From the Alps to Genting Highlands
A Swiss cosmetic treatment promises skin radiance and rejuvenation, writes Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup
VALMONT is a high-end cosmetics brand from Switzerland with more than 30 years of experience in the anti-ageing field. It uses pure glacial water from the Alps, extracts from beneficial plants and even bees to create its range of products.
There are also Valmont spa treatments available, such as the Vitality of the Glaciers facial. The treatments use Valmont products while certified therapists apply special techniques developed by the brand for massages and product application.
“Vitality of the Glaciers is good for people below 40,” says Suzie Adrina Ahmad, director of M Spa & Fitness in Genting Highlands.
“It will give your skin a brightening and radiant effect. The facial stimulates blood circulation and the moisturisers help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”
LIGHT TOUCH
I try the Vitality of the Glaciers facial at M Spa & Fitness.
The 60-minute treatment is supposed to provide skin witha boost of cellular renewal and rejuvenation, and help remove traces of fatigue.
M Spa is located in a quiet corner of the bustling Genting Hotel. Tucked away from the busy lobby and crowded shopping areas, the place is an oasis of calm. It’s large enough to include a gym, yoga studio, sauna, jacuzzi and steam room. My treatment starts with a foot bath. The water has been filled with aromatic salt and my therapist Desa gives me a foot massage. She then dries my feet and we move on to the treatment bed with my hair tucked in place under a towel.
The first application is a moisturising cleanser. Desa applies the cleanser from the chest to the face using her fingers in light, seamless strokes. She then wipes it off with a soft sponge. Once the face is clean, she applies toner using facial cotton.
The next step is exfoliation. The product contains small granules to remove dead skin cells and it stings a little. This is then washed off and followed by another application of toner.
Then comes the massage cream. Desa massages my shoulder, neck, earlobes and face. She works her fingers on my face in the circular motion of Valmont’s signature Butterfly technique, working from the upper lip to the lower lip and cheeks.
The cream is cleaned off and toner is applied. She also applies serum, followed by a mask. It comes in a creamy consistency and is left on my face for 15 minutes. It burns slightly in the beginning but Desa assures me that it’s normal. In the meantime, she gives me a head and foot massage.
After 15 minutes, the mask is washed off before toner is applied together with serum. Desa tells me that my skin is a bit dry but the application of Valmont’s 24-hour moisturiser should help counter that. Meanwhile, toner is applied after every step to help cleanse the skin and maximise product absorption. It’s also good for soothing the skin and cooling it down after a particularly “biting” product.
“We don’t do extractions in this facial,” says Suzie. “So steps like applying the toner multiple times and doing the Butterfly massage help stimulate blood circulation in the face area and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”
At the end of the facial, my skin feels soft and smooth. It no longer feels parched or stressed, like I’m about to have an acne break-out at any moment. I also enjoyed the spa because of its calming atmosphere, while Desa’s gentle touch and attentiveness made me feel well taken care of.