Word: Avey Cortes

A quick Google search for ‘men’s facials’ will probably give you a list of gay adult sites with pictoral samples of a particular “facial” that some men enjoy. If you scroll down far enough, you will come across a link that simply states – that, “Oprah Recommends Facials for Men”.

Enough said.

Yes that’s right boys, as you well know, gone are the days when men didn’t care about the way they looked. It’s time to get sexy and savvy. Just take a look at salons throughout Asia, who are beginning to recognize mens growing interest in their looks.

Bliss Spa at the W Hotel Hong Kong (www.blissworld.com), for example, offers a multitude of treatment programs for the modern man. From the ‘manly-cure’ nail care to the ‘homme’ improvement oxygen facial, the spa provides a wide variety of services for men seeking to improve not only their appearance but their well being.

The aforementioned ‘homme’ improvement facial uses numerous hot towels, a series of scrubs and an anti-ingrown hair follicle calming mask, which also protects the skin against the sun, stress and pollution – three problems common to all big Asian cities.

Similarly, my favourite brand, Aesop have developed a treatment that alleviates the negative impact caused to our skin from environmental distress. The ‘Aesop Parsley Seed Facial treatment’ provides skin with vitamins and anti-oxidants that have significant protective and restorative benefits. This exquisite 60 minute treatment takes place in the facial area of the brand’s first floor concept store in Central. You will have passed it on the bustling Lyndhurst Terrace, but don’t let the central location put you off. The comfortable setting and soothing visuals make for a tranquil oasis right on your back door step. Your experience is enhanced with a spine tingling massage from the top of your head to décolleté (that’s your lower neck line to you and me). You are also invited to indulge in a shower for those in need of a refreshing treat after the quixotic treatment.

I would recommend this facial to rejuvenate your complexion and keep up the regime on a monthly basis. For enquiries or to make an appointment, contact Aesop (www.aesop.com.hk) at 2544-4489.

Another spa that provides great options is the Iyara Beauty Concepts (www.iyarabeauty.com). With two branches in Central and Wanchai, the spa offers a number of Dermalogica facials at unbeatable prices. Using only the finest ingredients available, all Dermalogica products are non-comedogenic and contain no occlusive mineral oil or lanolin, no irritating artificial colors or fragrance, and no drying S.D. alcohol.

The Dermalogica Intense Facial Treatment (HKD 700) uses powerful exfoliants to remove dulling superficial skin cells, improving the skins elasticity, tone and texture. If you want to get ride of dehydrated and rough skin, you may want to consider this type of facial.

The Elemis Day Spa (www.elemisdayspa.com.hk) on D’Aguilar Street offers a wide range of treatments for men, including the ‘Elemis Skin IQ Facial’. This 75 minute treatment is billed as the ultimate skin overhaul for male skin. By combining therapeutic products and bespoke massage techniques, this facial minimizes signs of ageing and calms skin irritations.

I was particularly impressed wit the ‘Elemis Urban Cleanse Facial’ (HK$1,280) which uses fast acting ingredients to reduce sensitivity and provide long lasting defense against the damaging effects of daily pollutants. In short, everyone commented on how clear and fresh I looked! The Elemis Day Spa can be reached on 2521-6660.

The best facial may fall flat if you do not follow the standard pre-requisites for a healthy existence – a balanced diet and regular exercise. So you can always start by putting down that greasy burger and picking up that reduced fat chicken sandwich (on whole-meal bread of course!). It also requires a proper understanding about the needs of your skin. You should learn to stay away from harmful chemicals and use safe products – more and more stores are stocking natural organic products.

If you do not have the time to get yourself to the spa, or find that a monthly visit burns a big whole in your wallet, try some home made facials. It’s as simple as mixing together a tablespoon of honey, egg yolk and olive oil. Apply this mixture and massage your face with your hands, then follow with a scrubber. Leave the mix on your face for 10 to 15 minutes and use cold water to wash your face. This will leave your skin feeling clean and smooth.

The best way to get healthy skin is by protecting your natural skin right from the beginning. So give your skin the treat it deserves and do as Oprah says – get a facial done.