www.womanthismonth.com 69 July-August 2015 which uses specific essential oils to calm the body and helps you relax. WHY GO FOR IT? You really don’t need a specific reason to head to the spa, but beyond the incredible ‘before and after’ pictures in beauty brochures, there are many pluses to going for a facial. Extraction for clear pores: How many times have you caught yourself squeezing out blackheads, pores and pimples? A practice that is responsible for facial scarring, broken capillaries and acne flare-ups. With a facial treatment you leave this job to the experts who use the right tools and techniques so your skin breathes better, looks healthier and has fewer breakouts. Healthy complexion: You might have a good skin care routine but masks and peels go a step further in rejuvenating the dermis and leaving it fresh and supple. Depending on your skin’s needs, the mask’s purpose may be to calm, hydrate or decongest the skin. Lymphatic drainage: Most facials include a certain amount of face, décolletage and scalp massage, which not only induces deep relaxation but also promotes lymphatic drainage. This means it gets rid of toxins, reduces fluid retention and promotes circulation, leaving your skin glowing and youthful. Professional strength exfoliation: Excessive air pollution and the free radicals in the environment damage your skin. However with microdermabrasion or fruit acid peels these toxins and dead cells can be effectively removed, promoting healthy cell turn over. Over time these methods help diminish acne and other facial scarring. Expert advice: You can do your own research about your skin type and products to use but an aesthetician accesses your skin under intense light, using a super magnifier, to identify your exact problems. This way you get a personalised treatment that is not just made for four to five skin types, as is the case of most over-the-counter brands. Overlooking the azure waters of the Manama Bay, Coral Spa is a serene spot that offers a number of treatments ranging from massages and Moroccan baths to body firming and sculpting. Some of the most popular treatments are the Guinot facials. I went there to try out the skin care brand’s star offering, the Hydradermie Double Ionisation Facial. My aesthetician, Angie, escorted me to the treatment room and told me briefly about the products and process. She then examined my skin carefully for its (many) problem areas – the main ones being acne scars and some fresh pimples that I woke up to that day. After removing my make-up, she applied a soothing serum gel to my eye contours and face and massaged it with rolling electrodes for ten minutes. This was followed by oxygenation, in which the skin was exposed to high frequency currents, which helps the product penetrate deeper into the dermis. Angie followed by cleaning my clogged pores, removing any blockages and a relaxing massage. After applying a nourishing face mask, she left me to completely zone out at this point. The final steps included applying a moisturiser. The Hydradermie facial is Guinot’s signature and is known for its radiance-boosting wonders. My skin was noticeably 'fresher' looking for several days afterwards. What: Hydradermie Double Ionisation Facial Where: Coral Spa Favourite feature: I have full faith in the technical finesse of the facial, however nothing beats the face and scalp massage Angie did after putting the machine aside.
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