70 AsiaSpa September/October 2014

Writer Samantha Coomber

Skin DeepAs we get older, facial fine lines and increased sagginess come down to many factors, but most importantly, reduced collagen production. In Bali, Cocoon Medical Spa offers the latest innovations in non-invasive anti-ageing and cosmetic treatments, armed with a long-term, holistic approach. Cleopatra Gold Facial Packages are four anti-ageing packages, combining individual procedures specifically interrelated for maximum benefit, but targeting to boost collagen levels.

The Deal: The wrong side of 40, I opt for Cleopatra Gold #4, incorporating the most procedures (around 20 minutes each), including Diamond Microdermabrasion and ‘heavy duty’ Dermapen Microneedling, for the ultimate in treating fine lines and wrinkles and stimulating natural collagen regeneration. The package lasts approximately 150 minutes and like all Cocoon treatments, starts with a free doctor’s consultation confirming suitability of procedures.

The lowDown: Treatments take place in individual pod rooms within a cocoon-like building. First off, Diamond Microdermabrasion, where a diamond-encrusted wand literally vacuums off dead skin cells, removing the upper-most layer. A topical ‘numbing cream’ is administered, priming me ready for Dermapen Microneedling, where multiple,

vibrating needles pierce the dermis several hundred times per minute, adjusting depth for different skin types and areas. This procedure stimulates natural cell repair and regeneration, activating new collagen without epidermis damage. There’s some discomfort during the half hour – the price to pay for beautification. LED Red Light

SpaJourneyTherapy delivers deep skin stimulation, again, activating collagen, but also calming my facial redness, before the intensely nourishing and divinely cold Collagen Mask (gold-hued like Cleopatra’s mask, take a selfie!) Before leaving, 24 Carat Gold Hyaluronic Acid Serum and Gold Collagen Moisturiser are applied for deep hydration – both containing powerful moisturisers, gold flakes and hyaluronic acid. The BenefiTS: Cleopatra Gold Facials are designed to improve skin texture, reverse cell damage and create younger-looking skin, but, especially with the Dermapen procedure, activate deeper collagen levels, helping to plump out lines. Not that I notice straight away; my face is pink and sore for two days. Fresh-faced, glowing results may not surface until around two weeks and up to six weeks before collagen regeneration is really visible. However, this gradual enhancement continues over the ensuing months, moving down to deeper dermis levels.

The VerDiCT: Don’t plan any first dates, parties, etc the first few days; results aren’t immediate and strong aftercare instructions include refraining from sun exposure. But this is all about a long-term beauty approach and skin quality boost. Continuing with top-up facials every few weeks, as collagen grows over six to eight months, helps maintain the stay-young process and ultimately, requires fewer facials. www.cocoonmedicalspa.com