Environ and its founder, Dr Des Fernandes, are at the forefront of skincare innovation. So, it's no surprise their latest skin treatment, 'Focus on Filler', pushes the boundaries when it comes to lifting and firming the skin, says editor Trudi Brewer. Here she shares what to expect from this superb skin service.
Editor Trudi Brewer receiving the Environ Electro-sonic DF technology combined with the new in-salon Dual Effect Filler Serum. Home care: Environ Avance Elixir, and the Cosmetic Focus CIT tool.
You can't ignore the rise in popularity of dermal fillers and botox to blur the look of ageing - I, for one, am all for that. However, there is also a growing number of women who want a non-invasive alternative to age reversal. Or for anyone who wants to enhance the effects of injectables. Environ's new 'Focus on Filler' treatment bridges that gap with a clever blend of touch, science, and beauty to provide the skin with a smoothing, plumped and volumizing appearance in just 30-minutes, focusing on specific targeted areas of concern such as under the eyes, cheeks and jawline.
What to expect?
Nestled into a heated facial bed, I was ready for whatever this new intense treatment could offer. However, I quickly realised the radiating warmth was not just the bed; it was my lovely therapist's firm, healing hands, as she swept away my makeup with a double cleanse, followed by a spritz of soothing toner, then the high-tech action began. Utilising Environ's Electro-sonic DF technology combined with the new in-salon Dual Effect Filler Serum my skin was about to get a desperately needed workout. My cheeks, under-eye area and jawline, were the target for this lifting skin professional serum, which contains OptimHyal. A new generation of hyaluronic acid helps build a 'water sphere' surrounding the skin cells to hydrate and stimulate the natural production of hyaluronic acid in the skin to optimum levels. At the same time, a range of protein peptides helps to re-volumise the skin and revive the skin cells to encourage a radiant and rejuvenated appearance from the inside out. As the DF machine hand tool passes over each area on my face (it feels like warm, tingling vibrations), it drives those active ingredients deep into the skin - and my complexion could not get enough of the cooling gel-like serum. Next, a cool alginate mask over gauze is smoothed onto my face and hooked up to the Environ DF11 machine that uses sound waves and electric currents to continue pushing the benefits of the serum deeper into the skin. Next, my shoulders, arms, and hands are treated to a heavenly massage. At the same time, the serum is absorbed. Finally, that 30 minutes has sped past, and I was prepped to leave with a layer of Environ Vitamin Skin EssentiA AVST1 moisturiser, $85 and Environ Rad Shield SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen, $93. This treatment was made for women like me, who, no matter how much water they drink each day, their skin still feels dehydrated and lacks radiance and volume due to the natural ageing process. It's the perfect treatment for the needle-shy or in conjunction with cosmetic medicine; however, you need to wait two weeks post any dermal filler treatments. Looking in the mirror, my skin was smooth, and it felt firm to touch. So whenever I'm yearning for that youthful glow that makes my makeup-less skin look like I have necked at least four litres of purified water in 30 minutes - I am coming back for you - Focus on Filler Treatment.
Environs Focus on Filler skin treatment. Take home: Environ Vitamin A Essential Moisturiser and Environ Rad Shield SPF 15 Mineral Sunscreen.
My take home
My therapist suggests a course of six to twelve treatments to achieve a non-invasive, painless and natural alternative to injectables or as a stand-alone treatment before a special occasion. Environ Avance Elixir, $159 and the Environ Cosmetic Focus CIT tool, $59, help maintain those firming effects at home. The Cosmetic FOCUS-CIT TM tool is the perfect instrument to use daily for smaller areas like upper lips, crow's feet and frown lines.
Congratulations to the plastic surgeon and founder of Environ skincare Dr Des Fernades, who recently picked up the first-Lifetime Achievement Award from the Skin Cancer Foundation of South Africa (SCFSA) for this work associated with skin rejuvenation and photo-protection. At the same time, he was recognised for his contribution to research into topical antioxidants and vitamins, a career he has dedicated over 30 years to.