We sat down with London-based facialist, Charlie Perry to talk all things skincare.
Charlie is a mother first and foremost, but she’s also an expert in sculpting facial massage, intra-oral (buccal) techniques, and non-invasive skin rejuvenation. Her approach blends targeted massage techniques with advanced non-invasive technology—like LED light therapy, EMS (electrical muscle stimulation), and radio-frequency—to optimize skin health and boost collagen production at a deeper level. She focuses on creating long-term results by reducing tension, increasing circulation, and supporting skin function from the inside out.
From the skincare mistake she sees all the time to the one habit that transformed her own skin, Charlie shares her expert insights below.
What's one personal skincare tip that has truly transformed your skin?
Facial massage—without a doubt. The power of hands-on techniques to sculpt, lift, and de-puff the skin is incredible, but I also like to amplify my routine with LED light therapy to support collagen production and calm inflammation. Combining these approaches has made the biggest difference in my skin’s resilience and overall 'glow' particularly after having children (and I can do both at home!).
What's your go-to at-home self-care ritual for glowing skin?
A slow, intentional evening routine: ideally in the bath! Usually starting with a deep cleanse, I swap between a hydrating, glycolic or clay mask depending on how my skin is feeling followed by facial massage using an oil or gua sha, then 10 minutes of LED light therapy to recharge my skin at a cellular level. If I need an extra boost, I’ll use a microcurrent tool to lift and tone my face and lock in the massage results —it’s like a workout for your face, I love it.
What are the top skincare concerns your clients come to you with, and how do you help them?
Many of my clients experience jaw tension, facial puffiness, and signs of stress-related aging — such as fine lines, dullness, and a loss of firmness in the skin due to decreased collagen and facial volume. I'm based in London so a good portion of my clients have really busy lives, big jobs in the city and their skin often bears the impact of that stress. I take a massage-centric approach to lift, sculpt, and release tension, but I also integrate non-invasive technology like LED (to calm inflammation and boost collagen), EMS (to strengthen facial muscles), and radio-frequency (to improve skin firmness and collagen production over time). This multi-layered approach ensures deep, long-lasting results beyond what hands alone can achieve, but the treatment and space itself offers a moment of calm and relaxation for busy people and I think sometimes that in itself, is often the most valuable.
If you were stranded on an island, what three skincare products would you never go without?
1. A rich cleansing balm– doubles as a hydrating mask and can be used as a medium for massage.
2. A vitamin C serum – brightens and protects.
3. SPF (of course!) – non-negotiable for healthy skin.
Many people struggle with reactive or sensitive skin. What are your best recommendations for calming and strengthening?
Less is more—simplify your routine and focus on barrier repair. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and ceramides to strengthen the skin and reduce inflammation. I also use LED light therapy in my treatments to calm redness and support skin healing at a deeper level and at home devices (with careful research) can be really impactful. Another key tip: avoid over-exfoliating! Many people overdo actives, and believe they have sensitive skin, but the barrier has just been weakened over time. Always get advice from an expert (certified - not tiktok) on what you're including in your routine, and the correct cadence for your skin.
What's one skincare mistake you see people make all the time, and how can they fix it?
Chasing quick fixes instead of focusing on consistency. I think with skincare trends and social media, and the way it's discussed, can be very alluring and it's so tempting to try the next best thing. What works for one, will not work for the other however - we all have such unique skin and I think that's easy to forget with lots of the skincare marketing we see. Many people jump between products, looking for instant results, but true skin health comes from long-term care, a healthy lifestyle (diet, sleep, movement, mindfulness) overall and using a relatively simple routine. I always recommend sticking to a routine that has been tailored to your skin by a professional, with a healthy dose of massage, hydration (most clients I see have dehydrated skin), and if budget allows; skin-supporting technology like LED can be really wonderful (again with consistent use). When you invest in daily, mindful care, the results will follow!
And to finish, This or That?
- Coffee / Green Tea
- Cold Plunge / Sauna
- Cooking at Home / Eating Out
- Books / Podcasts
- Neutrals / Bolds
- Sunrise / Sunset
- Pilates / HIIT Class
- City Break / Nature Retreat
- Contemporary / Timeless
- Luxury Hotel / Cute Air BnB