Although I’ve always attempted to protect my skin against the sun, my fair skin has still suffered sun damage over the years. It was feeling dry, with fine lines and signs of aging, especially around my eyes and mouth. Environ has established a phenomenal reputation for world-class skin technology, so I was really keen to experience the Environ DF facial treatment at the Environ Skin Care Institute in Cape Town. Here’s what I discovered.
What is the Environ DF facial treatment?
What makes this facial so effective is that the technology used allows for better product penetration. This helps to achieve better and faster results. According to my therapist Brigitte, the scientifically proven technology used allows for up to 40 times better product penetration of the active serums specifically chosen for your treatment.
How does it work?
- The DF machine uses two modalities, Sonophoresis and Iontophoresis, both scientifically proven to enhance penetration.
- Sonophoresis uses low-frequency sound waves that create cavitations in the lipid bi-layers, which promote absorption of the product into the skin.
- Iontophoresis uses an electrical current to alter the resistance of the skin, enabling the product to be absorbed more easily. This also allows for the principle of ionization; the active ingredients in the product have a polarity or charge (positive or negative), so when you align the machine polarity with that of the product, you create a pushing action that helps to get the product into the skin more effectively.
What to expect during the treatment?
First, a pre-cleanser is applied to soften make-up and surface oils. This is followed by micro-exfoliation (clay-based), which assists in the removal of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Any leftover make-up is then removed with the Environ gentle Eye Makeup Remover.
The face is then properly cleansed and a toner is applied to re-establish the pH of the skin, to enhance the absorption of the treatment products. This is followed by secondary exfoliation (which is fruit acid-based).
Brigitte then selected the Sono DFP 312 serum (an anti-aging peptide serum) for my skin. Using the Sonophoresis probe, she then infused it into the skin. This probe allows the treatment of smaller areas of concern intensively, but also the whole face and neck. It focuses on each selected area for around 15 seconds.
Clients can choose either Sonophoresis on its own or the combo with Iontophoresis. An appropriate vitamin A serum is then infused either with an Alginate Masque or Haize Gauze, using field Iontophoresis. I opted for the Haize Gauze method, which felt less claustrophobic to me.
While the masque was on my face, I received an amazing foot massage that left me completely relaxed and feeling pampered.
The treatment concludes with moisturizing and the application of sunscreen.
Should clients expect any pain/discomfort during the procedure?
I did not experience any discomfort during the treatment. Brigitte made me aware that I would experience a high-pitched sound in my ears, due to the low-frequency Sonophoresis.
How many treatments are recommended to achieve the intended results?
Anything between 6 and 12 treatments is suggested, according to the client’s needs.
Does the Environ DF Facial Treatment live up to its promise?
My face was glowing and felt soft, supple and hydrated when I left the salon.
This treatment is an excellent investment in your skin and I will recommend it.
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Written by: Jacelize Rust, Cape Town for Longevity magazine.
Disclaimer: The Environ Ionzyme DF machine is manufactured in compliance with regulations for a global professional skincare market and may therefore not be available in all markets.
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