The face-saving facial
No matter how careful you’ve been about applying sunscreen over the years, every now and again you’ll slip up and – especially if you’re fair skinned – end up looking as if you’re on fire, rather than glowing. I wanted something to repair the damage, but facials can be scary. Determined to treat my sun-ravaged face, I booked in for a 90-minute Nano facial at Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah. It turns out my fears were unfounded. It was a pleasure to be treated by a true professional, someone who took the time to ask what I was looking to gain from the treatment (to look less red, more peachy), who I felt I could trust.
My therapist started by gently cleansing my face and décolletage, then used a two-step mask to try to replenish my skin and repair some of the damage I had done. She used products from the CMS range, which is hypoallergenic and employs nanotechnology to help keep moisture in and irritants out. Sounds scientific? It is; the range is available exclusively from licensed skincare professionals and doctors, and it uses techniques that have been clinically proven to effectively deliver active ingredients deep into the skin.
Science aside, how did it feel? Wonderful. There were no nasty, potentially bruising extractions – just lashings of calming, comforting and soothing products that left me looking and feeling a lot better than when I walked in. The advice offered post-facial was also appreciated; no hard sell of products, just encouragement to keep doing the things I’m getting right, and suggestions on how to improve the areas where I need to take more care. If your skin isn’t as young as it used to be – or if you’re flushed with youth but also with too much sun – then this facial comes to the rescue.
Details: The 90-minute Nano | facial costs Dh1,099 at Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah. Call 04 3666818.
The skin resurfacer
Arriving at the Elemis counter at Bloomingdale’s, I had a consultation with one of the specialists so she could learn about my lifestyle, skincare routine and beauty concerns. Then I had a facial mapping analysis with the Elemis SkinLab, which scans your face for UV spots, pores and bacteria, and gives a detailed analysis of the skin’s condition on and below the surface. Based on the results the expert recommended the Tri-Enzyme Power Resurfacing Facial. Led into a quiet treatment room away from the bustling shop floor, the treatment began with my therapist, Loreta, cleansing my face with the Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleanser to remove make-up and impurities.
Next the Tri-Enzyme Wash, which exfoliates the skin like a peel, was applied, followed by a Papaya Enzyme Peel, which filled the room with the fragrance of tropical fruits. I breathed in the exotic aromas, savouring the sensory experience while the fruit enzymes ate away at dead skin cells. After five minutes the peel was removed with warm mitts, and my face was given a refreshing splash of lavender toner.
Then came the intensive bit. The therapist Loreta covered my face with Tri-Enzyme Serum 1, which she told me has a high concentration of three powerful enzymes that help rejuvenate the skin (subtilisin, protease and papain). Immediately after, she put the Soothing Cream Massage Mask on top. While the serum got to work I was treated to a Hot Stone Neck and Shoulder massage using De-stress Massage Oil, which contains lavender and chamomile. The warm massage melted away stress and left me feeling relaxed.
After eight minutes, warm mitts were used to remove the mask and lavender toner was dabbed on to my face to refresh my skin and remove any leftover products. Finally a serum was applied with a tapping motion to my forehead, cheeks and around my eyes to reduce dark circles and puffiness. The treatment ended with the application of the Pro Collagen Marine Cream, an anti-ageing day cream and a Liquid Layer, a sun protection cream. My skin felt super smooth and when I looked in the mirror I’m sure I appeared younger. To top it off, it was a relaxing, rejuvenating treatment.
Details: Power Resurfacing | Facial Dh120, at Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall. Call 04 3505116.
The anti-aging facial
We all know that diamonds are a girl’s best friend and now they’re your skin’s too, thanks to a new anti-aging facial. Available at The Spa at one of my favourite hotels, The Address Dubai Marina, I was hoping that the secret to dropping a decade in my lunch hour would involve having my face draped with solitaire carats. Sadly there were no sparkling gems in sight, but after being led into my luxurious spa room – with a view of the marina – I was in for a 60-minute pampering treat.
Using the beauty brand of the moment, Natura Bisse, which includes royalty and Hollywood celebrities among its fans, my therapist explained she would cleanse and polish my face to reduce wrinkles and pigmentation. I sank down into the bed as she removed my make-up and exfoliated my combination skin. Then she said she was going to apply my new beauty BFF – a product from the Barcelona-based range which contained glycolic acid to fight spots, scars, and signs of aging to my face. “It will sting a little,” she warned, painting it on.
It began to tingle after a while, but it wasn’t uncomfortable, and I imagined it destroying my crow’s feet and fine lines. Next, was an ultra-relaxing mask, which acted like a facelift in a jar – plumping and lifting my features. I almost fell asleep while I was given an arm and hand massage, then shown the effects of all the therapist’s hard work: younger, dewy, super-soft skin. Brilliant!
Details: Diamond Brilliance Facial, The Spa at The Address Dubai Marina. Dh800 for 60 minutes. Call 04 4367424.
The beachy body wrap
In a candlelit room at the Ahasees Spa, Grand Hyatt Dubai, with citrus bergamot fragrance wafting through the air, my Signature June Jacobs Spa Collection Body Treatment began with a Lavender Aromatherapy Oil opening ritual to help me relax. My therapist, Jacquelyn, chose the Papaya Purifying Enzyme Mask, which contains natural papaya enzymes and papain with mango and pineapple extract because it was suitable for my sensitive skin.
She liberally applied the clarifying mask, then wrapped my body in plastic and a heating blanket to soften and firm my skin and reduce cellulite. While the ingredients dissolved surface impurities, allowing oils to penetrate deeper, she massaged my neck and scalp. I enjoyed listening to the soothing background music as my therapist kneaded the knots to the gentle beat.
After 20 minutes the wraps were removed and a Lemon Sugar Body Polish was gently rubbed on top of the mask using circular motions. The citrus scent of lemon extract instantly transported me to a tropical island with sandy beaches and turquoise waters stretching as far as the eye could see. The sugar granules felt good and scratchy on my skin – not too rough and not too soft. I was brought back to reality when my therapist told me it was time to shower. After removing the mask and dead skin cells, my skin felt silky soft – but there was more.
Back in the treatment room, a Cellular Intensive Cuticle Recovering Cream was applied to moisturise my cuticles. Next up, the Intensive Age Defying Hand and Foot Cream was applied followed by a gentle foot and hand massage so the product could penetrate deeper. The cream softens and moisturises. Rid of all dead skin cells, my skin was now ready to absorb the benefits of the Intensive Age-Defying Body Emulsion.
The two-in-one cream, which helps firm, moisturise and restore the skin’s youthful appearance, was gently massaged all over my body. Soon after a Peppermint Moisturising Foot Mist was spritzed to nourish and soothe my tired feet. My skin felt as soft as satin and smelled exotically fresh. Two weeks on I still feel rejuvenated and my skin looks younger and more radiant.
Details: Signature June Jacobs Spa Collection Body Treatment, Dh430, for 60 minutes at Ahasees Spa, Grand Hyatt Dubai. Call 04 3172333.
The Japanese berry beautifier
Lets face it, when the word ‘Taj’ appears, nine times out of ten you’ll think of India. So, glancing over the brochure of the Jiva Spa at the Taj Palace Hotel, I was a little surprised to see only several Indian treatments interspersed between the likes of caviar facials, coconut wraps and chocolate body drizzles. Choosing not to indulge my chocoholism, I opted for the Japanese Yuzu, a 75-minute treatment consisting of antioxidant bursting berries and a rich strawberry and cream mask. Having nodded off in the sun a few days earlier, I hoped the skin-smoothing properties would magically transform my sun-parched body into something supple, silky and smooth.
If quaint, unpretentious and truly erring on the traditional is what you’re looking for, this may be just the place for you. Soft light from small candles flutter in the corridors while big brass bowls filled with decoratively placed rose petals and chrysanthemums fill the air with floral fragrances. On arrival guests can enjoy a warm ginger and honey tea, and after changing they can use the steam and sauna facilities before being escorted into a candlelit treatment room. The Japanese Yuzu treatment offers the best of everything. It includes a scrub, wrap and massage with a combination of citrus-fruit properties from the Yuzu – a grapefruit indigenous to Asia – and wild berry vitamins.
First a berry polish made from strawberries, red raspberry oil, dried crushed berries and pure cane sugar was lightly scrubbed over me. If you’re feeling peckish I warn you now, the scent makes the product seem almost good enough to eat! Its purpose, however, is not to fill your stomach but to lightly brush away any dead skin cells while replenishing with forest fruit antioxidants. Once I was covered from neck to toe in the scrumptious berry polish, a rich clay mask was layered on top. Full of buttermilk and strawberries, the mask hydrates your skin.
Next I was gently wrapped in a clingfilm-like material and enveloped in warm white sheets. While the heat helped penetrate all the natural goodness into my skin, a head massage and soothing music sent me somewhere very far away from the nine-to-five world outside. Feeling truly rested and revitalised, I was provided with a loofah to wash away the berry bits, leaving my skin not only smelling beautiful but as soft as the skin of a blueberry. Last, but certainly not least, came the yuzu silk and honey massage with a lotion that was absorbed by my skin as quickly as the knots and tension left my body.
Following the treatment you are invited to sit in the dimly lit relaxation room where you can mentally prepare yourself for the reality behind the spa doors. Once I left the spa I decided to lessen the blow of reality and treat myself further… strawberry cheesecake and ice cream on the way home? Surely, if my skin could be treated so could my stomach!
Details: Dh550, at Jiva, Taj Palace Hotel. Call 04 2232222.
