River's Skin Journey
An Actor's Journey to Radiant Skin
For actor River Hawkins, the camera doesn’t lie. Like many performers, he knew that his skin needed to look its absolute best - both for his on-screen roles and for his own confidence. But when he first stepped into Pfeffer Sal, River was navigating a few challenges, including psoriasis, acne scarring, and uneven texture. Enter Jayne, one of our expert dermal therapists, who developed a tailored skin journey to help River achieve a healthier, glowing complexion. Here’s how it unfolded...
The Starting Point
"With psoriasis, I'd tried everything, for 10 years. So many dermatologists, different things from the NHS and topical treatments. I would experience unpredictable flare ups," River shared. "And when you’re an actor, you go on set and there's hair and makeup, but I’ve previously felt a bit self-conscious in the back of my mind."
Alongside psoriasis, River also dealt with acne scars and uneven texture. His skincare routine was already solid - cleansing twice a day and always using SPF. "Because of the psoriasis, I was more knowledgeable about skincare and having good habits. It was intuitive."
After a detailed consultation and skin MOT with Jayne, they crafted a bespoke treatment plan with room for adjustments based on how his skin responded along the way.
The Treatment Plan
River’s tailored plan included a mix of LED light therapy, advanced laser treatments, and deeply hydrating facials:
6x Under the Light: A 30-minute LED therapy session twice a week, using red and near-infrared light to calm inflammation, promote collagen production, and support the skin’s healing process.
6x Forever You Express: A 50-minute treatment centred on ClearLift laser technology to improve skin texture, soften scars, and enhance overall radiance. (No longer on our menu, but we can make a Bespoke laser treatment for you if you want to try this!)
2x iPixel Face: A rejuvenating treatment using the iPixel laser for deeper skin resurfacing and long-lasting results. This required an additional patch test to ensure River’s skin was ready.
Jayne also offered holistic advice to support his skin from within, recommending omega-rich and probiotic-rich foods to boost hydration and collagen production.
The Journey in Action
River’s journey began on February 14th, with a thorough skin MOT and a laser patch test to kickstart the process. From there, his treatment dates were meticulously spaced to allow his skin to heal and transform:
7x Under the Light sessions: February 20, 28, March 1, 10, 12, 15, 21
7x Forever You Express sessions: March 27, April 16, May 1, May 21, June 14, July 7, August 11
2x iPixel Face sessions: August 30 and February 4
"Initially I was coming in for half an hour every week, which was a nice way to break up your day in the middle of a sometimes very stressful week," River noted. "I just tried to stick with the appointments, but obviously some things come up as always in life," River explained. "After iPixel, that was quite intense, so I needed a little break in between appointments for some recovery and downtime."
What’s Involved: Highlights of the Treatments
Under the Light
This targeted, soothing treatment used red LED and near-infrared light therapy from our Dermalux machine to address inflammation from psoriasis and encourage collagen production.
This brilliant advanced technology turbo-boosted River's skincare, using clinically proven light therapy to achieve outstanding results.
"I found it particularly effective for calming irritation and redness."
Forever You Express
The ClearLift laser became the star of River’s journey, gently resurfacing his skin to tackle acne scarring and uneven texture.
By penetrating the dermis in a controlled manner, ClearLift results in the growth of new collagen, as well as the tightening the skin, reducing the appearance of enlarged pores, fine lines and wrinkles and improving skin tone and texture for a plump and youthful appearance.
"I didn’t really know much about facials before, and the different types you can get - like lasers! Now I’m much more knowledgeable."
We recommend booking ClearLift + ClearSkin or Fitzrovia Facial if you're looking for a treatment that incorporates the ClearLift laser.
iPixel Face
Using the powerful iPixel 2940nm Erbium laser, iPixel Face created tiny micro-channels that encouraged River's skin to heal and rejuvenate. This boosted collagen production, improving texture, tone, and elasticity for a smoother, more radiant complexion. It was like his skin’s personal comeback tour - resurfacing scars, enhancing smoothness, and restoring its natural glow.
While the heat-based treatment involved some downtime, the results made it all worthwhile. iPixel Face worked tirelessly to renew his skin to its beautiful best.
"iPixel was definitely the most intense part of the journey, but seeing the results made it all worthwhile."
The Transformation
"I feel so much, so much better. Each time you come in here, it feels very therapeutic," River reflected. "In terms of the products you use, the scents are fantastic, and the products are such high quality. I feel more confident about my skin for sure."
River’s favourite part of the treatments? "I love the application of the products and the massage during the cleansing. And having a Review towards the end to see the progression since the first scans - that was amazing. Sometimes you get things done and you’re like, ‘I think this is better,’ but seeing the results in front of you is so important."
During our Skin Health event with River's mental health charity, HUMEN, River shared how much more comfortable and confident he felt about his skin after seeing such great results - and how he was able to feel confident in front of the camera!
And when it comes to products, he’s found some new favourites: "I love C27! I bought the Eyes 27 and accidentally left it on a plane - which was really annoying! I really like the Baume 27 as well; it’s been perfect for my dry areas of my skin."
By the end of his journey, River’s skin had undergone a remarkable transformation. The psoriasis was more manageable, his scars had softened, and his skin’s texture and tone were smoother and more even. "The easiest part was everyone here, making me feel so comfortable. I love Jayne!"
Looking Ahead
River’s journey is a testament to the power of personalised skin care. With regular maintenance treatments and a renewed focus on skin health, he’s ready to face the camera with confidence. "The whole environment - it’s a sanctuary," River concluded.
We look forward to watching him continue to flourish, both on and off screen, and, of course, we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way!
Ready to start your own skin journey? Book a consultation at Pfeffer Sal and let us help you achieve your goals.
If you’re planning to visit us regularly, or embarking on a skin journey with us, why not go for a course of treatments? You're welcome to mix and match treatments too!
Buy 3 treatments, receive the 4th half price.
Buy 5 treatments, receive the 6th for free.
THE DESTINATION FOR SKIN HEALTH
+44 (0) 20 3883 4702 - PFEFFERSAL.COM
THE STABLES, 10B WARREN MEWS, LONDON W1T 6BY
