A year and a half ago I found out that I have rosacea, which meant that I couldn't use anti-aging products - as they would exacerbate the problem.
Since then my skincare ritual has included a serum and a special cream, without seeing much improvement, but at least it's not getting worse. The problem is that I had no way of determining the exact stage. Cosmeticians said it was incipient, from my point of view it seemed more advanced.
The moment I saw the new Shiseido SPA offer - Opatra Dome - the facial analysis device that clinically measures the dermis and epidermis - I realized that it was exactly what I needed to check my skin health and what anti-aging products I could use after all this time.
I don't know why I didn't realize until that moment that a machine can determine my rosacea level much better than a human.
I inquired and found out that it uses the latest digital imaging technology and is used by both doctors and estheticians. The promise was a complete skin analysis: fine lines and depth of wrinkles, blemishes, pores, skin texture and pigmentation. Just what I needed to know what to do next with my complexion.
As I was walking up the stairs to the Shiseido SPA reception I was wondering which therapist I would do the treatment with, when I spotted Andra. Andra Grigore is the head therapist, she did my massage last year Kuroho - that I told you about here and I've been thinking about it for a long time.
He led me to the changing room and after I changed, he invited me to Enmei's room - the same room where I had the massage last year and where there are also filtration concentrators that improve the quality of the oxygen and the air we breathe in with 33% compared to the rest of the rooms.
First I filled out a short form in which I had to check if I have active acne, open lesions, tumors, autoimmune diseases, malignant lesions and 2-3 other questions in the same spectrum.
He then explained how to put my face in the machine - much like you do for an X-ray - and warned me that within about 20 seconds there would be 3 lights - one of which was quite bright, but he asked me not to open my eyes and to try to stay as still as possible.
It was easy, the seconds flew by and I couldn't wait to find out the results.
Immediately after the 3 pictures were taken, 12 slides appeared on the screen. On each slide there was a big picture and a scale with 3 levels: poor (poor score) / general (average score) / good (good score):
On the first slide was a pore analysis. Because of rosacea, I avoid exfoliation too often. I stick to once every two weeks and then I use an enzyme cream. But it was clear that I wasn't going to do too well on this and I did - I fell into the poor category.
Then we came to skin hydration. Here I think was the biggest shock I had - in the sense that I came out at 30% hydration degree (poor score) - as I drink over 3 liters of water a day and apply serum and cream every morning and evening. I still can't explain why it's only 30% - but at least now I know and I'll look into it further.
Andra recommended me to use especially products with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid. Because AHA molecules capture water molecules and hold them in the dermis. She told me that products rich in oils do not moisturize, but only nourish the skin and then, even if I drink 3 liters of water, that water is not necessarily rehydrectionata in the skin, in the absence of hyaluronic.
After discussing the 12 slides in detail with Andra, I received a list of Shiseido cosmetics recommendations - for each step of the daily routine. There were even more options for each of the steps. Andra explained them to me one by one and then invited me to my first cosmetic treatment with a machine.
If you have read my articles before or if you have been following despreSpa.ro for several years, you already know that I am not a fan of machines. I believe that treatments done by hand, with the most natural products are the ones that suit me. On the other hand, it's obvious to me that for certain effects - such as anti-aging when it comes to deep wrinkles - machines are much more effective than manual treatments. And less invasive than injections.
On the other hand, I am addicted to the relaxation that a facial ritual gives me. I wouldn't see myself scheduled for a treatment that didn't include human touch, the energy that the therapist's hands emanate, not to mention the environment in which it takes place.
So initially, when I saw the Shiseido Spa offer - with the Opatra Dome skin evaluation and the Aqua Spectra treatment - I said I'd just do the test. However, because I knew in advance of the assessment that my skin needed exfoliation and anti-aging, I was curious about the fact that it's the only hydrodermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extractions, moisturizing and antioxidant protection all at once.
Then I called them and found out that this new treatment actually combines the two components: it's a facial spa ritual that also uses Aqua Spectra, which sounds good.
The first surprise was to find that the bed was heated. Just enough to make me wonder if it was me or if it really was. I asked Andra and she confirmed that it was, because she had remembered from last year that I was cold. Wow, that impressed me. Even though it's summer and it's hot anyway, feeling the mattress a bit warmer was super-relaxing.
He wrapped me with a towel, then he grabbed my hair and introduced me to the machine and its 9 functions.
I agreed by mutual consent not to do the cavitational peel, hydro-microdermabrasion and radiofrequency - more preventative, for rosacea reasons - nor the cold hammer because it would have given me a cold sensation that would have been unpleasant. So I'm left with half of what I could have done, but, as I've already told you - comfort and health are too important to me
But even without them, the treatment was super effective and complete from my point of view:
She covered my eyes and then, with a brush, she spread a velvety foam on my face, which gave me a very nice effervescent sensation. Then, using another brush - with natural silk pores, she massaged my skin. The aim is to cleanse away all impurities, but she did it so gently, that if I didn't know better, I would have thought it was a relaxing, pre-cleansing step.
Andra told me that it's a non-invasive and painless method that deeply cleanses the complexion, that it's an excellent alternative to manual extractions that require a longer skin regeneration time. But although it sounds very good we still preferred to skip it.
the exfoliating gel containing aloe vera and a variety of natural active ingredients and minerals - chamomile extract, borage seed oil, night light oil - and then cleaned me, very gently, with two sponges
the traditional Japanese towel I told you about and here. Andra also personalized my treatment at this step. Normally you put the towel warm. But because I have rosacea, she cooled it before and I enjoyed the moment to the fullest:
which I understand removes dead surface skin cells with a special diamond-headed fleece and a peeling solution for sensitive, acne-prone and blemish-prone skin.
a technique to rehydrate the complexion with a solution rich in vitamin C. The technique uses a vortex system. It was interesting to feel something like a mini vacuum on my skin. If I had known beforehand, I would have thought I would feel some discomfort, but that wasn't the case, it was quite pleasant.
As I had never done it before, he explained to me that it is one of the most popular therapies to treat facial imperfections - an internal micro-massage that facilitates deep penetration of the active ingredients in Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate.
This is Shiseido's flagship product, used to protect the complexion, visibly reduce signs of aging and restore firmness to the skin. It contains: iris root extract, reishi mushroom extract which provides a powerful antioxidant boost, Bulgarian rose water, gingo biloba leaf extract and thyme. All are powerful natural extracts that support the skin's ability to stay in shape.
He applied it and massaged me with the Japanese Shiseido technique. The purpose of the mask is to soothe and nourish the skin. She told me it was rich in oils like jojoba and shea butter which quickly velvety, protect the skin and restore long term elasticity. I really enjoyed the massage, here are a few clips:
After this massage, Andra refreshed me with a new Oshibori towel.
I had never done this procedure before, so he explained that it is a bipolar radiofrequency based technology that produces an immediate improvement in the appearance of the complexion by restoring firmness to the skin. It accelerates the metabolism of fibroblasts, favors the production of new collagen fibers and tones the skin which becomes firm, smooth, contoured and with a healthy and glowing appearance in the long term. However, I thought it was too much for my sensitive skin and skipped the step.
Andra turned on the Aqua Spectra and I was enveloped in a rose scent as soon as the first particle hit my face. She told me it's a relaxing method for skin rejuvenation, combining the power of hyperbaric oxygen with Eudermine Revitalising Essence, which instantly moisturizes and catifies the complexion.
was created in 1897 and introduced into Japanese beauty rituals. It quickly became a favorite of the gheis because it protected their complexions under the intense makeup they used. The key ingredients are bio-hyaluronic acid - for intense rehydration and ideal moisture retention, and Japanese rose extract to restore suppleness.
It was fresh and very flavorful, I savored every minute of it, and wished it would never end.
It would have followed the last step - which I didn't do so as not to spoil all the zen I was in - with a cold moment. But still I asked Andra what it consisted of so I could explain it to you, as maybe you don't have the same problem with cold. It's the cold hammer - a method specially designed to keep your complexion looking youthful: it reduces signs of aging, wrinkles and pigmentation spots. It stimulates cell regeneration and the production of elastin and collagen.
Even if I didn't do this step, Andra applied two creams that had been recommended by Opatra Dome at the end of the assessment - and would have been included in this last step anyway:
that evens skin color, reduces fine wrinkles and maintains skin moisture balance. It has purified and micronized hyaluronic acid, Shiseido's patented formula, ginzenk extract - which reduces the appearance of fine lines, citrus peel extract - is designed to activate the skin's natural moisture and is suitable for all skin types. The cream also has SPF20.
even though I apply lip balm I don't know how many times a day. But after the one Andra applied, I didn't need hours of reapplication - even though I drank some tea from them, and ate afterwards.
I felt great, like after any spa facial: relaxed, fresh, energized. Practically as if I hadn't even worked and with a machine along the way - the whole experience was very relaxing.
When I came out of the room I was so zen that I totally forgot that there was tea waiting for me in the pool area. I was getting ready to go to the changing room to change, when Andra, amazed at the direction I had taken, reminded me about the tea.
I left revitalized and happy. Now I know exactly what my skin problems are and it's up to me to solve them. But until I will succeed - as I'm sure it won't be overnight - I now know that there is this totally non-invasive solution with powerful anti-aging effects.
The photos and videos were taken by Simona Butnariu from Oaks Country Club and thank him so much for his help and patience!
Ioana Marian, founder of despreSpa.ro
Virtual Wellness Explorer
