
Step Three: five to seven leaves of pure 24-carat gold are placed on your forehead, cheeks and chin with a special moisturizer and the magic massage begins. "The warmth of the fingers helps massage the gold into the skin," Mandviwalla explained. "The gold is not removed rather is rubbed in expertly."
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Gold facial. The first thought that came to my mind when I heard about the gold facial was the scene in Game of Thrones where Khal Drogo puts the molten gold helmet on Viserys Targaryen’s crown. It was terrifying yet decadent at the same time. Then the mind went back to ancient Egypt and the time of the pharaohs, when gold was commonly used to preserve beauty and youth. Cleopatra apparently slept in a gold mask. It certainly had the qualities, a tried and tested elixir of eternal youth, that lasted for centuries. And so I signed up for the Carol Joy Gold Flake and Collagen Facial, knowing I’d be in good hands as Saeeda Mandviwala, head of Tony & Guy (South), performed the facial herself. Agreed to manage.
Half the fun of a facial, or any beauty procedure, is the environment in which it’s performed. A dirty, poorly maintained parlor (with signs of poor hygiene) can never ensure the experience you expect when you visit one that is spotless and fragrant. A cool, temperature-controlled environment, scented with scented candles and seemingly spotless floors and equipment ensures you’re satisfied before your treatment even begins. What I could appreciate more than the hygiene was the artwork that decorated the walls. It was tasteful and added an element of sophistication to the interior of the saloon.
The facial began with a survey of my skin, so that the procedure could be customized to suit me. I know I have an oily t-line, an aging jawline (which has suffered the after-effects of weight loss) and dull, pale-pigmented cheeks that I’ve been told collagen massage does wonders for. Will work. However, before the collagen was turned on, the facial began with a moment of deep breathing and acupressure on the exhale.
Here’s how the face developed:
Step 1: The skin is deeply cleansed, then a gentle steamer is applied to open the pores so that the collagen can penetrate. The coolness of the cleanser contrasts with the warmth of the steam and this contrast leaves the skin. All tingly and ready for collagen.
Step 2: The collagen mask (which feels like paper) is placed on the face and moistened all over. It kind of melts on the surface of the skin and when your eyes are closed, you feel the cooling of the collagenous gel as it penetrates the dermis. Meanwhile, to enhance your experience, you get a nice body massage while you wait.
Step Three: Apply five to seven leaves of pure 24 karat gold on your forehead, cheeks and chin with a special moisturizer and the magical massage begins. “The warmth of the fingers helps massage the gold into the skin,” explained Mandviwala. “Gold is not removed but skilfully rubbed.”
Why, you might want to know. Well, apparently gold has antiseptic and antioxidant properties that are anti-aging as well as healing. We apply all types of creams and ointments for radiance and age reversal. There is an organic way to ensure that this happens without any side effects.
“This is the ultimate and best skin lightening treatment for summer 2017,” say experts. “Hyperbaric oxygen, pure collagen, caviar algae and 24-karat gold are combined with myofacial massage and nourishing steam for optimal results. This pure 24-karat gold stimulates lymphatic drainage and blood circulation. Ionic Reduces the loss of collagen and elastin, providing balance and a fresh glow, keeping skin looking younger.”
Does it work? There must be some truth in science. It goes without saying that skin will look clean and clear after any deep cleansing process, especially one that’s so luxurious, but the gold and collagen worked their magic in this facial. My skin looks fresher and brighter and while it can wear off thanks to the stress and pollution we’re dealing with, it was effective at the time.
How much it will set you back: The Carol Joy Gold Flake and Collagen Facial will cost between PKR 15,000 – 20,000, depending on who does your facial. It’s not cheap by any standards, but then it’s an alternative to more clinical anti-aging procedures (like injectables, nips and tucks). One would recommend that women start their skin care and antiaging lifestyle, as opposed to going for radical treatments and procedures later. And any facial that combines collagen and gold isn’t bad when it comes to skin benefits.