Isabel Fenton Meinen skincare background:
Journal
“I spent half my life in Germany, where skincare standards are exceptionally high and attention to detail is deeply ingrained. That experience shaped both the practitioner I am today and my vision for No.5 Cavendish,” says founder Isabel Fenton Meinen.
Isabel began her career in Munich, completing two years of training in anatomy, physiology and cosmetic chemistry, alongside specialist training in laser technologies. Although her education covered a broad spectrum of aesthetics, she quickly chose to specialise in skin.
“Helping someone understand and transform their skin is incredibly rewarding. The benefits extend far beyond appearance and can profoundly affect how a person feels.”
After returning to London, Isabel joined the renowned Lanserhof clinic in Mayfair, where she developed the facial treatment menu within its beauty department. Lanserhof’s holistic and regenerative philosophy had a lasting influence on her approach.
“It taught me to look beyond the surface and consider the wider picture, including gut health, inflammation, stress, lifestyle and emotional wellbeing.”
Isabel later worked alongside a leading German dermatologist, developing treatments for his brand and educating therapists across the UK and Austria.
The No.5 Cavendish concept:
Help people understand their unique skin health
• Each treatment is bespoke and personalised (so a different treatment might work on a
second visit)
• Never chase fads and trends. A facial/body treatment programme based on longevity and
regeneration
• A 360* approach with a focus on skin, gut, mind connection
• The chance to visit a No.5 Cavendish recommended nutritionist
• A holistic, welcoming environment to recharge. No.5 Cavendish aims to emulate a private members club for skin, so memberships are available
THE NO.5 CAVENDISH PHILOSOPHY
In 2022, Isabel set up the bespoke treatment menu. All treatments aim to have a holistic
approach, to encourage clients to take a step back, to pause and to breathe. ‘I encorporate
elements like breathwork into the treatments, I think it is essential. Stress is such a fundamental
part of the ageing process, so if the foundations are strong, additional things like ingredients and
formulations are just an add on.’
Choose from Facial Treatments:
• The Signature
• The Hydrafacial Express (all Hydrafacials use the Advanced Vortex Technology) – more on
next journal piece.
• The Hydrafacial Signature
• The Hydrafacial Platinum
• The English Rose
• The Sculpt
• The Body Sculpt
Mind, skin, gut connection: the core approach of No.5 Cavendish clinic
• A 360° approach to skincare
• Nutrition – understanding its e9ects on the skin and treating every client individually
• The gut-skin connection and its influence on overall skin health
•Nutrition tips for healthy summer skin
• Ingredients and supplements Isabel recommends
At the heart of the No.5 Cavendish philosophy is a 360-degree approach to skin health. This considers:
The relationship between nutrition and the skin
The connection between gut health and overall skin health
The effects of stress, sleep and lifestyle on the ageing process
Individual nutrition guidance to support healthy skin
Carefully selected skincare ingredients and supplements
While working at Lanserhof London and creating the treatment menu, Isabel saw first hand the challenges clients faced when trying to maintain healthy habits alongside the pressures and temptations of city life.
The experience significantly shaped her understanding of skin and wellbeing, particularly the influence of gut health, inflammation, stress and lifestyle on the skin and the ageing process.
“You can use the best topical skincare, but without strong foundations, you will only get so far. Regular movement, restorative sleep, a nourishing diet and a positive environment all contribute to healthy skin. Chronic stress can also affect collagen and weaken the skin barrier. Lasting skin health begins from within.”
DEVELOPING THE TREATMENT MENU
In 2022, Isabel set up the bespoke treatment menu. All treatments aim to have a holistic
approach, to encourage clients to take a step back, to pause and to breathe. ‘I encorporate
elements like breathwork into the treatments, I think it is essential. Stress is such a fundamental
part of the ageing process, so if the foundations are strong, additional things like ingredients and
formulations are just an add on.’
Choose from Facial Treatments:
• The Signature
• The Hydrafacial Express (all Hydrafacials use the Advanced Vortex Technology) – more on
next journal piece.
• The Hydrafacial Signature
• The Hydrafacial Platinum
• The English Rose
• The Sculpt
• The Body Sculpt
Treating every skin individually
Every new client completes a detailed consultation covering nutrition, lifestyle, stress levels,
allergies, sleep and how they recharge. This helps Isabel build a complete picture before creating
a personalised treatment plan.
Isabel explains: “I believe the skin, gut and brain are constantly communicating. With conditions
such as rosacea, for example, stress, inflammation, digestion and individual food triggers can all
play a role. I often encourage clients to keep a diary to identify any patterns, whether that’s
changes in routine, stress, weather, certain foods or skincare products.”
Visually assessing the skin is also an important part of Isabel’s consultations. Having explored
Traditional Chinese Medicine, she uses facial observations to help guide conversations around
possible internal and lifestyle influences.
How does skin mapping work?
“When someone is lying on the treatment bed, I look carefully at the skin as a whole. Certain areas may encourage further discussion around digestion, hormones, stress or lifestyle, although skin mapping should never be viewed as a diagnostic tool. Instead, it helps clients take a more holistic view of their health and wellbeing.”
For example, persistent jawline breakouts may prompt a discussion around hormonal health,
whilst forehead congestion may encourage a conversation about poor digestion or chronic
stress. Where appropriate, Isabel may also recommend further investigation with a nutritionist.
“I also love the DUTCH Test. It’s an incredibly useful tool for measuring hormone metabolites,
including oestrogen, testosterone and cortisol, and understanding how the body is processing
those hormones.”
