My current skincare routine

By Marlinette Newman on April 30, 2014 in Ageing, Skincare

About a month ago I paid Dermalogica a visit at their Wembley concept store in Cape Town. Since then I have been on a complete Dermalogica skincare system prescribed to me via a great face mapping analyses.

Firstly, it is important to realize that keeping skin healthy and young requires a combination of ingredients and products that work together to give your skin exactly what it needs. I personally believe in having a basic skincare range, and then supplementing with active serums, exfoliators and masks (all “boosters”) that target the deeper skin layers. I also believe in “mixing-it-up”. I find my skin gets used to products if I stay on them for longer than a year. I am certainly not brand biased, and I will be sharing many more posts on all other skincare products I believe in.

Read below and see why I have been loving my current Dermalogica skincare routine.

STEP ONE: PRE-CLEANSE

PreCleanse

In Three Words: Gentle, Essential, Deep-Cleansing

What The Product Says: This deep cleansing oil melts away impurities (sunscreen, environmental pollutants, excess oils, make-up incl waterproof) that build-up onto the skin during the day. It contains Olive, Kukui and Apricot Oils, Rice Bran and Vitamin E oils. This blend of ingredients offers deep cleansing even for the most oily skin conditions. This product doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances and colours.

What I Think: I have never been pro over-cleansing, and I use to think that this was exactly that. Until I actually tried it!!! I LOVE this product. It does not dry out the skin and in-fact does the complete opposite. It gently removes ALL my make-up and leaves my skin feeling clean and treated. I do recommend using the cleanser afterwards for that Double Cleanse that will leave your skin Ultra Clean and ready to take in all the creams and serums to follow.

How To Use: Apply the Pre-Cleanse to your face and neck with dry hands and onto dry skin . I use about a quarter teaspoon. Massage the oil over the face to dissolve surface oil and dirt. Concentrate on any areas with congestion. Wet you hands and continue massaging to create a white, milky emulsion. Rinse with lukewarm water. Recommended use am and pm before cleanser. I only use it at night, simply by preference.

How Much: R520.00 for 150ml

PreCleanse Wipes

A recent exciting addition to Dermalogica’s range are the PreCleanse wipes! These have the same ingredients and effect as the PreCleanse, they are just more convenient. They are perfect for use while traveling to clean and refresh! It is recommended to rinse it off, and follow with your cleanser. When traveling it isn’t always possible to rinse your face, so just give your face a good wipe and let the oils nourish your skin. I find if I leave it for a few minutes and blot my face with a tissue that my skin is ready for my moisturizer, sunscreen and make-up.

R250.00 for 20 Wipes

STEP TWO: CLEANSE

Special Cleansing Gel

In Three Words: Economical, Gentle, Foaming

What The Product Says: It is a soap-free, foaming gel cleanser that removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. It contains Calming Balm Mint and Lavender extracts to soothe the skin, and natural Quillaja Saponaria which gently foams away toxins and debris. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colors.

What I Think: As I have combination skin I have always loved a good Gel Cleanser. Only thing I find with a lot of Gel Cleansers is that they leave your face with that familiar squeaky clean feeling, which is not a good sign. It means the cleanser has stripped your skin of all it’s natural moisture. I have been using this Gel Cleanser for almost 10 months now, and I can honestly say that this cleanser does not do that. A small amount goes a long way and my big pump bottle is still not empty.

How To Use: Pump a small amount onto damp hands and gently lather. Apply onto damp face and neck and massage gently. Rinse with lukewarm water. Use am and pm.

How Much: R700.00 for 500ml

THREE TIMES A WEEK:

Tri-Active Cleanse

In Three Words: Multi-purpose, Powerful, Exfoliating

What The Product Says: A Triple-activated concentrated cleanser that cleanses, brightens and clarifies. It contains Lactic Acid to Exfoliate, Vitamin C, Soy, Mulberry and Ferula Foetida Root Extract (yeah I know…what is that?) to Brighten, Antioxidant White Tea to Improve Luminosity and Shea Butter for Moisturisation. I was prescribed this product because I have pigmentation. The above ingredients work together to lift dulling, discolored skin cells, brighten surface spots and to help control the formation of discolored cells. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

What I Think: I have been struggling with pigmentation for close to 10 years now. I have tried a lot of products, and needless to say I am always skeptical and cautious with what I will try next. I was very pleased to hear that this cleanser contains Lactic Acid. Whilst Lactic Acid is a wonderful exfoliant, it also increases the skins natural moisturizers, ceramides (skin barrier oils) and improves water barrier properties. Combine that with the powerful antioxidant, Vitamin C, and you have a winning formula. I do not enjoy that it is a creamy cleanser, as mentioned above I am a Gel Cleanser kinda gal, but it genuinely does leave my skin looking brighter and feeling firmer. So far I haven’t noticed any change in my pigmentation, but I realize that combating pigmentation takes time. It serves as one of my “booster” products for exfoliation.

How To Use: Lightly lather in dampened hands, massage with light upward strokes to the face and neck for atleast 30minutes. Rinse with lukewarm water. It is recommended for daily use am&pm as a cleanser. I alternate this product 3 times a week in the evening as I find this to be a very active cleanser.

How Much: R600.00 for 150ml

Daily Microfoliant

In Three Words: Best Exfoliator Ever

What The Product Says: This unique rice-based powder activates upon contact with water and releases Papain (Exfoliating Enzyme), Salicylic Acid (Beta Hydroxy Acid) and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells. This exfoliator leaves the skin smoother and brighter, helping to balance uneven pigmentation. It contains a blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal to help soothe and calm the skin. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours

What I Think: Honestly the BEST exfoliating product I have ever used. Everything about it is great! I love how it forms a paste, I love how gentle but effective it is, I love the way my skin looks and feels after using it and I love that it contains Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes which are all products I trust and believe in. (Click here for more on these ingredients) This product is also part of my pigmentation combating skincare regime. So far my pigmentation is unchanged, but my skin is certainly looking a feeling a lot healthier. A great “booster” product for exfoliating!

How To Use: After Cleansing dispense about a half-teaspoon into wet hands. Start rubbing your hands together to create a smooth creamy paste and apply to face and neck in circular motions. Massage gently for 1min, avoiding the eye area. Rinse with lukewarm water. It is gentle enough to be used daily. I alternate this product 3 times a week in the evenings. Do Not use this product if you are using medically-prescribed exfoliation products.

How Much: R850.00 for 75g

STEP THREE: TONE

Antioxidant Hydramist

In Three Words: Refreshing, Hydrating, Anti-Ageing

What The Product Says: A Toner that helps firm and hydrate. It creates an active antioxidant shield of White Tea, Licorice and Vitamin E to fight damaging free-radicals. Collagen-stimulating peptides (more on peptides) and an active Vitamin C complex helps to reduce fine lines, encouraging firmness and elasticity. Rose and Clove extracts comfort and refresh, and Pea extract creates instant firming action to lift and tighten. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

What I Think: It is easy to use and very effective. This spritzer promises to protect and hydrate my skin. It is so rich in antioxidants that I definitely believe it controls signs of ageing. I love how refreshing it is straight after a warm shower, or during a hot day. Also a great “booster” product with powerful antioxidants.

How To Use: After cleansing spritz onto the face and neck. It is also great to spritz over make-up during the day to refresh your skin. They say to avoid the eyes, which I found a bit challenging.

How Much: R610.00 for 150ml

STEP FOUR: MOISTURIZE AND EYECREAM

Skin Smoothing Cream

In Three Words: Moisturizing, Comfortable, Daily

What The Product Says: Medium-weight moisturizer to balance combination/dry skin. Deep-moisturising Lecithin and Aloe Gel nourish, while extracts of Mallow, Cucumber and Arnica soothe and hydrate the skin, helping to restore suppleness and tone. Antioxidant Grape Seed Extract plus vitamins C and E help shield skin from environmental assaults. Free of artificial fragrances and colours.

What I Think: This is a great everyday moisturizer to include in your basic skincare regime. It provides an antioxidant defence, it is extremely hydrating and it leaves my skin feeling smoother and plumper. It has a delicate smell, a smooth texture and absorbs really well. I love that this one product is my day-and-night cream all-in-one.

How To Use: Apply to the face and neck in an upward motion, day and night. I find that a little goes a long way. Always use less and apply more if needed.

How Much: R880.00 for 100ml

MultiVitamin Power Firm

In Three Words: Smooth, Blurs, Antioxidant

What The Product Says: Powerful firming complex helps combat lines around the delicate eye area. It contains Vitamin A (Retinol) to help accelerate skin’s natural repair process, Vitamin C & E (Powerful Antioxidants) to improve elasticity and scavenge free-radicals, and Seaweed extract to help firm and minimise the appearance of fine lines. Silicone shields vulnerable skin, acting as a protective barrier. It also makes for a great make-up prep prior to concealer application. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

What I Think: I love the silicone texture! It goes on smooth and helps to fill-in and “blur” the fine lines making it a beautiful primer to apply before make-up. It is definitely pricey, but it does contain a host of powerful Vitamins that are proven to give great results.

How To Use: With your ring finger apply a small amount around the eyes focusing on areas of visible ageing, day and night. I really do use a tiny amount and it is more than enough!

How Much: R740.00 15ml

THREE TIMES A WEEK: MASQUE AND SERUM

MultiVitamin Power Serum

In Three Words: Smooth, Powerful, Anti-ageing

What The Product Says It Does: For mature or prematurely ageing skin. Vitamins A, C and E penetrates deep into the skin for increased recovery and defense against skin ageing. These vitamins penetrate deep into the skin and help decrease fine lines and age spots (hyperpigmentation), while stimulating collagen formation to help decrease sun-induced ageing. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours

What I Think: A tiny powerful tube of Vitamins and Peptides that actively fight ageing and skin damage. The ingredients in this product speaks for itself. I have really been enjoying this serum. It has a delicate smell and leaves my skin feeling like velvet. Due to it’s price and how small it is, I am delighted that a tiny amount spreads all over the face and neck. I haven’t noticed a difference in my skin, but I believe that these kinds of products take time and do alot behind-the-scenes to achieve long term anti-ageing. Part of my “boosters” added to my basic skincare regime.

How To Use: Smooth over cleansed face and neck after toning before moisturizing. Can be used daily. I alternate this serum 3 times a week along with one of the exfoliators I use.

How Much: R990.00 for 22ml

MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque

In Three Words: Active, Rich, Healing

What The Product Says It Does: This is the product to help rescue stressed, ageing skin. It contains a powerful combination of Vitamins A, C, E and F that helps skin recover from damage that leads to skin ageing, while enhancing barrier properties. Vit A- Retinol to increase elasticity and moisture. Vit C & E- Antioxidants shield the skin from Free-radicals. Algae Extract- Moisturize and soften skin. Pro-Vitamin B5- Nourish damaged skin. Botanical extracts- to calm, soothe and help decrease sensitivity. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

What I Think: I find that Dermalogica’s products are all very active, which is a very good thing, but it can take a bit of time for your skin to get used to. This Masque I found especially active. It reminded me of when you go for a VitB injection, you almost instantly feel energized and stronger. I started using it once a week and then as I felt my skin adapt to the active ingredients I increased it to twice a week. It is an ultimate remedy for dulling, dry, dehydrated, lackluster, photo-damaged skin and skin ageing.

How To Use: Apply a generous amount to a cleansed face and neck area, avoiding the eye area. Leave for 10-15mins, then rinse off with lukewarm water. I like using face sponges to gently wash it off. Recommended to be used once a week. I alternate it twice a week with one of my exfoliators.

How Much: R690.00 for 75ml

I recommend checking out my article on The Best Skincare For Ageing to understand what the essential ingredients for ageing are.

Ageing, Dermalogica, Exfoliator, Facewash, Masks, Serum, Skincare

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