There are few things more enjoyable mid a busy week than taking some time out for a pampering treat. One of the best places in the capital for such little luxuries is undoubtedly The Spa at The Shelbourne. When you combine the setting with products from Elemis (one of Her.ie's all-time favourite beauty brands) you know you're in for something special. We recently visited the The Spa at The Shelbourne for the launch of  Elemis Biotec; the so-called "next generation" of Elemis facial. This facial is unlike anything you have experienced before, combining technology and touch for incredible results. Elemis Biotec introduces five standalone technologies in one machine; Ultrasonic Peel, LED Light Therapy, Galvanic Current, Microcurrent and Oxygen Infusion. Powerful plant actives work with the body’s natural bio-electrical field and enhance the skins ability to rejuvenate, resurface and radiate. Following a consultation with an Elemis expert, we were given our choice of seven available facials. Well, six in our case - as one facial is specifically for the menfolk (and something you may wish to treat a loved one to!). The options are:

• Triple-tec Anti-Wrinkle Facial - The ultimate wrinkle-smoothing facial to rejuvenate ageing skin. Face and eyes are targeted with the anti-ageing benefits of the Lines & Wrinkles Activator, an intensive complex of Padina Pavonica, African Birch Bark and Tripeptides. Microcurrent pulses lift and firm the skin, boosting collagen production, whilst light therapy and O2 Infusion help plump and smooth away visible lines and wrinkles.
• Micro Firm-a-Lift Facial - Super-lift facial to help firm and tighten cheeks, neck and jaw line. Skin is infused and stimulated by the contouring benefits of the Lift Effect Activator, rich in revolutionary plant stem cells, Alaria Esculenta seaweed and Lupin. Galvanic current propels the bio-active formulas deeper into the skin, whilst microcurrent pulses dramatically lift and firm the sagging jowl area.
• Sonic Skin-Resurfacing Facial - Revolutionary resurfacing facial to even skin tone, reduce blemish marks and smooth fine lines. Delivers a high-tech double peel with the Resurfacing Activator, infused with concentrated lactic and hyaluronic acid to help boost cell turnover. Ultrasonic peeling, steam and light therapy reveal a skin that is noticeably smoother and a more even tone, whilst minimising the appearance of blemish marks and fine lines.
• Sonic Skin-Radiance Facial - Radiance-boosting, bio-electric facial to energise tired, dull and stressed skin. Target tired face and eyes with the brightening Radiance Activator, rich in anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides. Ultrasonic vibrations draw impurities to the surface and exfoliate, whilst galvanic current with elderberry and orange flower extract re-energise and restore vital moisture.  Skin appears more radiant and luminous, whilst helping reduce dark circles around the eyes.
• L.E.D. Blemish Control Facial - Deep cleansing, light therapy facial to visibly clear and re-balance oily, blemish prone skin. Reduce breakouts and clear pores. Anti-Blemish Activator rich in anti-oxidants Rosalina, Lavender and Sweet Marjoram with a powerful combination of ultrasonic peeling, galvanic current and steam deeply cleanse exfoliate and re-balance an oily, congested skin. Clinically proven light therapy helps repair and reduce inflammation. Pore size is visibly reduced and the complexion clearer.
• O2 Sensitive Skin Soothing Facial - De-sensitising anti-redness facial, to sooth and calm a delicate skin. Sensitivity and high colour are reduced with the extra-soothing properties of the Sensitive Activator. Rich in Allantoin, Willowherb and Frankincense it works in harmony with oxygen infusion and light therapy to deliver essential nutrients to the skin. Restoring balance and vital moisture levels, redness is visibly reduced and skin  immediately comforted.
• Super-Charge Facial for Men - High performance facial for men to de-grease, de-age and calm a stressed, dehydrated skin. Energise the skin with a complex formulation to firm, de-age and hydrate the skin, rich in Kalpariane Allantoin, and Salicornia. Whilst a powerful trio of steam, ultrasonic peeling and galvanic current deep clean, exfoliate and power-up the high-potency plant actives to help reduce all visible signs of ageing.

Treatments are delivered in 30 or 60 minutes, and each BIOTEC facial combines a unique high-potency activator and specially designed Elemis Skin Lift Touch. So, how did we get on? Following consultation, I opted for the Sonic Skin Radiance Facial to give my poor skin a break and a boost. This is a treatment designed to bring back your natural radiance, reenergising dull, tired skin. This is where Radiance Activator works its magic, delivering much needed anti-oxidants, hyaluronic acid and peptides. Quartz ceramic heads deliver an astonishing 27,000 vibrations per second to dislodge and remove dead skin cells. That might sound like quite the ordeal, but there wasn't an unpleasant second in the entirety of this treatment - so the naturally squeamish need not fear! Of course it will be a matter of personal preference, but I LOVE when there is technology you can see/hear/feel at work during a facial. It really feels like there is another level of work going on and that you can expect result other than those you'd get from a good exfoliation/cleanse/mask at home. I drifted away to a lovely state of relaxation while my therapist worked her magic, taking away the signs of a few stressful months etched on my face. Following the Radiance Activator was the Galvanic treatment, a two-step treatment using positively and negatively charged ions to help the treatments penetrate deeper into the skin. With some finishing touches, I was good to go. For those who avoid facials in fear of looking like SATC's Samantha post-peel, this is the treatment for you. My skin was instantly brighter and more dewy in appearance. There was no redness whatsoever, and I was more than happy to venture out without replacing any makeup at all. Two days later and I've received a couple of compliments about my complexion (winning!) and I'm looking forward to seeing the results over the weeks to come too. Given the scope of the facial range and the variety of tricks the machine has up its sleeve, you're certain to find something that suits your skin perfectly once you have a chat with an Elemis expert. The Spa at The Shelbourne is currently the only place in the country where you can avail of these treatments, so check out all the details and make your appointment now here.