Mixing relaxation with beauty

While spa denizens are familiar with The Spa’s luxurious massages and relaxation treatments, not as many are aware that there is a beauty clinic right inside The Spa Wellness on Bonifacio High Street.

The Skin Dermatology and Laser Center is The Spa’s beauty arm in its three-pronged approach to wellness, with The Spa (relaxation) and Barre3 studio (fitness) comprising the other two.

Services at Skin include facials, peels, skin tightening, body contouring, and fat and cellulite reduction through non-invasive treatments like Velasmooth Pro, Ultrashape and Thermage, which require almost no downtime and thus are good for clients with busy lifestyles, like me.

I decided to try their Ultimate Diamond Facial because in 90 minutes it combines the benefits of their Signature Skin Facial and Diamond Peel — more timesaving for me. 

The non-invasive slimming also looked really attractive because, though I do keep active, belly fat is notoriously resistant to exercise, and it seemed no amount of flamenco was getting rid of the muffin top I’ve had since giving birth years ago. So I tried the Velasmooth Pro package of eight sessions, which promises to tone and tighten skin, smooth away cellulite, and reduce fat around the abdomen by two to five centimeters.

More luxe than clinical: The lobby of the Skin Dermatology and Laser Center, located inside The Spa Wellness on Bonifacio High Street

But first, the facial. While awaiting your treatment in Skin’s plush lobby they serve you a cup of The Spa’s famous ginger tea — I like how Skin’s ambience extends The Spa’s luxe vibe, but is just clinical enough to reassure you that yes, you’re in good hands here.

The Ultimate Diamond Facial is an eight-step process using Dr. Jeff’s, a line of skincare products imported from the US.

The facial starts with a cleanser to remove dirt and makeup, followed by toner to remove any residue. Next, a facial scrub is applied to exfoliate the skin. An enzyme peel left on the face for 10 minutes then continues the gradual sweeping away of the top layer of dead skin cells. Your eyes aren’t neglected: they apply a gentle eye mask followed by a soothing neck and shoulder massage.

After the mask is removed, your face is then steamed for about five minutes to open the pores. Another lovely massage is administered, this time on your head. Then they switch the lights on to commence the diamond peel. A pen-like device with a vacuum action polishes your skin using a genuine laser-cut diamond-tip applicator. They use a different attachment for the nose, and I appreciated that they spent time cleaning this blackhead-prone area.

After multiple passes over my face, I felt kind of raw afterward, but my skin was smooth and a nicely flushed shade of pink. They show you all the dirt they cleaned off your face on a little pad afterward and you get a weird sense of gratification from this.

Then a dermatologist on staff comes in and you can consult with her, after which she cleans and extracts any whiteheads and blackheads from your face. The facial finishes with a vitamin C serum that the derm says smoothes and lightens skin with regular use, and an SPF 30 sunblock to protect, all from Dr. Jeff.

If you want further beautification, the final step is optional, a mask where you get to choose the desired effect, from anti-aging to anti-acne and whitening. The results? Clearer, more hydrated and glowing skin.

When you start the Velasmooth slimming program they take your measurements and before-and-after photos during your first and last sessions.

The treatments are very relaxing, once you get used to the odd sensation of the handheld device sucking in and rolling your skin as your therapist slowly guides it across your stomach. But like I said, after a minute or two of adjustment it will feel like a relaxing stomach massage.

The vacuum-like attachment actually transmits radio frequency and infrared light and heat to increase the metabolism of fatty tissue and shrink the size of fat cells, while the rolling action is supposed to increase blood circulation.

A treatment room where you can get beauty procedures in a spa-like setting with music and massage.

Two therapists take turns working on both sides of your abdomen — first they disinfect the area with alcohol, then apply a firming lotion that also acts as a lubricant for the device. While one methodically rolls it over the front of my right side, the other monitors the temperature of the area to make sure it doesn’t exceed the maximum of 40 degrees. Once it reaches that fat-burning temperature, they switch sides.

After 20 minutes, when your front is done, they have you turn over to do your love handles at the back — about 40 minutes in total.

Midway through the eight sessions I was already pleased with the results: the skin on my abdomen looked smoother, and were those actual curves that I was seeing on my normally straight-up-and-down waist?

What I like is that they mix The Spa’s unique brand of luxury and relaxation with typically clinical procedures. They use gloves, masks and sterile equipment, and the therapists are well trained to answer any questions you might have. The officers in charge manning the reception desk also provide excellent service and follow-up: they’re extremely efficient about texting clients regarding appointments and never fail to ask you about your treatment and if you’re experiencing any side effects.

After the last session, I found that I had lost two centimeters at all three measurements they took above, on and below the navel — not bad when you consider that all you did was lie down and get massaged instead of sweating it out at the gym.

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To book appointments at Skin Dermatology and Laser Center, call 403-8000 or visit www.thespa.com.ph.