My Favourite Dermalogica Products | Brand Review

Dermalogica is a famous skincare brand, known around the world for their minimalistic packaging, clear motives and no-fuss formulations. Their products are expensive, and I find that to be a bit intimidating sometimes so I don't always buy from their collection on a whim. What you should know is that all of the products I have tried are really good- they use great ingredients, boast enticing names and I find that the products themselves are quite long-lasting. As I have sensitive skin, I'm drawn to brands like Dermalogica who don't use artificial colours and fragrances in their skincare. They also have this great website called skinsensitivityrisk.com where you can check in on your skin's status - understanding what factors may trigger breakouts and redness.

Here are the Dermalogica products I've been loving most over the past year:

1. PreCleanse Balm $62 CAD

(not pictured, because I forgot it in my shower! I did a thorough review of it here.)

Dermalogica PreCleanse melts away waterproof makeup, excess oil, pollutants, and skincare products that build up on skin throughout the day. It is a thick balm, reminiscent of a thick oil-based moisturizer, which can be tough to squeeze out of the tube - it definitely doesn't win over L'Occitane immortelle oil makeup remover, IMO. But it's still effective.

So you'll use this oil-based cleanser BEFORE your water-based face cleanser to dissolve every last trace of gunk. I find that us women can complain about makeup and skincare products not working well, and oftentimes it all boils down to how clean our skin is to begin with. At the end of the day, it is crucial to dissolve natural oils and makeup with an oil-based remover (since like dissolves like) which is to be applied on completely dry skin, massaged into the dirt and makeup, then washed away gently with warm water and a cloth or silicone mitt - which is actually included in this PreCleanse Balm box. After removing makeup, a water-based cleanser, #2 is what follows. I love that a reusable mitt is included in this product, BTW!

2. Special Cleansing Gel $54 CAD

This soap-free foaming gel cleanses gently and efficiently on all skin types. It also removes impurities without disturbing the skin’s natural moisture balance. It is a clear gel formula with no fragrance. Use this cleansing gel following your PreCleanse. I love mixing this cleanser with the Daily Microfoliant, a powder exfoliator, which closely mimics the texture of the Gentle Cream Exfoliant, $61, which has added ingredients like Lactic and Hydroxy Acid. 

3. Daily Microfoliant $80 CAD 75g

This unique rice-based dry powder is a gentle, daily use exfoliating product suitable for all skin conditions. It activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliate dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter. A super-soothing blend of Green Tea, Ginkgo and Colloidal Oatmeal helps to calm the skin, and the physical granules work to exfoliate instantly. I find that the Tatcha powder exfoliant isn't as good as this one, and AmorePacific also makes one that I bought before (review here) which is a great all-in-one wash too - and it's less expensive. As I mentioned earlier, I like to mix this powder with the special cleansing gel to create a more foamy exfoliator, which is what AmorePacific's powder turns into (foaming cleanser with small granules). Note that the Biore baking soda cleansing powder is not good, if you're looking for a cheaper option. I unfortunately haven't found one yet.

4. Daily Superfoliant $83 CAD 57g

This highly-active resurfacer delivers your smoothest skin ever, and helps fight the biochemical and environmental triggers known to accelerate skin aging. The advanced powder formula is a step above the daily microfoliant, but is the same application: it activates upon contact with water, releasing powerful enzymes, skin-smoothing alpha hydroxy acids and anti-pollution technology. Activated Binchotan Charcoal purifies the skin, helping to adsorb environmental toxins from deep within the pores, while Niacinamide, Red Algae and Tara Fruit Extract help guard against the damaging effects of pollution. I find that this more expensive alternative is a great "prep" product for before a big event (use it daily for 2-3 weeks) and can elevate a normal gel cleanser as well. I find that I sometimes inhale this product, which is very unpleasant, so make sure to shake gently to avoid creating too much powder disruption.

4. New! Calm Water Gel $65 CAD

Ahh, a weightless water-gel moisturizer that hydrates dry, sensitive skin. Hi, combo friends! This refreshing gel formula transforms into a skin-quenching fluid upon application, it literally changes from opaque gel to clear water once you start to rub it in! Hyaluronic Acid is absorbed down into the skin's layers and locks in moisture. Apple Fruit Extract and Glycerin hydrate and soften while defending skin against dryness. Cactus Pear Extract helps soothe sensitivity and imparts water-binding properties to help support healthy moisture balance. It reminds me of Dr. Jart+'s Water Drop Hydrating Moisturizer, but I prefer this one from Dermalogica. I don't like how Dr. Jart+'s really sits on the skin.

5. New! Barrier Defence Booster $101 CAD

This concentrated oil booster nourishes the most sensitive skin, and relieves dryness. When using the Barrier Defence Booster, either mixed in with your favourite moisturizer or applied straight as a final step at night, you are guarded against any loss of moisture and your skin can heal underneath the barrier. This oil reminds me of the Clarins Repair Booster, with the little button dispenser at the bottom to dispense product one drop at a time - this is a super hygienic way to keep the contents of this expensive liquid very fresh. 

So the whole point of the Barrier Defence Booster is to help repair and protect the skin's Lipid Barrier. Now what does that mean? Think of the lipid barrier as a brick wall, and all the cells are bricks with "mortar" being the lipids holding the cells together. The mortar keeps skin hydrated and healthy by keeping water in and keeping environmental pollutants out. When skin is exposed to triggers like stress, diet, smoking, pollution, changes in weather, hormonal fluctuation, genetic skin irritability, etc. the protective barrier is opened, which results in sensitive skin. See my recent review here of Zapzyt products to learn more about the effects of a compromised lipid barrier.

Top left, clockwise: Barrier Defense Booster,  Special Cleansing Gel, Calming Water Gel, Daily Superfoliant, Daily Microfoliant, Gentle Cream Exfoliator

I loved reading the Chronicles of Her's take on in-flight beauty essentials where she recommends to "Balm-up your skin like a mummy" once every two hours - along with drinking lots of lemon water! She loves Dermalogica’s Calm Water Gel, the lightweight gel cream with super powers, as it literally locks in your skin’s moisture and doesn’t leave any film on top. She also recommends the Barrier Defense Booster to supercharge any moisturizer, as it block out the damaging effects of airborne germs and air conditioning. On super dry parts like elbows, she’ll apply some more Barrier Defense Booster.

See a list of other great Dermalogica products outlined here on Influencer's recent article.

xx

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