The Basics: Iyara Day Spa’s been a Hong Kong Island spa mainstay for as long as we remember. Their premium spa products include French brand Algotherm which uses the superpowers of seaweed—packed with biomolecules that pump micronutrients such as minerals, antioxidants, moisture and more back into thirsty, dull and sensitive skin.

The Experience: Decked out in a warm bamboo and foliage motif, the surrounds at Iyara will calm you the moment you walk in. My therapist talked me through the Algotherm Brightening & Oxygenating Facial, which starts with the all-important double cleansing step, followed by microdermabrasion and extraction, and a moisturizing mask and shoulder and neck massage.

The Takeaway: Immediately afterwards, my skin was visibly clear, supple and brightened, especially around the eyes. My jawline felt lifted thanks to the therapist’s firm strokes along my chin to reduce bloating. With sensitive skin, the exfoliating step was perhaps too hard on my cheeks, which became visibly dry the next day. If you have dry skin, you might want to request for something more nourishing on top of the deep cleansing effects of algae.

Algotherm Brightening & Oxygenating Facial, $1,300/60 minutes. Available at Central and Prince’s Terrace locations, as well as Iyara Natural and Organic Spa, 2/F, 27 Hollywood Rd., Central, 2523-8700/2523-3896, iyaradayspa.com