Louboutins & Lemonade

Since I’ve been in my 20’s I’ve been quite lucky to have quite clear skin; no blemishes or breakouts. But my skin has never been glowing. It’s been sensitive, dull and is dry in places. In one of my previous posts I wrote about going to my local beauty salon and having a Dermalogica skin map and a skin care programme mapped out for me. Since then, which was about six months ago, I’ve been using it religiously and the results have been amazing so I wanted to share with you which products I’m using and how they work.

Step 1: Ultraclaming cleanser

Description on bottle: This pH-balanced, non-foaming cleanser helps to calm and cool the redness and heat associated with reactive, sensitised or over processed skin. Delicately fortifies skin’s protective barrier without leaving an irritating residue, and easily rinses away or wipes, making it ideal for sensitive skin. Formulated without artificial fragrances and colours.

I use this cleanser twice a day; morning and evening. It has a lovely silky feeling and doesn’t feel harsh or leave the face feeling tight. A couple of days after using it, I felt my skin felt instantly smoother and brighter. I purchased the 500ml bottle and six months later I’ve not even used half.

Step 2: Daily microfoliant

Description on bottle: Gentle, daily use exfoliating powder for all skin conditions. 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. Our unique 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, Gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

Having sensitive skin it’s important that anything I put on my face isn’t to harsh. The Dermalogica microfoliant is perfect for this as the rice-based powder is a lot kinder to skin than other exfoliators on the market that use microbeads and sugar for example. Upon contact with water the powder forms a creamy paste that gently clears the skin of dead skin cells. When exfoliating in the past, my skin used to be red, but the microfoliant leaves it smooth. Even though it’s suitable to be used daily, I use it every other day to keep dead skin away!

Step 3: Ultracalming mist

Description on bottle: A soothing hydrating mist that quickly relieves sensitivity while helping to calm redness, stinging and aggravated skin. Our exclusive Ultracalming complex contains oat and botanical actives that interrupt inflammatory triggers that lead to sensitisation, while helping to minimise discomfort, burning and itching. Soothing aloe helps calm while correcting the moisture level imbalance that can provoke sensitised skin.

The ultra calming mist can be used alone, before applying make up and whilst wearing make up. I tend to use it after I’ve exfoliated in the evening as a moisturiser. It feels extremely refreshing and leaves the skin feeling smooth, just as if you’re wearing a lightweight moisturiser. As with all other products, the mist has lasted a long time. I’ve got the 50ml bottle, and I’ve used about 3/4.

Step 4: Ultracalming serum concentrate

Description on bottle: The antidote for skin sensitivity: a super-concentrated serum that helps calm, restore and defend sensitised skin. Our exclusive Ultracalming complex contains oat and botanical actives that work below the surface to interrupt inflammatory triggers that lead to sensitisation, while helping to minimise discomfort, burning and itching. Peptides help build skin’s tolerance, helping to ease the discomfort of stressed reactive skin. Formulated with oil of Evening Primrose, sunflower seed and avocado extracts to help restore the natural lipid barrier layer of skin and defend against future assaults.

I really love using this serum on dry patches that appear in the evening or in the morning just before I put my make-up on. It’s quick to sink into the skin and doesn’t leave a sticky residue on the skins surface and more importantly the dryness goes away instantly!

Final step, 5: Ultracalming barrier repair

Description on the bottle: Formulated to the most reactive skins, this unique anhydrous (waterless) moisturiser melts gently into skin to help shield against environmental and internal triggers that cause skin stress. Our exclusive ultra calming complex contains oat and botanical actives that work below the surface to interrupt inflammatory triggers that lead to sensitisation, while helping to minimise discomfort, burning at itching. Oil of evening Primrose, Borage Seed Oil and silicones help to fortify skin’s protective barrier to help restore healthy function.

I absolutely love this moisturiser! The silky texture is perfect for my skin, making it look flawless under make up and on its own. Because it’s waterless it feels very matte and without make up gives a matte finish. I am someone who does like the dewy look, especially in spring, so I just make sure the foundation I’m using creates that effect.

Overall I love the Dermalogica range and everyone else who I know uses it really love it as well. I think if you’re struggling to find a skin care range or regime that works for them, I would recommend visiting your nearest stockist and skin bar for a consultation.