WHAT TO EXPECT

We road-test a couple of treatments to find out what a quickie session can do.

KSKIN CLEANSE & GLOW

Like express hair salons, this facial chain has self-service machines at the outlets’ entrances where customers take a queue number. When it came my turn, I was shown to a reclining seat with the treatment machine next to it. The therapist then drew a curtain around the area, creating a little private space.

After makeup removal, the therapist cleansed and exfoliated my skin by “flushing” it with solutions containing AHAs, BHAs and various hydrating ingredients. An ultrasonic “scrubber” vibrating on high frequency was worked over my face to further clear out impurities and excess oil. Throughout the process, the therapist was friendly and considerate, constantly checking if I felt any discomfort (I didn’t).

Following a refreshing blast of concentrated oxygen, a brightening and hydrating sheet mask was applied for five minutes. The facial was capped off by a brief facial massage, and the application of moisturiser and sunscreen. The half-hour I spent in the salon had zoomed by, and I missed the more sensorial aspects of a traditional facial. Nonetheless, I emerged from this brief time out with my skin looking clearer, more even-toned, and less tired.

SKINGO! BIO-AQUA

Over and done in 15 minutes, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your lunch hour. There is a self-service machine that allows you to choose a facial based on your skin needs. For those wanting to smooth out wrinkles and fine lines, try Bio-Lift: an antiageing facial that uses advanced technology to lift skin. For oily and acne-prone skin, opt for Bio-Clear, a decongesting facial. I went for Bio-Aqua, a complexion-freshening facial that is great for those with dehydrated skin. Due to the time involved, there was no thorough skin analysis, extractions or massaging.

The facial started with a vortex liquid wash cleanse, followed by a serum to soothe purify, moisturise and soothe. Most of the time was spent sloughing off dead skin cells and impurities with an ultrasonic exfoliator. It felt like my skin was getting vacuumed.

If you want expert hands (and not expert machines air-flown from South Korea), then this treatment might not be the one for you. My skin felt hydrated and clean, but I did miss the pampering factor of a traditional facial. I had a pimple that reared its head in the next few days, but I wrote it off as part of the purging process.