Pamper that body
Spas have taken a turn for the holistic, which might be nirvana for some but for more results-driven folk only the most cutting-edge technology will do. We present the best ways to sate your inner beauty-gadget geek
ABROAD
First stop, Seoul. Nowhere is the combination of machinery and beauty better developed than in the Korean capital. With dermatology clinics in every neighbourhood, the city offers everything from laser to Thermage to zap lines and build back plumpness – and it’s all right on your doorstep. Dr Minjoo Kim at ID Dermatology specialises in laser, light and heat-therapy treatments. Popular among clients are Ultherapy, which uses ultrasound to lift and sculpt, and Ermes light, whose tightening effects can be felt immediately post-treatment. Visited by K-pop stars, Arab royalty and those looking to combat sagging, acne or wrinkles, this multilingual clinic puts every face in good hands.
AT HOME
For those who want to combat wrinkles at home, LED light is easier than ever before. Skincare brand Dr Dennis Gross (available at net-a-porter.com) has created the SpectraLite EyeCare Pro (below), which uses blue and red LED lights in a three-minute session, leaving skin smoother and fresher.
IN TOWN
Hotels in Hong Kong have for the most part hopped on board the spiritual meditative treatment bus, but hidden in the myriad spa menu offerings are some hard-working techdriven treatments.
Four Seasons Spa offers the Biologique Recherche Second Skin facial, using nanofibre patches spun from moisture-rich hyaluronic acid that target fine lines and dull skin at the cellular level.
Some spas have noticed a predilection among the Asian set for more targeted, results-focused treatments. Sense of Touch, for example, offers treatments like HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) technology using the Classys Ultraformer to tighten and contour the face while restoring a youthful appearance through three layers of skin. No pain and no downtime for this non-invasive facelift.
At The Mandarin Spa, a partnership with Environ has led to the arrival of the skincare specialist’s Ionzyme machine, which uses sound waves and classic iontophoresis to enhance collagen and improve the elasticity of skin, restoring blood flow and correcting pigmentation. The Ionzyme is used in both the Optimal Skin Facial and the Active Vitamin Therapy Facial, driving serums into the lower layers of the skin.
The Oriental Spa at Landmark Mandarin Oriental offers the Perfect Ten Diamond facial to satisfy all your skin rejuvenation needs, harnessing skin age biomarkers alongside an LED mask, a 24k gold pulse bar and a goldand-peptide-infused rubber mask to turn back time in an instant.
For the body, The Peninsula Spa offers a range of body-firming and contouring technologies that can target fatty tissue using both ultrasonic waves and radio waves to stimulate collagen production for smoother, younger skin.