Environ® - a beautiful skin for a lifetime

Achieving beautiful healthy skin does not happen overnight however it is never too early, or too late to start taking proper care of your skin.

Throughout history people have used different formulations of herbs and cosmetics to enhance the appearance of their skin and disguise the signs of ageing. As scientific research unfolds and our interpretation of what might be possible is manipulated, increasingly sophisticated lotions and potions have been developed that all promise to be “the elixir of youth”. Clever marketing of basic old-fashioned moisturisers in increasingly expensive and eye-catching packaging have not delivered that elusive miracle of reducing the effects of ageing.

The way our skin ages is due in part to our genetic make-up. However the effect of the environment (sunlight, pollution, cigarette smoke and toxins in our food) also have a significant effect. Add to this the impact of our behaviour (lack of sleep, excess alcohol, smoking and stress) and chronically inadequate drinking of water...it is not surprising that the quality of our skin is affected. Just being aware of these issues and recognising that they can be controlled means that a conscious effort can be made to improve our skin

As any dermatologist will tell you, the fundamental ingredient in any medical skincare formulation is vitamin A. Extensive medical research has shown that Vitamin A has a corrective effect on the skin making it noticeably smoother and softer. The founder of Environ®, Dr. Des Fernandes was a pioneer in this field during the 1980’s. Whilst working as a plastic surgeon in South Africa , he recognised the dangers of the environment (namely the sun) on the skin. He discovered the essential role of Vitamin A in not only protecting the skin against further damage but also the potential to reverse the problems. His research showed the importance of using Vitamin A in high enough doses to produce a measurable difference to the quality of the skin. His focus turned to developing a skincare range that would promote, protect and maintain healthy skin for all, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity or skin type.

Although the cornerstone of Environ® is Vitamin A, the importance of other anti-oxidants ( such as vitamins C and E, green tea, beta carotene) should not be underestimated. The ingredients of each product are rigorously tested for their effect and purity. Each range is specially formulated, being based on sound scientific principles, to target different problems affecting the skin. The overall aim is to smooth, soften and enhance its natural protective function. Thus in normalising the skin, a healthier, younger looking skin is achieved.

Few of us are fortunate enough to have an unlimited budget yet we can all benefit from the positive effects of having healthy youthful skin. Environ® has been proven to be more effective than the most exclusive and desirable beauty products currently available yet it has been realistically priced to make it accessible to all.

The original range

This is the foundation of the anti-ageing skincare range. Containing vitamin A (to normalise and protect the skin) and anti-oxidants (which reduce the effects of the environment) this is a light and non greasy product. The level of vitamin A is gradually increased through the range thus allowing the skin to acclimatise slowly and increase the long-term benefits. (the bracketed number indicates the stages from 1-4)

• Eye gel Suitable for all skin types. Apply before Original Creams. No SPF. Low dose vitamin A & C
• Debut Suitable for all skin types. Cream based. No SPF. Low dose vitamin A & C (1)
• Moisture gel. Gel Based. Suitable for oily skins. No SPF. Low dose vitamin A & C (1)
• Mild day and night creams Cream base. Day cream contains SPF4. Suitable for all skins. Higher level of Vitamin A & C. Add supermoisturiser if skin feels dry (2)
• Classic day and night creams After using 1-2 tubes of Mild Day/Night. Cream based. Suitable for normal/combination skins. SPF4 in day cream (3)
• Low oil day cream Light texture, aimed at oily skins and for humid conditions SPF 4 . (3)
• Rich day and night creams Cream based, rich in oil aimed at dry skins. SPF 4 in day cream. (3)
• Ultra day and night creams After 2-3 tubes of stage 3, if skin shows sun damage, aged over 25 and there is pigmentation. High doses vitamin A & C. (4)
• Body cream High dose vitamin A & C. For all skin types. SPF 4. useful for sports people and those with outdoor lifestyle
• EssentiA Oil based. High doses vitamin A & C & E. improves elasticity and can help stretch marks and sun damage. Useful in pregnancy.
• EssentiaA Forte Once acclimatised to EssentiA. Concentrated nourishing oil for sun damaged areas and mature skins. High doses vitamin A & C & E

The Ionyzyme® C-Quence range

this range is a more luxurious range which is designed for skin that requires more powerful anti-ageing strategies. Again the level of vitamin A is gradually increased through the range and antioxidants provide their own distinctive benefit. The products also contain powerful peptides (matrixyl®, dermaxyl® and argireline®) which help plump up the skin and have been scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The range is packaged in special airless dispensers which help preserve the activity of the active ingredients. All products are free from preservatives and do not contain sunscreens. The range is available either fragranced or unfragranced. (except C-Quence 4)

• C-Quence 1 Low dose vitamin A & C. Use after acclimatised to Debut
• C-Quence 2 Medium doses vitamin A & C. Suitable for sun damaged skin.
• C-Quence 3 High doses vitamins A & C. Aimed at photo-damaged skin and pigmentation problems
• C-Quence 4 Ultra high doses of vitamin A & C. if photo-damaged skin, pigmentation and looking for superior results.
• C-Quence toner Contains witch hazel. Use after cleansing. Enhances penetration of the other products. Suitable for all skin types.
• C-Quence crème Superb moisturiser. Contains vitamin B12. Reduces sunburn and promotes the immune system and cell growth.
• Masque Citrique Mini home peel system containing high levels of vitamin C and Beta Hydroxy Acids. Not suitable for problematic skin. Can help reduce sever upper lip lines, acne scars and pigmentation
• C-Quence Eye gel is specifically formulated for the delicate eye area and is a safe and milder topical alternative to botulinum toxin. It is often promoted as an adjunct to botulinum toxin since its natural effect (via the peptides already mentioned) is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Thus it augments the smoothing effect in a previously difficult to target troublesome area.
  

Problem skin

Although traditionally considered as being associated with adolescence, spots and pimples can affect us throughout our lives. Changing hormone levels have a definite role but a genetic predisposition and stressful lives also have an important part to play. The typical stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) have a negative effect on skin causing accelerated ageing and skin problems. The skin problems are thought to be a result of the over production of the androgen (as a direct result of excess adrenaline) which in turn cause an increase in sebum (oil) thus causing skin problems.

Vitamin A normalises the secretion of sebum and when used in conjunction with ingredients such as salicylic acid (which helps unblock pores and increases resistance to bacteria) and tea-tree oil (natural anti-septic) the effect is to calm the problematic skin and thus reduce the appearance of spots

B-active range

Designed for problematic skin, the main ingredients are tea tree oil and salicylic acid

• Sebutrol This deep pre-cleanser is probably the most important in preventing break-outs. It contains mineral oil and helps to dissolve make-up, prevent clogged pores and minimise excessive oil secretion whilst not stripping the skin of essential oils
• Sebuwash A mild gel cleanser which helps absorb and remove excess oil
• Sebutone This medium strength toner lowers the natural pH of the skin (thus increasing its resistance to bacterial infection) and improves hydration. The low dose of alcohol contained helps to degrease the skin and aids the penetration of Sebugel-A
• Sebugel-A This gel contains low dose vitamin A, tea tree oil and colostrums. It helps control oil production whilst also soothing and moisturising problem skin
• Sebuspot This gel helps soothe inflammation and clear break-outs quickly
• Sebumask This removes excess oil from the skin and helps soothe irritation. It refines the appearance of the skin and helps to prevent the clogging of hair follicles. Can be used to pre-cleanse or as a treatment for an hour after cleansing and toning

Uneven skin tone and pigmentation

Melanin is a protective pigment which acts as a natural sun screen and gives both hair and skin its distinctive colour. However as a result of sun exposure and hormones, uneven skin tone and colour can result. It is not uncommon for African and Indian skin types to suffer blotchy skin tones and to have darker marks left on the skin as a result of pimples and chicken pox. Blotchy skin tone can also be a result of the contraceptive pill and pregnancy.

By taking evasive action in limiting sun exposure and wearing a sunscreen against UVA and UVB, such as:

• Environ ® RAD SPF16

Vitamin A and C can help lighten the patches. Sunscreen should be used to prevent further melanin stimulation.

• C-boost This clarifying cream from the intensive range helps with blotchy pigmentation, sun damage, fine lines and superficial blood vessels
  
• C-Quence 3 having acclimatised to Environ Ionyzyme ® C-Quence 1 & 2, this product contains high levels of vitamins C and A and is ideal for those with skin photo damage and discolouration marks
• Environ® Facials
• Ionyzyme® DF machine
  

Non surgical options

The normalising effects of vitamin A will restore the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) to a more youthful appearance. However, the real problems of wrinkled sagging skin lie in the dermis where collagen has been damaged and has become thinner. By using mechanical devices which enhance the penetration of the specially formulated vitamin skin care range, the effects can be enhanced

Environ ®Ionyzyme® machine

This machine is the first to combine the use of active Sonophoresis and intensified Iontophoresis which places it at the forefront of scientific skincare. The machine enhances the penetration of specific products through the skin by more than 4400x greater than just topical application alone.Using electrical currents and sound waves the skin is made more permeable. This effect comes on after a few minutes and means that for the duration of the treatment, more products can be forced through the natural skin barrier so enhancing the delivery of vital vitamins and anti-oxidants to the deeper layers of the skin. During a standard procedure, which lasts about 90 minutes, your face, neck and upper chest will be intensively treated. The resulting skin improvements will start to show almost immediately.

Thus by having regular salon treatments, in addition to using the products at home, the concentration of essential vitamins within the skin are enhanced and a quicker desired result is obtained.

Environ®Cosmetic roll-cit

By increasing the penetration of vitamins into the active layer of the skin the effectiveness of the vitamins is increased. The micro-needles puncture the horny layer of the epidermis thus increasing penetration of the products more than by topical usage alone. The actual needling of the skin creates tiny areas of trauma which initiates a natural process of healing. This causes numerous growth factors to be released and also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. The result is to restore the skins tightness, reduce the appearance of patchy skin and surface blood vessels and also smooth fine lines and scars, without any damage to the overlying epidermis. The cosmetic roll-cit can be used both in the clinic and at home.

The key indications for skin needling are:

• Restoring skin tightness
• To avoid laser resurfacing which is more expensive and causes sun sensitivity afterwards.
• Acne scarring. Research has shown that the results can be better than microdermabrasion
• Fine wrinkles
• Lax skin
• Visible bleached scars and stretch marks can be softened and improved
• Chicken pox scars

It is not suitable for several skin conditions including active acne, eczema, Rosacea, psoriasis, solar keratosis and raised moles or warts.

One treatment alone may not be enough to have a dramatic effect so it can be repeated on a weekly basis. Usually 4-6 treatments will achieve a smoothening comparable to laser resurfacing. The results achieved are not temporary but will last for several years. The longterm outcome however is totally dependent on providing the skin with adequate nourishment.

Interactive range

These products can be used with any other products. Their main function is to prepare the skin for the application of more active ingredients or to boost the effects of these. The range includes make-up removers, cleansers, moisturisers and masques.

• Eye make-up remover This is oil free and contains an antioxidant (Honeybush Tea)
• Aquatrol A pre-cleanser, it helps to dissolve sebum and make-up
• Cleansing cream pH balanced and suitable for all skin types
• Cleansing gel A lightly foaming face wash recommended for oily and congested skins.
• Super moisturiser Designed to relieve dry skin conditions
• Claytech masque Designed to improve hydration and remove excess oils from the surface of the skin
• Hand and nail cream Non-greasy, soothing and moisturising. Suitable for all skin types
  

Alpha hydroxyl range

These products contain gentle AHA(alpha hydroxyl acids) which help smooth and soften the skin. They also help exfoliate the skin resulting in greater resilience, finer texture and clearer skin. The products include toners, creams, gels and body products. They should always be used along with a vitamin A range. The range helps to manage problematic skin and rough sun damaged skin.

• Alpha Toner Mild Improves penetration of vitamin creams. Suitable for all skin types.
• Alpha Toner Forte Once acclimatised to Alpha Toner Mild. For oily congested skin and rough sun damaged skin.
• Alpha Cream Mild Use 3x weekly at night during the winter months. Good for rough and problematic skins.
• Alpha Cream Forte Once used to Alpha Cream Mild. Good for acne, rough and sun damaged skin. 3 x weekly at night.
• Alpha Gel High levels of AHA. Good for oily coarse skin and acne. 3 x weekly at night. Once used to Alpha Cream Forte.
• Alpha Day Lotion (SPF15) Medium levels AHA. For mature hyper pigmented skin.
• Derma-Lac Lotion Use as a body moisturiser and exfoliator. Can be used as a toner for dry pigmented skins. Use in conjunction with EssentiA/ Body Cream.

Intensive range

As a supplement to the original and ionyzyme® range. Each product contains specific ingredients including vitamin C, colostrum, alpha lipoic acid and retinol. These products offer maximum rejuvenation and treatment benefits for specific problem areas

• C-Boost Non- oily clarifying cream. Good for pigmentation, fine lies and dilated capillaries
• Anti-oxidant gel good for irritated, sensitive skins and problematic skins. Can be used if taking roaccutane. Can help acclimatise skin to vitamin A if required.
• Colostrum gel Supports the immune system. Results include smoothing, tightening, soothing and energising the skin. Good for thin, fragile, problematic, sun damaged and menopausal skin
• Hydrating oil capsules Suitable for all skin types especially dry or thin skin.
• Retinol 1,2 & 3 Only use once skin is acclimatised to high level vitamin A. Not everyone needs to progress up to level 3. good for pigmentation, problem skin and photo-damaged skin
• EssentiA Forte This is very good in conjunction with the Cosmetic Roll-Cit and helps with mature skin, stretch marks, scarring, lax skin and cellulite

Suncare range

• RAD SPF 16 this protects against UVA and UVB. As well as containing sun filters and reflectants, this product contains anti-oxidants which help reverse the effects of sun damage. This product has been endorsed by the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA)

Skincare analysis days

On a monthly basis, a dedicated Environ® specialist undertakes detailed assessments of your skin. Using a sophisticated computer programme and photographs of your skin, she can demonstrate many issues that are not visible to the naked eye. Areas of sun damage, pigmentation, open pores and bacterial contamination can be revealed as well as an opportunity to see how your skin is likely to age over the next ten years!

Personal programmes are then devised with recommendations made from the Environ® range of which products will help address any underlying issues. The bigger value of this type of objective assessment is that, should you wish, a review appointment can be made for a couple of months later when the benefits of the products on your skin can be clearly demonstrated.

The Environ® specialist can also advise on dietary supplements available from the Advanced Nutrition Programme which will help address any skin problems from a nutritional perspective.

Obviously such a detailed consultation requires more than a few minutes so an appointment system operates. This is bookable in advance and requires a £20 deposit to secure your place. This deposit is redeemable against products effectively making your consultation free! Due to the popularity of these events, it is recommended that you book early