KOOJ MedSpa's basic philosophy is the combination of the most natural products with the most advanced technology. In other words, skin treatments that use 100per cent organic ingredients, whose infusion into the body is assisted with specialised machines.

The spa's managing director Heng Kwee Joo believes that 'just as you pick organic fruits and vegetables because you don't want pesticides and toxic chemicals in your body, you should carefully consider the skin products you use- for these are absorbed into the body. If you don't want synthetic chemicals circulating in your bloodstream, don't put them on your body.'

The new spa is tastefully appointed in earth-toned drapes and cushions, with calligraphic symbols used as accents.

The treatment typically begins with a computerised skin assessment using a programme called Pro Skin. It provides a skin analysis using a digital face camera combined with customised fluorescent and UV lighting, to reveal oil and dirt in pores, blemishes, sun damage and moisture level. Treatments suggested tend to be based on this analysis.

The spa uses a specialised range of skin products as well as mixtures prepared pretty much a la minute. Take the Fruity Body Whitening Wrap ($160) -where you can pick from options such as strawberry, lime or grape fruit. The fresh mask is prepared by blending the fruit with yoghurt; it's spread all over the body, then you are zipped into a heating blanket. The idea is that extracts of fresh fruit contain ellagic acid, which topically protects against cellular damage and is an antioxidant; the hothouse effect within the blanket opens up skin pores to assist in penetration of the product. It leaves you smelling like a nice strawberry milkshake until you shower and are returned to an - enhanced- version of your normal vanilla self.

Kooj MedSpa also has localised body treatments such as the Backacial ($120), ideal to give your back a lift. The algae mask is made of seaweed and chitin;it is applied and left for 15 to 20 minutes, and dries to form a sort of' skin'. When this is peeled off, it makes for a somewhat strange sensation, but does promise to take your blackheads and impurities along with it.

The facial was a simplified version of the spa's signature Ultimate Caviar Therapy ($350).

Caviar, apart from tasting good on the tongue, apparently comes packed with goodies for the skin - the little fish eggs are full of amino acids and minerals.

The therapist assures that all the products used for the face are totally organic: the Olive Kernel face scrub consists of ingredients such as Calendula oil, tiger grass and fine olive kernel granules, for example, while the Caviar eye mask is a complex concoction that includes Macadamia nut oil, pineapple and kiwi extracts, caviar and seaweed.

The facial uses a couple of mechanical components as well, and if you have sensitive skin it's probably best to ask that the intensity be lowered -especially with the MicroPeel that starts the treatment, which is meant to invigorate the skin surface and leave it prepared for the contouring facial massage. Next is the Caviar eye treatment, spread under and around the eyes to offer hydration.

This is followed by a cell-rejuvenation ampoule applied all over the face -apparently with benefits such as the stimulation of oxygen intake. It is infused into the skin with an ultrasound machine; again, if you are concerned about skin sensitivity, you can ask the therapist to manually massage in the ingredients instead.

The facial ended with a Spirulina Mask. The therapist explained that the mask had high doses of spirulina concentrate (which is supposed to help regenerate the skin and boost blood circulation). The actual Caviar facial treatment contains more of the beneficial little fish eggs - a second Caviar mask as well as some Caviar-based hand treatment.

The home skincare they recommend for 'after treatment' is called Keldman. Ms Heng says it was picked because the range contains 'the highest-possible levels of organically-grown herbs, fruits and vegetables. The products are handmade in Austria; there's strictly no mass production and, therefore, no heating or hydrogenating processes.'

Alternatively, if you have the time and energy to shop for organic products,acquire a do-it-yourself book of natural skin recipes and whip up some tasty skincare masks - this will tide your skin and pocket over until your next spa visit.

Kooj MedSpa, 600 North Bridge Road, #09-08/09, Parkview Square. For details,call 62996733 or e-mail office@koojspa.com