THE DAY SPA AT SHERATON MELBOURNE

After a weekend of running around Melbourne in muggy summer heat, my skin was in need of some serious TLC. Thank goodness I booked a Detox Absolu Facial. This 90-minute, deeply purifying and detoxifying facial was exactly what my combination skin was begging for. I head to the spa early for a few laps in the hotel’s 20-metre indoor heated pool before meeting my therapist for a brief consultation and relaxing foot bath. Using Payot products, she prepares my skin with a cleanse and exfoliation. An ultrasonic device is then used for deep cleansing, followed by steaming to soften the skin for extractions. A clay mask is then applied to draw out remaining impurities followed by a toner and facial massage using an ultrasound gel containing hyaluronic acid to stimulate collagen production and replenish the skin’s moisture. The grand finale however is the black charcoal ‘magnet’ mask, containing the mineral magnetite. The therapist applies it by hand then lets it work its magic while pampering me with a hand and scalp massage. I nearly drift off before its time to remove the mask using a magnet, which gently lifts off the dry layer to reveal skin that is clean, dewy and radiant. This facial is the most relaxing and luxurious I’ve ever experienced, and best of all it delivers numerous benefits for all skin types, including boosting cell renewal, improving skin tone and the appearance of lines, and adding antioxidant protection. sheratonmelbourne.com/spa