Lucie Loves… Facials // #Triedandtested the @IncredibleYou Environ Ionzyme® DF II Vitamin facial
A couple of weeks ago I took my beauty regime to the next level. I was invited to try out one of the many fabulous treatments on offer at the Incredible You salon in Pimlico and thought “why the heck not?”
Taking time out for myself is something that I’m pretty rubbish at. I recently heard someone describe themselves as an ‘active relaxer’ and realised that I dedicate hardly any time to letting myself unwind. I find it hard to press the pause button.
I’d never been to Pimlico before so was pleasantly surprised at how gorgeous the area is. The salon is nestled rather nicely on Moreton St, amidst other classy establishments. You’ll find antiques dealers, galleries, restaurants, fashion boutiques and cute little street cafes.
On entering the salon I was greeted by the smell of burning Neom candles. Apparently, celebs like Kylie Minogue and Kate Moss love them too. Incredible You do a special Neom massage which consists of 1.5 hours of ‘me-time’ and even gives you a little Neom travel candle to continue the experience at home. I want one!
My facialist for the day, Dana came out to greet me and took me to the cosy, beautifully-scented room where my treatment was going to take place. She asked me a few questions about my skin and what I hoped to achieve. Dana explained that the Environ facial is very much ‘results-driven’ and that I would be able to see the effects after just one treatment. I was excited!
My face was thoroughly cleansed and then steamed. This was followed by some blackhead extraction. Never have I been more conscious about my clogged pores! I swear in all of my 28 years, my nose has never had a going over like it had during my treatment with Dana.
My skin was then treated to little electric pulses from the magical Enzyme DR II Machine. Dana explained that the combination of Iontopheresis (like having an injection without a needle) and Sonophoresis (think ultrasound waves) helps to drive the vitamins and minerals from the cream into the skin. Environ was developed by Dr Desmond Fernandes, a prominent Cape Town plastic surgeon, to show the power that vitamin A could have on sun-damaged skin.
Dana had asked whether I was claustrophobic, I explained that I wasn’t - not quite understanding why this question was relevant. But I soon got the gist of it. Dana covered (and I mean COVERED) my face using a rather thick mask - everything but my nostrils. It was a bizarre feeling, but I felt ok. She then put into the mask what felt like two lollipop sticks and switched on the electrical current. The lights were dimmed and I was left to relax and enjoy the strange sensation.
A little while later the mask had set and Dana was able to peel it back exposing my newly rejuvenated skin. After applying the final sweep and swirl of creams and serums, I was ready to check out my plumped up skin.
Never have I experienced anything quite like it. It was unlike the facials I’d tried before and I’ve tried quite a few - Clarins, Decleor, Keraskin, Gazelli and Clinique. No disrespect to the aforementioned brands, but it was something much more than just a pampering session. I guess you could say it was like having a non-surgical facelift. I could feel and see how the treatment had got under my skin and in a good way.
I left the salon feeling rather over protective about my new face. I almost dreaded letting the polluted London air touch it. But you’d feel the same if you’d just had an Environ facial too.
Note: My treatment was complimentary. To book a similar experience check out the Incredible You Environ portfolio for details.
Photography © Lucie Kerley