It’s sunny and spring-like but still cold; and my lacklustre skin needed a boost of hydration and well as some glow, so I took up the invitation to go see Lisa at ENVY Aesthetic Skin Clinic in Crumlin for an Environ Hydraboost facial. It has been almost two years since I had this treatment (with lovely Claire Duff in Dunmurry) so it was great to get the opportunity to have another one, as I recall my skin looking (and feeling) pretty darn perfect last time.
Formulated by Dr Des Fernandes, the world-renowned plastic surgeon, this intensive treatment already has an army of fans including Elle McPherson, and is said to be the perfect antidote to dehydrated skin – so it’s exactly what I needed. It is a deeply intensive facial but not bank-breaking, at £65. It hydrates, plumps and firms the skin, but be aware, this is more of a treatment than a ‘treat’. It’s definitely not one of those facials you lie back and relax during – the mask is thick and covers the eyes and lips, so you cant see or speak during it, but I actually found that quite liberating! Plus the glowing skin afterwards makes the masque worth it.
The products used contain a high percentage of Vitamin A which promotes the production of healthy collagen and elastin – helping to improve the appearance of fine lines as well as lightening pigmentation and improving skin tone. The whole range of Environ Skin Care is packed with powerful antioxidants that protect and nourish skin and, after a skin consultation, Lisa tailored the products to my own skin type.
So – here goes:
We kick started with a dual action pre cleansing oil, a gentle plant oil based pre cleanser that helps dissolve excess surface oil whilst maintaining the natural acid level of the skin. Lisa told me that he best thing to get rid of any pesky blackheads on my nose is to use oil products on there – a new tip for me, as I was avoiding adding oil to what is already an obvious build up of sebum, but Lisa’s theory sounds totally logical, so I am definitely going to try that from now on!
Next up, we used a botanical infused moisturising toner which contains special ingredients that work in synergy with the environ products to assist in moisturising the skin and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone. Then with double-cleansing done, it was time for the first of the treatment products to go on, and so Lisa added the A C E treatment gel which facilitates sonophoresis (that’s the ultrasound waves to you and me!).
Next, an intensive hydrating serum which holds up to 1000 times its weight in water is applied over the face. Then, a ceramic wand is glided over the skin, using ultrasound waves to help the hydrating serum penetrate 4000 times deeper into the skin, than by application by hand. After this, there was a hydrating clay mask, which absorbs excess oils and impurities and micro exfoliates to refine appearance of skin.
Then, the pièce de la resistance – the nutrient-rich alginate masque. Please note before booking that this masque is really thick and covers both the eyes and the mouth; it’s very strange sensation and one that doesn’t seem to suit everyone apparently as only small holes for the nostrils are left for breathing. This super thick glutenous textured masque is made up of all natural ingredients, including fresh water algi extract (algin) which obstructs transepidermal water loss to increase hydration in the skin. Ultrasound probes are then attached to the edges and they gently pulse electrical currents through the mask. These gentle currents are impalpable and really help to restore skin by penetrating the layers of epidermis and dermis much more effectively than a topical cream. This part of the treatment lasts for about 10 minutes but apparently it’s about 70 regular facials-worth of treatment, and so it’s a good time to just concentrate on breathing and meditation while environ works its magic.
To finish off, Lisa applied some vita peptide eye gel. And, according to Lisa, peptides are the business when it comes to eye wrinkles. The eye gel also contains argireline ( friendly botox ) as well as anti oxidants and Vitamins C & E. Again, this product is available in salon only and retails at £57.00 Finally, some Environ Sun Care RAD - a revolutionary SPF15 antioxidant sunscreen which protects from both UVA and UVB irradiation. It’s a combination of sun filters and reflectants to provide medical grade SPF15, while natural anti oxidant vitamins increase sun protection and assist in fighting against free radicals.
I upgraded my visit to include a full body massage as well and Lisa used the Eve Taylor London products, which are pre blended aromatherapy essential oils, totally balanced for hydration. After two hours lying down and a blast of vertigo the week before, I was very slightly dizzy getting up, but Lisa gentry propped me up and made me drink 500ml water before dressing slowly and heading on my way.
I think I will have the sleep of my life tonight… And I look forward to looking in the mirror tomorrow!
Environ Skin EssentiA ‘Oil Free Eye Make-Up remover’ (£19)
Environ Skin EssentiA ‘Dual Action Pre-Cleansing oil’ (£23)
Environ Skin EsssentiA Hydrating Clay Masque (£29)
Environ Skin EssentiA Mild Cleansing Lotion (£32)
Environ Focus Hydrating Serum (£69)
Environ Youth Essentia eye gel (£49.95)
Environ Skin EssentiA AVST Moisturiser (from £41)
Environ Sun Care RAD SPF15 (£19.95)
NB: This treatment was #gifted, but regular readers will know that I will always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or not!