Woo Hoo, YAY, Yeah boi!!! <:-P
I’m excited coz this is finally the last, concluding post of a
concession, focused around the topic Serious Skin
Care , which basically outlines each and every product I use in my
daily/weekly skin care routine. The
subject now wrapping up this saga is Mechanical
Exfoliants, products that I only utilise
myself on an ‘Occasional' basis. :-/ Why only sometimes, you may wonder? Personally, I don’t deem it as being essential
for my individual routine, however, this step IS very important to many other skin care enthusiasts. It was actually an act I had always implicated
into my normal skin care routine, throughout my adult years, that was until a
few years ago, when my therapist advised me it was probably not in the best
interest of my skin to continue with it. :-O
I enjoyed exfoliating my skin with a manual scrub, often infused
with some form of small, slightly rough particles or granules that would
physically slough dead skin cells from the surface of my skin to reveal the new
layer of skin underneath. I was obviously
naive or something, because I had the impression that to achieve a bright,
clear complexion then implementing a skin-polishing product was vital. :-/ I also admit, at times, I was a bit too eager
when it came to scrubbing my skin, later discovering that over-exfoliating
strips away layers of healthy cells and reduces the skin's natural
defences. Once I was more aware of my sensitive
skin issues, I continued using Mechanical
Exfoliants in moderation, just once a week to reap the benefits of better skin
rejuvenation, exposing a fresh, healthy, new complexion, assuring myself I
wouldn’t be upsetting my delicate skin. But,
I soon I was to learn that I still had it all wrong, d’oh! #-o
When I went for my first professional skin analysis, the
first thing my therapist asked was if I was a ‘Scrubber’, as she immediately noticed the tell tale signs, which
reflected with the raw, flushed appearance of my skin. :-O After
‘fessing up’ she introduced me to the
advantages of Chemical Exfoliants that typified ingredients such as
glycolic, lactic, citric, or salicylic acid to deeply penetrate the skin,
assisting cell turnover and renewal, which would ideally be less traumatic for
my fragile skin. :-< At first, I was shattered! =(( The Mechanical
Exfoliants I was using of late, while quite expensive, they were indeed
results orientated, so I didn’t particularly want to part with them just yet. Nevertheless, after some deliberating my
therapist said, if I really wanted to use them ‘Occasionally’ I could do so with, but with extreme caution! :-S
She went on to explain that if I carefully
applied the scrubs, focusing on the outer facial regions that are a bit tougher/thicker
than the weaker/thinner, more delicate areas around my nose and inner cheeks,
then it shouldn’t harm or exasperate my sensitive skin. #:-S
I learnt a lot about my skin that day and ever since, I have
avoided scrubbing the life out of my skin, instead opting for skin care products
infused with chemical exfoliating ingredients.
These ingredients are solely incorporated into my basic skin care steps,
for example Cleansing,
where my glycolic-based cleanser has become a firm favourite and hence now
voids the need for a separate exfoliating product. The same two Mechanical Exfoliants that I had grown so partially fond of all
those years ago are still lurking in my beauty kit today, but will remain as ‘Occassional’ staples, LOL! :)) While
they are Mechanical Exfoliants, they
fortunately boast urber gentle formulations with soft particles that don’t
scratch my skins surface and the added benefit of AHA’s, deliver the best of
both worlds to my skin. \:D/ Both products are exceptionally comfortable to
use, but I ultimately LOVE :x the
accelerated desired results of a super smooth, supple texture, restored lustre and
the ability to achieve a vibrant, youthful-looking complexion. :)
Here are my
favourites:
Microfoliant Powder form |
If you have heard of Dermalogica
then you have undoubtedly heard about this Exfoliant. This beauty product has attained a ‘cult’ status and it still consistently
wins legions of skin care awards worldwide on a yearly basis. =D> It’s easy to understand why it’s so damn popular,
nobody needs a degree to notice the instantly visible results and flawless
complexion staring back at you when you peer in the mirror straight after
application. Featuring a
skin-brightening complex, this exclusive rice-based, enzyme Exfoliant,
enriched with a professional blend of skin-boosting plant extracts and
essential oils presents as a dry powder, activating as soon as it contacts
water. All I have to do is shake a
little powder straight onto my damp palms and begin rubbing both hands together
until it forms a ever so slightly frothy, paste-like consistency that I then go
about massaging into my skin, so it can gently eliminate dead skin cells, dirt
and impurities. After rinsing, the first
thing I notice is that my skin is immediately baby soft and silky smooth to
touch. :) My face isn’t left taut or dry, nor does it appear
red and irritated. #:-S This legendary Exfoliant prompts my skin to
absolutely glow. (Oh, it’s not a greasy, oil slick, disco ball-looking glow
either! :-/ ) This glow
is nothing bar pure fresh, clean, healthy radiance, which distinctly enlivens
my whole complexion. What else makes the
Dermalogica
Daily Microfoliant so highly acclaimed?
Well, I am inclined to say that because the powder-like texture is
completely non-abrasive with built-in soothing properties, so it won’t upset or
provoke vulnerable skin. This suggests
to me that it would be ideal for the most fragile skin conditions, or alternatively,
it’s optimal for frequent use, as the name suggests, on a daily basis, quite unlike
most other Exfoliants that need only be applied once to twice a week max. \:D/
I
mostly use this prior to getting myself all ‘dolled-up’ as I can be
quietly confident knowing my skin will remarkably de-congest upon application,
which for me means less pesky pimples or blackheads, as well as the security
that it always preserves minimal or at
least, a more balanced pH level as well (YAY, no greasy shine!! <:-P ). So why else do I primarily prefer this Exfoliant
ahead of special occasions? It’s simple
really, because my skin is automatically transformed into a perfectly smooth
canvas, ready for makeup application without a hitch and a guaranteed
longer-lasting, luminous finish. This is one skin care superstar that needs no
recommendations; earning all rights to its award-winning, reputable stature.
(*)
Microfoliant paste-like when damp |
Microfoliant frothy with extra water |
This is my personal 'jewel' of the Dermalogica range. B-) This is the Exfoliant that I have
personally used the longest, even though it has me straying from my urge to normally
resist Mechanical Exfoliants, when it comes to one that I am extremely partial to, I just make an exception. ;) The
results speak for themselves and by totally revitalising my lacklustre skin so convincingly;
I couldn’t give it up even if I wanted to, LOL!
:)) What
also appeals is over time it can actually repair years of skin damage, while
the instant deep-pore cleanse it provides leaves my complexion so soft, smooth
and adequately hydrated the minute I wash it off. The grains are of a fine texture
to effortlessly slough away dead, dulling skin cells, but yet oh so gentle so it
doesn’t aggravate my sensitive skin. It’s
potent enough to eliminate impurities and maintain a more balanced pH, therefore
I notice after having used this Exfoliant, any pimples are virtually
non-existent and my complexion is less prone to developing the unsightly, greasy
film that tends to creep up on my oily skin during the day. (Also known as midday shine! :-S ).
The thickly formulated scrub is unlike anything else I have ever tried,
featuring thermal technology that magically warms up upon contact to allow the dynamic
ingredients to better penetrate the skin.
Speaking of ingredients, this Exfoliant is an anti-ageing revelation, packed
full of complex actives, antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes in a botanical
concentrate, which helps to slow down and reverse the premature ageing
process. It sounds good doesn’t it? Well
I can assure you, it’s not only good, it’s phenomenal. =D> The
Dermalogica
AGE Smart MultiVitamin Thermafoliant is pure luxury in a tube, boasting the
aromatic Dermalogica signature scent,
coalesced with the unique warming action, it encourages relaxation by arousing the senses and evoking tranquillity, for complete
and utter bliss. Oh, I didn’t mention
the noticeably healthy, all-over glow that is induced on my complexion
immediately after applying this scrub, see what more could you want in an Exfoliant?
This one has it all and I can’t rave enough about how much I LOVE it. :x
Thermafoliant water added |
Thermafoliant |
Without any doubt, exfoliating, regardless if you prefer the Mechanical or Chemical variety, is paramount to anyone who is serious about
winning the war against the visible signs of prematurely aged skin. Boosting circulation, stimulating the natural
cell turnover process, accelerating collagen production, evening and
brightening the skin tone, smoothing it’s texture, minimising fine lines,
targeting pigmentation and balancing pH levels are all feats that you can
achieve from efoliating regularly to reverse and protect against the skins
ageing process. It’s not a miracle as it
takes lots of dedication and plenty of patience, however it’s not impossible
and I don’t know about you but if there is even just a glimmer of hope that I
can maintain the fountain of youth for a bit longer, hehe! ;)) Then call me vain, [-X LOL!
:)) but, I plan to embrace the
opportunity and whatever help is on hand to tackle the symptoms head on and fight
for victory. b-( Do you use an Exfoliant to help battle skin
ageing or maybe for refining, polishing or clarifying your complexion to
invigorate dull, lack lustre skin? Are
you a ‘Scrubber’ who uses Mechanical Exfoliants or do you
normally select the Chemical style, or maybe even a dual formula featuring a
combination of both? Share your
favourite or tell us about an Exfoliant that has influenced you somehow? :)
There are three generic images in this blog, the
two product images and the Dermalogica banner, however the photo's of
the formulations are my own.
I do enjoy an exfoliator as my skin is prone to blocked pores and I get that icky oil film. My fav is the Alpha-H microcleanse, recommended by a beautician and that has been one I have always repurchased. I am enticed by the Thermafoliant now though :) hehehe
ReplyDeleteIf my face has no rashes, I exfoliate twice weekly with a granular scrub that also contains aha. If I'm getting breakouts, I find that the more I exfoliate, the less severe the breakouts will be, and they tend to dissapear quickly. Lately, with the awful eczema rashes all over my face I've had to give that up, but I still cheat because I can't stand not exfoliating! I use the microfoliant every second day, which unbelievably does not irritate the rash. The other exfoliater sounds awesome though! Definately must look into that one once my fast clears... I can't give up my "abrasive" scrubs :) Excellent post!
ReplyDelete@Dimitra Yes Alpha-H make awesome chemical exfoliants, the Microcleanse is fantastic :) Definitely try the Thermafoliant, positive you will love it too xxx ooo
ReplyDelete@Rin
ReplyDeleteNaw I feel for you, eczema would pose as a real obstacle, but glad you can confirm that the Microfoliant doesn't exacerbate the flare-ups, so hopefully that will give others with fragile skin the confidence in knowing it's safe for them to try too :) I am certain that if you love facial scrubs you will love the Thermafoliant too, it has never aggravated my sensitive skin so pretty sure it will be a winner for you too :) Thanks heaps for your comment :)