Since the opening of Phase 2, many businesses have resumed as per usual. Some of which include personal health and wellness, and home-based services. Meaning treatments like facials, massages, and spas are all open and running. But if you still have your concerns and have been hesitant to book your appointments because of them, then we compiled a list of need-to-knows so you can feel more assured before your next treatment.
What to expect at the clinic and spa
One thing’s for certain, no matter the business, extensive and strict safety measures are the norm for the foreseeable future. Dr Low Chai Ling, founder of SW1 Clinic, shares “We have added cleansing and disinfection measures for all equipment and surfaces after each patient. We use disposable wipes for cleaning patients’ faces so that they are reassured of our cleanliness and hygiene. There is also added time in between facials to disinfect the rooms and surroundings before the next patient and every patient is also assigned just one nurse to minimise unnecessary contact.”
Dr Low goes on to share, “As our clinic is over 6000 sq feet with more than 25 rooms, each patient has a dedicated consult room as well a facial treatment room. Therefore, they do not need to loiter in common areas or come into unnecessary contact with other patients. They also feel more comfortable and pampered having their own treatment suite reserved for them from the beginning to the end of the treatment.”
Beyond the customary and mandatory temperature checks, you can expect mandatory temperature checks and hand sanitisers readily available should you require it. Bernice Chue, Digital Marketing Specialist at Ikeda Group, explains, “At Ikeda Spa, beyond the standard of having our staff take their temperature twice a day, wearing masks and shields for the safety of our customers, we also limit the number of customers per day to avoid unnecessary waiting. Since the re-opening, we have conducted consultations in rooms instead and increased our spa supplies and towels to streamline the efficiency and hygiene of our process.”
The EPION Aesthetics has also increased protective measures by moving all client check-in and check-out procedures into rooms as opposed to waiting areas. Dr Melvin Tan, medical director at EPION Clinic, shares “Our curation of treatments at EPION Aesthetics uses techniques and high-tech machines that are comfortable, safe, effective, and have minimal downtime. Rooms are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and prepped before receiving the next client. We’ve had to reduce the number of clients at any given time to give the staff ample time to turnover the rooms, but while there are more safety measures in place, the experience and results are not compromised.”
What you should do to stay safe
Most clinics have implemented the digital check-in and check-out service, Safe Entry, for contact tracing, so that you can easily use it. Avoid walking-in without an appointment to receive your treatment, as there are more safety measures in place, they’ll likely be more strict about timings and bookings to ensure that rooms and needed treatments are sanitised for your safety. Call them ahead of time to book your appointment, and if you’re feeling unwell, stay at home and postpone the appointment.
As always, keep your mask on. You’ll likely remove it for the treatment, but leave it on during the consultation, and the billing process.
Treatments to try in Phase 2
With concerns of COVID still prominent despite the opening of Phase Two, many businesses have realised that the best way forward is to adapt and innovate. For facial, body, and spa treatments, what this looks like is specially customised and branded treatments that address the needs and concerns post-circuit breaker.
Apart from the hygiene and sanitisation upkeep, clinics are creating treatments targeting skin and body problems that may have become more prominent during circuit breaker. Either breakouts due to the stress of this period, rashes and inflammation from regular mask-wearing, body pains from working at home, or even a mental concern over the physical contact during treatments.
To make it easier for you, here are five treatments and their benefits to consider the next time you want to book an appointment.