TO SPA OR NOT TO SPA?
Firstly, it can be somewhat off-putting for those of us the far side of 40 to enter a world of therapists who all appear to be in their 20s and looking as glamorous as a cat-walk model. Once we get over the embarrassment of showing them our time-ravaged bodies and faces, we then have to decide which treatment is really going to make us look and feel very much better as opposed to something that was designed for skin half our age. To be honest, like when choosing make-up and moisturisers I think many of us opt for the wrong treatment so a good consultation with the spa manager or therapist is vital before you make a decision.
I took myself off to Ballaza Salon in Ranelagh recently to meet one of Ireland’s top skin care therapists, Sue Machesney. I was keen to find out what really works for women over 50. Pampering treatments are all very lovely, but I wanted something that actually showed results. Like many women, I was certainly not going to go under the knife, nor did I want Botox – injecting poison under my skin just does not appeal. So I enquired as to what treatments would work for me.
Sue offers a personal consultation with each client prior to booking any treatment, and she will recommend something that suits your particular skin and health while there is no obligation to go for anything. Bellaza have been established 17 years and offer a wide range of treatments including Microdermabrasion; Red Light Therapy; Laser Treatments and Skin Peels. On Sue’s advice I opted for the very latest in non-surgical anti-aging treatments – Fusion RF. This works with a radiofrequency (RF) generator and treats both the skin and the fat cells through the generation of heat which prompts the body to produce more collagen. It is painless, non-invasive , takes just 20 minutes and is almost natural in that it tricks the body into plumping up the skin! With before and after photographs to prove the point, I have to admit that I did see immediate results in that my skin looked much firmer, specially round the eyes and jaw-line. A course of 6 is recommended, and I am planning to return and do that.
Fusion RF is the latest thing in anti-aging technology, and I was fascinated to learn that some of our famous over 50s the world over are opting for it. The key is the new collagen production which results in firmer and younger looking skin. While a face-lift might stretch the skin, it will not plump it up like collagen will. And to make the treatment even more tempting, Sue has offered readers of Senior Beauty a special rate of just €150 for an initial treatment (it usually costs €300) and a course of 6 at €720 If you check out private clinics in Ireland and abroad you will see that this is an excellent price for Fusion RF treatment.
Check out www.bellazabeauty.com or call them on 01-4963484, they are based in Ranelagh, Co. Dublin And do mention you heard about it in Senior Times.
I am totally sold on seaweed now. Time was when you needed mud from The Black Sea to feed your skin and ease your muscles. However these seaweed products are not only pure and seriously anti-aging, but they hail from our own shores, as the company is based in Sligo where they have been harvesting the seaweed for years and generations have availed of the benefits of a seaweed bath.
I have been wrapped in seaweed, exfoliated with seaweed and massaged with seaweed, and I have to admit that my skin was feeling really smooth and nourished afterwards, but the deeper health benefits of the treatments were particularly beneficial. Whatever your feelings about spa treatments might have been in the past, I strongly urge you to get a Voya Seaweed treatment and you will be impressed. The Voya Leg ritual is particularly wonderful for tired legs and poor circulation.
Contact sansanaSPA at The Royal Marine Hotel, www.royalmarinehotel.ie ‘phone 01-2300030 and treat yourself, or a special friend to one of these really wonderful treatments.
