Tried & tested: Timeless Iris Root Facial at the Iridium Spa, St. Regis Dubai

The lowdown: One of the Spa’s Signature Facials, it has been created by Swiss Perfection whose products are based on Cellular Active Irisa®, a compound extracted from the Iris Germanica root. Cellular Active Irisa® is high in proteins and enzymes and offers regenerative, stimulative and revitalising effects to the skin.

PB says: My treatment begins with a consultation with my therapist who asks me a series of questions to help her understand my skin; she then provides an overview of the treatment process. The initial steps include several cleansing processes, firstly with an oil-based cleanser and an eye make-up remover. Following this a cream cleanser – a deep cleansing emulsion – is applied and finally a gel-based cleanser. With my skin now refreshingly clean, a gentle scrub is applied to stimulate my skin and remove any lingering or deeper set impurities. A machine emitting a microcurrent is then used to prepare my skin for the next stage and to allow for a deeper penetration of the subsequent products. The process is remarkably quick and not at all painful, the sensation is more like a tweezing of a hair. In between many of the treatment steps my skin is refreshed with a gentle hydrating mist. The remaining stages see my face and décolleté covered in vitalising mask, and later individualised creams are applied around my eyes and to my face and décolleté. A serum designed to brighten and smooth the skin is also applied, as well as a lightening screen to protect against sun damage and fight against free radicals. Throughout my facial I am also treated to several massages, some to help the products penetrate my skin more effectively and to stimulate and awaken my skin cells and tissues, or, as with the head massage, simply to relax. Immediately following the treatment my skin is noticeably brighter and more luminous, while the following day my skin, particularly around my jawline, feels smoother, firmer and more evenly toned. For me the experience was rewarding and refreshing, the combination of high quality products and a skilled therapist providing a facial with a difference.

Tested by Zoe Moleshead

The lowdown: One of the Spa’s Signature Facials, it has been created by Swiss Perfection whose products are based on Cellular Active Irisa®, a compound extracted from the Iris Germanica root. Cellular Active Irisa® is high in proteins and enzymes and offers regenerative, stimulative and revitalising effects to the skin.

PB says: My treatment begins with a consultation with my therapist who asks me a series of questions to help her understand my skin; she then provides an overview of the treatment process. The initial steps include several cleansing processes, firstly with an oil-based cleanser and an eye make-up remover. Following this a cream cleanser – a deep cleansing emulsion – is applied and finally a gel-based cleanser. With my skin now refreshingly clean, a gentle scrub is applied to stimulate my skin and remove any lingering or deeper set impurities. A machine emitting a microcurrent is then used to prepare my skin for the next stage and to allow for a deeper penetration of the subsequent products. The process is remarkably quick and not at all painful, the sensation is more like a tweezing of a hair. In between many of the treatment steps my skin is refreshed with a gentle hydrating mist. The remaining stages see my face and décolleté covered in vitalising mask, and later individualised creams are applied around my eyes and to my face and décolleté. A serum designed to brighten and smooth the skin is also applied, as well as a lightening screen to protect against sun damage and fight against free radicals. Throughout my facial I am also treated to several massages, some to help the products penetrate my skin more effectively and to stimulate and awaken my skin cells and tissues, or, as with the head massage, simply to relax. Immediately following the treatment my skin is noticeably brighter and more luminous, while the following day my skin, particularly around my jawline, feels smoother, firmer and more evenly toned. For me the experience was rewarding and refreshing, the combination of high quality products and a skilled therapist providing a facial with a difference.

Tested by Zoe Moleshead