Monday, January 18, 2010

My Favorites



There is great debate today about organic skin care products. I must admit that for a while I was truly convinced that I should only use organic products. However, I don’t believe there’s enough evidence to truly prove the effects are that different. Of course it’s probably better for you to use pure ingredients, but are a few additives truly going to kill you; especially if they’re beneficial to your beauty? Most vitamins that we take daily are not in the purest form, most prescriptions given from doctors are not pure, and most food we consume has a slight trace of something funky. I think it would be extremely difficult to live your entire life only using and purchasing organic products. But back to my point…I feel if the product works well and contains a small percentage of additives: use it!
Dermalogica has been my product of choice for numerous years now. For the most part the line does not contain any unnecessary ingredients such as: lanolins, mineral oil or artificial fragrances. That’s enough for me. I truly believe that the use of their products continue to balance and repair your skin. Most products sedate the action of the skin. Once you stop using the product, your skin will return to its original state.
Continuous education is what Dermalogica strives on. The Dermal Institute is constantly improving their products and discovering an effective personalized system. Not every product works for every person. That’s why Dermalogica has so many varieties of moisturizers, exfoliants, cleansers, and masques. Here are a few (to say the least) of my favorite Dermalogica products I would recommend to people with normal or combination skin:

Special Cleansing Gel- This product does not disturb your natural acid mantle. The cleanser detoxifies your skin from all waste, which is generally the purpose of cleansing. It is a foaming cleanser with Quillaja Saponaria and Lavender. Also it brings a cooling action from a Balm Mint base.
Essential Cleansing Solution- This is a great cleanser for dry to ultra-dry skin - even if it’s only used occasionally during dry weather. It’s formulated with a Citrus Flower Extract base and also utilizes soothing Safflower Oil. The cleanser nourishes the skin and effectively removes all makeup and debris.
Skin Prep Scrub- This product is beneficial for those who prefer a deeper exfoliant. Although people with sensitive skin can use this product a few times a week; it is not recommended to those who use prescribed exfoliants; such as Retin A or Accutane. The ingredients consist of Corn Cob Meal, soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin C. You can use it before cleansing or add it to your cleanser.
Daily Microfoliant- The same rule applies to those who use Retin A or Accutane. However, being a using of Retin A, I find that it does not irritate the skin when used 2-3 times a week. This exfoliant contains a unique rice powder formula, leaving the skin brighter and smoother. * It does contain Salycilic Acid for those who may have sensitivity. This product truly leaves your skin glowing!
Active Moist- Mainly used for normal to oily skin. I find that it’s more effective during the day if that’s the time you produce excess oil. This is an oil free moisturize containing Silk proteins, Burdock, Cucumber, and Sage.
Intensive Moisture Balance- Mainly for dry to ultra-dry skin. This moisturizer will repair your skin overnight! I swear by it – especially when my skin is feeling dehydrated. It contains ultra rich phytinutrients and Vitamin C to improve collagen synthesis.