There’s never a better time to enjoy a good facial than in February, when we are still recovering from December’s holiday self-indulgence and January’s PM2.5 pollution, which aggravates our already exhausted skin. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is definitely as good time as any to refresh and rejuvenate.
I first got wind of Elemis Spa’s new, innovative facial programme back in December. The buzz was that Elemis had developed a machine that targeted specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, sagging, clarity, dullness, and redness caused by sensitivity, and – with its seven unique treatments – promises immediate visible results. Intrigued, I booked a session right before a certain fashion event to validate the claim.
3D Face Analysis & Consultation
My experience began with a 3D face analysis conducted by Elemis’ SkinLab machine. This was followed by a short interview with a consultant who determined my treatment, products and actives, based on my skin routine, sensitivity and concerns. With my holiday overindulgence and the ravages of PM2.5 pollution, uneven texture and dullness were my current concerns. I was promptly prescribed the Sonic Skin Resurfacing Facial, with an extra O2 Infusion Oxygen Therapy that would restore balance and reverse day-to-day skin damage.
Cutting-Edge Tech
Before we go to the actual treatment, let’s take some time to talk about the new star of Elemis Spa – the Biotec machine. In essence, Biotec is a multi- function device developed to answer consumers’ growing demand for treatments to provide immediate and long-lasting results. As facial treatments in general combine active ingredients with massage techniques, and perhaps an “accelerator” in the form of a machine, most machines could, at most, perform a few specific functions at a time. Biotec, designed to be used with potent actives and Elemis’ signature Skin Lift Touch, is equipped with five different technologies: Ultrasonic Peel, Microcurrent Lift, Galvanic Rejuvenate, LED Light Therapy Rebalance and 02 Infusion. By optimising a combination of these technologies, Elemis has designed seven different facials to tackle seven different skin problems.
The Procedure
Since the purpose of my treatment is to get rid of dull skin and impurities, the focus is on deep cleansing and resurfacing – a challenge, of course, for anyone with sensitivity to strong chemical exfoliants. That’s when
the Ultrasonic Peel comes in handy! With the use of technology that accelerates the exfoliation and skin cell-turnover process, the treatment can opt for a much milder chemical exfoliant like lactic acid to prevent irritation. With a combination of hyaluronic acid and the soothing formula of the toner, the process guarantees a much more effective, yet gentle exfoliation.
This step is followed by an enzyme peel-off mask, which was left on my face for a few minutes, during which the therapist relaxed me with a scalp massage. Next up is the LED Light Therapy Rebalance that uses red light to stimulate collagen production, increase cell renewal and boost micro-circulation. Meanwhile, the blue light minimises skin bacteria, at the same time soothing and calming skin redness – an essential phase following exfoliation, in my opinion, since new skin is still weak and easily prone to damage.
The facial is finished with an oxygen infusion; a gentle, warm blowing steam that helps restore elasticity, heals and rebalances the skin. I admit that there were times during the treatment that my most sensitive areas, the cheekbones, felt a mild burning sensation, but it disappeared pretty quickly. Right after the treatment, my skin felt light, clean and plump.
The Results
Afterwards when I put on my makeup, readying myself for my upcoming event, everything glided on smoothly – you know, that feeling when your foundation just melts into your skin instead of sticking on the surface. During the course of the evening, I received several compliments on my radiant skin, and was even pressured by acquaintances to reveal my “secret beauty routine”. I suppose if anything, the many compliments only goes to prove that the treatment did exactly what it promised to.
To find out more about Elemis Spa, call 0 2207 7779, or visit elemisspabangkok.com.
