When it comes to pampering and having a facial in Singapore, I tend to stick with a clinic near me. So, when the opportunity came up to try ProFacial and RF LiftTighten treatments at the new Nexus Aesthetic Clinic in Orchard, I jumped at the chance. Here’s what I thought of the experience. (And read on for a great offer for Expat Living readers!)
The perfect pampering setup
DR SAMANTHA TAY opened her aesthetics clinic in November last year. On walking through the door, I was immediately impressed by the modern marble, navy blue and brushed gold interiors. Greeted warmly by two therapists, I was offered a cup of calming chrysanthemum tea.
As I had a quick email to send out, I was ushered into a small side room complete with a desk and power point for laptop charging. This space has been designed especially for clients to work in while waiting for numbing creams to work pre-treatment, or for those wanting some privacy. It’s also a great spot to shut the door and have a confidential chat with Dr Samantha.
More than just a clinic for a facial in Singapore
Speaking of chats, before hitting the treatment room, I took a tour of the clinic and found out a bit more about the lovely Dr Samantha. She started out as a hospital surgeon, but after suffering herself for years with acne and sensitive skin, decided to use her training to address these issues. Nine months in research and development resulted in her own all-natural paraben- and sulphate-free skincare line, SkinHaven. Judging by her youthful glowing skin and the fact that she doesn’t wear makeup, I’d say she’s nailed the formula.
Dr Samantha offers a wide range of medical aesthetic treatments including fillers, high-intensity focused ultrasound, lasers and PCLs, as well as pampering medi-spa treatments (medical grade facials) at her clinic, all with the overarching goal of making clients feel confident in their skin. Her mantra is: “When you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, good things happen.”
Let the pampering begin!
#1 ProFacial treatment
The Winter treatment room made an instant sense of calm wash over me. (There are also Summer, Spring and Autumn rooms.) The soft lighting, fluffy slippers, pristine white linens and soothing aromatherapy scent set the scene. Sinking into the memory foam mattress and pillow, I felt warm and cosy.
My therapist Michelle explained that the ProFacial machine provides a multi-step aqueous microdermabrasion facial using suction to deeply cleanse and remove skin impurities, a chemical and mechanical exfoliation and extraction, and a serum infusion for skin renewal and collagen remodelling. I was having the 100-minute treatment, but there’s also an express Pro-Lite 45-to-60-minute option available for when you’re in a rush (or want to squeeze in a lunchtime session).
Cleansing and extraction
First, Michelle double cleansed my skin with a gentle cleansing milk to remove makeup. Next an alpha-hydroxy acid plant-extract solution with dissolved keratin was applied; it felt cool and soothing. She then applied a beta hydroxy acid solution to soften blackheads for extraction. This is when the ProFacial machine came into action, sucking out the impurities, which felt soft and moist.
Ever since I had a series of very painful pre-wedding facials, I’ve been incredibly nervous about extractions. I was pleasantly surprised when I only felt mild discomfort as Michelle lightly cleared my skin congestion. She then used an ultrasound headpiece on the ProFacial machine to infuse a multi-nutrient serum, which helps to revitalise and nourish the skin for a healthy, radiant glow.
You can choose from a range of serum ampoules in single-use vials. These include collagen, whitening, vitamin C, stem cell and hydrating serums. Different heads on the machine (such as ultrasound, ionto and radiofrequency) are used depending on the type of serum ampoule you select. Finally, it was time for my favourite part of every facial in Singapore: the face and shoulder massage. It was blissful!
#2 RF LifTighten Treatment
Dr Samantha had explained earlier that the RF LifTighten treatment uses Endymed 3DEEP deep dermal heating radiofrequency to stimulate natural production of collagen and elastin in the skin’s deeper layers. Designed in Israel, it targets, lifts and tightens hard-to-reach areas on the face such as the jowl, double chin and eye area. It’s also used to address areas of concern on your body.
It was reassuring at the outset that Michelle asked for feedback if it felt too hot on my face. The rotating contoured headpiece felt warm (but not hot) as it moved repetitively around, and I could feel my blood circulating under my skin. The therapist treated only half of my face initially and gave me a mirror to see the difference. The treated area looked a little red. However, it seemed more supple and lifted compared to the untreated side of my face.
The last step of my treatment was a double mask with a cooling cream layer, gauze, and a soft rubber layer on the top. The lights were dimmed and I was left to relax (okay, sleep) for 20 minutes, which was a big highlight. Post mask removal, I was treated to a final cleanse, tone and moisturise. As I was leaving the room, I saw the murky water from the ProFacial machine. I was surprised by how much gunk had been removed from my face!
Time to go home feeling refreshed
It was nice to see how happy it made Dr Samantha that I enjoyed my treatment. I got the impression that she genuinely cares about the wellbeing of her clients. Leaving the clinic, I felt refreshed, and my skin was nourished, plump and glowing. My face did feel a little hot for an hour so afterwards but I’m not sure if that was the effect of the radiofrequency or the Singapore heat.
Special offer for a pampering facial in Singapore!
Book a ProFacial or enjoy a session of RF LifTighten treatment at Nexus Aesthetic Clinic at 40% off when you quote “Expat Living”. First-time trial only; one offer per customer.
111 Somerset Road, #03-19
6979 8860 | nexusaestheticsg.com
To complete your pampering, visit a hairdresser for a post-facial cut or colour. Read this article for some great hair salons in Singapore.
Like this article and want to read more? Buy the latest issue of Expat Living magazine or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
