Environ AVST & Ionzyme
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free skin care · Tue May 15, 2012 11:20 pm

Hi bethany, I use Environ products and I have ordered from touchofskincare several times. I love the C Boost and the Original Range. I also think the EssentiA oil is great to use after dermarolling. The last time I received an order was a month ago. Environ updated it's packaging on their website. The packages and containers I received were the newest packaging. I don't understand how they are able to sell the product since Environ doesn't appear to allow this. My first four shipments had South Africa customs forms on them. But, my last order had no customs form and had a Royal Mail Stamp on it. The package before that one had a UK return address on it. Maybe in the beginning someone was sending the packages for her directly from SA. Now they all seem to come from the UK. I hope this helps.

free skin care · Fri May 25, 2012 4:27 am

Bethany,
you may well be fine, Ive only ever used retinol and seem to be coping ok so far with Ionzyme quench 4 Exclamation

Apart from doing the ultrasound and getting funny prickling feeling (think my fault too soon and not Ionzyme products when using it Rolling Eyes

)

Think you may well be fine Wink

free skin care · Sat May 26, 2012 7:33 am

I have been using my AVST at night for 1 week now and my AnteAGE serum in the morning. (I am trying to see if I need only 1 or both of the AnteAGE products). My skin has been more red this past week and last night I decided to use just the AnteAGE Accelerator. This morning I woke up and my skin is nice and way less red. So, I applied the AnteAGE serum and then the AVST on top of that. Still my skin looks really good with the redness almost gone. This tells me that the AVST is very active and that the AnteAGE is very calming to my skin. I am going to cross post this on the AnteAGE thread and see what Dr J says.

free skin care · Sat May 26, 2012 2:14 pm

Found this today. It looks like stronger ingredients and it is more more often (C-Quence that is!):

Environ first launched the Ionzyme C-Quence skin care products in 1997. With the aid of advanced technology and the inclusion of more effective, chirally correct ingredients, Environ has now formulated an improved Ionzyme C-Quence range. It enriches the skin with an exciting combination of powerful antioxidants and vitamins, thereby introducing a new dimension to advanced skin care. This improved range is the most luxurious Environ home treatment available. It will help speed up the restoration of the skin cells resulting in a more youthful and healthy complexion. Ionzyme C-Quence products are manufactured each week with gentle loving care under the most sterile conditions to ensure that the client receives the freshest products possible. C-Quence Gels and the C-Quence Creme are available fragranced or non-fragranced. C-Quence 4 is only available non-fragranced. No preservatives or sunscreens are included in this range. No expense has been spared in the research and production of these improved C-Quence Gels. Each of these unique formulae is enriched with vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Acetate, a very active, oil soluble form of vitamin C and chirally correct vitamin E. They also contain a cocktail of Matrixyl and Dermaxyl as well as three extremely powerful antioxidants, Lycopene (a tomato derivative), Green Tea and Rosemary extracts. The C-Quence Gels are made from the finest, purest ingredients and are produced in four varying strengths. For the best, long-term benefits, follow the sequence of these strengths. This will enable your skin to acclimatise to the formulae to gain maximum long-term benefits and to avoid any potential skin reactions. The C-Quence Gels are not recommended for use on problematic skins.

Sun May 27, 2012 9:19 am

adding these related posts from: http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=45800

EthelM wrote:

For those who have considered and/or used both Ionzyme and AVST, what are the differences between these two Environ lines? I'm finding that navigating my way through the Environ product lines is difficult...I'm trying to locate the highest strength A & C product(s) in the Environ line up, and wonder if that is just one product, or must I supplement (such as with C-boost)? Sigh! I'm confused! Do all the products contain Tetra as the form of vitamin C, or does that vary? Same question for retinyl palmitate---do all Environ's vitamin A products contain retinyl palmitate, or another form of vit A? I can't find ingredients lists anywhere.

bethany wrote:

I am assuming that the Ionzyme product has the highest level of actives since that is the premium line and what Dr. F now recommends before dermarolling. But I am sure there is some overlap between the lines and the product levels.

talyta wrote:

I am using the AVST line and is pretty strong. I started with vast 2 and I am now on AVST 5 and I can't use it everyday .However I tolerate well retin a 0.5 four to five nights a week so probably is the vit c that is so intense in AVST

rileygirl wrote:

I got this info from Environ, so hopefully it will help. The AVST is approximately the strength of C-Quence 1. You don't need an additional moisturizer with the AVST like you do the C-Quence line, and the AVST is cheaper.

EthelM wrote:

rileygirl wrote:

I got this info from Environ, so hopefully it will help. The AVST is approximately the strength of C-Quence 1. You don't need an additional moisturizer with the AVST like you do the C-Quence line, and the AVST is cheaper.

Rileygirl, the AVST 1 is the equivalent to Ionzyme C-Quence 1? But then, there are five levels of AVST and only four of Ionzyme, so I'm (again) confused. Are they all (both lines, all products) the same types of Vitamins A and C?

rileygirl wrote:

EthelM wrote:

Rileygirl, the AVST 1 is the equivalent to Ionzyme 1? But then, there are five levels of AVST and only four of Ionzyme, so I'm (again) confused. Are they all (both lines, all products) the same types of Vitamins A and C?

LOL. So sorry, EthelM! The AVST 3 is the strength of the C-Quence 1! That would have helped, wouldn't it?! I do not know for sure that the A and C are the same types, but I would guess they are. The best thing to do is either go to a place that sells the Environ or call up whoever is the rep for your area. They would be the ones to answer those questions.

EthelM wrote:

rileygirl wrote:

EthelM wrote:

Rileygirl, the AVST 1 is the equivalent to Ionzyme 1? But then, there are five levels of AVST and only four of Ionzyme, so I'm (again) confused. Are they all (both lines, all products) the same types of Vitamins A and C?

LOL. So sorry, EthelM! The AVST 3 is the strength of the C-Quence 1! That would have helped, wouldn't it?! I do not know for sure that the A and C are the same types, but I would guess they are. The best thing to do is either go to a place that sells the Environ or call up whoever is the rep for your area. They would be the ones to answer those questions.

Thank you, Rileygirl. That makes more sense. Very Happy

talyta wrote:

rileygirl wrote:

EthelM wrote:

Rileygirl, the AVST 1 is the equivalent to Ionzyme 1? But then, there are five levels of AVST and only four of Ionzyme, so I'm (again) confused. Are they all (both lines, all products) the same types of Vitamins A and C?

LOL. So sorry, EthelM! The AVST 3 is the strength of the C-Quence 1! That would have helped, wouldn't it?! I do not know for sure that the A and C are the same types, but I would guess they are. The best thing to do is either go to a place that sells the Environ or call up whoever is the rep for your area. They would be the ones to answer those questions.

wow - thanks riley Smile

That means that the Ionzyme is damn strong as the AVST 5 for me is stronger than retin a and vitamin c 15%....

rileygirl wrote:

You're welcome, EthelM and talyta! Don't forget that with Environ, the goal is to progress through the levels. So, start slow and low and work your way up. Very Happy

free skin care · Sun May 27, 2012 10:28 am

So here is what I ordered from Touch of Skincare, and my take on each of the products...all products came sealed with the appropriate leaflets, etc.

Ionzyme C-Quence eye gel:
- expiration: 8/13
- contains, vitamins, antioxidants and peptides
- a very lightweight gel formula to be used 2x a day on the entire eye area (per the leaflet), followed by your Vit A moisturizer
- absorbs quickly into the skin, and I only need LESS than a full pump to do both eyes
- should be used within 6-8 weeks of opening

Ionzyme C-Quence 2:- expiration: 9/12
- per the leaflet it is considered to be a moisturizer, though it feels like a gel
- it contains a medium level of Vit A and a significantly higher level of Vit C (CQ 1 contains a low level of Vit A and a medium level of Vit C)
- applies very smoothly and soaks in quickly...no tacky feel for me
- should be used within 6-8 weeks of opening

Ionzyme C-Quence Cream:
- expiration: 9/13
- leaflet says it is to be used with the CQ 1-4 as it provides "additional nourishment."
- Rich in antioxidants (C and E), B5, jojoba oil, green tea and rosemary extracts, and lutein.
- supposedly provides more moisturization than the gel alone...it is much thicker, and definitely more like a cream than a gel
- does leave a slightly tacky feel on my face
- should be used within 6-8 weeks of opening
- if I were to skip anything on my next order, I would skip this and use my Nia25 IRC instead (and that is probably what I will do!)

Vit A, C, & E Body Oil:
- expiration: 6/13
- leaflet says to apply sparingly to entire body 2x day
- light nourishing oil to be used with Derma Lac, the AVST Hydrating Lotion, or the Vit A, C, & E Body Cream
- this is a DRY oil which absorbs super quickly...it is NOT an oily oil at all, and is very nice to apply/use.
- should be used within 10-12 weeks of opening
- There is also an Enhanced Vit A, C, & E Body Oil, which the leaflet says contains high levels of A, C, E and rosemary extracts (TOSC does NOT sell this)

free skin care · Sun May 27, 2012 12:58 pm

Thank you. That is good to know about the C-Quence cream! The AVST 3 that I have is a light orange color, but it does not leave an orange look on the face.

free skin care · Mon May 28, 2012 8:01 am

RussianSunshine wrote:

bethany, how does the C-Quence 2 gel compare to Retin A ( whichever strength you were using)? Is it stronger or weaker?

I was using the .05% cream, and could only tolerate it once a week. I am using this 2x a day with no issues (yet), but that is also attributable to the Vit A not being in a acidic form.

I had always thought that Vit A had to be delivered in the Retin A format to be effective, but DragoN made some comments that made me do a little research into the various types of Vit A delivery...you can definitely have success without the irritation from Retin A. So I am going to give this a shot and see what happens!

BTW, my skin feels a bit "different"...a tad sensitive to the touch, so I do think there are some strong actives in there.

free skin care · Mon May 28, 2012 11:33 am

I had a consultation with an esthetician who works at doctor's office. They sell Environ products as well as perform Environ facials.

First of all, I was not impressed with the skin of the esthetician. She claims to use Environ products, but her face is full of botox Confused

Second of all, she has not even looked at my skin, she immediately said that I should get an AVST moisturizer ( level 2 since I've been a Retin A user for more than 5 years) and the C-quence eye gel ( apparently this is Environ's Number 1 selling product).

The AVST 2 cost me $95 including taxes. Touch of skincare sells Environ Mild day for $55 Confused

It contains Retinyl palmitate, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Ascorbic Acid.

free skin care · Mon May 28, 2012 12:50 pm

bethany wrote:

If anyone with AVST can do the same using the package insert, that would be great!

AVST 1: The introductory moisturizer of the AVST step-up system. This product contains low levels of A, C, and antioxidants. AVST 1 is suitable for all skin types including first time users of Environ Vitamin A moisturizers and those with sensitive skin.

AVST 2: Contains medium levels of A and C. Suitable for all skin types and for consumers whose skin is already comfortable with AVST 1.

AVST 3: Contains moderately high levels of A, C, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide 7. Suitable for all skin types and for consumers whose skin is already comfortable with AVST 2.

AVST 4: Contains high levels of A, C, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide 7. Suitable for all skin types and for consumers whose skin is already comfortable with AVST 3.

AVST 5: Contains the highest level of A, C Palmitoyl Oligopeptide and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide 7. Suitable for all skin types and for consumers whose skin is already comfortable with AVST 4 and is particularly beneficial for consumers who have sun damaged skin.

ETA: Sorry, I forgot the AVST Gel: A mild gel moisturizer that contains antioxidants and low dose of vitamin A. Suitable for hyper-sensitive, dry, congested or problem skin types.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 11:51 am

DarkMoon wrote:

RussianSunshine wrote:

DrJ wrote:

rileygirl wrote:

Dr. J, would it be best to continue AnteAGE serum and accelerator in the morning, and then the AVST at night? Would separating the use of the 2 product lines be preferable, or would it be ok to use the AnteAGE serum and then the AVST on top?

The latter. Serum 2x per day important. AVST on top should layer fine.

I am still confused. If serum first and AVST on top, what about the accelerator?

For those using the Accelerator isn't it Serum first than Accelerator?

I am a bit confused how does the very light Serum work after the heavier AVST?

I read it as serum first, which makes sense?

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 2:37 pm

DrJ wrote:

Can we do a quick review of the attractive qualities of the AVST? Can someone summarize? If its really good maybe we can license the formulation and make it here.

don't they already have a patent on this, or one in the works Confused

I am sure you wouldn't want anyone doing this with Cellese.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 4:34 pm

bethany wrote:

Cross-posting since this is Environ related and I typed up the ingredient list myself (which means I am not doing it again, lol). Very Happy

Thanks Bethany. I just saw the question and grabbed my bottle and then saw your post. I am glad you got to it first! Laughing

Thu May 31, 2012 6:16 pm

Is anyone also supplementing with vitamin A while on Environ? I wonder if it would enhance the results.

Quote:

Q: Should we be taking vitamin A orally as a supplement?

DF: I believe it's essential to take vitamin A as a supplement and to use it topically on your skin, especially if you're going out in the sun. Research suggests that if you taken 27 000 IU (international units, a standard for measuring vitamin A) every day, you can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer marginally. If you increase the dose to 40 000 IU a day, you can reduce your risk by up to 60%. This is underappreciated information, even though it comes from a respected cancer institute, the University of Arizona Cancer Center's Skin Cancer Institute. I take 50 000 IU every day, as I believe it has a big anti-ageing benefit, since vitamin A determines how cells grow and how they mature.

http://www.environ.co.za/press/Original___Good_Housekeeping_English_June_2012_2012-06-01.pdf

free skin care · Thu May 31, 2012 7:41 pm

havana8 wrote:

Not sure if this link has been posted before but thought some might find this Environ presentation interesting: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/84676090/English

That was quite a find...a TON of great info in that presentation. It also mentioned that the very sterile production environment is how they are able to avoid using preservatives in most products.

free skin care · Fri Jun 01, 2012 12:38 pm

10Sylvia5 wrote:

Yes I think you are both right unfortunately Ive only been doing it twice a week Embarassed

Sylvia, are you rolling and then applying the products, or the other way around? They recommend starting out by rolling first and then applying the products, work up to daily roll as tolerated.

free skin care · Sat Jun 23, 2012 10:56 am

packratmack wrote:

Hi bethany, I see your age has changed in your signature. Happy Birthday. Smile

I really love the Environ products and am going to place another order. I had slight crepiness on my neck that has gone away. I attribute the improvement to the Original line. I worked my way up the ladder in strength. I'm prepping for a roll too. I just received the dermal rolling book today. I already knew a lot of the information contained in it because of the articles that you posted by Dr. Fernandes. It's still nice to have all the info in one guide though. Thanks for the update.

Thank you! My birthday was TH, but I was too busy working to celebrate, sigh.

I have to tell you that I really struggle to justify the prices on the C-Quence products, but don't want to deal with the hassle of ordering AVST from a different seller in the US. I think once I am done with the dermaroll I will try the Original Line from TOSC for sure (especially since you are having good results).

I think the key take away from the dermarolling book for me was what to apply post roll, and when (like no CPs until day 5 or later). Last time I used 302 Skincare A and C for 3 days post roll, but it is WAY more moisturizing than the Environ A, C, E oil. I will probably apply the C-Quence followed by the A,C,E oil this time, since I don't think the actives levels are high enough in the 302 products to warrant repurchasing again (though they made my skin look great).

Overall I have been very happy with Environ too, and like that it is designed to work with dermarolling. Now I just have to keep reminding myself that I do NOT need to try the next new thing. Rolling Eyes

I just need to stick to the proven actives plus my Safetox and Dr. Roller, and that any additional expenditures need to be for something like fillers or lasers as warranted.

Remind me of that if I start to slip, ok? Shock

free skin care · Mon Sep 17, 2012 1:56 am

CookieD wrote:

Can anyone tell me what the consistency/heaviness of the C-boost cream is? I am used to a using C in a serum so I'm a bit concerned with using a cream because of my oily skin. TIA

The C Boost is a light cream and it spreads very nicely. It is a really small tube though. I also wonder if it is as effective as L ascorbic acid.

free skin care · Wed Sep 19, 2012 12:40 pm

There is a sale on at touchofskincare.com until September 26 for anyone interested:

For the next 7 days, from this very moment until Wed 26 Sept at midnight, you can save like crazy. How does it work? Simple, really. For every item you buy, you get the lowest priced item at half price. That's right, a full 50% off. So, if you buy C-quence 3 for $125.99 and Cquence Creme for $109.99, you get the Cquence Creme for just $54.99!

You can buy as MANY different products as you wish - you're not restricted in terms of quantity

Since this is such a special sale, the online system will not do the maths and will show you the full price on check-out. Do not worry - the savings are calculated manually and the actual charge will reflect your total discount

In order to take advantage of this outrageous sale, you must put the words
BUY ONE GET ONE in the Order Comments Box during checkout atwww.touchofskincare.ca. Just remember to include the words BUY ONE GET ONE in the Order Comments Box to save BIG!

free skin care · Wed Sep 19, 2012 9:04 pm

I did not get this email, and am in the US.

Cookie, I think I read somewhere that they last 18 months on the shelf, but only 6-8 weeks after opening.

free skin care · Sun Feb 17, 2013 11:16 am

Just thought I would give everyone an update....

I am still using my Environ products (9 months in), and have had no negative acne impact nor any desire to change product lines...a rarity for me, lol.

I am using the C-Quence 3 and Eye Gel, and just placed an order for my first bottle of C-Quence 4. For the most part I am only using it once a day. I found that I was not consistently using the toner, Q-Quence cream, or Frown Serum so I don't see myself reordering those.

I am currently doing ReAura treatments, and am applying the Hydrating Serum followed by the C-Q3 and Eye Gel immediately after a treatment. It doesn't appear to make me overly sensitive to the treatment, so I am continuing with that routine.

Once I finish the ReAura Treatments, I am going to focus on inflammation reduction and will be adding some remaining Colostrum Gel in the morning to my routine, plus possibly adding in an Epionce moisturizer to help repair my skin barrier. But I will still be sticking with Environ as the foundation of my routine.

free skin care · Mon Jul 01, 2013 5:28 pm

Hi bethany, glad you started back on the Environ. I think they are great products. When I combine the colostrum gel and c boost my skin looks great the next day. The other product I regularly use is the ultra night cream. I don't feel the need to use the ionzyme c-qence line. But, I know they are truly powerful products having tried them once.

I just placed another big order today. Couldn't resist the discount code.

This time I added two new products. The super intensive moisturizer and the alpha day lotion.

Even though Environ tries to scare people off from buying products from touch of skincare and other websites, I still think they are authentic. Although, every time I place an order I still worry a little bit.

Take care.

free skin care · Wed Jul 03, 2013 7:15 pm

Here is my routine, which will combine Epionce and Environ products. You will see a few other brands that I am using up, and then they will not be repurchased (except the Olay, Elta MD and Burnout). I will review the products on the appropriate threads. FYI that I will be sticking with the Epionce/Environ combo for the next 6 to 12 months.

Skin care routine:

AM:
Olay wipe or shower
Environ eye gel
Environ Toner mixed with Epionce Melanolyte
Epionce Intense Defense Serum on face, neck, chest
Elta Md sunscreen on face
Lumixyl or Nia24 on arms
Burnout Sunscreen on arms/hands

PM:
Olay wipe or shower
Environ eye gel
Environ Toner mixed with Epionce Melanolyte
Environ CQuence 4 on face
Environ CQuence 2 on neck and chest
Epionce Intensive moisturizer/eye cream
Lumixyl or Nia24 on arms
Environ body cream on arms/hands

free skin care · Sat Aug 03, 2013 12:37 am

It looks like Dr. Fernandes is writing a book!

Quote:

Dr Des Fernandes, founder of cosmeceutical brand Environ, is to launch a book about the science of skincare in September.

Written in conjunction with freelance writer Jennifer Munro, Your Skin Factory is aimed at beauty consumers, and attempts to banish the marketing hype and give accurate insight into cosmetic claims about skincare.

Fernandes said, “I’m outraged sometimes by how much hype surrounds normal cosmetic creams and how little they actually do for the skin.”

The book will cover issues such as vitamin A’s fundamental role in skincare, or preventing and reversing the effects of sun damage, and improving scarring.

Come September, the book will be available from Environ's UK distributor, the International Institute of Anti-Ageing (iiaa).

http://www.professionalbeauty.co.uk/page.cfm/action=library/libID=3/libEntryID=1122/listID=6

free skin care · Sun Aug 04, 2013 12:00 pm

Did anyone see this yet? "He will also reveal innovative new product formulations which will be available in the UK soon." http://www.approvedbusiness.co.uk/viewarticle_12814.aspx

Very curious about the new product formulations!

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