Winter Skin

We are fast approaching winter and already the weather has turned much colder, especially in the mornings and evenings. I'm sure most of you have switched on your central heating which over a period of time will start to have quite a dramatic effect on our skin. Your skin will probably start to feel tighter, dryer and may even develop dry, flaky patches. Your lips may also start to crack and become quite sore. If you are suffering from any of these problems I would suggest some adjustments to your daily skin care routine.

If you are happy with your Dermalogica Moisturiser instead of changing to a richer one you could try using the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster. You can use this twice a day before applying your moisturiser by dispensing approximately 7-10 drops into one hand, massaging slightly between both hands and then pressing into your skin all over your face and neck. You can then apply your moisturiser over the top.

You could also introducing one of the Dermalogica Masques.

If your skin feels tighter than normal it is more dehydrated, so our Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque is perfect. It is a gel in consistency so feels wonderfully cooling and can be applied all over the face and neck and right around the eye area. Leave on for about 15 minutes and then remove by rinsing well with plenty of warm water.

If your skin is feeling very dry then our Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Masque is ideal. It has a lovely rich, creamy texture and can be used all over the face and neck and quite close beneath the eyes but not over the eyelid. Leave on for approx 15-20 minutes and then remove by rinsing well with plenty of warm water.

If your skin feels tight and dry and you are concerned with ageing our Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque is an excellent choice. You can use all over the face and neck and around the entire eye area. The longer the masque is left on the skin the better results you will see. You can even use this as an overnight treatment. It should be removed by thoroughly cleansing in the morning.

All of the above masks can be used once or twice a week.

At Home Skin Care Regime for Oily Skin Types

As part of our At Home Skin Care Regimes series, I have listed below some products that are suitable for Oily Skin Types. You don't have to use all of the products from the list but the minimum required would be a Cleanser and a Moisturiser.

1. Cleanser
A great cleanser to use for oily skin is the Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser because it contains a unique clay formula made up of kaolin and green clays designed to absorb excess oils. It also contains extracts of sambucus, ivy and lemon to purify and refine the skins texture. Cucumber and sage will also help to calm, soothe and heal any irritation while menthol will help to boost and revitalize the skin.

Dermal Clay Cleanser has a lovely thick and creamy consistency and when you use the product it is a good idea to wet your hands first. Pour a small amount, about the size of a 10 pence piece, into the palm of one hand and massage between both hands to warm the product, then apply to the face with small circular movements concentrating on the more oilier areas. Do this for about a minute then thoroughly rinse of with warm water.

You can also use Dermal Clay Cleanser as a masque once or twice a week by applying to the whole face and neck or just to your most oily areas, avoiding the eyes, then leave on for 5-10 minutes before removing with warm water.

Use each morning and evening.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser (500ml)
Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser (250ml)
Dermalogica Dermal Clay Cleanser (50ml)


2. Exfoliant
The most beneficial exfoliant for a oily skin is the Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub. This contains finely granulated corn cob meal to gently polish the surface of the skin. We call this type of exfoliant a mechanical exfoliant because of its granular texture. This product will remove any surface dead skin cells and impurities to allow any product applied afterwards to be absorbed more effectively. The skin will also be left with a bright and healthy glow, feeling smoother and more supple.

Apply about a 10 pence piece amount into the palm of one hand then add enough water to make a fairly runny consistency. Massage over the whole face and neck for approximately 1-2 minutes, taking care around the eyes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Use no more than twice a week as you can over stimulate the skin which can cause more oil production.

Use once or twice a week

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub (75ml)


3. Masque
Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque is most beneficial for oily skin. It contains kaolin and bentonite to absorb excess oil, and zinc oxide to remove impurities and refine the skins surface which will help to reduce breakouts. Soothing botanicals of mallow, arnica and cucumber will help to reduce any inflammation and purifying watercress, lemon and ivy revive dull skin.

It is more beneficial to exfoliate the skin prior to using Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque. Apply a smooth film over the entire face, or just on oily areas, avoiding the eyes, and leave for approximately 10 minutes or until the masque has set. Remove with warm water, rinsing thoroughly.

Use once or twice a week

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Skin Refining Masque (75ml)


4. Toner
After cleansing spritz over the skin with Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner to refresh, rehydrate and protect your skin. 3-4 pumps should be enough to cover the whole face and neck.

Use each morning and evening after cleansing.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (250ml)
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (50ml)


5. Moisturiser
Even though your skin is oily it is still very important to moisturise your skin, just ensure you use an oil free moisturiser. Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion is perfect for an oily skin type as it contains micro sponges to absorb and regulate oil production throughout the day, which will help to eliminate shine and give your skin a much welcome matte finish. This product contains one of Dermalogica's most effective ingredients - salycilic acid - which will clear congested follicles, helping to prevent future breakouts. Lots of soothing, calming, anti-inflammatory ingredients have also been used which really help to ease any red, sore or inflamed areas.

Use each morning and evening after cleansing.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion (59ml)


5. Targeted treatment
One of our most recently introduced products is Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier. This product is great to target oilier areas as its main benefit is to control oil and shine. Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier contains a host of ingredients to purify and minimise sebaceous activity, while salycilic acid clears congested follicles to prevent future breakout activity. A unique extract of cinnamon bark helps to reduce the onset of comedones while other ingredients soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. Clearing Mattifier has a lovely texture which melts effortlessly into the skin and should be applied after cleansing and toning just to oily areas, followed by your prescribed moisturiser.

Use each morning after cleansing.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Clearing Mattifier (40ml)

Changing Your Skincare Regime

Since the launch of Dermalogica Chroma White range of products, many of our customers have emailed us for advice on whether they should stop using the products they currently use and switch to the new range, either because they have uneven skin tone or pigmentation problems.

Looking after your skin can be very expensive, and with the multitude of skincare brands and products out there, it can also be very confusing. We strongly believe that if you are happy with the skincare regime you currently have, and the products perform as you would expect them to, that you do not change. That's not to say that as your skin changes that you shouldn't change some of your skincare products. You may want to address new concerns as they arise but the general advice would be: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!".

Getting back to the Chroma White products, if you want to address the skin tone or pigmentation problem, then we would recommend that you incorporate one of the targeted treatments to help deal with the problem such as Dermalogica C-12 Concentrate (30ml) or Dermalogica Extreme C (8g). These products should be patch tested first, using a sample of the product, and then incorporated into your daily routine one at a time. You should not change anything else at this point and then monitor your skin accordingly. If you receive any adverse reactions, or the changes you experience are undesirable, then you should discontinue use of the new product. By only incorporating one new product at a time you are able to identify those products which are beneficial and the products which are not, enabling you to make informed decisions in the future.

At Home Skin Care Regime for Normal to Dry Skin

As part of our At Home Skin Care Regimes series, I have listed below some products that are suitable for Normal to Dry Skin Types. You don't have to use all of the products from the list but the minimum required would be a Cleanser and a Moisturiser.

1. Cleanser
If you have a mildly dry, probably more dehydrated skin, a great easy to use cleanser is the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. Simply pour a 10 pence piece sized amount into the palm of one hand then mix with a small amount of water until a good lather is produced and then massage over the whole face and neck avoiding the eyes. Rinse off with warm water. If your skin is very dry or if you prefer not to use water on your skin, then the Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution is ideal for you. Pour a 10 pence piece amount into one hand mix product between your two hands and then massage over the whole face and neck. You can remove by rinsing off with water, damp cotton wool or you can even tissue off if you prefer. I always advise to cleanse twice with any product to make sure that your skin has been thoroughly cleansed especially at the end of the day when make-up has usually been worn.

Use each morning and evening.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (500ml)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (250ml)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (50ml)
Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution (500ml)
Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution (250ml)
Dermalogica Essential Cleansing Solution (50ml)


2. Exfoliant
Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant is perfect for dry skin but take care if your skin is sensitive. If you are unsure always try a sample first and do a patch test before using over the whole face. This product contains alpha and beta hydroxy acids which will give your skin a deeper exfoliation and these ingredients will also help to speed up skin cell renewal and turnover rates. This will mean your skin will look brighter, smoother and healthier. Any other products used on the skin afterwards will penetrate much easier and will therefore be more effective.Use like you would a masque taking care around the eyes and leave on for 10-15 minutes. You may feel some tingling or a slight stinging which is the hydroxy acids working through your skin. Remove by rinsing with water or wiping with damp cotton wool.

Use once or twice a week

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant (75ml)


3. Masque
If your skin is mildly dry/dehydrated Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque would be suitable for you. It has a refreshing oil free gel texture which will restore suppleness and reduce fine dehydration lines. It contains many soothing, calming and anti-inflammatory botanical extracts and a whole range of vitamins to nourish and replenish. This masque works really well around the eye area because of its texture and soothing qualities, and can be used specifically as an eye masque.

Use once or twice a week, probably in the evening after cleansing and/or exfoliating.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque (75ml)


4. Toner
I would recommend the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner for a normal skin type. You would use after cleansing by spritzing over the whole face and neck with 4-5 pumps. You may feel a slight tingle and it will feel wonderfully refreshing. Don't forget you can use the toner throughout the day over make-up if your skin feels tight, dehydrated or just to cool you down.

Use each morning and evening after cleansing.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (250ml)
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (50ml)


5. Booster
If you don't want to use a moisturiser that is too rich but still want your skin to be effectively nourished and hydrated then the Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster will do just that. This contains many concentrated ingredients, the main one being hyaluronic acid to intensively hydrate, smooth fine lines and restore the moisture balance of your skin. It has a serum like texture and 7-10 drops is enough for the whole face and neck. This can be used around the eye area.

Use each morning and evening after toning.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster (30ml)


6. Eye Cream
Dermalogica Total Eye Care is great to smooth and retexturise the delicate eye area helping to diminish fine, dry lines. It will also disguise any darkness as it contains optical light diffusing ingredients. Your eye area will also be protected from ultra violet light as it contains a chemical free SPF 15. Gently press around the eye area until evenly blended into the skin.

Use each morning after toning/booster.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15 (15ml)


7. Moisturiser
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream is one of our most popular moisturisers. It has a lovely medium weight texture that will maintain your skin's moisture balance while improving its texture. It will also help to smooth any fine lines and improve your skins elasticity. Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream contains a whole host of anti-oxidant vitamins to fight free radicals to help prevent skin ageing.

Use each morning and evening after applying the eye cream.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream (100ml)
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream (50ml)

At Home Skin Care Regime for All Skin Types

As part of our At Home Skin Care Regimes series, I have listed below some products that are suitable for All Skin Types. You don't have to use all of the products from the list but the minimum required would be a Cleanser and a Moisturiser.

1. Cleanser
A suitable cleanser for a normal skin type is the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. This is an easy to use cleanser which you mix with water to form a light foam. This foam should then be massaged all over face and neck for approximately one minute then rinsed with water until thoroughly removed.

Use each morning and evening.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (500ml)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (250ml)
Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel (50ml)


2. Exfoliant
One of Dermalogica's hero products is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. which has a unique powder texture. Wet your hands first, then pour about a ten pence piece sized amount into one hand and add a small amount of water and mix into a paste. The paste should then be massaged over the whole face and neck quite vigorously for approximately 1 minute, taking care around the eyes area. Rinse thoroughly with water. The most important thing with Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is to use it every day due it's cumulative effect - the more you use it the better the results will be.

Use each morning or evening after cleansing.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant (75g)


3. Masque
One of my favourite masques is the Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque (we call it an ambulance in a tube). It is brilliant for all skin types and it's so easy to use!! It has a lovely rich and creamy texture and can be used all over the face, neck and even around the entire eye area. Ideally use after exfoliating and leave on for as long as possible - the longer the better. You can even use as an overnight treatment by applying 1-2 hours before going to bed then simply leave on for the whole night (you might want to put an old pillowcase on as it may come off on your bedding but is easily washed off). Your skin will look and feel amazing in the morning so it's great for a special occasion. Simply apply it to all areas of the face and neck taking care around the eye area. Leave it on for as long as possible and then simply rinse with warm water.

Use once or twice a week, probably in the evening after cleansing and/or exfoliating.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Masque (75ml)


4. Toner
I would recommend the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner for a normal skin type. You would use after cleansing by spritzing over the whole face and neck with 4-5 pumps. You may feel a slight tingle and it will feel wonderfully refreshing. Don't forget you can use the toner throughout the day over make-up if your skin feels tight, dehydrated or just to cool you down.

Use each morning and evening after cleansing.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (250ml)
Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner (50ml)


5. Booster
A fantastic booster to use alongside your core skin care products would be Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster. Use morning and evening after the Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner. Dispense 8-10 drops into the palm of one hand then gently massage between both hands to warm the serum which will activate the ingredients. Then press into the skin all over face and neck taking care around the eyes.

Use each morning and evening after toning.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster (30ml)


6. Eye Cream
It is very important to use a separate eye product and the one I would recommend for all skin types is the Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15. Apply just in the morning after Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster just underneath the eye and around to the side of the eye ears to help with any crow's feet.

Use each morning after toning/booster.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15 (15ml)


7. Moisturiser
A great moisturiser for all skin type is Dermalogica Active Moist which has a lovely light weight texture, absorbs very quickly and is perfect to use under make-up. Massage a five pence piece sized amount all over your face and neck.

Use each morning and evening after applying the eye cream.

Available Sizes:
Dermalogica Active Moist (100ml)
Dermalogica Active Moist (50ml)

What is a good Skin Care Regime?

It is very important to ensure that you have a good Skin Care Regime at home. This can involve many different types of products and can take a good deal of time to do. The benefits though are innumerable and can help keep your skin in the best possible condition. A full Skincare Regime would be the ideal but elements can be chosen to create your own At Home Skincare Regime.

1. Cleanser
Cleansing is the critical first step in a successful Skincare Regime. Thorough cleansing removes impurities, make-up, bacteria that cause breakouts and excess sebum (oil produced by the skin). It prepares the skin for the products that follow and allows the next steps in the regime to work to the best of their ability.

The Cleanser should be used morning and evening.


2. Exfoliant
Exfoliating enables your skin to function at it's best and I would encourage exfoliation as part of your weekly routine. A suitable exfoliant will remove dead surface skin cells, stimulate skin cell turnover (therefore brightening and smoothing the skin), soften impacted comedones (blackheads) as well as evening out and lightening pigmentation and skin tone. There are two types of exfoliant:-

1. Physical (granular in texture) - this will work on the surface layers of the skin.
2. Chemical (smooth texture) - this will work through to the deeper layers of the skin giving a more intense and sophisticated result.
   

Any product used after exfoliation will work more efficiently and effectively.

The Exfoliant should be used morning or evening daily/2 to 3 times weekly dependant upon the product.


3. Masque
A masque is designed to benefit certain skin problems or to generally improve the skin as a whole. A masque will either deep cleanse, purify, refine, nourish, hydrate, stimulate or prevent ageing or produce a combination of these benefits. After using a masque you should notice a substantial difference in the look and feel of your skin and this should continue over several days.

The Masque should be used at least once a week but will depend upon your skin type and the product you are using.


4. Toner
Toners are designed to be spritzed directly onto the skin and they are designed to refresh, rebalance the skin's PH level after cleansing, rehydrate and form a protective layer over the skin. You will tone either after cleansing, exfoliating or applying a masque. Our toners can also be used throughout the day, even over make-up, to refresh and rehydrate and are extremely beneficial on a long haul flight to keep skin well hydrated and protected.

The Toner should be should be used morning and evening.


5. Booster
Boosters, or Serums, are designed to allow quick and efficient penetration of the product into the skin. The ingredients are very potent and some are highly active to give immediate results. The booster is designed to give your skin vital ingredients which cannot be used in our moisturisers to give such dramatic results.

The Booster can be used morning and evening before moisturising. Most boosters are beneficial around the eyes so, if suitable, apply before eye cream.


6. Eye Cream
It is really important to always use a specific eye cream as the skin around your eyes is very delicate and must be treated separately. If you use your normal moisturiser around the eye area over along period of time you can severely damage the delicate skin. There are several different products you can choose from to benefit this area depending on the concern. The product should always be applied with the ring finger from the inner eye working outwards (to drain the toxins which cause puffiness, dark circles and such concerns to the nearest lymph node behind the ear). Try to gently press rather than rub.

The Eye Cream should be used morning and evening after the Booster but before the Moisturiser.


7. Moisturiser
Everyone, whatever your skin type, must always moisturise. If you have a dry or dehydrated skin this will nourish, hydrate and protect the skin, whilst if you have a more oily or problematic skin it will rebalance and control the sebum production and reduce inflammation. Certain moisturisers are also age preventative.

The Moisturiser should be used morning and evening.