Facial spa sea products soothe aging damaged skin

Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Stress, pollution, poor diet and overexposure to the sun all contribute to damaging the delicate skin on your face, which can later lead to premature aging.

Many people, particularly women, have sought various ways to overcome their skin care problems. Many have turned to nature, especially the sea, to provide them with the various ingredients for maintaining health and beauty.

The sea has been a source of natural ingredients for scientists, facial and body therapists to use on damaged skin. While its idyllic scenes can help ease stressful minds, various elements taken from the sea have long been used as ingredients in the care of our bodies and faces.

Sea algae contains trace elements of proteins, amino acids, vitamins and other essential minerals that help restore balance in stressed out, tired-looking skin.

Sea-derived facial and body care products are suitable for even the most sensitive of skins.

"Some people are allergic to certain herb-based facial care products but this kind of allergic reaction does not occur in treatments using products extracted from materials found in the sea," said Hotel Borobudur's Club and Spa manager Kerensa Langitan during the relaunching of the hotel's Facial Spa, which uses the French beauty product, Thalgo.

Just like the name suggests, the entire 45-minute mini facial spa treatment, available for Rp 120,000++, is a soothing experience for senses as guests can enjoy a spa atmosphere, accompanied only by pleasant aromatherapy, comforting music and low lighting to ensure optimum relaxation.

Each guest is attended to by a certified therapist to ensure they receive the proper technique and information about each phase of the treatment. Guests are advised to avoid conversation with their therapists to optimize deep relaxation.

The treatment starts with delicate cleansing for the eyes and lips to remove any trace of make-up. This is followed by a cleansing lotion to eliminate all impurities.

"It also prepares the skin to absorb the remaining treatment," said Yayat, one of the certified therapists.

She then applies toner for total cleansing, leaving the skin feeling soft and refreshed. These first two steps are aimed at encouraging cutaneous respiration.

Next comes a facial pumice cream, a cream-based exfoliant, containing aloe vera and nettle extracts, to remove dead skin, restore its natural radiance and leave it with a clean, tingling sensation.

After that, Yayat thoroughly applies a rebalancing cream, which contains plant and marine extracts containing vitamins B6 and F, to rebalance sebaceous secretion and rehydrate and protect the skin. She gently massages the face to help the cream penetrate the skin.

She also blots on contour cream, also derived from marine and plant extracts, around the eyes to soothe tired, sagging skin and then follows it with collagen to smooth out the fine lines in this delicate area.

As for the rest of the face, the therapist smooths on a facial mask that contains a nourishing marine algae extract to brighten a dull complexion. After gently removing the mask, she applies a rebalancing cream to rehydrate and protect the skin.

Just like other spa treatments, the facial is also accompanied with a light hand, foot and back massage to improve blood circulation, ease tired muscles and in turn give a soothing effect.

A hot and stimulating wedang jahe (traditional hot ginger drink) is also served as a complimentary drink after the treatment. Guests are advised not to wear any make-up after the treatment to allow the nutrients to work optimally on the skin.

Kerensa suggested that customers repeat the same treatment every three to four weeks, but no longer than that, for six times to obtain the optimal rejuvenating effect.