My mother started taking me for facials when I was 15 and had raging acne. Once a month I had a Rene Guinot Cathiodermie. The therapist would perform extractions (aka squeeze my blackheads) and zap me with various electric currents before leaving me to recover with a healing mask on to the sounds of Radio One – this was pre the current fashion for whale music in salons.

Was it worth the money? Well, it didn't cure my acne, but I do think it helped to control the breakouts and minimize scarring. It was also a psychological boost.

A couple of decades later, I'm still a great believer in salon/spa facials as essential for facial skin care. At the very least they are a pampering experience, pretty much guaranteed to leave your skin looking fresher and healthier. It's also a chance to grab some 'me time', as long as the therapist doesn't witter on about holidays/clubbing/Chantelle and Preston etc. Some of the anti-ageing facials really do offer quite amazing results. The only facials that I don't think are worth the money are the ones often marketed as a hotel or spa's signature or house facial. In my experience, they're a quick cleanse, average massage and mask and you're out the door in half an hour or so. If you do want a fast-but-good treatment, Clarins Express Face and Eyes treatment is worth it. Great for mature skin, it will leave you looking less tired and more radiant than you can imagine in 40 minutes and all for a very reasonable £29 (0800 036 358).

What else is worth it? If you want pure pampering and love aromatherapy, Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose Total Indulgence Facial, £60 (0208 569 7030) is in a class of its own. It starts with a back, shoulder and scalp massage to soothe away stress. After cleansing and exfoliating, the therapist massages the face and applies a mask to suit your skin's needs. Then hands and arms are massaged with layers of Rose oils and creams. It's blissful. Also noteworthy is Decleor's Aromassage Essential with neroli flower buds, from £40 (0207 313 8780), which is perfect for dull, dehydrated and tired skin and lifting the spirits.

If it's more than your spirits need lifting, the Rolls Royce of line smoothing and sag minimizing facial treatments is CACI, short for the less snappy Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument. Originally developed for stroke and facial palsy sufferers, it uses a micro current to stimulate muscle fibres to boost tone and elasticity. Results are instant (you'll be surprised when the therapist does one half of your face and shows you) and just one treatment will have you looking five years younger in less than an hour, with no facial bruising. Although the results last for a few days only, a course is claimed to give longer lasting results. It costs from £40 (0208 731 5678).

Whilst it's relaxing it's not pampering, which is where Carita's Pro-Lifting Facial scores. It offers similar wrinkle diminishing and jaw and neck firming with its micro-current technology, but also offers the full package of one and half hour's pampering, including massage of the face, head, back and shoulders, arms and hands. Priced from £90, it's pricey but worth it for a treat or before a special occasion (0207 313 8780).

Also impressive is Thalgo EnergiLift, from £65 (0800 146041), a massage-based 'face-lift' created by a US cosmetic surgeon and French beauty therapist. Using a collagen boosting serum, the therapist performs an extraordinary massage, literally lifting the muscles (disconcerting at first). Results, which include better skin tone, decreased puffiness and a lifted look around the eyes and jaw, last about a week.

And what of my old favourite, the Cathiodermie? It's now known as the Hydradermie and still offers the best deep cleanse around. From £43 (0800 590 094).

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