The spa
The Midas Touch Med Spa offers results-driven treatments, including surgical procedures, scar treatment, laser hair removal and facials. Inside, the spa is clean and modern though not particularly stylish: the overall impression is fairly stark and sterile, and it’s more like a medical clinic than a relaxing spa.

The promise
I’m testing a facial from Mona Merhej, who I’ve been told is Dubai’s go-to therapist for cosmetic skincare treatments. The aim is to analyse my skin type, then tailor each stage of the facial to my needs. Over time, and repeated treatments, I’m told I’ll see an improvement in my skin.

Step by step
Mona’s assistant cleanses my face, after which Mona takes a look at my skin, working out which treatment I need. She then performs microdermabrasion with a machine that sounds like a dentist’s drill, but is apparently the most effective way of removing dead skin cells, unblocking pores and treating sun damage. The assistant then massages gel into my face to loosen the dirt underneath the pores (instead of steam, which would apparently aggravate my sensitive skin), before Mona does an extraction. She applies a soothing mask and leaves me to relax for 20 minutes, before brushing my face with gloss to add an even tone to my skin.

The results
On leaving the clinic, my skin looks blotchy from the extraction process. The next day, however, my skin feels remarkably soft, my complexion is smooth and even, and I even have a glow, which hangs around for a couple of days.

Pros
• Mona evidently knows about skincare and is able to notice tendencies in your skin type and advise you accordingly.
• The treatment had a noticeably positive effect on my skin.

Cons
• The extraction process was fairly painful, and not using steam may have compounded that.
• It took time for my skin to calm down afterwards.
• The treatment isn’t particularly relaxing: it’s cosmetically effective, rather than calming.
• Mona’s bedside manner can be a little stilted at times.

3/5
Treatments Dhs500-1,200. Mazaya Centre, Block B, second floor, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 321 9199).