A Botox Effect without the Needles

!QMS Medicosmetics offers a patented form of natural soluble collagens to keep skin youthful

A lot of beauty products claim to have incredible anti-ageing properties. As an avid spa fan I decide to try out a !QMS facial. !QMS Medicosmetics is a regenerative system of skincare developed by Dr med. Erich Schulte, an aesthetic surgeon, in 1987. It took more than two decades, but in 2010, we’re lucky enough to have !QMS in Cape Town.

Dr Schulte researched wound healing and developed a way for natural soluble collagens to penetrate into the epidermis and be applied topically to skin. During his medical career he witnessed the beneficial effects collagen had in the pre- and postoperative treatment of burn and heat damaged skin. Due to visible improvements in skin texture as well as skin healing he used the treatment products to create a regenerative form of skin care, hence !QMS Medicosmetics.

High-tech, long term skin regeneration

My classic collagen facial starts with a deep cleanse and a three phase exfoliation process. First natural alpha hydroxyl acids dissolve the intracellular glue between dead skin cells. The second phase of exfoliation involves enzymes to stimulate the blood and lymph circulation and I can feel my skin getting warm. A kaolin clay works to refine and smooth skin texture. The exfoliators include NEXXT (Nano Enhanced Cross Transportation Technology) which allows active ingredients to penetrate deep into the skin and be continuously released over a period of 12 hours. This is meant to promote cell renewal, skin refining and skin brightening.

Next my !QMS therapist applies a cold Alginate mask all over my face to reduce redness and remove loosened dead skin. The mask sets into a solid gel like substance, making a perfect print of my skin, highlighting fine lines and problem areas. The 20-minute collagen serum facial massage that follows is heavenly. I feel my face muscles relax. The collagen is meant to plump, hydrate, repair and regenerate the skin from inside out and stimulate the lymphatic system to help detoxify the skin.

Lastly a thick Relax-o-firm masque is painted onto my skin to calm, nourish and soften expression lines (almost like botox). A warm plaster of Paris masque follows to improve penetration of active ingredients. It also has a lifting effect on sagging and wrinkles. After 15-20 minutes the plaster of Paris is removed and the excess Relax-o-firm is removed from my skin. A refreshing toner and translucent tinted moisturiser with an SPF15 conclude the treatment.

The !QMS glow

It has been a week and my skin still feels super smooth and glowing. Never have I seen or felt such visible results after a facial and although !QMS is fairly pricey I will make a plan to include some of the products in my beauty regime. The !QMS collagen serums for home use also contain NEXXT technology, protecting and regenerating your skin for 12 hours during the day and for 12 hours at night respectively. Products that deliver in maintaining youthful skin is priceless indeed.

Skin reflects the accumulated damage of the environmental conditions and neglect it has been exposed to. The damage, like in skin that has been burnt or wounded, persists in the form of scarring seen as marks on the skin and changes in texture. With chronological aging skin slows production of collagen causing an aging appearance. Wounded, exposed and aging skin can thus effectively benefit from absorption of collagen.  

To me !QMS is a revelation and the fact that it is available at spas all around Cape Town is an incredible benefit to the beautiful people.

By Lize de Kock

Constantia Uitsig Spa not only offers !QMS facials but it’s also our favourite place for a massage in Cape Town.