We’ll try pretty much anything here at TOAD on your behalf – all in the name of professional research of course. But it was with more than a touch of trepidation that we approached having a go at the new bee sting facial treatment that’s got the city buzzing (sorry!).
It’s such an unusual concept that we didn’t quite know what to expect and had visions of bees being placed on our faces. Images ran through our minds of our cheeks puffing up all red, blotchy and sore. We needn’t have worried. It might not sound that appealing but scientists believe the venom in bee stings can boost collagen, which gives skin its youthful elasticity and makes it less susceptible to sun damage.
The Nail Spa, which has recently opened in Al Wahda Mall, has brought the Heaven Bee Sting facial to the city. Heaven is a well known UK brand designed by expert beauty therapist Deborah Mitchell. Victoria Beckham and Kate Middleton are just a few of the treatment’s celeb fans. Apparently Camilla Parker Bowles gave Kate her first pot of Heaven Bee Venom face mask soon after her engagement – and later encouraged Kate to have her first bee sting facial with Deborah Mitchell herself. And if it’s good enough for Kate then it’s good enough for you TOAD readers.
The treatment: step by step
Though cleansing is part of the facial, it is considered more of a relaxing and lifting treatment, without extractions. Dubbed as ‘nature’s Botox’ it’s a great hydrating and anti-aging treatment using natural and organic ingredients with the magic component in the products being the bee venom. Essentially the facial tricks the skin into reacting as if it has been stung. So it’s obviously worth bearing in mind that if you’re allergic to bee stings you should avoid this treatment because you will react the way you would do to an actual bee sting.
The treatment room at The Nail Spa was relaxing and very modern. We laid down on the comfy table to begin the process which started with a peppermint oil foot massage, followed by a double cleanse to rid the skin of impurities. We then moved onto exfoliation with a delightful sugar and honey scrub and finally the bee venom mask. We have to say it was unlike any other facial we’ve ever had. Combining a series of techniques to relax facial muscle tissue to firm and tighten skin, the therapist’s magic hands massaged the tingle-inducing bee venom products into pressure points around our face, neck, scalp and jawline
and along with the sensation we could really feel our skin lifting and tightening. We were then treated to a super soothing massage while the mask soaked into our dry and tired skin. The mask in particular is a best-seller worldwide and the product claims to be able to absorb into the skin layer to improve blood flow, collagen and elasticity. It has been suggested the bee sting treatment is capable of removing wrinkles, smoothing the skin, making it more supple as well as being an organic alternative to Botox.
In case you were wondering, no bees are harmed in the process of extracting venom; they sting a pane of glass with an electric charge running through it, whereby the venom is collected and the bees survive with their stings intact.
The pros
Not only did we feel fresh after the treatment but we were very relaxed – so much so that we dozed off during the blissful experience – and our skin felt alive, hydrated and tightened. We were worried we’d end up feeling a burn from the product and have a swollen face for a day or two but it was an excellent facial and we noticed the results immediately.
The cons
Depending on your skin type you may feel a tingling sensation. Don’t worry about this though because it’s just the products working and the therapist will do a small patch test with you beforehand.
The verdict
We’d highly recommend this facial if you are suffering from sagging skin and general dullness. Perfect for the lead-up to a big event or if you just want to feel good about your skin. We would definitely have this facial treatment again.
The bee sting facial costs Dhs500 for 70 minutes. The Nail Spa, Al Wahda Mall (02 654 7320).
