So they say you start the new year with a clean slate.

But waking up the morning of a brand new year is, more often than not, a pleasant experience. After all, the excesses of the season (with Christmas feasts and New Year parties) has taken a toll on your skin and body, and you need a good detox regime to prep yourself all that is to come in 2009.

There's nothing like a good facial to help get your skin back in balance. It can help flush out the toxins lurking beneath, allowing your skin to breathe and better absorb nutrients from your normal beauty routine.

For an excellent after-party pick-me-up, try Leonard Drake Skincare & Health Spa's extensive range of treatments that are personally tailored to fit each individual's skincare concerns. With the opening of its newest outlet at West Coast Plaza, Leonard Drake now brings professional spa services and Dermalogica products to residents in the west side of Singapore.

As a first-time visitor, my session began with a questionaire, a detailed skin analysis using a skin analyzer machine and Face Mapping procedure. The Face Mapping approach combines the latest skincare analysis technique and the Chinese diagnosis of the facial landscape, which provides an objective view of the skin's condition as well as an indication of any underlying health issues.

I was reccommended the DermTech ChromaWhite Treatment after my therapist walked me through my skin analysis and determined my skin type and conditions. She explained that I have oily skin, fraught with pigmentation, blemishes and dehydration.

Also, Penny pointed out that I have millia around my eye area, which are actually oil clogs that look like a tiny white bumps on your face. They are developed over time, and appears most prominently around areas with much oil secretion. My therapist further advises that I take extra effort in my daily cleansing routine, particularly the eye area to help reduce these unsightly spots.

At 85 mins, the ChromaWhite facial uses a range of Dermalogica ChromaWhite TRx ingredients (which can be bought over the shelves) and special unique skincare conconctions, together with state-of-the-art skincare equipments that stimulate your skin for better nutrients absorption.

The entire facial included cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, an aromatic massage for the face, neck and shoulders, a treatment mask and lastly a moisuriser. My skin definitely glowed and felt much cleaner, brighter and softer. The overall experience was incredibly relaxing, and while the mask worked its miracle I was able to catch up on some sleep.

Finally, I was sent home with a prescribed pack of sample products to maintain the clean, bright state of health my skin is now in. While the ChromaWhite facial is priced at $320 per session, every first-time visitors enjoy a 50 percent off their first treatment, inclusive of a detailed skin diagnosis and prescribed skincare routine with Dermalogica products.

For another post-party detox treatment, watch out for the first-ever ORP (Oxidation Reduction Potential) Energy Therapy Treatment from Japan that will make its debut at the West Coast outlet very soon. The 30-minute detoxification treatment not only helps to rid your body of free radicals, it also enhances your immune system, diminishes wrinkles and burn calories, leaving you instantly energised.

Leonard Drake Skincare & Health Spa (West Coast Plaza outlet) is located at #02-45/15. For more branch locations or further information about treatments, visit www.leonarddrake.com.sg.