With all the harsh facial treatments around these days, it’s nice to know there’s something effective for those with more sensitive skin. Kaya Skin Clinic’s hydrating Aqua Radiance facial uses water to do the dirty work and leave your skin, well, radiant.

We start with a chilly layer of silky smooth cleanser. Prepped and ready, it’s time to let the water do its work. Using a combination of cold water and air like a teensy tiny fireman’s hose, our technician scours away our dead DNA – it’s gentler on our skin than a microdermabrasion procedure.

Down to a fresh layer of face, our technician takes up his miniature knitting needle and goes to work on our pores. Now squeaky clean, we’re ready to replace the grime we came in wearing with hydrating moisture. Our technician performs a massage using a cold gel, and we can feel our giant pores shrinking away. After the massage, we’re treated to a layer of vitamin serum to regenerate our cells.

For the finale, our technician slathers on a very thick layer of mint green paste and leaves the cold mixture to add the ultimate in skin therapy. This mask dries to a rubbery solid, very like something a special effects artist might use to create a movie monster. For all its rubbery weirdness, in ten minutes the mask has certainly done its job.

Why go?

This refreshing facial is gentle yet effective. If you don’t like more harsh procedures, this one uses the healing power of water to both clean and hydrate.

And why not?

Though many of the services on offer are what you’d expect to find at a spa, Kaya is most definitely a clinic – don’t expect music, candles or ambient lighting. Do, however, expect professional service and technicians who know their stuff.

Laura Fulton

What? Aqua Radiance Facial
Where? Kaya Skin Clinic, Raha Mall
Cost: AED 600 for a single session or AED 2040 for a package of four sessions
We say: Perfect for tender, tired skin
Contact: 02 556 2911