Signature Facial at Breathe Spa

Breathe Spa is an independent and friendly spa, tucked away in a downtown Heritage building, has been kept secret by Vancouverites for too long.

Their signature two-hour facial is a delight from start to finish. I know what you're thinking: How can someone do things to your face for two hours? Well, things take time to exfoliate, and cleanse, and moisturise, and gel as a little mask, and in the meantime your therapist will be doing the other really important thing in a facial: some massage, of course.

We are often asked at The Good Spa Guide about the definition of a spa: does it have to have water therapies, a pool, six acres of thermal facilities, or what? We often say that it simply has to provide a robe. A robe marks your leaving of the real world behind. You set aside your street clothes and enter the world of spa. At Breathe Spa, you do get a robe, a towelling one that wraps around you just under the arms, leaving your neck and shoulders free, as they are treated as part of your facial

Once I got onto the comfortable treatment bed, my therapist, the lovely Victoria, examined my skin under a bright light, diagnosed where I needed help, and explained the course the treatment would take. She then applied the first of many unguents from the Methode Physiodermie range, which combines natural ingredients and botanical extracts with Swiss pharmaceutical-industry standards. (Before I left, Victoria gave me a product brochure in which she had highlighted all the specific products she had used with me. So, I am guessing that we started with the deep cleansing milk, followed by the toner, then the enzyme exfoliator, and moving on to the soothing biarome and regenerating oil... but all you really need to know is that each chosen product by your therapist does its job, and your job is to lie back and enjoy.)

So, Victoria applied a product, then massaged my feet, applied another concoction and massaged my arms and hands -- and I mean really massaged, not just did a quick stroll up and down my muscles. There was steam to open up my pores before extractions, followed by soothing antiseptic applications. There was lymphatic drainage; there was head massage, there was a lie-down in a darkened room with a mask. If I can't be clear about the exact order, it was because the treatment kept me so relaxed, I simply stopped counting the steps. I knew I was in good, professional hands so could just enjoy the twin combination of my skin being deeply cleansed and moisturised, and my tension being slowly unwound.

Afterwards, my skin looked clean and clear, and felt supple and smooth. Sending me on my way with an admonition to take omega-fatty-acid supplements to keep my skin in peak condition, Victoria also recommended some C E Peptides serum from Vivier, a pharmaceutical skin care company, to keep fine lines at bay. (Shall report more on this when I have had a chance to try!)

We can see why this thorough facial has local customers returning again and again. If you're visiting, don't miss out.

Try this treatment if: you want to look your best, and stay looking that way as long as possible.

Get in touch Call: +1 604 688 4769

Email: [email protected]

Web: Breathe Spa, Vancouver