GET the high-tech as well as the ancient in Lancome's recently launched treatment targeting mature skin. The unique feature of the Absolue Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Precious treatment is the use of a high-tech micro-vacuum and chromatherapy system, as well as white jade, believed to be a cleansing stone.

What kind of skin will best benefit? If you think your skin is marked with signs of ageing: wrinkles, uneven skin tone and age spots. With the UV exposure we're subject to, and a less-than-ideal lifestyle, our skin could suffer from a loss of density, radiance, elasticity and clarity.

So think of this as a three-pronged treatment, with Lancome's Absolue ingredients, the old and new delivery systems, and the whole sensory, relaxing experience itself that's guaranteed to have you dozing off during part of the treatment.

The Lancome Beauty Institute centre was set up three years ago, and is easily one of the best designed in town. Instead of being inside four walls in a tiny cubicle space, Lancome's treatment 'rooms' are set up like oval 'cocoons' enveloped by sheer white curtains, with the treatment experience enhanced with light therapy as well. Inside, you lie on a special wave-shaped bed, so your knees are slightly raised, to optimise your comfort as you're lying there for over an hour.

The protocol begins with Lancome's 'Letting Go' ritual which includes acupressure and light massages on hands, feet and head, to release the body's stress and tension and thus enhance the body's ability to absorb the products used.

A cleansing later, your skin is softened and ready to absorb the Absolue anti-ageing serum, and this is driven into the skin on the face and neck with the micro-vacuum system - to plump up wrinkles and help skin regain its density. It's very gentle so you can even sleep through it.

Then it's hands-on treatment with the therapist - I had the very experienced, professional Ela - massaging the anti-ageing cream over the face with the use of smooth strokes and pressing of Shiatsu points for lymphatic drainage. After this, you'll feel a solid object moving gently and methodically over your face - first warm, then cold. The warm jade dilates blood vessels while the cold jade firms the skin.

The only part where you'll be 'conscious' of the treatment is when a very cold mask is applied on the face and decollete. The mask is brushed on the face, then a gauze soak with anti-ageing serum placed over it, topped with a cold face mask. The mask will stay on for about 15 minutes, and a micro-spray of Lancome's Beauty Spray over the face signals the end of the treatment.

It's probably best for the treatment to be done in the afternoon or evening, given that the high-tech micro-vacuum system reactivates collagen and elastin production, so you'll feel your face getting flushed in the couple of hours after the treatment. It's normal as the cell regeneration process has been activated.

Some beauty treatment centres you go to because of the brand or because of the therapist, but once in a while the set up of a centre is so impressive that you're willing to give the brand a try. If you're not a Lancome product user, you might be keen to try this treatment again so you can plan another visit to enjoy the institute's tender loving care.

Absolue Advanced Regenerating and Replenishing Precious Treatment (90 min, $320)

Lancàme Beauty Institute, Goodwood Park Hotel (service apartments) 22 Scotts Road Tel: 6737 6778