"Hey, your face looks less pimply today," my annoying brother remarked as he scrutinised my countenance. "You also look more radiant".

I had similar comments from my colleagues the next day. Of course, they were kind enough to leave out any references to the pesky blemishes on my face.

My, oh my. I must have done something right to warrant such a cascade of compliments. And I did - I had pure gold applied on my face the day before.

No, I didn't go for a face painting session. Rather, I tried out Expressions International's latest offering - a 999.9K Pure Gold Essence facial treatment that is supposed to moisturise and detoxify skin.

An unnecessary luxury, you may think.

But Dr. Theresa Chew, Chairman and CEO of Expressions International, explains the rationale for using gold: "It has been used for years to treat conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to Alzheimer's disease, so it's not surprising it is beneficial for the skin."

My treatment began with the usual routine of makeup removal, cleansing and a scrub. My therapist, who has had more than five years of experience in the beauty business, executed each step with deft fingers.

When it came time to begin the gold treatment. I expected my face to be plated with a dense liquid and, truthfully, I was secretly dreading it. I had thoughts of being turned into a golden statue. So imagine my surprise when I came face to face with the mixture.

It emitted a light floral fragrance, and the mixture felt cool and light on my face.

Then, using a handheld massager that uses the Pro5S technology, which is a combination of low frequency acoustic wave vibrations, ozone mist, infrared light and laser technologies, my therapist massaged the concoction into my skin. The Pro5S can apparently speed up the skin's healing process for that coveted youthful glow.

The therapist provided welcome relief in the form of a blissful 30-minute vibrating face massage that melted away my worries for the day. I also found out later that the Pro5S was supposed to enhance the absorption of the gold essence into my skin.

Indeed, my face did look more supple and less saggy than before.

And if my eyes were not kidding me, I seemed to glow a little. Those compliments from my brother and colleagues certainly helped too.

The 999.9K Gold Essence Facial is available at all Expressions outlets at S$100 (w/o GST) per treatment. To celebrate the New Year, the first 100 customers will get the treatment at only S$48.