Review: Actinica

What is the most effective anti-aging product on the market? I have been told by an array of of beauticians and clinic technicians that sunscreen is by far the best product, it's a preventative method, instead of treating the problem after it has occurred.
And who doesn't love summer, going to the beach, relaxing in the sun and the ocean. But it can be annoying, constantly applying sunscreen that irritates your skin and melts off.
I've recently started using a product called 'Actinica'. I know, it sounds scary and not something you would want to put on your face, but I have seen some pretty amazing results since using it, here are the facts:

• It is listed as having a SPF of 30+, but it is actually more like 100 (legally, products in Australia cannot be advertised as having a SPF greater than 30).
• Actinica is a broad spectrum sunscreen and protects from both UVA and UVB radiation
• Two hours sweat and water resistant
• The specialised measured dose dispenser ensures you use the correct amount of product (160 applications - but if you only use it on your face/neck area you will get 320 applications)
• Fragrance free
• Contains no nasty nano particles
• Clinically proven in trials
• Manufactured to pharmaceutical standards 
• Recommended for people who are susceptible to skin cancer or who have a low immune system

Okay, so it's really not sounding that amazing so far but let me share my experience with it.
I first got a sample from Skinastute, where they swore it was by far the most important part of any skin care regime. I used it everyday. Initially, I found it to be too thick, a bit sticky, my face was oily and shiny part way throughout the day (although my skin was pretty oily to start with) and I was getting tiny little bumps on my face (clogged pores).
Upon my return to Skinastute I declared that I didn't like it and I wanted to try a Dermaquest moisturiser that also protected from the sun. I was told that it was not a good idea to use a moisturiser with sunscreen in it as I would need to apply it every two hours, whereas Actinica only needs to be applied once a day (unless you work up a serious sweat or go swimming). So, instead of getting a new moisturiser sample to try, I was given another Actinica sample and directed to:

• Use only a small amount - the size of a 10 cent piece, literally as flat and as round as a 10 cent piece
• Rub into fingertips quite vigorously and apply over the face, basically pushing it into the skin (not too rough, just firm).
• Cleanse thoroughly at night.

So I did as directed and what do you know, it worked! My skin was less oily and bumpy and well protected. Who knew that following the instructions could make such a difference!?

I used it over summer and not once did I get burnt. On one particular day I didn't realise how hot it was and I went for a long walk along the beach. Later that day I discovered I had very burnt decolletage, but my face was perfectly fine. A week later my chest was peeling, and I was completely convinced that Actinica was for me :)

The next time I was back a Skinastute I made the purchase

The bottle looks tiny, but I promise it's not!

So it's got fairly ugly packaging and has writing all over it in a million languages but the effectiveness of the product as well as the ease of using the pump dispenser make up for it! 
Also, I've spoken with individuals that suffer from skin conditions like rosacea and extreme sensitivity and they have found this product to be very effective and non-irritating.

So overall, I love it! You should be able to get a sample at any clinic that stocks it.

xx

Beauty/Skincare Review: Aesop

Recently, Holly reviewed her amazing Dermaquest products (read it here) which she raves about. So I thought I would also mention my favourite skincare products for my body and face.

It's true... I have an obsession with Aesop. My first love for it came about when I first started to suffer anxiety and stress... (This is not something I frequently mention to people... but... from reading a lot of blogs it seems a lot of us are in the same boat and struggle with the horrible bitch of a thing.)

Anyway, I remember being super stressed and anxious all day... I had a shower and the smell of my body cleanser calmed me right down and relaxed me. Call me crazy, but ever since I have sworn by aromatherapy smelling products. I truly believe it is beneficial.

This is what I use...

1. & 2. Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser and Geranium Leaf Body Balm.

You can buy these products separately, but I get the Geranium Leaf Duet for $125 AUD. This includes a beautifully scented body wash and body balm. This is probably my favourite scent in the whole world. The layering of the two products means that the scent lasts on your body for longer.

Ingredients:

Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser - Water (Aqua), Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Coco-Betaine, Cocamide DEA, Sea Salt (Maris sal), Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Citric Acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, d-Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool. Geranium Leaf Body Balm - Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut ) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Tocopherol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Phenoxyethanol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Disodium EDTA, Benzalkonium Chloride, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot ) Root Extract, Beta-Carotene, d-Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool.

3. Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream.
$61 AUD for 120ml.

This is my daily moisturiser. I believe sometimes you can have too many facial routines and products. My skin literally goes mental if I mix and add too much into my daily routine. I stick with two products: Cleanser and Moisturiser... and my skin has never felt better. I really enjoy this moisturiser as it's so fresh and suits my combination skin type. I don't get many blemishes anymore, but I still get a little greasy in the t-zone so this moisturiser is great as it hydrates my skin without leaving any greasy residue.
Note, you must like a bit of zesty citrus to enjoy the smell of this product. If you loathe the smell of mandarin (as does my sister) then you won't like this product. On the other hand, the citrus in this hydrating cream feels refreshing and revitalising. Perfect for mornings when you're feeling a tad dull.

Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil, Disodium EDTA, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Beta- Carotene, d-Limonene, Citral, Linalool.

4. Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil.
$57 AUD for 200ml.

I love this product. Plus, major advantage is that you only need the smallest amount ( 1/2 a teaspoon mixed with some water) so it lasts forever. It smells absolutely AMAZING... as do all Aesop products. It makes my skin feel so soft afterwards and doesn't leave any oily residue despite it being an 'oil cleanser'. If you have combination skin like me then this is a great product to use.

Ingredients:

Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, C12-13 Pareth-3, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Bisabolol, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Seed Oil, Beta-Carotene, Linalool.

Does anyone else use Aesop?

I hope you enjoyed this post :)

Love Bec xox

The products I LOVE from my fav brand Aesop by poodlestalkers featuring aesop

Review: Dermaquest

The Dermaquest skincare range has a great reputation.
It was developed by Sam Dhatt, a cosmeceutical chemist who has years of experience. He was the leading chemist for many of the best-skin skincare brands in the world (over 700 companies) and decided to start his very own range.
Sam has developed products that contain cutting edge ingredients that achieve the highest possible results.
The products aren't cheap, but in the longterm, they are most definitely worth it. Always, use a sample for a few weeks to work out if the product is right for you. I was introduced to them by the lovely ladies at Skinastute and these are the products I have tried:

• C3 Cleanser - antioxidant rich foaming cleanser
• Daily Enzyme Cleanser - for all skin types
• Stem Cell 3D Facial Cleanser- ultimate foaming cleanser
• Niacinamide Youth Serum - improves immune function of skin
• Skin Vitalight - Inhibits pigmentation with a suppressing peptide and lightening herbal extracts

It took me a while to find the cleanser that suited me. Personally, the C3 Cleanser and the Daily Enzyme Cleanser didn't feel like it cleaned my makeup off properly or really cleansed my skin. Instead of being pressured into purchasing the cleanser, I kept trying until I found the right one, which for me, was the Stem Cell 3D Facial Cleanser. When I use it, it feel amazing, it's a slightly off-white colour (naturally pigmented) and is quite thick. You emulsify it in your fingertips (the size of a pea) and lightly rub over your face in circular motions. It gets all of my makeup off and my skin feels pristine and clear after, perfectly prepped for my next product.

Stem Cell 3D Facial Cleanser

The niacinamide is also a fabulous product, it contains vitamin B3 (a skin rejuvenator that treats acne, hyperpigmentation, improves the skin barrier and is an anti-inflammatory. It also contains MATRIXYL™, which promotes the production of collagen, what we all need to improve skin elasticity. it also contains RIGIN™, which increases tissue regeneration and lastly, sodium hyaluronate, which hydrates, and subsequently, plumps and smooths the skin. To apply the niacinamide you use one pump of the dispenser, distribute over fingertips and then apply to face and decolletage. Then 'press' it into the face, this helps it to penetrate. Then allow to dry before applying next product.

Niacinamide

Skin Vitalight is a beautiful moisturising lotion that helps to inhibit pigmentation and even out skin colouring. It has a whole heap of great ingredients, including sodium hyaluronate. You apply a pea size to the fingertips and gently massage into the skin. It makes your skin feel so silky smooth!

Skin Vitalight

After a few weeks of using these products my face felt fantastic! It also visually improved, my mum actually asked me if I'd had botox in my forehead haha (it was poor lighting).
I highly recommend Dermaquest products, but most of all I recommend that get a skin consultation and then try samples that your beauty therapist suggests until you find the right one for you :)

It's very important to know that you cannot buy this product online. Although you might see it online, these products cannot be trusted. Dermaquest do not sell or distribute online so you much buy it from a clinic. These products are medical grade and it is imperative they are purchased and use accordingly.

Any Q's about these products, let me know. And I would love to know what products you use that you have tried and tested and and make you beautiful  xx