How Skinceuticals Changed my Skin
For the longest time, I’ve been on the quest for perfect skin. I’ve tried countless creams, serums, exfoliators, masks and endless combinations.
I feel like I have finally cracked the skin code when it comes to what my skin truly needs.
I used to feel product overwhelm by the amount of products that ‘they’ say you need so I really appreciated an honest conversation that I had with Dr Xen Ludick from Skin Renewal. He advised a certain regime, which I’ll get to below, and I couldn’t be more happy ecstatic.
You know that feeling when you KNOW you should be doing something but aren’t? At the time, I was experiencing major guilt because even though I’m fair skinned and had been meaning to use sunscreen, I wasn’t using any!
Back to the conversation with Dr Ludick. He recommended these products in this order:
1. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic
We have to protect our skins from more than just the sun. Our skins are made up of molecules. Molecules are made of atoms and atoms are made of pairs of electrons. Free radicals are unstable and consist of unpaired electrons. They damage the skin by trying to grab an extra electron from atoms in the skin. When atoms are taken away from molecules in the skin, it causes damage to our skin’s DNA that can speed up skin ageing. Antioxidants, such as beta carotene and vitamins C and E, help to clean up and neutralize free radicals
C E Ferulic contains a synergistic antioxidant combination of pure vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals. It helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation and ozone pollution, which may lead to visible signs of accelerated skin ageing. In addition C E Ferulic improves signs of ageing and photodamage, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and the loss of firmness, while brightening skin’s complexion. Once absorbed, this vitamin C serum remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours. Paraben-free and ideal for normal, dry, and sensitive skin types.
I use C E Ferulic after I use this amazing toner and after patting some essence onto my face. I drop 4 drops into the palm of my hand and apply it to my skin. It’s a brown liquid that reminds me of coffee (but it doesn’t contain caffeine). It’s a little sticky so I wait 2 minutes before I move on. Once I’ve applied it to my skin, I know that my face is protected from free radical damage and I happily move on to step 2. R2 120 for 30ml.
2. Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Gel
Hyaluronic acid is consistently cited by beauty gurus and dermatologists alike as a skincare essential. My skin is dehydrated, and Dr Ludick pointed out that whilst my skin is dry, it needs moisture from water and not from oil. Hyaluronic acid works to keep every aspect of skin stable, safeguarded, and constantly renewed. It also has the amazing ability to attract and hold vast amounts of moisture for skin. Bingo! (While I agree with Dr Ludick, and have seen the proof, I still love facial oil, and sometimes I apply some after the B5 at night).
“Enriched with vitamin B5, Hydrating B5 Gel replenishes nutrients skin needs to feel smooth and appear younger. This oil free moisturiser gel contains hyaluronic acid, the body’s natural hydrator, to help bind moisture to the skin. Hydrating B5 Gel complements a daily moisturiser to provide extra hydration or can be used alone as an oil free moisturiser, an ideal moisturiser for acne prone skin.“
This power house leaves my skin feeling so soft and and smooth. It can be worn alone or underneath any moisturiser to boost its benefits and provides optimal hydration without clogging my pores. Even though I have dry skin, and it moisturises my skin so well, it’s ideal for all skin types as it’s oil free. It’s recommended for use with vitamin C skincare products, so makes complete sense to use it after the C E Ferulic. I love this Hydrating B5 Gel – it glides on and feels like I’m applying water directly to my face. It gives my skin the moisture that it needs, and with continued use, my skin has become less dry and more radiant. R1 258 for 30ml.
3. Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense Sunscreen
Sun protection is another thing dermatologists swear by. Did you know that 37% of adult sun damage isn’t from the sun. It’s caused by radiation from computer screens and hairdryers and indoor lighting. Eeeek!
“Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 is a weightless fluid with 100% physical filters that effectively provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is water resistant up to 40 minutes. This high protection zinc oxide sunscreen contains artemia salina, a plankton extract that increases skin’s resistance to UV- and heat-induced stress, and translucent color spheres that adapt to every skin tone for an even tone, radiant finish.“
There are two things I dislike about some sunscreens. One is the white cast that makes me look ghostly and two is the added oil that I don’t want because it tends to ruin my makeup. This tinted sunscreen magically adapts to the colour of my skin and dries to a lovely velvety matte finish without feeling overly drying. it’s basically a BB cream and sunscreen all in one. Who doesn’t love a multitasking product? It’s fragrance-free, wears well under makeup and the liquid formulation makes it super easy to apply. It instantly adds a shot of luminosity to my skin and never looks oily. It gives me complete physical resistance to UV and heat induced stress (computer screens, how do you like me now?). It’s paraben-free and is ideal for even the most sensitive skin. R535 for 50ml.
4. Skinceuticals Retinol 0.3
Besides Hyaluronic Acid, dermatologists can’t get enough of retinoids. Retinoids work to speed up cell turnover by shedding skin quicker. Retinoids also minimize inflammation, keep your genes from mutating and stimulate collagen production.
“SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.3 is highly concentrated night cream that helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation and acne. It helps to build collagen, minimises pore size, even skin tone, reduce blemishes that are associated with problematic skin. Suitable for all skin types except sensitive, red, rosacea-prone skins and people suffering from eczema or psoriasis.”
I love how smooth and refined my skin looks after a few days of using this retinol. Skinceuticals’ retinol is seriously the best I’ve ever used, and if you’re new to retinol, this low dosage will be perfect for you. This is a fragrance-free cream that I use weekly and sometimes twice weekly. Remember that it increases sun sensitivity so only use it at night and then be sure to apply sunscreen the next day. R1 188 for 30ml.
5. Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Masque
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Sometimes my skin will get a bit upset and will be red or a bit dry in certain places. While my regular products usually work wonders for my skin, reactive skin doesn’t like skincare products with active ingredients as they can further irritate.
“Phyto Corrective Masque contains highly-concentrated botanical extracts, a calming dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid to intensively soothe and replenish temporary skin reactivity. This intensive calming facial mask cools on contact, comforts skin sensitivity, and restores natural radiance and smoothness. Phyto Corrective Masque has been clinically tested post-procedure to effectively reduce visual redness and discomfort.”
I use this gorgeous botanical treatment masque to soothe my skin after my Dermapen treatments, when my skin looks a bit harassed or as a weekly leave-on overnight hydrating treatment. When I wake up my skin is glowing! A little goes a long way – I literally need an amount no bigger than a size of a pea. This product is perfect to care for, soothe and hydrate my skin when it’s going through something. Read more about this wonder masque here. R995 for 60ml.
Overall I am so happy and so impressed and, at the lack of sounding superficial, in love with my Skinceuticals products and at peace with my skin regime. I have no desire to switch to something else and adore the simplicity of it all. I love how every product works so synergistcally with the next. My skin has never looked better, and I’m completely confident that I’m giving it everything it needs.
If you’re looking for a brilliant skincare routine, why not try Skinceuticals? If you’re unsure about what products to choose, pop past a Skin Renewal branch and ask them for advice. If you’re worried about dropping a lot of cash, add a product one step at a time. Remember, a little goes a long way and these products contain quality ingredients. I think they’re worth it.
Available online here and here. Find your nearest available retail stockist here.