Let your skin breathe

I feel like a canvas being sprayed with paint. My “airbrush artist” is applying the oxygen-infusing facial treatment at i.sawan spa in the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok. The result is no work of art, but it does create a perfect canvas for applying makeup – smooth, hydrated, clear skin.

I am trying out a new programme called Bangkok Recovery Retreats, which combines oxygen-infusion facial, oxygen inhalation therapy and body massage into one.

“Living in Bangkok, we are faced with pollution, stress, traffic congestion and a late-night culture that cause loss of hydration and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. For an instant and visible solution, we use the Australian skincare brand Intraceuticals favoured by celebrities like Madonna and Justin Timberlake before red carpet events when they need to look their best,” says spa director Jessica Shea.

“To enhance the results, we use hyperbaric oxygen technology to infuse a serum enhanced with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants into the deeper layers to transform the look and feel of your skin. The oxygen inhalation therapy that follows is aimed at relieving insomnia, headaches and stress with its light infusion of moisture from plants like scented tea and lemongrass.”

The spa offers three two-hour treatments, each priced at Bt6,500, to meet a variety of needs. 

The Detox Retreat targets toxins, jetlag and hangovers with a lymph-drainage massage and oxygen facial containing selenium, Vitamin C and salicylic acid to kill bacteria and acne. Then come the deep breaths of oxygen infused with lemongrass and tea tree oil.

The Radiance Retreat is designed to whiten and brighten skin. A body scrub with tamarind is used to rid the skin of dead cells and clogged pores, before a butter-based mango cream adds shine. Its Opulence facial contains Vitamin C to combat pigmentation and restore your glow while inner health is encouraged by the inhalation of oxygen infused with Bulgarian rose essence. 

Shea suggests I try option No 3, the Revive Retreat, supposedly favoured by celebrities. Although there’s no red-carpet event on my calendar, I’d like to know how Victoria Beckham and Naomi Campbell feel – even it’s just for a very short time. 

“This is good for combat signs of ageing while the body-wrap is ideal for the upcoming festive season when you may be overindulging at parties,” says Shea. 

After an aroma-infused foot soak and a scrub with salt and kaffir lime, a therapist begins to gently apply a cool, light gel cleanser to remove any makeup and nourish the skin for natural balance. My oxygen-infusion facial follows. After plugging into the hyperbaric oxygen machine – a small tank attached to a pipe that pumps high-pressure blasts of oxygen into the skin – the therapist begins to gently spray the serum onto my face. It’s pain-free but I feel a slight tingling sensation as I make like a canvas and allow her to paint every corner. 

The therapist presses down slightly with the appliance as she reaches the fine lines and wrinkles, particularly around my forehead. Next, a moisture-binding cream is applied for a smooth and glowing appearance. After the 20 minutes it takes to complete one of half of my face, she hands me a mirror so I can see the effects, before going on to finish the other half.

Then comes the body-wrap with black pepper, designed to reduce the dimpling caused by cellulite. For the 15-minute body-wrap, I’m given a mask through which I inhale a mix of 94 per cent oxygen mildly infused with peppermint oil to stimulate circulation and lift the spirit. 

The therapist ends with a relaxing head massage, before moving onto my neck and shoulders to release more tension. The treatment certainly worked, leaving my face feeling refreshed and hydrated. 

For long-lasting results, the spa recommends that clients repeat the treatment once a week for six weeks. I may have to think twice about that – the price is not cheap, and I’m not as rich as Madonna.

 

INHALE HERE

>> i.sawan spa is on the fifth floor of GrandHyatt Erawan Bangkok. Call (02) 254 6310 or visit www.isawan.hyatt.com.

>> The two-hour Bangkok Recovery Retreats cost Bt6,500.