www.womanthismonth.com April 2016 61 Located in the heart of the Diplomatic Area, The Domain Hotel and Spa offers an up-scale refuge from its business like surrounding in the most extraordinary way. Replete with state-of-theart facilities and some truly remarkable restaurants, the fivestar boutique venue is an ultraurban oasis of contemporary luxury. Vie Lifestyle Lab is the hotel’s urban wellness spa that focuses not only on relaxation and rejuvenation, but also offers bespoke revitalisation programmes. I went there to try the Oriental Ceremony body treatment. As I entered, the very pleasant Josephine greeted me at the reception and offered me the most deliciously refreshing detox-water I’ve ever had. She escorted me to the changing area and showed me my locker. Once changed, I headed to the treatment room, which was dimly lit and filled with a relaxing aroma. My therapist Chinet gave me a brief description of what was in store for me for the next 75 minutes. As I lay facedown on the massage bed, she rubbed her palms close to my face and asked me to breathe in the intense fragrance of an essential oil. She then took some marmalade-like ginger and cinnamon scrub, mixed it with lemon grass oil and started massaging me. This exfoliation was quite thorough and deep, yet at no point did it seem abrasive. I took a quick shower to wash off the scrub and then she began the Thai hot poultice massage. This absolutely sublime treatment combines the best ingredients of Southeast Asia and left my body deeply relaxed and the skin hydrated, baby soft and luminous. What: Oriental ceremony Where: Vie, The Domain Hotel and Spa Favourite Feature: Hot poultice massage which gave way to a deep and powerful nap. exfoliants with jagged, sharp edges that do not dissolve, such as pit fruit seeds and nutshells. In case of salt and sugar, although they do start with sharp edges, the particles dissolve with water and, with the circular motions of application, become round, thus preventing any skin damage. If you don't like the gritty formulas, which should be avoided if your skin is sensitive, try an enzymatic peel. It will sit on your skin for a few minutes and dissolve grey, uneven patches. Mainly, the peels contain fruit acids from pineapples, papayas and other exotic fare and are gentle enough for twice-weekly use. Chemicals, acids, and micro dermabrasion can burn, blister and cause redness and swelling to your skin as well as age its appearance over time. For fresh, clear skin, you don’t have to always purchase expensive products from the market. Some of the most effective scrubs are already present on your kitchen shelves. BAKING SODA A physical exfoliant, it is the main ingredient in many expensive exfoliation products. What makes it especially effective is that it is a fine, yet hard powder, making it highly successful at removing dead skin cells without causing excessive irritation. SUGAR A natural source of glycolic acid, it boosts new cell production and breaks down the protein that keeps the dead cells hanging onto your skin. Pure cane sugar crystals work best for the purpose. Mix them with your favourite massage oil (olive, jojoba, grapeseed, almond for example) to make a paste. Scrub on your face in a circular motion and rinse. SEA SALT A potent source of trace minerals that rejuvenate your skin, stimulate cell growth, and help your skin retain moisture, a sea salt scrub is great for dry skin. Mix with lavender essential oil or your favourite massage oil to make a paste. OATMEAL One of the gentler exfoliants, it’s perfect for sensitive skin. It is a natural anti-inflammatory and is very moisturising. Mix finely ground oatmeal with honey and/or kefir (you can also use yogurt or buttermilk). Scrub on your face in a circular motion, let sit for 15-30 minutes and rinse. HONEY Raw honey is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. It kills skin infections, including acne. Honey reduces inflammation and hydrates and can be mixed with any of the other exfoliants mentioned above to boost the antioxidant and anti-bacterial benefits. Once you've exfoliated, be sure to protect your skin by applying a good moisturiser with SPF. Rub in a cream that contains light-reflecting particles, too, for a brightening effect.
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