Dermalogica opens in Mumbai

They say beauty is more than skin deep but having great skin definitely helps, which is why I was thrilled to learn that India’s first flagship Dermalogica store and salon has opened its doors on Nepean Sea Road.

As I enter the sleek black and white store, with chrome and polished concrete finishings, I feel more like I’ve stumbled into a trendy bar complete with a glossy white bar top, flanked by bar stools and a funky Andy Warhol-style rainbow print adorning one wall. I know I’m in the right place when I lovingly admire shelves full of my favourite Dermalogica products, including some great travel packs for a range of skin types as well as stress release candles and these fantastic buffing cloths based on the same design used in Japanese bath houses to ensure you can reach even the trickiest regions.

I am a little alarmed by the scary-looking dentist chair in the front right corner but my thoughts are quickly put to rest when one of the salon’s helpful therapists explains it is used for express 15-minute walk-in treatments for those who want great skin on the go. Very handy indeed!

The salon offers complimentary face mapping, where one of the therapists dons a pair of binoculars and examines my face and takes notes on a cartoonlike map of the face divided into 12 targeted regions. After the examination, the therapist explains which are my problem zones and offers free product samples to help to combat them.

I then opt for one of the salon’s facials which are definitely more on the clinical than pampering side and I am offered lots of helpful skin advice along the way. I am also told the salon will soon be offering a range of body treatments. I particularly like the sound of the sea salt scrubs and back therapies.

As I step out of the store with glowing skin and a bag full of goodies and samples, I know I’ll surely be back for more.

Dermalogica: 16 Alaknanda, Nepean Sea Road, Mumbai; Tel: 23682548/49; Prices: Products from Rs 900, facial: starts at Rs 3,000 for 30 mins.