VELVET SMOOTH

TREATMENT: Luxury Spa treatment R920 (90 min) SKINCARE RANGE: Image Skincare with vitamin C WHAT IT IS: A deep-cleansing facial with a scrub and mask WHO DOES IT: Chelsea Clinic & Spa in Cape Town

The interior of this spa is exquisite – there’s even a resident cat at reception lounging in a large plush armchair.

My treatment room had its own loo, complete with dressing table and luxe gown for me to slip into. The lighting was soft and seductive.

After robing up, I sank into layers of perfectly warmed velvet throws on the high, poufy bed. My skin is really dry and sensitive, so Nicole (my therapist) suggested we try their new range, Image Skincare for sensitive skins. The vitamin C-infused range boosts and brightens tired skin.

But first, cleansing. Nicole used a very mild exfoliator and, with gentle circular motions, worked the very fine granules into a soft silky foam, massaging my entire face, slowly and methodically.

I have sensitive skin, so I usually skip the mask and peel as it’s quite painful. But this product had quite the opposite effect: after cleansing, Nicole placed a cold squidgy cloth on my face with a hole in the middle for my nose to stick through and slits for my mouth and eyes… a bit Phantom of the

Opera tbh. She left the mask on for a good while, and I’m happy to report it felt lovely – none of the horrible stinging sensations I would usually have experienced.

Image Skincare is a remarkable range: no fancy packaging or long list of ingredients. Their motto is ‘Simple’. And it’s affordable.

After the treatment my skin felt light – less heavy and crinkly. It’s a really wonderful treat.

THE LOWDOWN: 51A Waterloo Rd, Wynberg, Cape Town Tel: 021 797 5001 www.chelseaspa.co.za Caryn McArthy