The last time I had a facial treatment was about eight years ago. Since then a large colony of blackheads had settled on my nose like some horrible stain that could only be removed through serious scrubbing. So it was about time for me to head off to Jiff Skin Care For Men to have my face cleansed.
Located on the top floor of Plaza 2000 in Causeway Bay, Jiff runs several 'facial programmes' as well as a sauna for members and, according to shop manager Fiona Chan, Hong Kong's first 'sun stand' (a vertical sunbed) that cuts tanning time down to just eight minutes per session. What I am about to undergo takes a lot longer. The Oxygen Facial Programme is a 90-minute deep-cleansing treatment that involves 14 'holistic facial steps', starting from eye makeup removal to the application of eye and neck cream at the end. What separates this from other facial programmes is the application of oxygen cream that is 'effective on pigmentation from the sun and scarring from acne' and basically revitalises the skin. Since I do not use eye or any other makeup (but some men evidently do these days), I go straight to the purifying facial cleansing.
This step involves gentle steaming, which opens up pores, and massage with facial cream. I tell beautician Janey Chau that I have really dry skin so the elastin collagen cream is applied.
Chau says most of their male clients come for a quick facial session after work and I can understand why. But most are unlikely to opt for the oxygen programme because it is considered a deluxe, thorough-cleansing treatment.
Next is a honey and almond scrub, which removes dirt. This is a very gentle application and I don't feel as if my face is being sand-papered.
Then comes the painful part: the elimination of blackheads. A pair of fine tweezers is used to pluck out the impurities. Slightly painful but worth it.
