The Mira hotel has enlisted British-based brand Aromatherapy Associates to launch a series of facials and body therapies for its spa.
The brand was founded in 1995 by Geraldine Howard and Sue Beechey, experts in essential oils. But the new treatments are driven by electrocurrent technology. A galvanic treatment machine uses electrical currents to help products penetrate deeper into the skin, and microcurrents to lift and tone the facial muscles.
I'm put in the hands of Lucy Chang, a trainer with Aromatherapy Associates and the 90-minute treatment begins with a sweet-smelling rose cleanser and tonic to remove any traces of make-up. Next, Chang applies a gel designed to help dissolve sebum and unblock congestion, massaging it in with a two-pronged electrode hooked up to the galvanic machine. The currents running through the prods activate the sodium carbonate in the gel for a deep cleanse, aided by lavender, ylang ylang and tea tree.
A hydrating mask follows, and a face massage with the prongs and a microcurrent. She compares it to exercise and says it improves the muscle tone giving the skin a youthful and radiant look.
After a few minutes, she takes the current up a notch. I can feel a tingling and a strong metallic sensation in the teeth, which Chang says is normal. As a follow up I get a skin booster of magnesium to stimulate collagen production and further firm the skin.
Next is a short, soothing lymphatic draining neck and head massage. Then one last glass probe at high frequency, which sounds similar to a bumblebee. The probe gently glides over the skin, creating antibacterial ozone.