Environ Facial at Beauty & Co, Malta

Environ Facial €40*

After the festive season and a couple of long haul flights my skin was in desperate need of some TLC. On Saturday I popped along to my regular Salon - Beauty & Co in Swieqi to try out an Environ facial. When Brad Pitt was in Malta filming World War Z he specifically asked for Environ - if it’s good enough for Brad, it’s good enough for me!

The science bit

The Environ facial is the first Cosmo-ceutical (cosmetic and pharmaceutical) of it’s kind. If you’re looking to lie there while someone cleans your face this isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for a facial that will really give you results and you can feel it working - then keep reading.

Environ was started in South Africa and formulated as a preventative measure for skin cancer. While using Environ products at home and having regular facials done, your skin creates its own natural SPF (approx SPF 20). This is achieved by introducing and increasing your levels of Vitamin A on the skin. There are 5 levels of vitamin A, and if you’re a first timer you’ll receive the lowest dose while eventually working your way up to level 5. 

While using the special Environ DF machine (I’ll explain what that does in the next part) it allows your skin to absorb 100% of the product and repairs the skin underneath. It helps with all kinds of skin issues such as pigmentation, sagging, wrinkles, scars etc and by healing the skin underneath, in a months time through your natural skin shedding process, you’ll see the real results. However I saw immediate results, but i’ll see them even more in a few weeks time. When you first start using Environ, a photo is taken after your first session, and again after your 5th session to show you the results.

The process

The facial consists of an 8 step process and lasts 90 minutes. While laying comfortably on the bed all wrapped up cosy, it begins with a pre cleanser, this mineral oil cleans and unplugs the pores from deep inside. Next a clay mask is applied on top to pull out any of the nasty stuff clogging up your pores, and then Alpha gel is applied and massaged into the skin to remove any dead skin cells in the most gentle way possible. This is all carried out while using a steamer that aids in opening your pores and making your skin subtle. Once your pores have opened and all the dead skin is gone, the cleanser is applied and your face is massaged melting away any dirt or build up that you may have. Next up are the extractions, removing any black or white heads that you may have, then onto the interesting part...

A vitamin A serum is applied to the face in sections, and a hand held probe is massaged over the skin. Environ patented technology uses sonophoresis (ultra sound) allowing the vitamins to penetrate 100% into your skin (typically creams used at home penetrate 2% into the dermis). The process is painless, however you will feel a light sensation of a needle gently probing your skin (no needles are involved!) and hear a faint sound...which is difficult to describe but it’s like when the TV is on but there is no sound, just a slight hum of technology/electricity. It’s actually quite relaxing and nothing to worry about.

After the probe, I was then treated to a relaxing lymphatic, draining, facial massage. Last but not least was the Algae mask. My therapist Faye double checked if I was ok with the mask being over my eyes, before applying the mask (which I was, as you can see from the picture below), but you don’t have to. Personally I really love the sensation of masks being applied with brushes. It was a strange feeling having my eyes covered but not unpleasant. Once the mask was on, I was hooked back up to the Environ machine again for some iontophoresis (A small electric current) allowing all the vitamins to penetrate deep into my dermis. While it looks strange, you won’t feel anything, however you may see a faint strobe effect with your eyes closed. This step is not recommend for people with epilepsy. While I relaxed for 20 minutes, I was treated to a hand and arm massage which helped pass the time.

After 20 minutes the mask is removed. This was I think my favourite part because the mask is almost like silicone, so a perfect outline of my face was peeled off. (It was like that scene in Mrs Doubtfire!). Lastly a moisturiser and SPF is applied and that was me done. 90 minutes of relaxation and radiant skin!

Summary

I’m excited that Environ has launched in Malta and will be keeping up with regular Environ facials ever 4-6 weeks. I saw great results after my first session, so I can’t wait to see how great my skin looks in a few months time. If you’re looking for a facial that actually works, I would highly recommend trying an Environ facial- you won’t be disappointed!

Who, What, Where, When?

Environ Facials are available at Beauty & Co (Swieqi) priced €40-50 (depending on your vitamin level).

Readers of Beauty She Wrote can receive 20% OFF by quoting “Beauty She Wrote” when booking.

You can make a booking directly with Faye via her Facebook page - here

-------------------------------

Have you tried Environ, do you love it?