Thursday September 24, 2009

Shock therapy

By SHARMILLA GANESAN

Giving your face an electric shock to restore youth may be an alternative to invasive surgery.

THE thought of electricity running across your face isn’t exactly the thing to put you in a relaxed mood. Naturally, I felt rather anxious when I was told to go for Phillip Wain’s new electroporation therapy (EPT) facial. My trepidation was unfounded, however, as the therapist explained how EPT worked.

One of the newest treatments at the exclusively-for-women fitness and beauty centre, the EPT facial is touted as a viable alternative to Botox injections as it claims to plump up the skin, and minimise fine lines and wrinkles.

Non-invasive: The electroporation therapy (EPT) facial.

Electroporation, which uses an externally applied electrical field to increase the permeability of the cell membrane, causes the skin to absorb subtances applied to it much more readily. During the EPT facial, “temporary pores” are created on the face by using electric fields combined with mechanical pressure, which apparently result in a penetration rate of about 95%.

The high absorption of the products used during the 75-minute facial is claimed to have a long-acting hydrating effect that boosts the skin’s ability to naturally regenerate, nourish and oxygenate. The treatment further claims to improve the skin’s elasticity, creating a soft and firm texture. Furthermore, the facial reduces the colour-intensity of aged and pigmented spots, reduces blemishes and wrinkles, and brightens the skin.

To start off the treatment, my face was cleansed with a cleanser and toner specifically selected for my skin type. Next, GIGA White Booster Gel was applied to exfoliate the skin’s surface. This was a new experience, as the gel went on smooth as silk, unlike most exfoliators that can be quite scratchy on the skin. This was followed by about 15 minutes of extraction to clear the impurities and congested areas of the face.

Then came the highlight of the treatment, which was the EPT. A product called the PGA Starter Gel was applied to increase the moisture and hydration levels of the skin, after which the Suisse Programme Whitening Toner and a suitable concentrate was used.

The therapist then ran the applicator of the EPT machine over my face. This, I confess, was not the most enjoyable of procedures. The electrical field felt warm and slightly prickly, like tiny electric shocks. While bearable on some parts of my face, other parts felt extremely uncomfortable – but no pain, no gain, right? This part of the facial went on for about 20 minutes, and I have to admit, I was rather glad when it was over.

Next was the Sensol Dr PGA Face Mask, which was left on for 20 minutes, and it was nice to just lie back and relax after the EPT. The mask, which locks in moisture, apparently also contains hydrolysed collagen to retain the skin’s youthfulness.

Finally, I was rewarded with a 20-minute face and shoulder massage, and the therapist ended the session by putting on Whitening UV Protector and Firming Eye Gel for extra protection.

The effects of the EPT facial were apparent right after the session. My laugh lines and other fine lines appeared to have been smoothened out. My face also felt firmer and softer to the touch. These effects continued to be apparent for several days after the session.

For lasting, long-term effects, regular sessions of the EPT facial are recommended. However, the difference even after just one session was quite impressive, suggesting that there could be alternatives to invasive surgeries or injections out there for women who wish to retain their youthful looks.

The EPT facial is available for RM538 per session at Phillip Wain clubs.