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The Intriguing Appeal of the DMK Zombie Facial
Within the realm of beauty treatments, some are booked for pure relaxation, promising glowing skin and a blissful hour of escapism. Others, however, capture attention through more unconventional means. The DMK Enzyme Therapy facial, widely known as the 'Zombie' or Game of Thrones facial, firmly belongs to the latter category. This treatment has captivated beauty enthusiasts not with promises of pampering, but with its striking visuals and intense, transformative process.
A Treatment Revisited: Enhanced and Endorsed
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to experience the original DMK Enzyme Therapy treatment and found it genuinely enjoyable. Recently, however, significant enhancements have reignited interest, particularly after Australian celebrity skincare guru Emilee Hembrow, founder of SSKIN Clinic in Brisbane, propelled it back into the spotlight. Hembrow described it as 'the ultimate skin workout,' a sentiment echoed by numerous beauty insiders and celebrities alike.
The facial has achieved viral status over the years due to its dramatic appearance: faces covered in a firm-setting mask, accompanied by intense tightening sensations and noticeable post-treatment redness. This visual spectacle has fuelled immense curiosity across social media platforms, especially TikTok, where it blends fascination with a hint of apprehension. Celebrities including Madelyn Cline, Jennifer Aniston, and Kim Kardashian have reportedly sworn by its results, adding to its prestigious allure.
Understanding the DMK Enzyme Therapy Process
Contrary to being a quick fix or pampering session, the Zombie facial is positioned as a foundational treatment for skin health. According to DMK Australia skincare educator Daisy Lucas, the therapy is built around principles often overlooked in favour of instant plumping or exfoliation. 'The foundation of DMK Enzyme Therapy is the iconic Enzyme Masque #1, originally developed in 1976 and refined over nearly 50 years,' Lucas explained. The philosophy centres on supporting the skin to function optimally rather than forcing temporary changes.
The Step-by-Step Experience
The treatment commences with a thorough double cleanse using a deep pore solution, designed to remove surface impurities and congestion. This essential step ensures subsequent products can penetrate effectively. Following this, the skin is treated with a brightening cocktail containing kojic acid and 20 per cent ascorbic acid, a potent form of vitamin C, to enhance clarity and provide antioxidant protection.
At this stage, the process feels relatively conventional, though the application of cling wrap to aid product absorption can induce mild claustrophobia. The pivotal moment arrives with the application of the enzyme masque, applied in a deliberate pattern from the chest upwards to the face. As it sets, the mask hardens dramatically, creating a concrete-like finish primarily due to its egg white component.
For the initial 15 minutes, the skin enters a purifying phase where enzymes work to cleanse deeply. Around the 15 to 20-minute mark, sensations shift noticeably, and a green layer is applied. This phase is often described as feeling like your heart has relocated to the centre of your face, with a rhythmic pulsing that is insistent though not painful.
The Final Phase and Aftermath
The concluding 15 minutes represent the most critical stage, where movement, talking, or facial adjustments become impossible, truly earning the 'Zombie Facial' moniker. Upon removal using water, a deep pore cleanser, and a milk cleanser, immediate relief follows. Active lipids break down the enzymes, often described as a moment of pure bliss.
Post-treatment, redness typically appears on the neck and chest, fading within about 15 minutes to reveal skin that looks tighter, brighter, and more energised. Practitioners view this reaction positively, indicating the treatment's efficacy. The skin is then likened to a 'wet sponge,' highly receptive to nutrients.
Post-Treatment Care and Lasting Results
Following the facial, a comprehensive DMK home-care routine is usually prescribed, including a gel cleanser, spray toner, serum, oil, and moisturiser for both morning and evening, supplemented with daily SPF. Patients are advised to avoid exfoliants, scrubs, and retinals for two to three days and to maintain excellent hydration to optimise results.
For those seeking to elevate their regimen, the five-treatment StemZyne Therapy, scheduled every 12 days, can be undertaken. Emilee Hembrow herself stacks the Enzyme Therapy with StemZyme for enhanced benefits.
Practical Considerations and Final Verdict
Enzyme Therapy sessions start from approximately $210, with pricing varying slightly between clinics. A full appointment, including consultation, typically lasts between ninety minutes to two hours. For optimal outcomes, an initial course of four to six treatments is generally recommended.
This facial is not suited for those chasing instant, superficial fixes. It is tight, strange, and occasionally uncomfortable, with a mid-treatment appearance that can be alarming. However, once redness subsides, the results are compelling: skin appears brighter, firmer, and more even, but more importantly, it feels stronger and healthier. Dispelling a common myth, DMK Enzyme Therapy does not aim to 'freeze' time overnight but supports skin vitality long-term. Paired with diligent home care, it becomes clear why this so-called Zombie Facial has achieved cult status worldwide.
