I’ve recently added these from Ella Bache to my skincare routine #AD
15 May 2025
27 May 2024
PRODUCT REVIEW // BREAKOUT SAVIOURS FROM MEDIK8, THE ORDINARY AND POLLENATION SKIN
My hormonal breakout saviours…
My skin has always been temperamental, and the arrival of the cooler always set if off for a while until it adjusts again..
3 February 2024
PRODUCT REVIEW // MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL CERAMIDE EYE 10, C-TETRA EYE SERUM AND ADVANCED DAY EYE PROTECT - FOR A PROTECTED BRIGHTENED AND MORE YOUTHFUL EYE AREA WITH REDUCED LINES AND DARK CIRCLES
You know, in my eyes Medik8 - @medik8australia can do no wrong. I have so many favourites from the brand, incl my HG - the one products I repurchased the most times, and always have in my routine, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 and 20!! Just incredible.
Needless to say my excitement was through the roof when the newest launch, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye arrived for me to try.
It’s the world’s first clinical strength retinal for under eyes. #Ad
17 January 2024
PRODUCT REVIEW // ALPHA-H LIQUID GOLD MIDNIGHT REBOOT SERUM AND BEAUTY SLEEP POWER PEEL - SUPER POTENT PRODUCT THAT WORK WHILE YOU SLEEP
And these beauties from the incredible Australian brand Alpha-H - @alphahskincare are my latest obsession..
20 August 2021
PRODUCT REVIEW: SKINSTITUT - POTENT AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE, YET SUPER AFFORDABLE COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
1 January 2020
PRODUCT REVIEW // ESK EVIDENCE - HIGH STRENGTH RETINAL NIGHT CREAM YOU MUST TRY
For the past few months I’ve been loving the Australian cosmeceutical brand ESK Evidence Skincare - their cruelty free products are created by doctors and dermatologists, using evidence-based and scientific ingredients to fight the signs of ageing and repair and protect the skin from the effects of a harsh environment. I talked about a full skincare regimen a little while ago, which was completely tailored to my skin type, needs and concerns (you can read more about it here), but today I am going to talk a little more about their Ultimate A+...
17 September 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW // JEUNIFIQUE REJUVI-NITE SERUM (SPONSORED)
Today I am going to talk about an Australian brand I’ve only recently come across, Jeunifique. The brand makes products using sustainably-sourced, cruelty-free whole botanicals, free from sulphates, parabens, lanolin, mineral oil, SLS, and artificial colours and fragrances.
14 August 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: R-RETINOATE DAY AND NIGHT EYE SERUM FROM MEDIK8 - POWERFUL FORMULA WITH HIGH STRENGTH RETINOIC ACID FOR DRAMATIC RESULTS
If you regularly tune stop by my little blog or my instagram page, you’re probably well aware how addicted I am to using Retinol as I simply find it is the one ingredient that works wonders for both my ageing skin as well as my breakouts. But I have never actually tried a retinol eye cream, until Medik8’s latest launch, r-Retinoate Day & Night Eye Serum* landed on my desk.
11 July 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 CRYSTAL RETINAL 10 - ULTRA STRENGTH VITAMIN A FOR YOUNGER LOOKING SKIN WITH LESS BREAKOUTS AND PIGMENTATION - THE MUST TRY 0.1% RETINALDEHYDE
You guys probably know by now how much I love, or should I say, addicted to Vitamin products I am, when a bottle of the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10* landed on my desk, I couldn’t wait to try.
28 May 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: PAULA'S CHOICE 1% RETINOL BOOSTER, PORE REFINING TREATMENT 2% BHA, YOUTH-EXTENDING DAILY HYDRATING FLUID AND PERFECT CLEANSING OIL
One of those brands you always hear a lot about is Paula’s Choice… The brand is founded by the Paula Begoun, who is also the author of the early 90s book, Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me - a book I personally really loved at the time, as it was all about which beauty products were worth the hype and which ones weren’t...
23 May 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: PIXI RETINOL TONIC, JARVAL INFUSIONS SKIN BUTTER, ECO BY Sonya Driver EYE COMPOST AND SANTORINI HAIR BRUSH FROM BEAUTOPIA HAIR AND BEAUTY
A month has passed, and I am back with another amazing selection of products available from Beautopia Hair & Beauty , and if you’ve not yet shopped them, then you really must check out their website, as they stock so many cool brands within hair, skincare and makeup, and all at very affordable prices.
13 May 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 RETINOL 10TR+ INTENSE, HYDR8 B5 INTENSE AND SURFACE RADIANCE CLEANSER
As a beauty blogger I am very lucky to get to try a lot of different products, but once I’ve finished trialling something, there are brands that I keep reverting to again and again which for me are brands such as Medik8 - for the pure reason that their skincare products simply work so incredibly well for my ageing, pigmented, blemish prone skin.
28 March 2019
PRODUCT REVIEW: AFFORDABLE YET HIGHLY EFFECTIVE COSMECEUTICAL SKINCARE FROM SKINSTITUT YOU MUST TRY
My skin has always been trouble some. Even today where I should be focusing on anti-ageing, warding off lines and wrinkles and reducing pigmentation, on top, I am forever battling hormonal breakouts. That can often be a tough cookie, as often anti-ageing products are simply too intense and rich for my combination skin.
25 October 2018
22 August 2018
7 August 2018
20 January 2017
PRODUCT REVIEW: RETINOL TREATMENTS - MEDIK8 10TR SERUM, MESOESTETIC POST-PEEL 1% RETINOL AND SKINMEDICA AGE DEFENSE RETINOL COMPLEX 1.0
I admit that I am no specialist, but one thing I do know, and that is that Retinol, also called Vitamin A has been proven to have amazing benefits or the skin, and is hence a very popular anti-ageing ingredient.
The research has shown that it can help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, make the skin firmer, give the skin a smoother look and improve uneven skin tone.
The use of retinol does come with some limitations, including that you shouldn't use it while you're pregnant or lactating, and that it can make the skin become very sensitive, and hence the daily use of a SPF is necessary, plus besides, what's the point of fighting the signs of ageing if you don't protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays.
It is also recommended that you start gentle, with a milder strength, and perhaps just a few times a week, before increasing frequency and eventually the strength, as going too strong and too frequently can make the skin extremely sensitive, red or make it peel.
Now, I am currently breastfeeding, so it has been a while since I have actually used these, and I keep wanting to use them, but know that I best not use them again yet. And so I have had this feature in the pipeline for so long, but thought it was time now..
So here's a selection of retinol products which I cannot wait to get slather on my skin yet again..
The Medik8 Retinol 10TR Advanced Night Serum is a very light and slightly runny serum, which is, as the name suggests is to be used nightly after cleansing and before moisturiser. With 1% retinol it is the highest strength available in the Medik8 range, so if you're new to retinol, they suggest trying one of the lower strength products first to get you skin used to it. This particular formula also has added vitamin E, to help counter any dryness and keep the skin moisturised and soft.
It helps stimulate the production of collagen, while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and reducing dark spots and pigmentation at the same time, making the skin softer and look brighter and more glowing. I also found that it helped make my skin less greasy, and reduced the amount of breakouts, and their sizes considerably - and as I am currently experiencing some breakouts, I am really wanting to start using again, as it is one of the anti-ageing products that does not actually cause breakouts, but rather minimise them while fighting the signs of ageing at the same time. It comes in a small bottle with a dropper applicator that makes it easy to dispense the few drops needed at a time.
Then there's the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0, which is also the strongest strength retinol available from SkinMedica, and is also intended for use at night. This treatment has more of a light lotion feel, but still absorbs quickly into the skin. It has been made with an encapsulated antioxidant complex which helps preserve the retinol until it has absorbed into the skin as well as target the delivery, while helping to enhance the skin texture and minimise any irritation. The serum promises to help fight the signs of ageing, including coarse and dull skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce congestion and breakouts making the skin clearer and feeling matte, enhance skin texture and improving hyperpigmentation. And already after using for a few days, I can tell the difference when I am using this. The oil production in my skin really is normalised and my skin is less greasy, but it also generally makes my skin look healthier and brighter, which is impressive after just a few days.
Finally, the Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1% Retinol Concentrate, which comes the largest size, and is also the most expensive in the line up. It has a thicker lotion consistency, which does means that you will be using a bit more than with the thinner serums, but still, it will naturally last you the longest, but alas also comes at the higher cost.
It has been made with rosemary extract, aloe vera, lactic acid, vitamin E, and is intended to be used as to prolong and boost the renewing effect of mesopeel, by helping to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity, while stimulating collagen in the skin and keeping the skin moisturised.
It is slightly different in that it is supposed to be massaging into the skin, avoiding the eye area, following a peel, to help neutralise the peel, then left on the skin for 2 hours, before being rinsed off with water.
I really enjoyed using all three of these, and thus find it difficult to pick a favourite - the Mesoestetic is very different from the first two, making it difficult to compare as it is more 'mask like', which is also nice as an extra treatment for an extra peeling effect. And as for the Medik8 and the SkinMedica, which the retinol concentration is the same, they are different in formula and consistency. But one thing I certain, I love treating my skin with retinol as again, I really feels it makes a difference to how my skin looks, making it look more glowing and younger too, and as a bonus it also helps treat and keep breakouts at bay.
But again, it is important to stress that there can be some serious side effects when using retinol, so make sure you consult an expert before use!
The Medik8 Retinol 10TR - $99 / 15ml
Available from Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 - RRP: $148.50 / 29.6ml
Available from Soho Skincare and select salons
Or for further information visit Advanced Skin Technology
Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1%n Retinol Concentrate - RRP: $198 / 100ml
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, RY, Skincare Store
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals
* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
The research has shown that it can help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, make the skin firmer, give the skin a smoother look and improve uneven skin tone.
The use of retinol does come with some limitations, including that you shouldn't use it while you're pregnant or lactating, and that it can make the skin become very sensitive, and hence the daily use of a SPF is necessary, plus besides, what's the point of fighting the signs of ageing if you don't protect your skin from the sun's damaging rays.
It is also recommended that you start gentle, with a milder strength, and perhaps just a few times a week, before increasing frequency and eventually the strength, as going too strong and too frequently can make the skin extremely sensitive, red or make it peel.
Now, I am currently breastfeeding, so it has been a while since I have actually used these, and I keep wanting to use them, but know that I best not use them again yet. And so I have had this feature in the pipeline for so long, but thought it was time now..
So here's a selection of retinol products which I cannot wait to get slather on my skin yet again..
The Medik8 Retinol 10TR Advanced Night Serum is a very light and slightly runny serum, which is, as the name suggests is to be used nightly after cleansing and before moisturiser. With 1% retinol it is the highest strength available in the Medik8 range, so if you're new to retinol, they suggest trying one of the lower strength products first to get you skin used to it. This particular formula also has added vitamin E, to help counter any dryness and keep the skin moisturised and soft.
It helps stimulate the production of collagen, while improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and reducing dark spots and pigmentation at the same time, making the skin softer and look brighter and more glowing. I also found that it helped make my skin less greasy, and reduced the amount of breakouts, and their sizes considerably - and as I am currently experiencing some breakouts, I am really wanting to start using again, as it is one of the anti-ageing products that does not actually cause breakouts, but rather minimise them while fighting the signs of ageing at the same time. It comes in a small bottle with a dropper applicator that makes it easy to dispense the few drops needed at a time.
Then there's the SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0, which is also the strongest strength retinol available from SkinMedica, and is also intended for use at night. This treatment has more of a light lotion feel, but still absorbs quickly into the skin. It has been made with an encapsulated antioxidant complex which helps preserve the retinol until it has absorbed into the skin as well as target the delivery, while helping to enhance the skin texture and minimise any irritation. The serum promises to help fight the signs of ageing, including coarse and dull skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, reduce congestion and breakouts making the skin clearer and feeling matte, enhance skin texture and improving hyperpigmentation. And already after using for a few days, I can tell the difference when I am using this. The oil production in my skin really is normalised and my skin is less greasy, but it also generally makes my skin look healthier and brighter, which is impressive after just a few days.
Finally, the Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1% Retinol Concentrate, which comes the largest size, and is also the most expensive in the line up. It has a thicker lotion consistency, which does means that you will be using a bit more than with the thinner serums, but still, it will naturally last you the longest, but alas also comes at the higher cost.
It has been made with rosemary extract, aloe vera, lactic acid, vitamin E, and is intended to be used as to prolong and boost the renewing effect of mesopeel, by helping to improve the appearance of wrinkles and skin elasticity, while stimulating collagen in the skin and keeping the skin moisturised.
It is slightly different in that it is supposed to be massaging into the skin, avoiding the eye area, following a peel, to help neutralise the peel, then left on the skin for 2 hours, before being rinsed off with water.
I really enjoyed using all three of these, and thus find it difficult to pick a favourite - the Mesoestetic is very different from the first two, making it difficult to compare as it is more 'mask like', which is also nice as an extra treatment for an extra peeling effect. And as for the Medik8 and the SkinMedica, which the retinol concentration is the same, they are different in formula and consistency. But one thing I certain, I love treating my skin with retinol as again, I really feels it makes a difference to how my skin looks, making it look more glowing and younger too, and as a bonus it also helps treat and keep breakouts at bay.
But again, it is important to stress that there can be some serious side effects when using retinol, so make sure you consult an expert before use!
The Medik8 Retinol 10TR - $99 / 15ml
Available from Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals
SkinMedica Age Defense Retinol Complex 1.0 - RRP: $148.50 / 29.6ml
Available from Soho Skincare and select salons
Or for further information visit Advanced Skin Technology
Mesoestetic Post-Peel 1%n Retinol Concentrate - RRP: $198 / 100ml
Available from Active Skin, Adore Beauty, RY, Skincare Store
Or for further information please visit Advanced Cosmeceuticals
* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
13 October 2016
PRODUCT REVIEW: MEDIK8 C-TETRA VITAMIN C DAY CREAM AND RETINOL 1TR VITAMIN A RENEWAL CREAM
As you may know, one of my favourite and trusted brands is Medik8, so I am always excited when new products are being launched. Today I've put the new Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Day Cream and the Retinol 1TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream to the test..
The Medik8 C-Tetra Vitamin C Day Cream is chock full of vitamin C and vitamin E antioxidants to help restore radiance in dull skin, and hydrate and protect against everyday environmental aggressors.
The cream has a very light texture, which is perfect for my combination skin, and it has a gorgeous fresh orange scent that I adore. And how stunning is that orange jar with the silver lid!!
The cream absorbs quickly into the skin, and leaves is so soft and smooth and clearly hydrated and nourished, and with an immediate glow. And because it leaves absolutely no greasy residue behind on skin, it is also perfect for use under makeup.
The cream is also blended with hyaluronic acid to help support the skin’s natural barrier, as well as give it an energy boost, while brightening it and evening out the skin tone.
At night, I've been putting the new Medik8 Retinol 1 TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream to the test. This cream has been formulated with advanced encapsulation technology in a 0.1% dosage which is gradually released with unique ‘time-release’ technology allowing for slow delivery into the skin, to reduce irritation, something retinol is otherwise known form.
Vitamin A, or retinol as it is also known as, has been clinically proven to combat the first signs of skin ageing, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, skin tone and texture, while also helping to stimulate cell turnover and intensely nourish the skin.
The cream also contains Hyaluronic Acid add moisture to the skin providing long-term hydration and supports the skin’s elasticity and structure, Glycerin to supports the skin’s natural barrier and boosts moisture levels and Vitamin E to help fight off free radical damage with its powerful antioxidant properties
In spite of it's gentler formulation, it is however recommended to just use twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the following two and then move on to use every night, to make sure that the skin gets used to the retinol without any irritation.
Although my skin is fairly used to retinol, I thought that I'd best follow instructions, and did as per above. And after just a few uses, I was so impressed with the results, that I couldn't wait to be able to use it nightly, to speed up the results, but on the other hand, also didn't want to risk any skin reactions, which luckily I didn't.
In the morning after using it, I would simply wake with soft and smooth skin that had not only enjoyed the intense moisture and hence looked more plump, and consequently fine lines appearing to be minimised. But what's more, my skin in general seems to be more even toned too, and have this radiant glow, as if I'd just had the best beauty sleep of my life! The cream is quite rich, but thankfully it hasn’t been a problem at all for my breakout prone skin.
The cream comes in a stunning red jar with a silver lid, and I love the fact that it (and the Vitamin C Cream), but come with a small spatula, so you don’t have to keep digging your fingers into the creams.
Overall, yet another couple of winning products from Medik8, as I really love what they do to my skin, and how dullness seems to fade by the day, and is replaced with a more youthful and glowing skin.
Medik8 Retinol 1TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream - RRP: $75 / 50ml
Medik8 C-Tetra Cream Vitamin C Day Cream - RRP: $129 / 50ml
Available from Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty
* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
The cream has a very light texture, which is perfect for my combination skin, and it has a gorgeous fresh orange scent that I adore. And how stunning is that orange jar with the silver lid!!
The cream absorbs quickly into the skin, and leaves is so soft and smooth and clearly hydrated and nourished, and with an immediate glow. And because it leaves absolutely no greasy residue behind on skin, it is also perfect for use under makeup.
The cream is also blended with hyaluronic acid to help support the skin’s natural barrier, as well as give it an energy boost, while brightening it and evening out the skin tone.
At night, I've been putting the new Medik8 Retinol 1 TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream to the test. This cream has been formulated with advanced encapsulation technology in a 0.1% dosage which is gradually released with unique ‘time-release’ technology allowing for slow delivery into the skin, to reduce irritation, something retinol is otherwise known form.
Vitamin A, or retinol as it is also known as, has been clinically proven to combat the first signs of skin ageing, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, skin tone and texture, while also helping to stimulate cell turnover and intensely nourish the skin.
The cream also contains Hyaluronic Acid add moisture to the skin providing long-term hydration and supports the skin’s elasticity and structure, Glycerin to supports the skin’s natural barrier and boosts moisture levels and Vitamin E to help fight off free radical damage with its powerful antioxidant properties
In spite of it's gentler formulation, it is however recommended to just use twice a week for the first two weeks, every other night for the following two and then move on to use every night, to make sure that the skin gets used to the retinol without any irritation.
Although my skin is fairly used to retinol, I thought that I'd best follow instructions, and did as per above. And after just a few uses, I was so impressed with the results, that I couldn't wait to be able to use it nightly, to speed up the results, but on the other hand, also didn't want to risk any skin reactions, which luckily I didn't.
In the morning after using it, I would simply wake with soft and smooth skin that had not only enjoyed the intense moisture and hence looked more plump, and consequently fine lines appearing to be minimised. But what's more, my skin in general seems to be more even toned too, and have this radiant glow, as if I'd just had the best beauty sleep of my life! The cream is quite rich, but thankfully it hasn’t been a problem at all for my breakout prone skin.
The cream comes in a stunning red jar with a silver lid, and I love the fact that it (and the Vitamin C Cream), but come with a small spatula, so you don’t have to keep digging your fingers into the creams.
Overall, yet another couple of winning products from Medik8, as I really love what they do to my skin, and how dullness seems to fade by the day, and is replaced with a more youthful and glowing skin.
Medik8 Retinol 1TR Vitamin A Renewal Cream - RRP: $75 / 50ml
Medik8 C-Tetra Cream Vitamin C Day Cream - RRP: $129 / 50ml
Available from Medik8, RY, Active Skin and Adore Beauty
* Products kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
20 May 2016
PRODUCT REVIEW: DERMALOGICA OVERNIGHT RETINOL REPAIR
Today I'd like to talk about a fairly newly launched product, the Overnight Retinol Repair from Dermalogica.
This repair treatment promises to accelerate skin renewal and reduce the appearance of skin ageing over night, so I absolutely jumped with joy when I was sent this to trial as it fits my skin to a tee.
It contains among others 0.5% active microencapsulated pure retinol to help increase collagen production and cell turnover, as well as peptides and vitamin C to help fight signs of ageing including uneven skin tone and discolouration. It also contains bioenergised copper amino acid complex to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness. To ensure that the skin doesn't get irritated from the retinol, the pack also includes a moisturising Buffer Cream, which you mix with the Retinol Repair. To start with, you can mix as much as one part Retinol Repair with up to three parts Buffer Cream until your skin is acclimated, and hereafter slowly reduce the amount of the Buffer Cream until your skin can tolerate using the Retinol Repair on its own, although you can continue using it with the either the Buffer Cream or with your preferred Dermalogica Moisturiser.
Before use, you cleanse your skin, and then mix the retinol and Buffer Cream in your hand, before applying to your face, avoiding the sensitive eye area.
My combination skin is used to regular doses of retinol, so I was very quickly able to reduce the amount of Buffer Cream used, and start using the Retinol on its own. And I have to say that from the very first use I was in love, although the love grew even bigger when I started using the Retinol on its own without the Buffer Cream, as then I really saw the benefits of the cream.
After just a few uses, and after each subsequent use, I could clearly see that it was making my skin visibly firmer and smoother, and although I doubt that they'll ever completely disappear, fine lines definitely seems minimised too. As well as increasing lines and wrinkles, I also have increasing pigmentation from previous sun-worshipping, as well as dark marks and scarring from past acne - and I have also noticed that my skin seems more even in skin tone, so both pigmentation and acne marks have also clearly faded, in particularly those newer acne marks from a recent breakout. Unfortunately I haven't seen any major difference in the acne scarring, but that said, these scars are also very old, so I doubt there's a lot that can be done about them. But overall when I use this Overnight Retinol Repair before going to bed at night, I wake to a skin that is looking healthier and more glowing in the morning, it is softer and smoother and in short looks like I've just had the longest beauty sleep ever, or like I've just had a facial.
What I also like is that I consequently feel that serums and moisturisers that I use the next day absorb much better in to the skin, and I also need to use far less foundation and concealer to achieve an even look.
I also find that it is brilliant that Dermalogica has been so foresightful as to include the Buffer Cream to ensure that there is no skin irritation, and so that you can tailor the strength and concentration of the Retinol to suit your skin's tolerance.
At $135 this is not a cheap product, but the 30ml bottle will last you quite some time as it is quite concentrated so you only need to use a little, and considering that you'd easily fork out $135 if not more on just one facial, it is really not that much after all! I definitely wouldn't hesitate purchasing this Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair again!
Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 30ml and Buffer Cream 15ml, RRP: $135
Available from Dermalogica, RY, Adore Beauty and Active Skin
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
This repair treatment promises to accelerate skin renewal and reduce the appearance of skin ageing over night, so I absolutely jumped with joy when I was sent this to trial as it fits my skin to a tee.
It contains among others 0.5% active microencapsulated pure retinol to help increase collagen production and cell turnover, as well as peptides and vitamin C to help fight signs of ageing including uneven skin tone and discolouration. It also contains bioenergised copper amino acid complex to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness. To ensure that the skin doesn't get irritated from the retinol, the pack also includes a moisturising Buffer Cream, which you mix with the Retinol Repair. To start with, you can mix as much as one part Retinol Repair with up to three parts Buffer Cream until your skin is acclimated, and hereafter slowly reduce the amount of the Buffer Cream until your skin can tolerate using the Retinol Repair on its own, although you can continue using it with the either the Buffer Cream or with your preferred Dermalogica Moisturiser.
Before use, you cleanse your skin, and then mix the retinol and Buffer Cream in your hand, before applying to your face, avoiding the sensitive eye area.
My combination skin is used to regular doses of retinol, so I was very quickly able to reduce the amount of Buffer Cream used, and start using the Retinol on its own. And I have to say that from the very first use I was in love, although the love grew even bigger when I started using the Retinol on its own without the Buffer Cream, as then I really saw the benefits of the cream.
After just a few uses, and after each subsequent use, I could clearly see that it was making my skin visibly firmer and smoother, and although I doubt that they'll ever completely disappear, fine lines definitely seems minimised too. As well as increasing lines and wrinkles, I also have increasing pigmentation from previous sun-worshipping, as well as dark marks and scarring from past acne - and I have also noticed that my skin seems more even in skin tone, so both pigmentation and acne marks have also clearly faded, in particularly those newer acne marks from a recent breakout. Unfortunately I haven't seen any major difference in the acne scarring, but that said, these scars are also very old, so I doubt there's a lot that can be done about them. But overall when I use this Overnight Retinol Repair before going to bed at night, I wake to a skin that is looking healthier and more glowing in the morning, it is softer and smoother and in short looks like I've just had the longest beauty sleep ever, or like I've just had a facial.
What I also like is that I consequently feel that serums and moisturisers that I use the next day absorb much better in to the skin, and I also need to use far less foundation and concealer to achieve an even look.
I also find that it is brilliant that Dermalogica has been so foresightful as to include the Buffer Cream to ensure that there is no skin irritation, and so that you can tailor the strength and concentration of the Retinol to suit your skin's tolerance.
At $135 this is not a cheap product, but the 30ml bottle will last you quite some time as it is quite concentrated so you only need to use a little, and considering that you'd easily fork out $135 if not more on just one facial, it is really not that much after all! I definitely wouldn't hesitate purchasing this Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair again!
Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair 30ml and Buffer Cream 15ml, RRP: $135
Available from Dermalogica, RY, Adore Beauty and Active Skin
* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Twitter | Facebook | Bloglovin | Instagram |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)