Hamburg’s Hidden Gem Treatment by Prof. Dr. Steinkraus

Smart Skincare Meets Spa Luxury

No doubt, Hamburg has many beautiful sides – but The Fontenay Hotel, set on the sun-drenched shores of lake Alster, is where it all comes together: architectural elegance, modern minimalism, Hanseatic charm, and a sense of serene lightness. From the moment you step into the striking atrium with its sweeping curves and thoughtful service, you feel it instantly: here, luxury isn’t a buzzword – it’s a lived experience.

A short elevator ride takes me to the sixth floor, home to the hotel’s expansive spa. Spanning over 1,000 square meters, the space features indoor and outdoor pools, a Finnish sauna, aromatic quartz steam bath, private spa suite, and state-of-the-art Technogym equipment. But more than that, it offers a calm, restorative atmosphere that lets you fully switch off from the outside world. I’m not here to swim or work out, though – I’m here for something more specific: the Signature Facial, featuring skincare by Prof. Dr. Steinkraus.

His line, developed by the renowned Hamburg dermatologist, is now available for the first time in a hotel spa setting in Germany – and as a long-time fan, I’m more than intrigued.

As someone who already includes these products in my routine (though they tend to vanish quickly, now that my boyfriend’s hooked too), I know what to expect in terms of quality. Under the philosophy “Bridging Nature and Science,” Prof. Dr. Steinkraus combines powerful, protective actives in the innovative TetCode4© complex. The formulas follow a clean beauty approach – free from fragrance, silicones, microplastics, and other concerning additives – ensuring maximum skin compatibility and visible results. Even sensitive skin is in the best hands here – quite literally.

After a quick consultation, the esthetician begins with the classic first step: cleansing. The product? Triple Peel – a clever blend of enzymatic, chemical, and mechanical exfoliants that smooths and brightens without irritation. If you associate peels with redness or harshness, this one will surprise you. I use it regularly at home – even on the backs of my hands – for skin that feels soft, polished, and radiant.

Next is a gentle lymphatic drainage massage, designed to stimulate fluid flow and deeply relax. My body sinks into the treatment bed as my face seems to breathe again. Then comes a highlight: a sheet mask from the Dermatologikum clinic, founded by Prof. Dr. Steinkraus – and not available for purchase. Applied dry, then activated with a damp cloth, it only releases its ingredients upon contact. The effect is cooling and instantly soothing – like a ritual rooted in science. Collagen is the hero ingredient here, known for smoothing fine lines, enhancing firmness, and restoring that youthful bounce. When the mask comes off, I look – genuinely – ten years younger. My skin is plumper, smoother, more elastic. That glow? Unreal. The mask is exclusive to the treatment, but new innovations are on the way – and you’ll hear about them from us first.

A standout moment in the treatment is the freshly activated Vitamin C Serum. The pure L-ascorbic acid comes in freeze-dried pearls, mixed on the spot with an activating liquid to preserve its potency. This approach keeps the antioxidant stable until the moment of use – for maximum efficacy. The result? Visibly firmer, smoother, more even-toned skin, with benefits that continue well beyond the spa.

Once absorbed, the Hyaluron Serum is applied. With 2.5% hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes, it deeply hydrates and plumps the skin from within – perfect for instantly visible results.

Since I’ll be heading outside after my appointment (though I’d happily spend the whole day here), the esthetician finishes with the Sun Protect SPF 50+, one of my personal all-time favorites. This water-resistant sunscreen not only gives a soft glow but also visibly smooths fine lines. Its reef-safe formula protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays with a sophisticated, selective filter system.

The final touch is the Eye Cream – specifically developed to care for the delicate eye area. And believe me: if you're over 30, eye cream is non-negotiable. This one smooths fine lines, boosts elasticity, and leaves you looking instantly refreshed. I call it “sleep in a tube.” With vitamin E, rosemary extract, and nourishing sunflower oil, the light emulsion absorbs quickly and leaves a silky finish. Cooling massage tools are gently glided around the eyes to stimulate lymph flow and reduce puffiness.

The 90 minutes pass in what feels like half the time. I leave the spa completely relaxed and head back to the NICHE BEAUTY office, carrying with me a sense of calm and balance that lasts the entire day. And the glow? That lingers for a week – drawing compliments left and right.

Conclusion: The Signature Facial by Prof. Dr. Steinkraus at The Fontenay is more than a treatment – it’s a moment to pause. A thoughtful blend of dermatological expertise and one of Hamburg’s most stunning settings. Thankfully, I have most of the clean skincare line at home – so I (and my skin) can enjoy a touch of that spa magic every single day.