Call it lucky genes or drinking more than enough water on a daily basis, but I have been blessed with good skin – which made me skincare lazy. I have to admit that I have never been very good at taking care of my skin. But I do realized that as I age, I need to step it up to maintain what I have been given. Further, the back and fourth from the humid south to the dry cold winters of Toronto, takes a toll on my skin. Enter my recent trip to the Dermalogica Chalet.
The Chalet was the perfect opportunity for me to learn more about my skin, proper skincare, via the experts at Dermalogica. I sat down with one of the consultants for skin mapping and a ProSkin 30 minute. What did I learn? Mostly, that some of my skin product choices might be doing more damage to my skin than help. For instance – the scrub I am using to deal with some dry winter skin may actually be exasperating the issue. Sure it scrubs off the dry skin but dries out my skin as well due to the ingredients. And guess what? Ever since I switched over my skin has been better… a little expert knowledge can go a long way.
So what have I tried out? I have been using a slew of new Dermalogica products including some key products from their new UltraCalming™ line. The line is perfect for my sensitive skin.
The Barrier Defense Booster (30mL), $101 CDN, soothes and nourishes to restore balance to sensitive skin. Triple Defense Complex nourishes the skin, relieves dryness and reinforces barrier integrity against future irritation. Squalane locks in moisture while soothing Oat Oil helps combat sensitivity and support healthy-looking skin. Use prior to, or mix with, your moisturizer for UltraCalming™ benefits. I apply this booster to key parts of my face that feel the most dry. I simply dispense 6-10 drops into palm and rub hands together. Pat gently over my shin, forehead and other dry zones.
Calm Water Gel (50 mL), $65 CDN hydrates as well as forms a weightless barrier to protect skin from environmental assault. Dual Hyaluronic Acid technology works in different skin surface layers to increase and lock in moisture. Apple Fruit Extract and Glycerin hydrate and soften while defending skin against dryness. Cactus Pear Extract helps soothe sensitivity and imparts water-binding properties to help support healthy moisture balance. It is a great daily moisturizer during the winter months. What I love most about it, that although it is lightweight and watery, it really moisturizes like a heavy weight moisturizer. And without the heaviness i often feel from thicker moisturizers. Love!
And I swapped my current scrub for the brand’s Daily Microfoliant, $80 CDN. This works great as a gentle, daily exfoliant for all skin conditions. It is a powder. The unique Rice-based powder formula activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. The Skin Brightening Complex helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation while a super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal helps to calm the skin, leaving it extraordinarily clear and refreshed. You simply dispense about a half-teaspoon into very wet hands and create a creamy paste by rubbing hands together. Apply to face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Massage gently for one minute, then rinse thoroughly. It cleans and exfoliates without stripping your skin. My new favourite.