It’s very hot outside – we all know that. Summer sun, high temperatures and the related humidity may cause damage to your skin in the form of premature aging, pigmentation, dryness and a generally lackluster complexion. With this comes the stress of having not so great skin, which only makes the problem worse. Since prevention is always better than cure, it is a good idea to get some help from the experts. In this instance, the expert we are talking about is the very talented Josie from Bellacure Nails.
The treatment step by step:
Josie assessed our skin and told us the importance of trying not to touch it too much, and definitely not to pick or squeeze anything. This is good advice, but we also know it’s easier said than done. Bellacure use Dermalogica products for facials and Josie selected a series of different products to suit our skin, to hydrate it and also to really settle it down. To combat the nasty breakouts we were suffering from at the time, Josie combined the MediBac range (for the breakouts) and the Ultra Calming range (for our dry skin).
She started by double cleansing our skin using very cold water. After a thorough toning she applied a light mask and we relaxed under the steam humidifier. Steam really helps to open up pores so that any impurities can then later be removed with ease and minimal damage to the surrounding skin – it’s a method that we haven’t seen in many beauty spas or salons recently, which we think is a real shame. Josie then removed all of our impurities and put a special ointment on our breakout areas to soothe them. We were then treated to one of the most amazing facials we’ve had in a long time. Josie mixed up a purifying mask and painted it onto our face with a brush. The mask was delightfully cold and refreshing. A thin layer of cloth gauze was laid over the mask, leaving our eyes and mouth uncovered so we could still see and breath, and then a collagen mask was thickly layered over the top of the gauze. This mask was also super chilled and felt amazing. We were left to relax for 20 minutes and then both masks were removed – thanks to the gauze they peeled off together as one. Already our skin felt completely soothed and hydrated and, to our surprise, the breakouts had totally calmed down and weren’t sore anymore. Truly amazing. A hydrating lotion and serum were then applied and it was time for our body scrub and massage.
Because our skin is very dry – we blame the weather and being in an air-conditioned office all day – a body scrub was the perfect remedy. Dry skin can be a more serious matter than you might think. It cracks easily, and those cracks can increase the odds of developing an infection, especially if you’re prone to certain skin conditions. For body treatments, Bellacure uses Bella Lucce, an amazing range of organic products that are also paraben-free. No only that but, seriously, these products are almost good enough to eat. For us, Josie chose the Arabian Odyssey range (how fitting, we thought) and she started by exfoliating our skin with a delightful wild date and wild honey scrub. Josie did a really great job and straight away we could feel that our skin was much smoother than before. Then we jumped into the shower to rinse the scrub off before we were rubbed with a spiced yoghurt and pomegranate detox product, which is a combination scrub and moisturising balm. We were then wrapped in plastic wrap and left to relax again. Once we’d washed the detox product off, Josie gave us a wonderfully relaxing massage with a sandalwood and almond cream. Our skin felt heavenly and in the best condition that it has felt for quite some time.
Pros:
Having chilled products put on your face not only helps to aid calming your skin down but it feels amazing in this heat. The treatments are affordable and are worth it. Josie is a perfectionist and knows about skin, especially the way it reacts here in the hot climate.
Cons:
The scrub works really well to remove dull skin, but if your skin is sensitive ask the staff to go a bit easier on you to avoid irritation.
The verdict:
We are amazed at how much this treatment has calmed our skin down, even hours after the facial. For all that can be said about organic products, the Bella Lucce range is truly amazing and adds a whole other dimension to feeling hydrated. The products are fresh and rejuvenating and not in the least bit greasy. Some of the best we’ve ever tried.
The environmental control facial is Dhs350, the body scrub and wrap is Dhs350 and the aromatic massage is Dhs250 for 60 minutes. Bellacure Nails, Muroor Rd, Golden Tower A, next to the Al Mamoura Building (02 658 4100).
