The Promise: "The freshest, most active forms of Vitamin A, C and antioxidants are driven deep into the lower layers of the skin using state-of-the-art technology. This scientific approach stimulates collagen, softens lines and improves elasticity while increasing hydration and boosting radiance".
The Price: £144 (which includes a £65 Skin Analysis Consultation)
The Place: Skin3, 41 Fairfax Road, Swiss Cottage, London NW6 4EL
Key Products Used: Environ AVST Pre-Cleansing Oil, Environ AVST Moisturising Toner, Environ Serum C-Quel and Alginate Masque.
The Treatment: The Environ® Active Vitamin Treatment began with a skin analysis consultation, in which I discussed my lifestyle, beauty habits and skin care concerns and desires with a skincare consultant. I then had to pop my face inside a high-tech camera. One side of my face was photographed and the image was then sent to a connected computer for analysis. The computer analysed every inch of my skin, examining everything from sun damage and pigmentation to ageing and texture. The consultant then went through the results thoroughly, advising me on how best to treat the parts of my skin that are not in great condition. The result of this analysis was also important in determining which Environ products were going to be used throughout my facial.
The facial began with a deep cleanse and exfoliation. A treatment gel was then applied using a ceramic-headed probe. This handheld machine provides a special combination of sound waves and electrical pulses to areas of the face or neck where intensive treatment is needed. The machine increases the absorption of the active ingredients there to help reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, scars or pigment blemishes. It provided a tingling sensation but was not at all painful or uncomfortable.
What followed was a face mask like no other; a thick, heavy mask that transformed into rubber as it began to dry. The mask covered my entire face, including my eyes and mouth. The only area of my face that was exposed was my nostrils - I mean, I had to breathe! Then, to make things a little more unique, a pulsed electrical current was sent through my body to maximise the benefits of the mask. The current is designed to facilitate greater penetration of the vitamins within the mask, helping to restore and/or maintain healthy, more youthful looking skin. This may sound dangerous but it was completely painless - the only sensation I felt was a light tingling across my skin. After 20 minutes the machine was turned off and the mask was easily removed. The treatment was finished with the application of an Environ day cream and antioxidant suncream.
The Results: My skin looked bright and fresh the minute I left Skin3, however the results really kicked in a couple of days after the facial. My skin had a lovely texture and I noticed that it was more radiant and plump. Pigmentation had also been reduced! In the weeks that followed the treatment, skincare products were applying more easily and I received many complements on the condition of my skin.
I was also able to take the information gathered during the skin analysis and apply it to my everyday life. I could finally ensure that I was eating the right foods and applying the correct products to help treat my visible and non-visible skin damage.
The Pro: The facial wasn't just relaxing and skin enhancing, it was also educational! I left Skin3 feeling more clued-up about the true state of my skin and the most effective ways to treat it.
The Con: The mask application was a little unnerving. Although the procedure was perfectly safe and supervised, I felt a tiny bit uncomfortable having my eyes and mouth covered.
