If you could turn back time... Aging gracefully is a challenge for many, both physically and mentally. The spa is here is to help, discovers Zoe Chan.

Everyone ages. It's inevitable. But how we deal with the effects of aging depends on our personal perspective. The Peninsula Spa by ESPA (Peninsula HotelSalisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; tel: 2315 2322), overlooking Victoria Harbour, offers personalised spa experiences and anti-aging treatments in a setting sculpted to perfection. Private rooms, large massage beds, soft music and a general aromatic scent set the spa apart.

Quality facials can play a role in anti-aging. Sharon Codner, director of The Peninsula Spa, says that wrinkles are caused by a variety of factors - from overexposure to the sun and dramatic weight loss to thinning skin, hormones and stress. The Peninsula Spa's Skin Brightener Age Defyer treatment relaxes, relieves and rejuvenates, while at the same time diminishing fine lines and infusing the skin with anti-oxidants. Therapists use a soft approach that clears the mind of all stress and that had our researcher so tranquil she was asleep before the mask therapy. After the treatment, the skin glows and shines, taking years off and refreshing the aging aura.

Even as a tourist, it is important to seek out skincare regimens. Codner agrees: "What we wouldn't do at home, we do in excess on holiday." Looking after yourself and continually ridding yourself of stress is essential for aging with poise. Furthermore, regular facials increase circulation to layers of the skin, improve skin texture and tone and clear environmental stresses from the skin. Codner recommends that anyone concerned about the effects of aging should seek skincare treatments every four to six weeks, but with personalised treatments, some people can enjoy a trip to the spa for anti-aging skincare up to twice a month.

She also has some tips on aging gracefully, "We all have to accept that we are going to age. Our features will change. It is important to be happy about that and remember our experiences. Aging is not just about skin but learning to enjoy our [life] experiences." And a final word of advice, "Remember to smile. Living shows on your face. Frown lines look angry or sad, but smile wrinkles, like the lines around your eyes, do not".

	Protecting Skin from Premature Aging No harsh substances Moisturise after cleansing Drink plenty of water (up to 1.5 litres per day) Eat fresh fruit and vegetables Use sunscreen everyday Stop smoking Enjoy yourself!
Causes of Aging Skin Genetics Smoking Light, fair skin Alcohol Not enough water Air pollution Harsh abrasive substances Sun damage