking is available after 6.30pm, with paid bays on York Street nearby — daytime parking is reimbursed for treatments over £200. Treatments are by appointment only.
Ready to book a Clinical Facial?
Clinical facials are some of the most consistent, low-friction skin investments available — particularly when paired with the right home care and the right wider treatment plan. Book a consultation and we'll guide you to the right protocol, range and cadence for your skin.