Published: Wednesday, 9th December, 2009 4:30pm

Aromatherapy, the natural way to fabulous skin

With the wind and cold, not to mention the constant rain of the last week, wreaking havoc on my skin, my prune like complexion was ripe for a badly needed pick me up.

Enter Paula Fitzpatrick of Vitalité Day Spa on the Dublin Road (close to Tubs and Tiles) to spruce me up just in time for Christmas with a hydrating facial from the renowned Eve Taylor Professional Skincare range, available exclusively to Athlone in her impressive premises. Founder of the Institute of Clinical Aromatherapy, Eve Taylor is regarded as the pioneer of modern aromatherapy and is highly regarded by professional skin care therapists worldwide for products that unit the best of plant essences with the needs of your skin.

"It's a product range that is both effective and affordable," Paula told me during the consultation. "It's uncomplicated skin care, the essential oils have always been with us, they are not man made, they are all the natural ingredients are extracted from plants. They do not contain mineral oil, alcohol or artificial fragrance," she added.

Lying comfortably in one of the beautifully appointed treatment rooms cocooned away with the fast moving world outside, Paula got down to work with a cleansing routine, harnessing the benefits of lavender and jasmine to help soothe and balance skin texture. This was followed by an exfoliating scrub with bamboo to lift impurities and cell debris while invigorating my dull, lifeless texture to revitalise circulation. Instead of a toner as the second step. Paula explained that with my dry skin, it's vital that I exfoliate at least twice a week, otherwise moisturiser is just sitting on the top layer of dead skin cells, the first thing I learned on my trip as I only do it once a week at best.

Examining my skin close up with a strong light, Paula then carried out manual extraction where needed, before moving on to a booster oil for the dehydrated areas of my cheeks and forehead. Next up was a fabulous massage of the pressure points of the face, neck and chest with the gorgeous smelling blended oil, a mix of geranium, sandalwood and lemon, which proved to be a real treat for the senses!

A regenerating serum was applied afterwards to help the hydration peel-off masque work better as I enjoyed another expert massage, certainly designed to relax me after a stressful week hunched at a computer. Paula then moved to my peepers with a lovely

refining eye gel with healing aloe vera gel and seaweed extract to cool and sooth the tired eyes. "It helps eliminates toxins from the eye area to eliminate dark circles and puffiness," both of which I'm cursed with no matter how much sleep I get! Interestingly, Paula told me it's not just sleep that tells in your eyes with toxins in the body held in the under eye area if you don't drink enough water, something I'm certainly guilty of in this inclement weather.

The fabulous facial was all rounded up with a Toner blended with Rose Otto, Moisturising cream to provide hydration to drier areas without leaving a greasy, shiny feel to the entire face. Basil and rosewood aid tone and texture before the application of the final step, a moisture shield with SPF 25 to protect you from the UVA and UVB rays. This should be used all year around with the Irish climate, especially the wind in a bid to halt the ageing effects of the weather, Paula advised.Having a quick glance at my complexion in the mirror afterwards, I was delighted with the results. It was fresh, peachy and alive looking (that's without a scrap of make-up!) with absolutely no flaking dry bits, a feature for me of the recent cold weather. A week later, I still could notice the positive effects of the facial and not a spot to be seen!

For further information on the Eve Taylor range call Vitalité, Duignan House, Dublin Road, Athlone (next door to Tubs and Tiles) 090 6479552.

Tailor made packages are also available at reduced prices for Christmas and there are plenty of good value treatments available at present with an express manicure for just €14 and pedicure, a 40 minute pedicure for €25 and just €30 for a mini-facial.