Like

Review: My Skincare Routine March 2017

I’ve had SO many compliments on my skin lately and as I’ve been using new products, it’s really easy for me to pinpoint what’s a contributing factor – which is great news for you guys too!

The only credit I can take is putting the work in because caring for your skin does require a lot of work however, it’s the best investment you can ever make and you’ll thank yourself as your skin ages gracefully over time. To get the maximum benefits from your skincare you must make sure that you’re using products suitable to your skin type, in other words the products I recommend below mightn’t necessarily work for you if you don’t have the same skin type as me. Image Skincare have a range of products to suit all skin types, the products I’ve been using came as a result of a one-on-one skin consultation with an Image Skincare specialist who prescribed them to me based on my skin type. So although my personal suite of products will sound amazing when you read up on them below, make sure to make an appointment with an Image Skincare consultant and have a suite of products customised to your own needs and skin concerns.

The first contributing factor to my new found skin amazingness is the Yana Daily Collagen Shots €99 by Image Skincare – a concentrated daily beauty drink that strengthens the skin by boosting the body’s natural collagen production.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and gives skin its strength and structure however, after the age of 25 we begin loosing collagen at a rate of 1% per year meaning the average person will have lost a quarter of the collagen in their skin by the age of 50 – scary I know!

Uniquely formulated with Lumiplex technology this revolutionary product contains a highly concentrated proprietary blend of collagen peptides, ceramides, antioxidants and vitamins that deliver five powerful restorative compounds to increase the skin’s production of collagen, ultimately improving skin firmness and hydration.

Some of the benefits explained:

  • Bioactive collagen peptides are clinically proven to increase collagen by up to 65% in 60 days.
  • Hydrolyzed collagen peptides have a higher bioavailability allowing ingredients to be absorbed more effectively.
  • Lumiplex (a proprietary ultra-nutraceutical antioxidant complex) works to rebuild and repair skin on a cellular level, formulated for correction, prevention and nutrition.
  • Skin moisture is increased by up to 40% in as little as 3 weeks.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles are reduced in as littles as 1 week.

My skin type is most definitely dry the majority of the time. Borderline sensitive, borderline oily especially around my chin where I’m prone to hormonal congestion every few weeks. Dry skin is caused due to a lack of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity because when the skin is dry, it’s depleted of its natural protective barrier. Dry skin appears parched in areas due to its inability to retain moisture and is exacerbated by wind, extremes of temperature and air conditioning which cause the skin to flake, chap and feel tight. There is a difference between dry and dehydrated skin though, dry skin is a result of skin lacking in oil whereas dehydrated skin is a result of a lack of moisture in the outer most layer of the epidermis.

The Image Skincare Vital C skincare line is specifically formulated for dry, dehydrated, rosacea prone and sun damaged skin that soothes skin irritation, nourishes dryness and illuminates dullness.

The first product I’m using as part of my new routine is the Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser €35. This creamy, hydrating cleanser removes all traces of makeup and impurities, quenches the skin with essential vitamins and improves skin tone and texture. Used to treat environmentally damaged skin, Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser renews skin and leaves it silky smooth.

Next up l use the Vital C Hydrating Anti-Ageing Serum €67.50, a pharmaceutical grade, paraben-free Vitamin C serum that immediately minimises and soothes the visible effects of stress and fatigue. Rich in antioxidants and Vitamins A, C & E, Vital C Hydrating Anti-Ageing Serum rejuvenates dull, dry skin and creates a healthy, youthful glow.

After applying serum I then apply moisturiser but switch between two. If it’s first thing in the morning I will always use the Prevention + Daily Hydrating Moisturizer SPF30 €44.50, a lightweight, ultra-sheer UVA/UVB broad spectrum moisturiser that provides ultimate protection against the aging effects of the sun and environmental exposures. It contains a potent antioxidant called thiothaine as well as other essential vitamins that prevent free radical damage.

I also use Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème €76.50, an ultra-hydrating Vitamin C and anti-oxidant rich emollient formula that combats the visible effects of stress, fatigue and other dehydrating environmental factors. Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème also promotes healthy cell renewal and repairs ageing skin.

At night-time my routine changes slightly, I still use the Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser however I use a different serum nightly and a different moisturiser every other night.

I replace the Vital C Hydrating Anti-Ageing Serum at night with a lightweight oil-free serum from the Iluma line, a range of powerful skin lightening agents that quickly diminish all forms of pigmentation from sun spots to melasma. Formulated by plastic surgeons, this revolutionary intense lightening line utilises the latest technology in plant-derived stem cells, peptides and botanicals to correct and prevent pigmentation and uneven skin tone leaving a lightened, brightened and illuminated complexion. It also contains Vectorized Technology, a unique delivery system that delivers up to 100 treatments in just a single application. In other words, Vectorized Technology organises the peptides, plant extracts, lightening agents and stem cells into spherical molecules up to 100 layers thick. Each molecular layer is separated by a microscopic layer of lipids that prolong the effectiveness of the product, keeping the skin soft and lustrous.

I use the Iluma Intense Lightening Serum €49 at night after cleansing my skin, a lightweight oil-free serum that treats skin discolouration and redness. It has a blend of botanical lighteners, Vitamin C and Grape Seed Extract that gently reduce inflammation promoting a clear, fresh-looking complexion.

After applying the Iluma Intense Lightening Serum I use the Ageless Total Retinol-A Crème €77.50, but only every other night. (Between usage I use Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème) Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A and is regarded as the most effective anti-ageing ingredient on the market. Ageless Total Retinol-A Crème has potent anti-ageing properties that rejuvenate and repair ageing skin along with an exclusive peptide blend that significantly reduces fine lines for visibly tighter skin. The formula also contains Shea Butter which balances skin and helps retain moisture levels.

And that folks is everything I’ve been using over the last month that has contributed to my skin looking incredible in terms of tone, texture, radiance and clarity!

If you’re interested in trying some Image Skincare products I’d recommend booking a consultation at Havana Therapy if you’re Dublin based.  There’s three locations you can choose from – Dundrum, IFSC and Swords, details of which you will find on the Havana Therapy website – www.havanatherapy.ie

Alternatively you will find a full list of nationwide stockists  on the Renaissance Skincare website here: www.renaissance-skincare.com/image/

I hope you enjoyed reading my post, which isn’t sponsored by the way! I’m just loving these products and as they are so affective,  I had to share with you all! x