Give your skin an electric booster (From York Press)

Give your skin an electric booster

9:20am Tuesday 1st May 2012 in Features

ELENA CRESCI tries out a high-tech treatment to beat signs of ageing.

A NEW treatment in the fight against ageing is now available in York. The Environ facial treatment is said to use a low-pulse electric current to help a vitamin-rich gel sink deeply into the epidermis, leaving skin soft and refreshed.

This South African skincare brand attracts celebrity fans such as Elle Macpherson and Naomi Watts.

It’s now available at Bespoke Beauty, at Studio Jo, on Tadcaster Road, where I went to check it out.

Beautician Marjorie Grice, 47, has worked in the industry for 20 years and has been using Environ products for seven. “This isn’t traditional beauty therapy – that’s why I call it healthy beauty,” she said.

The treatment isn’t new, but Marjorie recently picked up a new model of the Ionzyme machine, which uses electrical currents and sound waves to get vitamin molecules travelling through the skin. “It’s far more effective than just a topical application,” Marjorie said.

While Marjorie got to know my skin a bit better, I admitted I was not worried about wrinkles, but, when it comes to your skin, the earlier you start looking after it the better. “We’re all living longer so we’re going to have to look after ourselves a bit better,” Marjorie said.

After we established my skin type, it was time to relax and let Marjorie work her magic. Once all my make-up was off, a light gel was applied to my face, packed with vitamins A, C and D, key ingredients to keep the deeper layers of the skin refreshed and rejuvenated. That’s when the science kicked in. As the electrode probed my face, tiny pin pricks of electric current gently zapped my skin. I felt a slight tingling sensation. It was a bit surreal having electricity used directly on my face, but I was in safe hands. My face still tingling from the tiny electric currents, a thick white mask made with soothing seaweed was applied and I was wired to the machine again.

After peeling away the mask, a light moisturiser was applied to my face and I was able to see the results of the hour-long treatment.

The difference was noticeable. Despite getting to bed late the night before, I looked rested and refreshed. While the results seemed clear after one treatment, Marjorie said the best results come in the long term, particularly when clients want to combat specific skin issues such as rosacea, wrinkles and sun damage.

Marjorie hosts skin analysis consultations using imaging equipment to assess the deeper layers of the skin so she can tailor the perfect regime for her customers.

The next event is coupled with a mini-taste of the Environ facial will take place on June 13, costing £20 for an hour-long appointment with deals available on the skincare products at the event.

• Bespoke Beauty is also offering the full facial treatment for £40 for a limited period. To arrange an appointment, phone Marjorie Grice 0788 402 4380 or visit bespokebeautyyork.co.uk