The first quarter of 2020 had been hectic for me in my work and I am relieved to take a break during the circuit breaker period following the completion of my contract. Given that I had passed the big four’o, I realized the importance of self-caring. Since now I have more time to spare, I have begun to undertake a disciplined regime of applying skin and hair care products as well as consuming health supplements regularly.
However, the pigmentation on my face and the dark circles under my eyes had been bothering me for the past few months and partially my fault as I frequently stay up late to binge on Netflix. Therefore I am glad that Chrysalis Spa has presented me the opportunity to experience their Gua Sha facial which is an anti-aging/lifting facial. Chrysalis Spa is established in Singapore since 2001 and provides a one-stop health and beauty solution. They have a wide range of services and treatments for face, eyes, body, and nails, at affordable prices. Since they have 5 outlets located in different parts of Singapore (North, East, West, and Central), I could receive my treatment at a conveniently located outlet which in my case is in Bedok Mall.
About Gua Sha Facial
“Gua Sha”(刮痧) is a technique used in ancient therapy for anti-aging treatment. “Gua” means to scrape or rub. “Sha” is the term used to describe blood in the subcutaneous tissues. Gua Sha Facial involves using a gua sha board which is made of water buffalo horn to stroke the face gently to stimulate the lymph nodes and facial muscles. It is well known for stimulating the immune system to detoxifies, de-acidifies, revitalizes, enhance circulation and regenerate the skin. Part of the treatment involved eye bo jin(拨筋) which helps to smooth away any wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes.
My first Gua Sha Facial experience
My appointment was conveniently arranged over WhatsApp and a friendly reminder was sent one day prior to my appointment in the same Whatsapp chat. As I was communicating to a real person instead of a chatbot, I could conveniently notify the outlet on my arrival time or if I am slightly late without the need to separately search for a contact number of the outlet.
Upon arrival, I was asked to fill in a Customer Analysis card with my personal details and medical history for their awareness if I have any existing medical conditions.
The therapist showed me to the lockers where I could safely keep my personal belongings. Thereafter, I was led to a cozy room for my treatment where I could then be allowed to remove my mask.
The session started off with the cleaning, moisturizing, and exfoliating of my face. I was also given a quick eyebrow trimming to tidy up my messy eyebrows before getting into the black and white head extraction procedure (usually my most dreadful part of facial since it tends to be painful).
The therapist informed me that she would be applying some gel on my face prior to the black and white head extraction. This was to soften my pores so that the extraction process would be less painful. Frankly, I did not have much hope on her words but was pleasantly surprised that the gel really works wonder and that the pain was bearable during the extraction process.
However, the cleaning up of the infected pus (that has been pestering me for the past few weeks), had nearly caused me to tear. Now that I am writing this post almost a week after the facial, I could not feel the pus anymore.
After cleaning up my face, it’s time for the real business. The therapist applied some lotion before starting to Gua Sha on my face, she shared that my facial skin is dull and lifeless with some clogged pores (which I agreed totally) despite not having many facial issues. As the massage was done with the gua sha board, it’s a bit cold but after a few minutes into the massage, I began to feel relax and find this de-stressing. While the therapist shared that it can’t solve my pigmentation issue due to aging – it could help me in detoxing and rejuvenating my skin. I also understood that the eye bo jin which was part of the Gua Sha treatment should help lighten the dark circles under my eyes.
Following the application of a soothing mask and quick shoulder massage, I was left alone to rest for around 20 minutes. I had some me time and started to have random thoughts with the relaxing music in the background. The therapist completed the session by applying serum, moisturizer, and sunblock onto my face followed by a short neck and back massage for me.
Aftermath
Immediately after the facial, I instantly felt that my facial skin was lifted. My skin felt radiant, hydrated, and glowy. My eyes which felt tired before the treatment was more strain-free, thanks to the eye bo jin.
While I know that regular facial treatments are required to enjoy the long term effects; it still felt good that the aftermath benefits of this facial treatment lasted for almost a week.
If you are keen to try out the 60-mins Gua Sha Facial at Chrysalis Spa, you can quote “CF Guasha” to enjoy a special price of S$28 instead of the usual price of S$428 (note that this promotion is applicable for first-time trial only).
For more information on treatments and services provided by Chrysalis, you can read and follow them on:
Website: http://chrysalis.com.sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Chrysalisspasg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrysalis_spa_singapore/
Chrysalis™ Medi-Aesthetic Group
Operation Hours:
Mon – Fri : 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sat, Sun & PH : 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Outlets
Amk Hub
53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 #03-26 (S) 569933
Tel: 6481 9270
Whatsapp: 9826 4905
Bedok Mall
311 New Upper Changi Road #B2-39 (S) 467360
Tel: 6587 3310
Whatsapp: 9826 4839
Jurong Point
63 Jurong West Central 3 #03-04 (S) 648331
Tel: 62658308
Whatsapp: 83189085
Pacific Plaza
9 Scotts Road #03-13 (S) 228210
Tel: 6884 9636
Whatsapp: 9635 3999
North Point City
930 Yishun Ave 2 #B1-160 (S) 769098
Tel: 6252 7138
Whatsapp: 9112 9378
[Disclosure: This is a sponsored service review post, but all opinions are solely my own.]