Choosing skincare to target specific concerns is not as easy as you would think. While results should be very similar for each client, a lot of the time, choosing skincare comes down to personal choice. For example, I just love the feel of SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic, whereas our Dermal Therapist Zoe, doesn’t like the oily texture. I also love nothing more than a relaxing facial, whereas it makes Julie feel suffocated!
In this week’s review, we look at our own skin, how we feel about it and what we use to target our concerns.
Meg’s Review
“How I feel about my skin is complicated, because I know I have good skin, but I also know that since menopause I have aged significantly. My skin, which was once tighter around my jawline, is now droopy and saggy. It can be very confronting – especially when you catch a glimpse of yourself from side on – not the most flattering angle! But I am really trying to love myself and not get too hung up on it, and work on what I can control, and that is the tone and texture of my skin.
Ideally, I would like to work on my pigmentation in a more concentrated way – perhaps with some pigmentation treatments, such as Cosmelan – but given that I live in the tropics, I have to also manage my expectations, and even though I wear SPF every day, pigmentation is just going to be a part of my life, as I spend most of my time outside.
So for me, I like to use the most powerful antioxidant serums available, vitamins B, C and A, as well as a targeted pigmentation serum. I mix my brands up, and this is what I use and I’m really pleased with the results:
- I mix my cleansers up regularly, depending on what the girls in the clinic send me. I am currently using Zo Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser and I’m really happy with this one. When you’re treating pigmentation, it is important to use an effective cleanser as you shift the pigment to the top, and it needs to be exfoliated away. I also keep coming back to Cosmedix Elite Rx Clean – this would have to be a front runner for me.
- Aspect Dr Multi B Plus is one of the best B serums available due to its Niacinamide concentrate. This not only regulates pigmentation, it also brightens the skin and supercharges all your other serums. I can say that by adding this into your routine, you will notice a clearer, brighter, glowier complexion.
- Vitamin C is a skincare staple. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C fights sun damage. I move between many – but I love SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic for the feel but it really is Osmosis Catalyst DNA Repair that has shifted the most pigment. I also use Zo Skin Health Daily Power Defence as another antioxidant.
- PCA Skin Pro Pigment Gel is a serum that I have recently added after I ran out of my Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Plus, and I must say, this pigment gel is awesome. It feels good and it works! I am really blown away by the results.
- My Vitamin A of choice is always Osmosis Calm as I like that it’s gentle on my skin. Zoe has been begging me to try out the Zo Skin Health Retinol Skin Brightener, so that will be my next one.
- We Are Feel Good Good Morning SPR 50+ is my SPF of choice and I use it over the top of my daily moisturiser, although this can also be used as a moisturiser.
Pigmentation can be treated amazingly well with the correct products, and you will be surprised with the results with even a couple of these items.”
Love Meg xox
Julie’s Review
“Our own skin? What we need/use and why? WELL I need/use it all!!
My skin would be classed as ageing (volume loss, sagging, fine lines blah blah) and with pigmentation, plus some broken capillaries for that extra flair. I’m basically a living, breathing skincare guinea pig, which is why my bathroom looks like a skincare emporium exploded. Products from every brand we carry are crammed into every corner, and I’m always thinking “ooh my skin looks good today, or yuk, something didn’t work. Which one of you did that?” I am sure that happens to many of you too? Please say yes. I’m afraid the only constant in my skincare routine is my cleanser & SPF!! BUT I will let you in later on what I keep going back to every time this happens, yes this isn’t the first time I’ve gone off track. I know why it’s happened this time though and it’s because of all the new incredible brands recently introduced to the clinic, and just wanting to try them all!! I absolutely love the products in the Toskani range (particularly their sheet mask and Mesoserums) and already have some firm faves in the Zo Skin Health range, and don’t get me started on SkinBetter Science, see…. it’s so HARD!!.
Okay, firstly with my cleanser, I’m totally in love with the Zo Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser. It’s the Beyoncé of cleansers—hydrating, long-lasting, and always flawless. The small companion size lasts an eternity, you really only need the smallest amount for it to lather beautifully, and I’m convinced the 200ml bottle would survive a zombie apocalypse. Economical? Absolutely.
Then it’s mish mash time! I have to say though there is one product I will definitely not change anytime soon as you can actually see the difference instantly, and that is the Zo Skin Health Illuminating AOX Serum . This product not only includes vitamin A,C and E for all day antioxidant protection, but provides that soft focus effect and glow, it’s amazing!! It’s an Instagram filter in a bottle, and it will stay in my morning line-up without fail.
Morning moisturising/SPF has been the same too for a long time, hmm.. maybe I’m not so mucked up after all? I’m not a makeup wearer, but do need a bit of coverage, so I cocktailed some faves and have stuck with it for a while. A tinted moisturiser from Jane Iredale, the CC Cream from Aspect Sun plus a dash of SkinCeuticals Ultra Facial Defense, I even add some hyaluronic serum, if feeling particularly dry. I say don’t be scared to mix products, it’s fun!
Working at The Skin Care Clinic has been a revelation. Before this, I didn’t know medical-grade skincare was a thing. Now, I shudder to think of my pre-clinic skincare sins. My skin has reaped the benefits, and I’m eternally grateful. So, yep, going back to the beginning, I’m hitting the reset button with Osmosis. These three products transformed my skin in a few short weeks before, and they’re my reliable old friends. I keep going back to them because they deliver every single time.
- Stemfactor a growth factor serum for collagen and elastin production
- Calm a gentle Retinaldehyde for optimum cell turnover
- Catalyst a DNA Repair C serum to help repair past sins
Skincare is a wild ride, don’t be afraid to mix it up and have fun, keep it simple and don’t shy away from the wonders of medical-grade products. Your skin will thank you—and so will your bathroom shelves, eventually.”
Julie
Pip’s Review
“My skin has always been fair with a tendency towards becoming a lobster every Summer. It never seemed to matter how much sunscreen I wore, I would always feel greasy and then burn anyway while everyone else was soaking up the warmth as a teen. During my 20’s I developed Cushing’s Disease which left my skin paper thin with little hope of keeping it safe from the sun. Now, while my body is mostly recovered, my skin, while not technically sensitive, isn’t the most robust. I still have pale freckly skin that goes red and splotchy with splattering’s of melasma across my cheeks. My skin was never really dry before, now that I’ve passed 40 I can feel myself desperate for hydration. I can see the fine lines appearing around my eyes and the typical expression lines forming. I can also see the sagging under my eyes, around my jaw and also my neck… it’s great to work in skincare, but it means I know EXACTLY what I’m looking for!
So, with this patchwork of issues, choosing skincare should be easy right? Oh, but there’s so much choice LOL. I’m also always trying new things so I know what I would or definitely wouldn’t recommend! I’m not as consistent as my skin deserves… I keep my eye out for products dealing in redness, melasma and hydration. They are my key issues, although I really should address my sagging skin – eeek another thing!
Cleanser
I have Osmosis Purify (a gentle enzyme exfoliating cleanser) and Medik8 Gentle Cleanse in my shower and I go between the two. I also have Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil for after my working days to double cleanse and remove makeup without drying out my skin. Oh, and Medik8 Eye and Lips Micellar!
Serums
I’m absolutely loving Toskani Radiance Ultimate Mesoserum (vitamin C & pigmentation busting) with Medik8 Hydrating B5 Intense (vitamin B and hyaluronic), in the morning and in the evening Toskani Night Reverse (smells divine and works on pigmentation), Osmosis Rescue (your healing must-have) and Osmosis Calm (a gentle retinal that also combats redness).
Hydration
My favourites are Toksani Night Reverse (also smells amazing! It’s such a treat to use and very calming!), Aspect Super Moisturising Complex (packed with hyaluronic and antioxidants) and SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid (the most hydrating I’ve come across). I really do crave that more creamy moisturiser now, whereas I hated anything heavy when I was younger.
SPF
I always try to use Zinc, as I’m terrible at re-applying sun protection during the day. I’m loving Airyday Pretty In Zinc! I also use SkinBetter Science Tone Smart for my work days as it also acts as a foundation and changes tone to suite my skin colour. It’s the closest match for my random colouring. If I’m actively outside then I use We Are Feel Good Inc Sensitive SPF, it feels like a moisturiser and even the kids love using it.
Masks
I really can’t go past the PCAskin Hyaluronic Overnight Mask. I add it to my moisturiser when I’m particularly parched and I wake up feeling so much better! I also rely on Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Sheet Mask when my skin is sore and extra red.”
Pip
Sophie’s Review
“I have found in the Winter months that my skin has become super dry and in need of all the hydrating products it can get. On top of this, being a full time uni student has elevated my stress levels which has led to break outs and overall lacklustre skin.
To combat my dry and congested skin I have stuck with a routine that consists of these products.
Osmosis Cleanse Gentle Cleanser
I have really sensitive skin and this gentle cleanser removes my makeup without causing any extra irritation and leaves my skin feeling clean without drying it out.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
I use this Peptide product to help hydrate my skin while also providing anti-aging properties to combat any fine lines. I have seen a significant improvement in my skin after using this product. The multi-weight hyaluronic acid has left my skin plump and smooth. The drone-delivery system means the products sink deep into my skin which has been my skin’s lifesaver.
Toskani Radiance Ultimate Mesoserum
As someone who picks my skin I have been left with dark spots. This Mesoserum has noticeably brightened my pigmentation spots. Due to it being an antioxidant it has anti ageing properties and further prevents dehydration.
PCA Skin Intensive Clarity Treatment 0.5% Pure Retinol Night
I am new to vitamin A and this salicylic acid Clarity Treatment has seriously done wonders at clearing my skin and preventing any further breakouts. I cannot recommend this product enough! It has worked so well due to its patented time-release OmniSome® delivery system, which carries the ingredients deeper into my skin for optimal results. My skin’s texture has improved so much and I believe this product is the reason.
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
The last step in my skincare routine is moisturiser and Triple Lipid is my all time favourite. It contains ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids that restores essential skin lipids. These ingredients have improved my skin’s fullness, texture and have helped reduce the size of my pores. It has left my skin feeling nourished and looking glowy and radiant.”
Sophie
We hope you have appreciated hearing our real-life feedback on these products. If there is a product you have enjoyed, please leave your feedback. Your favourite cleanser, serum or moisturiser? Write a review on the website and you’ll even receive an extra 300 points. Simply locate the product (in this case the products we’ve just reviewed), click the Reviews tab and leave your rating and review. We believe in finding products that are scientifically proven to improve your skin’s health without using nasty ingredients that we are better off avoiding.
Still not sure?
Do you need more help or would like personalised advice? Book now for your consultation with a skin care advisor. Offering information on what skin care products are best for you. Check out our range of in-clinic services today.
Otherwise fill in the Online Skin Consultation. Our skin care advisor will happily help you. Choosing the right treatments and products for your skin type or concern.
Check out our latest Specials!
Leave a Reply