Go back to nature with the new wave of organic products and spas sweeping the UAE

THE EXPERT
Lamees Hamdan. Founder of Dubai’s leading and award-winning organic skincare line, Shiffa, gives the background on the organic beauty boom

I first got interested in organic beauty when I was pregnant with my first baby. I was very aware of what I was eating, breathing, and using on my skin. I worked on a pregnancy body oil to nourish a pregnant woman’s sensitive skin. It became my first Shiffa product.

Our ingredients come from all over the world and are carefully sourced from farms. We only use the best of the best. Even for our perfume, the ingredients are carefully selected for their purity and natural origins. I can tell you, for instance, exactly which farm our patchouli comes from.

Organic products are better than non-organic because they are absorbed much more effectively by the body and therefore provide better results.

My favourite product in the range is the Sweetness Body Lotion, which contains more than 20 active ingredients. It’s serious anti-aging skincare for your body.

Shiffa is available exclusively at Sephora, The Dubai Mall, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3399828. Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
sephora-me.com

THE SALONS

Elche Natural Beauty Retreat
What is it? This spa uses the healing properties of herbs, fruits and flowers to give tired skin a boost. All products are 100 per cent organic plant-life without preservatives or additives. Elche has created a special range of products for the region to help keep the effects of sunlight and aridity at bay.
Treatment to try: The Fruit Enzyme Renewal (Dhs740) is a natural solution to acne, rosacea and pigmentation.

Street 10c, villa 42, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3494942. Taxi: Behind Jumeirah Plaza.
elche.ae

The Organic Glow Beauty Lounge
What is it? When it comes to being truly green, The Organic Glow Beauty Lounge does exactly what it says on the tin. From the eco-friendly interior, including energy saving light bulbs, to cruelty- and toxin-free products, this is a salon that is committed to saving the planet while making you look fabulous. Step inside and you’ll notice it smells different to other salons thanks to a strict ban on services that include chemicals such as hair colouring with ammonia, bleaching services and nail enhancements.
Treatment to try: Get a manicure with a non-toxic, vegan nail polish followed by an organic hand scrub (Dhs80).

Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 3, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3804666. Taxi: Opposite Safa Park, next to Choithrams.
organicglowuae.com

N.A.I.L.S
What is it? Set in Dubai Marina, N.A.I.L.S is an organic nail and body spa that does holistic therapies and top-of-the-range treatments with a natural twist.
Treatment to try: The Blueberry Soy Sugar Scrub (Dhs390) smoothes and nourishes dry skin.

Trident Tower, Dubai Marina, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 473687. Metro: Dubai Marina.
nailsorganicspa.com

Dubai Herbal Treatment Centre
What is it? As the name suggests, this place offers complementary and alternative treatments for ailments that normally require a medical approach. The beauty clinic is headed by experienced consultant Martina Hakim, who specialises in organic cosmetics and holistic treatments. She is also a trained happiness coach who can banish your blues.
Treatment to try: Recharge your batteries with the Crystal Healing Facial (Dhs390), which uses the healing power of crystals combined with a facial mask to get you ready to face the world again.

Oud Metha Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3351200. Metro: Dubai Healthcare City.
dubaihtc.com

Natural Elements Spa
What is it? This serene sanctuary provides a peaceful experience with their range of Pevonia Botanica and organic Ila-Spa products. Have a spell in the aroma heat cave and you’re ready to rock.
Treatment to try: It has to be the Pevonia Refresher facial (Dhs400), which does exactly what it says on the tin by bringing new life to tired skin.

Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 2170000. Taxi: Opposite Terminal 1.
le-meridiendubai.com