Between the pollution, work, and the anxiety of cramming onto yet another packed subway car, Beijing can take a toll on one’s skin. Fortunately, there are plenty of oases in the city where you can replenish your skin with a nice facial. Janae Martin has found a few of the best spas for facials that make the urban jungle seem like a bad, half-forgotten dream.

Kocoon Spa Formerly located in Nali Patio, this spa, started by a mother and daughter, is passionate about using tradi­tional Japanese techniques for maintaining health and beauty. In addition to wax treatments, foot and body massages and spa packages, Kocoon Spa gives a variety of facials to suit every skin-type. Be sure to check out the anti-aging qi gong facial provided by Ana Zikic, who specializes in western and traditional medicine, homeopathy, TCM dietary theory and qi gong. Her facial includes acupuncture to increase collagen production, and a TCM treatment to dispel toxins from the body. This spa also features an aromath­erapy treatment of jasmine, ylang ylang, neroli, and lavender essential oil that is sure to soothe the stress that comes with urban living. Best of all, for an additional RMB 100 you can enjoy access to the Opposite House’s swimming pool. Perfect for summer! Guests under 16 require a chaperone. Daily 10:30am-8:30pm The Op­posite House, Basement 2, The Village at Sanlitun, Building 1, 11 Sanlitun Road,Chaoyang District (6410 5016 6410 5008)

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA The Peninsula Beijing Hotel, recently renovated to offer up-scale ac­commodations, is also home to the Peninsula Spa by ESPA. These specialists understand the havoc that stress, daily life, seasonal changes, and Beijing pollution can wreak on the skin and offer holistic treatments that include toning, moisturizing, and facial massages. Facials start at RMB 700 for 50 minutes, and it is advised that appointments be scheduled in advance. Daily 9am-11pm. 3/F, The Peninsula, 8 Jinyuhutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng District. (8516 2888 ext 6090) 东城区东城区王府井金鱼胡同8号2王府半岛酒店三层

Dragonfly The Dragonfly spa chain is another favorite among Beijing’s massage lovers, and they do great facials as well. Custom­ers have a choice between basic facials, which focus on skin care; deluxe facials, which focus on revitalization; and refreshing facials, which combine a basic facial with a deluxe facial and another spa treatment. We advise booking in advance, as walk-ins are not always guaranteed. Daily 1) 10am-11pm (nails and facials); 10am-1am (massages) South Sanlitun Road, Ground floor of Eastern Inn Chaoyang District, Beijing (6593 6066) 北京市朝阳区南三里屯路逸羽酒店一层 2) Daily 10am-1am. 1/F, Grand Summit Plaza, 19 Dongfang Donglu (100m north of Lufthansa Center), Chaoyang District (8532 3122) 朝阳区朝阳区燕莎桥东方东路19号外交会所1层（燕莎中心路北100米）3) Daily 10am-1am. 60 Donghuamen Ave (near The Pe­ninsula Hotel and Oriental Plaza), Dongcheng District (6527 9368) 东城区东城区东华门大街60号(近王府饭店和东方广场)

Comfort Zone This Sanlitun spa offers a variety of treatments, from anti-aging (RMB 420 for 60 min­utes) to a Chinese-inspired pearl facial (RMB 380 for 60 minutes). All facials use Jurlique products, and special prices, around RMB 200 depending on treatment, are available for first time visitors.Daily 10am-9pm. S4-2, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6415 9878) 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区S4-2上铺

Collective Luxury Collective Lux­ury is a consulting and branding firm for Chinese spas and a skin care lab that turns out innovative products. However, they still find time to offer their specialized facials, using Elemental Herbology products. Though these facials are usually RMB 880, first-time visitors can enjoy the experience for RMB 160. Daily 11am-8pm. Lido 6 Fangyuan Xilu (inside Lido Park), Chaoyang District (5941 1830) 丽都朝阳区芳园西路6号丽都公园内

Golden Corolla The specialist at Golden Corolla received training at Stanford University and in Paris, France. At this Korean beauty center, customers can enjoy facials that are meant to either reduce wrinkles, heal acne, or ­东城区新中街68号聚龙花园7号楼1simply provide a calming experi层ence for the high-strung visitor. Tue-Sun 10am-9pm. 1/F, Bldg 7, Julong Garden, 68 Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District. (6551 8091)

Aman Spa at Summer Palace According to the specialists at Aman Spa, you are their first priority. As if to prove their point, they offer customers traditional Thai and Chinese massages, beauty treatments, hair salon services, and fitness training. While waiting for an appoint­ment, customers can also browse through their library or view a movie in their cinema lounge. When planning a facial at Aman Spa, it may be worth it to block out a whole day of pampering or book a night in one of their plush rooms. 1 Gongmenqian Street, Summer Palace, Beijing (5987 9999) 海淀区海淀区颐和园宫门前街1号