Beauty fix: ESPA Lifestage facial at The Ritz-Carlton Spa

It's a little scary experiencing ESPA Skinvision analysis, even though it follows a soothing foot bath designed to help you relax. The UV light from the Skinvision lamp - the British luxury spa brand's signature scan before every facial - exposes the problems of your skin that are not as visible otherwise and proves the fact that your skin's age may not reflect your real age.

But, I was informed, during the anti-ageing facial at The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, the step is necessary; the beautician needs to identify your skin's flaws before trying to correct them. While the lamp showed many orange spots, indicating an oily T-zone and obvious pores that I've always been aware of, brownish areas around my eyes and cheeks pointed to some dryness of my skin.

With that in mind, the beautician started cleansing my skin and paid extra attention to the nose and chin when exfoliating. This was followed by a 30-minute face and neck massage with sandalwood oil to encourage blood circulation and detoxification. Although my skin problems are more to do with congestion and dullness, the stretching and lifting motions she used could be helpful for those with sagging or wrinkled skin.

To further decongest my skin, a cleansing and hydrating clay mask was applied. This was followed by the serum, moisturiser and eye moisturiser - products from the newly introduced Lifestage collection, which left my skin feeling smooth and supple.

The treatment is most effective on more mature skin, although it is really more about how well cared for your skin is. The treatment varies according to each person's concerns. My beautician also treated me to a hair mask and head massage, which gave added shine to my newly dyed hair.

What else? Indulge in oat cookies and fruit yogurt in the waiting lounge before and after the treatment, while enjoying the view over Victoria Harbour from the 116th floor.