FACING THE NEW YEAR

Out with the old, lacklustre complexion and in with the lift and glow

LIGHT EXPRESS

WHAT: ids Aesthetics Prestige Electro

Infusion ( iei) ( 30 or 45 minutes; $240 or $280) WHERE: ids Prestige Cabin at ids Aesthetics at Robinsons The Heeren (another outlet at Metro Paragon)

ids (Innovative Dermatological Solutions) is a skincare line created by Dr SK Tan to address the most prevalent skin problems he has encountered in his 20-plus years in the aesthetics industry.

ids Aesthetics Prestige Electro Infusion ( iei) is a quick, customisable pick-me-up facial that uses a combination of electromagnetic pulses and led light therapy to deal with various skin conditions.

After a double cleanse, my face was subjected to pulsed electromagnetic stimulation, to help “charge” the skin so it better absorbs the nutrients applied after; there was no sting.

These nutrients were dispensed from a donut-like capsule containing a precise dosage of active ingredients. Choose between an anti-ageing one, designed to stimulate collagen and elastin production for a smoother and firmer appearance, and a skin brightening one for a more even skin tone and instant radiance. I thought the half-hour was too short, so I opted for an additional 15-minute brightening mask.

The good news for the time-pressed is that this can be done as a lunchtime facial. Thanks to its immediate results – my skin was glowing! – it’s also a great pick-me-up for skin just before a big night out on the social scene. – LL

SHINE BRIGHT

WHAT: jyunka v Blanc Treatment

( 105 minutes; $280)

WHERE: jyunka by Carragheen, 12A Liang Seah Street (other Concept Centres are at Pacific Plaza and Bedok Point) Home-grown beauty brands jyunka and Carragheen have teamed up to launch

jyunka by Carragheen, where I tried the signature jyunka v Blanc Treatment, designed to lighten pigmentation and promote overall brightening.

Deep cleansing and exfoliation was followed by an invigorating shoulder-andneck massage, then electroporation, a calming mask, cryotherapy and a brightening vitamin C mask. An essence mist, a serum and a cream from the jyunka Blanc Whitening range rounded off the treatment.

While dark spots can’t be eliminated after just one treatment, I did register an improvement in overall brightness and a reduction in redness. I had expected mild discomfort, but it went completely unnoticed. Since the session puts one in such a deep state of relaxation, I’d recommend signing up for an evening session, so you can head home for an early night’s rest and let jyunka’s proprietary ingredients continue to work their magic. – ZZ

SKIN RENEWAL

WHAT: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Treatment ( 80 minutes; $260) WHERE: Sulwhasoo Capitol Building (other outlets at Tangs at Tang Plaza, ion Orchard and Westgate) Prized for its anti-ageing phytonutrients that are beneficial to skin health, ginseng is a key ingredient in South Korean beauty brand Sulwhasoo’s skincare, and it’s no different when it comes to this treatment, which began with a deep cleanse and a facial massage.

This was followed by two masks. First up: the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Creamy Mask, which has eight times the concentration of active ginseng ingredients (Compound K) in Sulwhasoo’s global bestseller, the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream ex. As the mask did its work, my therapist massaged my neck and shoulders to release tension. A remodelling mask was then applied to help soothe and comfort the skin.

Next up: the Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, which was applied using a pair of jade rings – reportedly to deliver a balance of yin and yang, and to lift the facial muscles. Finally, the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Serum was applied, using a “twist and pinch” massage technique to energise the skin.

At the end of the session, I w alked out of the spa with radiant, clearer skin that looked plumped – and a skip in my steps. – LL