If chemical peels, vampire facials and micro needling sound daunting to you then panic not – you’re in the right place.
Sorting Dubai’s most game-changing facials from the not-really-worth-it cleansing regimes, we’ve rounded up the best facial treatments that are actually worth spending your money on, asking the questions that you really want the answers to…
What’s the vibe?
If you’re looking for a relaxing spa treatment (and who isn’t?) look no further than this facial. Rebecca Treston’s treatment room is typically traditional with sterile, whitewashed walls – but it’s far from unwelcoming, it’s professional.
Is it for my skin?
If you’ve been living in the sun for too long and have suffered any of the effects of sun damage that we’re familiar with in this region – such as uneven skin tones, melisma and hyperpigmentation – then this is the life-changing treatment for you.
What does it do?
This is a next-generation laser peel that boasts supreme results with little downtime. The revolutionary technology means the laser light precisely targets imperfections in the skin, leaving the surrounding healthy skin untouched. It also rejuvenates and lightens your overall complexion.
Best part?
The results – they are truly are amazing.
Weirdest part?
This treatment is not for the faint of heart. The laser is pretty painful as it gets quite hot. You do, however, have a cold-air hose that you can hold and blast your face to relieve the places it hurts the most.
Can you actually see results?
I have had far too much sun exposure over the years, as well as having some hormonal pigmentation, and after just six days when the peeling had finished, I could see the pigmentation around my eyes and mouth had disappeared, leaving the surface of my skin much more even and bright. I am still using the aftercare cream, which you need to apply for a few months, and I’m already so happy with the results. My skin is only going to get smoother and more even as time goes on.
Downtime?
Straight afterwards it is advised to not wear make-up for a day, so I would suggest getting this done at the weekend as your face is pretty red and it feels like you have a bad dose of sunburn for a day. It then calms down and just feels tight and looks a little pink for two or three days. And then the peeling starts. Peeling can last from three days to a week, but it’s not big sheets of skin like something out of a horror scene, it happens in small stages, again just like sunburn. Make sure you use an intense fragrance-free moisturiser and a high SPF, and avoid going in the sun. Also, try and avoid wearing too much make-up as, from experience, it just peels off and looks patchy anyway. Try and go au naturel for a few days, ladies.
Bang for your buck?
It’s certainly on the expensive side, but with good reason, as the results really do speak for themselves. Even better, only a one-time treatment is needed, so it’s definitely worth the investment.
Linda Meredith Haute Couture Facial, The Spa, Palazzo Versace – Dhs850 for 60 minutes
The vibe?
After making your way through the gold-bedecked lobby of the ultra-luxurious Palazzo Versace Dubai, you reach the stunning underwater-themed spa. Offering male and female thermal suites, each containing a spa pool, sauna, steam room, relaxation lounge, spacious changing facilities and a luxury Moroccan hammam, you’re instantly transported into a state of relaxation.
Is it for my skin?
Haute Couture means individually designed for each client, and all of Linda Meredith’s treatments are tailor-made for your skin type. The facial hydrates the skin by combining essential active ingredients, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t need hydration in Dubai’s summer heat? In particular, lacklustre, dehydrated or ageing skin will benefit from this luxurious experience.
What does it do?
After a deep cleanse, a thorough consultation is carried out by your therapist to assess any skin problems or complaints. Next, five minutes of steam is applied to your face to open the pores, and a gentle extraction is carried out where necessary, followed by a natural micro peel to remove dead cells and clean deep beneath the surface. Its anti-bacterial effect helps with the reduction of everyday breakouts and removes dead skin cells, softening fine lines and wrinkles.
Best part?
In short – all of it. There’s nothing better than the feeling of someone who truly knows what they’re doing, cleansing, massaging and pampering your face. I loved the face massage and mask at the end of the treatment, using personalised products chosen by the therapist.
Weirdest part?
The extraction can be a little uncomfortable and it feels strange when the therapist squeezes out your blackheads, but the results are totally worth it.
Can you actually see results?
If brighter, smoother, firmer skin is what you’re after, then it’s a strong yes. You’ll leave the spa glowing inside and out.
Downtime?
The facial includes a fine micro peel at the end of the treatment, so make sure you stay out of the sun for a week and always use a high SPF suncream to protect your skin.
Bang for your buck?
Given that the location is probably the most glam in the city, you can expect to pay top dollar. Linda Meredith is also the queen of facials – she’s known for pampering the famous faces of Kate Moss, Madonna and Naomi Campbell – so you are getting a serious celeb treatment. Make the most of the splurge by using the fantastic spa facilities and don’t forget to ask for top tips on a bespoke skincare routine from your therapist. They are experts in their field.
HydroPeptide Deep Cleansing Facial, Tao Spa – Dhs399 for 55 minutes
The vibe?
Tucked away in a corner of The Mall Jumeirah, Tao Spa is snug and unimposing. You’re led down a corridor to one of the treatment rooms, which are intimate and ooze calming Oriental aromas. It’s less clinical, more cultural, with a monochrome theme, paired with dark wood and small touches of Asia. Think burnished gold gongs and delicate white orchids.
Is it for my skin?
If your skin clarity needs improving, then yes. HydroPeptide uses the power of peptides (which is geek speak for short chains of the amino acids from which proteins are built) to increase hydration and enhance skin’s natural luminosity. So, no matter what your skin type or concerns (from fighting the signs of ageing, dull skin or acne breakouts), the facial will work on anyone. It’s particularly ideal for those who wish for a deep cleanse, because the method unclogs pores and speeds up cell renewal.
What does it do?
This treatment infuses skin with the replenishing benefits of salicylic acid and acne-fighting peptides, growth factors and proteins. The peptides improve skin smoothness and balance oil production, while unclogging pores and reducing wrinkles. What more could you wish for?
Best part?
It’s generally hard to find fault with facials. Who doesn’t love being pampered? In this case, I loved my face being steamed – I’ve genuinely never felt so clean. Plus the gritty exfoliation stage really felt like it was shedding Dubai’s city dirt. Nice.
Weirdest part?
Someone removing your blackheads for you. It hurts a bit too because basically, you are having the gunk scraped out of your pores. But pain (it’s more of a feeling of discomfort, to be honest) is temporary; success is permanent, ladies.
Can you actually see results?
In short, yes. The facial prides itself on being results-driven, so after just one treatment skin is clear, balanced and revitalised. Personally, as well as feeling – and looking – squeaky clean, my skin was plump, dewy and bright. Best of all, those hateful fine lines were reduced.
Downtime?
Absolutely none at all. And if anything, my fresh complexion made me more keen to make plans with the nearest available friend and show off my new-found radiance.
Bang for your buck?
Totally. Tao Spa aims to offer a hotel-style experience with the convenience of a mall setting and hassle-free parking, and couples this with exceptional rates. Plus, Tao uses natural, plant-based products all free from preservatives and artificial ingredients. I’m sold.
Black Diamond Hydrafacial, Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont The Palm – Dhs980 for 45 minutes
The vibe?
Offering both classic Dubai luxury and genuine, science-based expertise, Willow Stream Spa at The Fairmont, The Palm is a brilliant combination of O.G. pampering and feeling like you’re in very capable hands. Think relaxing in a thick-pile towelling dressing gown and getting served mint tea and dates while reclining in the relaxation room post-treatment. There’s also a very agreeable view out on the balcony for those who want to chill out flicking through Grazia before heading back to the real world.
Is it for my skin?
Put it this way – if your skin is a bit neglected, worse for wear and hasn’t faced the tough end of a good extraction for a while, this is the kind of deep-cleaning action that it will be crying out for. And in our stressful, ultra-polluted city life, where blocked pores, dehydration and sun damage is par for the course, a serious dose of TLC like this is needed every few months. Be warned, though. As facials go, this is on the hardcore end of the spectrum. If you have sensitive skin, broken capillaries or rosacea, avoid.
What does it do?
Designed by world-famous, award-winning visiting facialist Dr Rita Rakus, the Hydrafacial blends an intensive serum delivery system with a cleanse, exfoliation and extraction to remove all impurities and dead skin cells. They detoxify your skin to start – think lymphatic drainage that reduces puffiness. Then they use botanical products to cleanse your face, moving on to a gentle microdermabrasion. Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants are delivered deeply into your skin using something fancy and patented called a vortex infusion. Then comes an extraction to end all extractions. Blackheads, be gone.
Best part?
How scrupulously clean your skin feels afterwards – and how plump and firm. Fine lines are definitely reduced.
Weirdest part?
They literally hoover your face and yes, it’s a bit gross – although supremely satisfying to see all the bad stuff get sucked off your skin.
Can you actually see results?
Temporarily you have a serious skin glow that makes you look a decent amount younger. But a warning – you will break out for a week or so afterwards as the skin purges all the toxins it has been harbouring below the surface. It’s a small price to pay, though.
Downtime?
You can’t go in the sun for a few days afterwards, although any beauty therapist worth her massage oils will tell you that’s no bad thing. You may be a tad red, but nothing that won’t disappear after an hour or two.
Bang for your buck?
If you have congested skin – most of us, then – this is one of the most thorough treatments you can get. We don’t recommend you get more than one every few months, but if you want to be sure your pores are as squeaky clean as can be, this is the one for you. Relaxing it ain’t, but you definitely feel you’re getting your money’s worth. And the therapists are extremely knowledgeable, too. Worth the money in itself, no?
Words: Charlotte Blair, Olivia Adams and Olivia Phillips
Photos: Karina Twiss
