Treatment review: Pevonia
Cell boost
The Stem Cells Phyto-Elite facial is an effective and enjoyable skin reviver from botanical skincare brand Pevonia
WORDS NORA ELIAS
The Stem Cells Phyto-Elite collection from Pevonia launched earlier this year, in conjunction with a new treatment, the Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Freeze-Dried Facial. Having already used and become a fan of the products in the range, I went to try the one-hour treatment when it was recently added to the menu at The Peak Health Club & Spa at Jumeirah Carlton Towers in Knightsbridge, London.
The anti-ageing facial aims to visibly reduce lines and wrinkles and to smooth, tone and plump the skin, and begins with a thorough eye and facial cleanse using the brand’s Eye Makeup Remover and Facial Cleanser. My therapist Rosanna, who is chatty and friendly, but not so chatty that you can’t relax and enjoy the treatment, carefully works the cleanser into my skin, before removing it with water and drying my face with a warm towel. The next step is the application of the Clear-O-Zym gel, which draws on ingredients including seaweed, glucose and the enzymes amylase and lipase to deep cleanse the skin, unclog pores and remove blackheads and dead skin cells.
The gel is applied to my face with a brush, before I’m placed under a steamer that works on my face for 10 minutes, helping to open up the pores and allowing the Clear-O-Zym to really penetrate the skin. While the steamer is at work, my eyes are covered with cotton pads dabbed with the brand’s Anti-Stress Eye Lotion, which helps make this part of the treatment even more relaxing.
Once the 10 minutes are up, the Clear-O-Zym, which also serves to prepare the skin for the treatment stages and products still to come, is removed with the use of the Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Multi-Active Foaming Cleanser and the skin moisturised. The next step is the application of the Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Freeze Dried Treatment, the hero component of the facial. The freeze-dried treatment uses a combination of comfrey and argan stem cells, with the blend of the two being a first for Pevonia.
Other key ingredients in the formula include collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, retinol, royal jelly, squalane and beta-carotene – all designed to tighten, brighten and lift the skin, while helping to smooth out wrinkles. Rosanna, massage the freeze-dried treatment into my skin with firm movements, before adding a layer of the hydrating and anti-ageing Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream, which like all products in the Phyto-Elite range is also built around the combination of argan and comfrey stem cells, around the eyes.
The final treatment step is the application of the Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Mask, which is left on for 10 minutes, before it’s removed and a final layer of the Intensive Cream is applied to my cleansed and refreshed skin. Having the facial at a time when my skin had been particularly oily and prone to breakouts meant I was able to more clearly see a before and after difference (every cloud), which of course is what you want every facial to deliver.
Pevonia recommends charging £130-£170 for the 60-minute Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Freeze-Dried Facial Treatment
www.pevonia.com
