Now and then, I'm treated to a facial that blows my mind, says editor Trudi Brewer. Who shares the best hydrating, skin-calming treatment in the freshly renovated, inviting day spa, Embrace Skin, Beauty Wellness, in the garden city of Christchurch.
My advanced skin therapist Robyn Eathorne with Embrace Skin, Beauty Wellness owner, Rochelle Milligan. Environ Cleansing Gel, $80, a staple in my skincare routine.
If your skin is feeling parched and in need of a calming, hydrating fix, the results from this facial are instantaneous and dramatic. Here is everything you need to know first-hand about the Embrace Environ Comfort Calm Facial.
What to expect with the
Embrace Environ Comfort Calm 60 mins from $139.
Once I got past the inviting skin bar at the reception, career therapist Robyn Eathorne tucked me under the duvet, and my treatment kicked off with an impeccable double cleanse. It started with the Environ Skin EssentiA Dual Action Pre-Cleansing Oil, followed by the Environ Cleansing Gel and a gentle skin polishing micro exfoliant. The warm compress removed every scrap of makeup, with that layer of dry skin ready for a hydrating infusion. What Eathorne doesn’t know about skin is not worth mentioning, and it’s this next part of this facial that she is excited by. The combination of unique Environ Focus Care Comfort + Colostrum Gel with the Environ DF11 machine gives you a facial like no other. Essentially this machine uses sound waves and electric currents, known as 'iontophoresis' (electric) and 'sonophoresis' (sound) technology, to help drive the ingredients from the skincare deep into the skin. Ideal for targeting those areas of the face that need an extra hydrating boost, in my case, the cheeks and under the eyes. This nourishing gel followed by a skin-calming mask efficiently and effectively offers results way better than if you just applied a cream yourself. Eathorne also gives an epic firm massage; she honed in on my shoulders, arms, and hands while the alginate masque hooked up to the iontophoresis machine helps infuse the skin with the goodness the Environ products. Finally, a layer of Environ Skin Essentia Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 1 and Environ RAD SPF15 completes the perfect blend of hands-on and high-tech skin rejuvenation.
The results
My new glow lasted a week, but the improved smoothness lasted much longer. It was like months of built-up dehydration and dullness were erased in an hour. This facial is a good reminder of how investing in your skin, particularly if you have concerns you want to improve, like hyperpigmentation, acne or wrinkles, is a must. Personally, I love it when my skin is in a condition that I do not feel compelled to cover up with layers of foundation. Next time I head South, I will return to Embrace Skin, Beauty, and Wellness for another magic skin treatment and a dose of relaxing downtime. When I feel relaxed, my skin feels calm, and in turn, it responds more readily to the active Environ skincare I use daily.
Embrace Skin, Beauty, Wellness is at The Colombo, 363 Colombo St, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023.
Cosmetic medicine expert Dr Ellen Selkon explains.