REVITALISE YOUR LOOK!

We check out a “space-age” treatment and a booster that works from the inside out

ROCKET SCIENCE

WHAT: Astronaut Facial ($380; 75 minutes)

WHERE: Caring Skin at #07-07A International Building

Conveniently located in the heart of Orchard Road, Caring Skin facial spa, established in 2013, specialises in treating acne and sensitive skin using plant-based and natural ingredients. Among its treatments is the space-agey Astronaut Facial, so named because of the transparent dome – so much like an astronaut’s helmet – that will ensconce your head during the later part of the treatment. Designed to hydrate the skin and promote healing, it is suitable for all skin types, but is said to be especially beneficial for sensitive skin as well as those who have recently undergone laser treatment or plastic surgery.

We started with an in-depth complexion analysis, which covers eight different skin qualities, from spots to wrinkles, pores and porphyrins. Though I have a relatively good complexion, my skin is thin and particularly vulnerable to redness, the aesthetician pointed out. Other problem areas – not all apparent to the naked eye – were touched on. Then, my Truskin Age (the purported true age of my skin, as opposed to my actual age) was revealed – two years younger than my age.

The 10-step treatment was deeply therapeutic. I closed my eyes and relaxed as my aesthetician smeared my skin with deep-pore-cleansing bubble foam and then used a chilly oxy-jet spray to remove surface dead skin cells. Perfect for sensitive skin, the strong oxygen pressure supposedly improves blood flow and skin pigmentation, encouraging damaged skin to regenerate without the risk of infection. Then, the dome was lowered over my face and neck, and an oxygen mist, paired with a customised led light therapy, went to work on my skin.

The whole process left me feeling fresh and lovely. I surveyed my renewed radiance in the mirror. Satisfied, I went to the lounge to savour some red date tea (said to improve blood circulation). – MC

FILLER UP

WHAT: Sculptra ($800 to $5,500; 60 minutes)

WHERE: Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetic Clinic at #16-03 & 04 Ngee Ann City Tower B

As I age, I find myself looking haggard as the lines on my face become more obvious. So I decided to seek help from Dr Dylan Chau at Celevenus Wellness & Aesthetic Clinic. After all, he’s one of the earlier practitioners of Sculptra, an injectable cosmetic filler that is used to plump up skin for a more youthful look, and a Sculptra trainer to boot.

The Sculptra treatment entails injections of poly-l-lactic acid, a biocompatible synthetic substance that stimulates collagen production to restore facial volume. Sculptra is in powder form and has to be mixed with injection water.

Surprisingly, I could endure about 30 jabs in my temples, cheeks, tear troughs, nasolabial folds and marionette lines. Every few injections, Dr Chau would stop and spend time “moulding”. In fact, I think he spent roughly 10 minutes giving the injections, and 20 “kneading” and “smoothening” my face.

There was some mild bruising afterwards, but nothing I couldn’t hide with foundation. As the swelling went down over the days, the bruising cleared up as well. I myself didn’t notice much change, except that I looked less gaunt. Friends and acquaintances, though, did notice a subtle change, but couldn’t quite tell if I had something done – it was as if I had just put on weight. I didn’t want to spoil the fun and decided to keep mum.

I was told that I would see the full effects of the treatment in about two months, so I waited with bated breath for more visible results. That said, collagen growth is dependent on our lifestyle – a lack of sleep and stress might slow its growth or even cause a loss of collagen! I was advised to return for a follow-up appointment in two or three months.

The good thing about Sculptra is that you can proceed with facials or lasers post-treatment. You can also eat anything and continue with your normal activities. Those with a history of keloid formation or hypertrophic scarring, though, will need to be assessed by the doctor, and special precautions might be taken before proceeding.

The results after two months were not drastic, though I did note a gradual increase in skin thickness. The good news is that the effects of three sessions can last for about 25 months. – LL