Dr. Katerina Steventon, Face Workshops, Skin Care Expert

Dr Katerina Steventon MSc. PhD. – from the Czech Republic , is a skincare expert with over 17 years experience and has worked in the skin care industry, gaining an in-depth knowledge of skin science.

Her objective is to provide advice and recommend the right skin care routine for any individual, bridging the gap between the skincare consumer, beauty therapy and the skincare industry.  Katerina also actively pursues the role of a Key Opinion Leader in the field of functional skincare, speaking at conferences around the world.

A visit to Dr. Katerina Steventon helped me to find out how the signs of ageing can be delayed naturally without drastic action such as a surgeon’s knife or Botox injections…

I have always thought that in the future, should there be a need, I would at least consider some form of cosmetic surgery.  If it makes you feel better about yourself, surely it is worth it?  That was until I met Katerina Steventon about a year ago at a facial yoga party where she demonstrated how to massage the facial muscles and skin, in a similar way to working out the body to help improve tone and the skin’s elasticity for a more youthful appearance.  Following that evening, I made an appointment for a skin consultation at The Barn House in Walkington, from where Katerina practices.

Prior to the consultation I completed an in-depth questionnaire about my skincare routine, exposure to the sun and what, if possible, I would change about my skin.  Katerina considers all aspects and tests a huge variety of products on each client, looking for anything that causes skin tightening or irritation.  Katerina is not linked or affiliated to any products – instead she knows about the formula and how the enormous variety of skin types might react.

I wanted to reduce redness, obliterate black-heads and give myself a healthier glow.  I’ve always known that what we put into the body has a major effect on the skin but, after my doctor suggested that I avoid alcohol and spicy food – and neither being an option – I was interested to see what Katerina would recommend.

First of all she was impressed with my ‘compliance’ the fact that I use an SPF everyday, vital even in winter.  Katerina though, recommended three ranges for me to try, depending on my budget.  The top end would take the quarterly cost of around £40 to £300+ so I went for the middle option.

I learned some important routine changes; use a facial mask at least once a week in the summer but every other month in the winter.   Don’t scrub more that once each week and to only use a scrub containing rounded balls, not jagged edged kernels as these tend to do more damage than good.  The process of scrubbing opens up the skin cells making them vulnerable to the cold outdoors.  Add to that central heating and together they cause dryness and patches.

I also learned that good skin care is seasonal.  What is good for the skin during the summer is not necessarily enough or the right formula during the winter months, so it is important to use the right products for that particular time of year.

Katerina also provides a facial massage.  There are a variety of treatments but I had the European massage which lasts for 60 minutes, topped off with a facial mask.  It treats every single muscle in the face and neck and the results are instantly noticeable and last for a few weeks.  The massage draws blood to the surface, feeding the muscles, giving them a work-out.  The superficial surface of the skin is ironed out and lines/crevices are clearly smoother and less obvious.

Katerina’s facial yoga routine can be done at home as part of your skin care, as often as you like – although remembering to do it is the main problem for me.  However, it is definitely making my skin look and feel better (friends that I hadn’t seen for a while have commented).  Katerina’s treatments make you feel that you are really looking after yourself.  I am now aware of the elements’ devastating affect on the skin and also how signs of ageing CAN be delayed naturally.

As a therapist, Katerina combines skin science (to look after the superficial skin layers), facial yoga exercises (to tone the facial muscles) and facial massage (to stretch the collagen producing cells and realign the collagen fibres).  Having spoken to a number of her clients, they feel the benefit after just one treatment and have been told they “look more youthful and radiant”.  To achieve full benefit, it is recommended that treatments should be regular as regular as a trip to the hairdressers.  She tells me that as I am young (34), by looking after my skin now, I am giving it the best possible chance of looking youthful in the future.

Katerina explains that: “What is achieved in terms of therapy is in the hands of both the client and the therapist.  If you lead a stressful or unhealthy lifestyle, your body will focus energy on fighting the vital inner battles and your skin is given low priority.  There is only so much a therapy can achieve and, to make a real difference, we need time and an annual treatment programme.

Another issue for me personally is a tendency to frown or scowl; it is my default face, there out of interest or concentration and NOT anger/misery.  If you, like me, are sitting reading this web page with a frown of concentration on your face, Katerina asks that we make a concerted effort to stop.  The crevice between the brows will become deeper and deeper and in the end will be irreparable.

Whilst a quick fix would be desirable for most, Katerina does not endorse Botox.  She says: “Yes, the appearance is improved in an instant, although with a distinct lack of expression.  Yet, the real issue is that Botox hasn’t been around long enough for us to understand the long-term affects.  How do we know what healthy women are going to look like in 20 years time after having paralysed their facial muscles with Botox over a long period?  As a scientist, I feel it is an issue of significant concern.”

Instead of surgery or other harsh treatments, I sincerely recommend you try one of Katerina’s therapies.  There is a variety to choose from indulgent facials and aromatherapy massages that refresh and rejuvenate or the Japanese anti-aging facial.  As a taster, the facial yoga workshop could benefit you at any age, male or female.  It is so easy once you learn the technique and as I mentioned, it has a noticeable benefit.  Whatever your skin care goal, Katerina will design a programme suitable for ‘your’ face.

To check if your skincare range and routine is of benefit to your skin, call Katerina now for a FaceWorkshops Skin Analysis facial MOT.  Tel. 01482 863807 or email info@faceworkshops.com

Reported by Jess Clark