4 Beauty and Wellness Treatments To Try In Singapore This October 2024

The holidays are quickly approaching, so now is the ideal time to schedule a beauty or wellness treatment. Here, we tested the newest products available in Singapore, including those from Tricholab, the Ritz Carlton, BMF or J Laser, and Aesthetic Clinic, to make sure you look your best from head to toe when you arrive at the festivities.

For the month of Delight here at Prestige Singapore, we’re looking at beauty and wellness treatments that will help you look and feel your best as we prepare for our annual Prestige Ball 2024. We’re talking inside and out, top to toe. October’s beauty and wellness journey begins first at TrichoLab with their Heavenly Head Spa, then with a Cynosure treatment for smooth and bright complexion. Body sculting is next at BMF, using the new Cristal Pro Sculpt System, and finally, The Art of Wellness at The Ritz-Carlton Spa that aims to soothe you and your muscles to a state of calm.

Scalp is skin and a healthy scalp is the key to healthy hair, so why shouldn’t it receive the same TLC as the rest of your skin does? The crème de la crème at TrichoLab is the Heavenly Head Spa that draws inspiration from the four elements – earth, water, air and fire. Each of the four treatments is targeted to gently but effectively treat different scalp needs, from dry scalp to hair loss.

The experience takes place in a private room and begins with a scalp analysis to determine the most suitable treatment. While my scalp is mostly healthy and clean – phew – the scan reveals some sensitive spots prone to redness. Thus, I am prescribed the “water” treatment focusing on hydrating and soothing the scalp.

Each Heavenly Head Spa treatment is a full 90-minutes long and you can bet that TrichoLab uses every minute to the fullest. The treatment kicks off with an aromatic oil massage that puts you in a mood for deep relaxation. A detox serum targeting skin sensitivity is applied with a nano spray, followed by the brushing of the hair and scalp with a massage comb to prepare them for a hair wash. Shampoo here is delivered through a micro bubble generator to ensure the good stuff goes deep into your tresses. A hyaluronic acid scalp mask is next, coupled with 15 minutes of steam to up the ante on hydration, circulation and relaxation. As the steam does its work, the therapist gives a relaxing shoulder, arm and hand massage that targets drainage spots. No minute is wasted in this luxuriously long treatment. Each step in the Heavenly Head Spa is coupled with a massage – circulation is key, after all. To wrap things up, a hydrating serum is applied to the scalp, followed by a light blow-out and hair oil.

The therapist brings in the scalp scanner again and the difference is clear: my scalp is pristine, and sensitive spots that were tinged red before now look calmer. Even though the treatment was already 90 minutes long, I almost wish that it was longer because I – and my scalp – felt so taken care of. Everything happens when you’re comfortably nestled in their lush treatment chairs, so don’t be surprised if you’re lulled to sleep by the expert hands of the therapist and the calming sounds of water. – Candice Chua, Digital Editor

TrichoLab, Wheelock Place, #04-07A

Contrary to the popular adage, beauty is not just skin-deep. At The Ritz-Carlton Spa, the approach to beauty is one tuned in to wellness: when you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside. The spa’s Art of Wellness treatment goes beyond the typical body massage and is designed to leave you feeling relaxed, transformed and centred.

The experience begins with breathing techniques led by the therapist that is intended to bring you to a state of calm as you release the stresses of your day. It may feel awkward if you’ve never done it before, but as the therapist would say: just let go. The therapist picks an aromatic oil blend of gardenia and orange and starts to work her magic on my neck, shoulders, back and legs, then the front, focusing once again on the neck. I am the perfect subject: an evening at the gym just the day before had left me with stiff calves and thighs. Heated Himalayan salt balls – said to boast healing properties – are rolled over problematic points, bringing instant relief. There are no theatrics; the massaging technique here is all about getting the basics right, done through masterful hands that are strong yet soothing.

My therapist moves on to the face, using rose quartz crystals and gentle strokes to relieve tension in the forehead and temples. As someone who holds tension in these areas, the facial massage was so welcome. The 90 minutes allocated to the experience go by in no time – more, please! – and ends with sprays of a nourishing body mist.

I admit to being hard to please when it comes to massages, and The Art of Wellness does not disappoint. Stepping out of the spa, I found that the tightness in my legs had melted away, and the pesky aches in my neck and shoulders – my usual problem spots – were gone. My muscles felt soft and relaxed in a way that I haven’t felt in a long time. – Candice Chua, Digital Editor

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles

I recently underwent my first body sculpting treatment using the Cristal Pro Sculpt System at BMF The Aesthetics People. Before the treatment, I had a consultation with an on-site dietitian who analysed my body. As expected, my problem area was around my tummy. Based on the analysis, the dietitian suggested focusing the treatment on my tummy, and armed with this information, I began the treatment.

I received a brief introduction to the FDA-certified Cristal Pro Sculpt System and its function. This new machine uses Cryosculpt Diffusion System, the latest technology in cryolipolysis, to rapidly freeze fat cells at -12°C and induce cellular death. Before the treatment began, an advanced diagnostic tool was used to measure the subcutaneous thickness, and the appropriate applicator was selected to ensure maximum contact to the target area, which in my case was the stomach area. Once the cupping handpieces were secured in place, I was able to sit back and relax. The process caused minimal discomfort, feeling like someone was constantly pinching the treatment area, but nothing too intense. If the pressure felt too tight, the therapist could loosen it.

The treatment took about 30 minutes, and once the timer was up, the therapist massaged the targeted area to ease the tension. I noticed results about a week after the treatment; my tummy area was more toned and defined. Some soreness persisted but was tolerable and completely gone after a month. – Joseph Low, Senior Features Writer

BMF, Orchard Gateway @ Emerald, #10-01/02

There is a misconception that doing laser treatments will thin out the skin, but the opposite is what actually happens. Because of the stimulation, the skin becomes thicker and firmer. This was one of the myths debunked by Dr Ngiam, the medical director and founder of J Laser and Aesthetics Clinic, when I tried out the Cynosure PicoSure Pro laser treatment.

Dr Ngiam does a thorough consultation to understand the patient’s concerns and then offers a treatment plan. This means utilising a plethora of tools that can include lasers, oral medicines, and topical creams. After sharing my skin concerns, Dr Ngiam took a closer look at my complexion and shared that there were some acne scars and pigmentation. Thankfully, the PicoSure Pro lasers were able to address these concerns.

The laser that emits from the PicoSure Pro machine is able to target the pigments with better precision than its predecessor. By directly targeting these spots, the 755nm energy rays in picoseconds break up the pigments into smaller pieces which will be easier for the body to get rid of them. The PicoSure Pro is the only FDA-cleared machine to treat melasma pigment, and its non-ablative nature (the surface of the skin is not removed) means the procedure has short downtime while also stimulating collagen production.

After the consultation, I was brought to the treatment room, and numbing cream was applied to my skin for 30 minutes. Then, it was showtime. Two lenses were used, the first targeting pigments. When Dr Ngiam swept the laser across my face, I felt the usual prickling and heat that are part and parcel of laser treatments. He switched to another lens that is used to stimulate collagen production. To help cool down the face and combat redness, ice packs are applied. The redness faded in a hour.

The results started to show after a few days after the treatment. My face looked brighter, pigmentation faded, even the ones that were quite stubborn. There is also a tightening effect around the cheeks, a result from greater collagen production. – Joseph Low, Senior Features Writer

J Laser and Aesthetics Clinic, #19-08/09 Royal Square Medical Suites, Royal Square @ Novena. Cynosure’s PicoSure Pro treatment is also available at various aesthetic clinics worldwide.

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