A facial is always something of an indulgence, but a treatment incorporating 24 carat gold? This, we had to try!

River Aesthetics has just launched the decadent-sounding Gold River Facial at its flagship clinic in Canford Cliffs. Priced at £195, it is just as luxurious as the name suggests.

The healing powers of gold have been extolled since the time of Cleopatra. The precious metal has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can calm acne breakouts, reduce skin redness and protect against free radicals that lead to wrinkles and sun damage.

Now River Aesthetics has launched a new facial which harnesses the properties of 24 carat gold to lift, firm and calm the skin. The luxe hour-long treatment works to slow collagen depletion, increase cell firmness, blood flow and elasticity, reduce dark circles under the eyes as well as deeply hydrate the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It promises to leave the skin looking and feeling cleansed, brightened, revitalised and glowing with vitality.

The 24 carat gold in the indulgent Gold River Facial is combined with top of the range, clinic-only ingredients and can also be used in conjunction with ZO products, a HydraFacial, which uses water to draw out the skin's impurities, and an LED therapy mask to amplify the effects.

Sadly, the treatment was over far too quickly, but it did leave my skin looking, and feeling, fabulous. Whether that was related to the knowledge that 24 carat gold leaf had been massaged into my skin or not, I'm not entirely sure!

Founded by experienced medical aesthetic skin doctors, Dr Victoria Manning and Dr Charlotte Woodward, the River Aesthetics approach is about helping you to be the best version of yourself.

The aim to achieve natural-looking results using the latest treatment innovations, delivered by highly qualified experts. The clinic offers bespoke aesthetic procedures and treatments tailored to the life stages of each client.

:: Ten per cent of the cost of each Gold River Facial treatment will be donated to breast cancer charity the Pink Ribbon Foundation.

River Aesthetics, Haven Road, Canford Cliffs 01202 024060 riveraesthetics.com