World Spa, Pola Kirei: A Man Experiences Super Facials in Beverly Hill

Though I'm a believer in the benefits of massage therapy, I haven't had many facials, even though I live in Los Angeles, where the smog that causes sunsets in unnatural colors isn't doing my skin any good. So when I received the gift of a facial at the new Pola Kirei salon in Beverly Hills, I looked forward to some serious skin therapy.

Though new to the United States (the salon opened in September 2006), the Pola Kirei system represents 76 years of experience in Japan and around the world. The name means "beauty" in Japanese, a description that applies to the salon, which is clean and sleek in white and chrome, with lots of light from the windows and the recessed lighting.

The staff is clinical but friendly, without the condescension or attitude a casually dressed guy may encounter in so many chic Beverly Hills shops. That may be due to the Japanese concept of Omotenashi or hospitality, which is part of the staff training at Pola Kirei. I saw the concept at work in the way the counselors or advisors interact with clients, and in the tone of voice and the use of touch my therapist, Andrea Pugatch, used with me.

She lost no time making me comfortable and letting me know that my Kirei Signature facial ($135) was going to be a really good experience. First came my skin analysis, which was comprehensive and impressive. We discussed my lifestyle and the environmental issues that affect my skin; I also chose mint from among the four aromatherapy options.

Then, using a large, sophisticated instrument that reminded me a bit of a dentist's x-ray machine (but without the stress) Andrea took extreme close-up pictures of my skin, which showed just how insufficient my cleansing routine was.

Next came the ID-skin System analysis, to determine the sensitivity, quality and condition of the skin cells. This was done by gently lifting the skin's surface using a non-invasive method called stratum checking; the sample was processed through a database that contains more than eight million skin types and conditions. The analysis would tell me about my skin's texture, type, water retaining ability, protection ability, sensitivity, wrinkle progression, pore size, inclination to oiliness and melanin content. I learned that my skin score was a mere 35 (out of a possible 100).

I also learned, among other things, that my skin texture was less than ideal - that was bad news - but that its ability to retain moisture was good, the good news. There was much more, of course, and when the facial was over, I was able to take home a virtual blueprint of my skin, showing both strengths and weaknesses.

Based on the analysis, Andrea customized my facial, which started with a thorough cleansing with steam. I expected the pinching sensation of an extractor. It didn't happen. What I experienced instead was a gentle yet dynamic sensation of a moist vacuum cleaner; it felt like getting thoroughly sniffed by a big, friendly dog. Next came a great facial massage with a soothing cream that carried through to my neck and shoulders and hands. Andrea explained that the pressure points she applied, the massage intensity and the rhythmic flow were being done according to my personal skin analysis. My facial was finished off with a refreshing moisturizing mask.

Later, Andrea gave me a home skin care recipe that was simple enough so that I'd actually use it and some product samples for cleansing and moisturizing that lasted more than a week. I can honestly say that I've never experienced such a complete and enjoyable treatment anywhere

by Arthur Africano -- Beverly Hills, CA

Polo Kirei, www.polokirei.com, 9661 Brighton Way Beverly Hill, CA, 310-247-0063

by: http://www.spareviewmag.com