Travel, whether for work, pleasure, or a combination of both, enriches the soul and senses. But it can also take a toll on skin. Long haul flights that enclosed us in high pressure air cabins result in exposure to dry, recycled air. This causes in loss of moisture, stress, and a compromised skin barrier. Similarly, new destinations entail shifts in temperature, diet, and circadian rhythm. When we drastically undergo these changes, skin issues like breakouts, puffiness, dehydration, flaking, and dulling manifest. More than an indulgent luxury, skin rejuvenating facials scheduled post flight could just as well be one of the smartest travel hacks to consider.
After a fight and just before getting on with the travel itinerary, an express or 90-minute facial can do wonders for skin recovery. Those few precious moments in the spa can aid in refreshing the senses, easing muscle aches, and fighting off jet lag. During my last few work trips around Asia, I fought off the dreaded “flight face” by booking a facial within the first 48 hours from landing. This new travel ritual has helped in addressing tired, dull looking skin as well as puffiness around the eye area. I’ve also since discovered that a relaxing and rejuvenating facial can get you ready for work, play and even the red carpet with little to no makeup required. More than piling up the layers, facials as the best pre-makeup base.
Here, a short list of restorative, skin-boosting facials around Singapore, Hong Kong, Bali and Manila.
Valmont Signature Facials at the Capitol Kempinski in Singapore
The Capitol Kempinski Hotel, located in the Civic and Cultural center of Singapore is an iconic landmark. With only 155 luxury suites, the restoration masterpiece is the ideal destination for immersing in colonial art deco and Venetian design. Many of the key celebrations and galas in the Lion City are also held at the Capitol Kempinski. But beyond premium accommodations, exceptional dining, and A-list events, the hotel is home to a little known beauty secret: the Valmont facials at the spa.
Shaped by Swiss expertise in cellular cosmetics, Valmont’s Signature Facials were first introduced in 1985 as the holy grail for anti-aging. Products from the innovative skincare brand harness the healing properties of pure Alpine ingredients and state-of-the-art skin science. There are several types of Valmont facials, each one designed to address a specific skin concern and goal.
- Hydration of the Bisses is a “moisturizing bath” for skin, ideal for dull, dehydrated skin. An rich infusion of hyaluronic acid brings back skin moisture, while illuminating skin.
- Energy of the Glaciers is a skin booster that revitalizes and boosts cell renewal. It utilizes a combination of anti-wrinkle concentrates, triple DNAs, liposome RNAs, anti wrinkle boosters and cocktail of peptides to bring back skin’s natural glow. After the treatment, features are visibly softer, youthful, and plump.
- Lifting des Sommets is a heaven-sent if you are looking for a facial that lifts and minimizes the superficial appearance of wrinkles. Specific massage techniques and a protocol of Valmont products are utilized to alleviate facial tension, relax the muscles, lift and smoothen. It’s the perfect combination of a spa experience and a beauty transformation rolled in one session.
The Red Carpet Facial at the Nobu Spa, City of Dreams, Manila
Although my birthday was anything but a red carpet event, I deemed it a day special enough to spend an entire afternoon at the Nobu Spa in the City of Dreams, Manila. After a soothing Nobu Raken Massage (using warm oils and heated bamboo), the masseuse turned me over to a trained facialist for an indulgent Red Carpet Facial. “We recommend this for clients who want to look refreshed, especially after a long flight or a sleepless night,” she said.
The newest addition to Nobu Spa’s menu of highly-specialized treatments, the Red Carpet Facial utilizes products from a pioneer in German skincare research, BABOR. The multi-step regimen highlights the age-defying properties of plant-based ingredients, mostly algae and rose. This skin firming and nourishing facial incorporates potent collagen boosters and concentrates that minimize the appearance of fine lines and puffiness. Post treatment, skin was firmer and deeply moisturized. I stepped out with a birthday glow, just in time for an intimate dinner celebration with loved ones.
La Mer Revitalizing Healing Facial at The Ritz Carlton Spa, Hong Kong
The first time I visited the Ritz Carlton Spa in Hong Kong was for an intimate launch of fine jewellery South Sea pearl brand, ARAO at the gift shop. I’ve since regarded that spa on the 116th floor as a go-to for quick pampering retreats, especially when tied to a tight schedule while in the Harbour City. Apart from the Lava Shell Jet Lag Solution, transformative facials by La Mer are reasons to sign off for a couple of hours and give mind, body and senses that much-needed reset.
La Mer’s Revitalizing Healing Facial harnesses the skin renewing and youth regenerating properties of pure Miracle Broth. This precious elixir, which is at the heart of all La Mer products, helps with healing dryness and duling to improve overall health and appearance of skin. At The Ritz Carlton Spa, a bespoke sequence of massage techniques are combined with La Mer’s most iconic creams, serums, and elixirs. This treatment also targets specific points and contours of the face to naturally boost vitality, radiance, and energy.
Oxygen Infusion Facial at the Mello Spa, Seminyak, Bali
The Mello Spa in Seminyak, Bali offers body and facial treatments that are anchored on biohacking principles. This wellness haven, which will soon a second branch in Canggu, has also developed a comprehensive menu of experiences that address specific concerns of travelers in Bali. This includes recovery from jet lag, sun exposure, and fatigue.
The Oxygen Infusion Facial is ideal to book shortly after arriving on the island and just before diving into a full itinerary of activities. It is also recommended for those looking to revive dry, dull, and sun drenched skin. Using state-of-the-art Intraceuticals Oxygen Machine, the treatment follows a specific protocol of products and massage technique for the face that naturally stimulates blood circulation and collagen production.
No two facials are identical at Mello Spa. Depending on skin’s current state, products used may vary. The team writes, “Our expert skin therapists begin every treatment with personalized consultations–assessing skin type, concerns, and goals–to ensure your facial is perfectly tailored to you. We customized facials using products from Dr. Spiller, Elemis, Skeyndor or Innisfree,” writes the team. Combining touch and tech, this facial also utilizes a mechanical exfoliant to unclog pores and high pressure oxygen to infuse skin with super charged serums. After the treatment, skin was visibly more plump, smooth, hydrated and radiant.
Regardless of destination, travel agenda or itinerary, a few house of self-care and pampering can truly enhance how we discover and show up for the world.