The Lowdown on Colloidal Oatmeal

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blend, Calming, collagen, colloidal, Colloidal Oatmeal, complex, dermalogica, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50, Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum, Dermalogica Super Rich Repair, elasticity, enzymes, fine lines, hydration, inflammation, irritation, Oatmeal, product, protection, redness, retinoid, serum, skin, soothing, SPF, SPF50, sun, wrinkles

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There are often ingredients in products which sound hugely complex and scientific, but are actually a lot more simple than you think. One such ingredient is “colloidal oatmeal”, which you could be forgiven for thinking was from another planet. However, colloidal oatmeal is simply made by grinding oat grain, or avena sativa, into a fine powder. 

It’s considered an emollient, a substance that softens or soothes the skin, because it contains high levels of fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin. Colloidal oatmeal is used to treat the symptoms of many conditions, including eczema. 

Dermalogica is a brand which has harnessed the power of colloidal oatmeal in several of its products, and we’ve gathered them here to show you what they can do:

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50

This multi-functional product from Dermalogica not only gives you broad-spectrum SPF50 sun protection, but it also helps you achieve absolute hydration and help defend against the internal and external causes of skin ageing. Colloidal oatmeal and chrysanthemum parthenium (feverfew) extract calms irritated skin, while yeast extract stimulates wound healing and collagen formation while increasing oxygen utilisation in cells. It can be used as your daily moisturiser for year round protection against sun damage and free radicals.

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum 

Another product which performs many functions at once, this powerhouse serum from Dermalogica contains a 3.5% retinoid complex which provides a continual release of skin smoothing actives, working at different speeds to address the signs of skin ageing. Colloidal oatmeal is combined with zinc oxide to soothe the skin while providing anti-itch relief to chronically dry skin while palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3 and palmitoyl oligopeptide help to improve skin elasticity and tone while fighting the appearance of fine lines.

Dermalogica Super Rich Repair

This super rich moisturiser delivers immediate benefits to chronically dry, dehydrated and prematurely-ageing skin in a super-concentrated, heavy-weight cream. As well as soothing colloidal oatmeal, the formula includes powerful peptides that stimulate collagen production while an acid-free renewal complex smoothes fine lines for dramatically improved elasticity and tone. Ultra-emollient shea butter and oil of evening primrose replenish skin with maximum hydration, relieving dryness and reinforcing skin’s natural defensive barrier. 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

The final colloidal oatmeal-rich product on our list is Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, a unique, rice-based enzyme powder that activates upon contact with water, releasing papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes to smooth the skin and accelerate cell renewal.  It contains a super-soothing blend of green tea, ginkgo and colloidal oatmeal which calms inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed. Furthermore, Dermalogica’s unique skin brightening complex of bearberry, aspergillus, grapefruit and licorice helps to balance uneven skin pigmentation.

Everything you Need to Know About Dimethicone

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ageing, barrier, crow's feet, dark circles, dermalogica, dermalogica skincare products, dimethicone, dry skin, eye cream, finish, hair, healthy, hydration, hyperpigmentation, inflammation., moisture, oil, physical, powdery, prematurely ageing, puffiness, silicone, silky, skin, skincare, SkinCeuticals, smooth, SPF, water

Photo by Sora Shimazak

Dimethicone is one of those ingredients that everyone has been talking about for the last few years. It’s often used in primers and other similar skincare as it gives the skin a smooth, silky feeling, but what actually is dimethicone and what is the benefit of having it in your routine? Today, we’re taking a look at everything you need to know about dimethicone:

What is dimethicone?

Dimethicone is a silicone-based ingredient used in many personal care products. It keeps all of the ingredients in a product from separating. It also gives these products a smooth, silky texture. When applied to the skin or hair, dimethicone creates a physical barrier to seal in hydration, keeping skin moisturised and hair frizz-free.

What are the benefits of having dimethicone in your skincare?

Dimethicone improves the texture of skincare and cosmetic products, helps to improve the appearance of the skin, giving it that plump, hydrated look, and can help to prevent moisture loss. It’s also used to create a protective barrier on the skin that blocks external agents like arid air and pollutants from reaching the skin while locking in moisture. In fact, one study found that a majority of skin care products use dimethicone for its moisturising capabilities.

Which are the best products containing dimethicone?

SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector

SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector is a lightweight lotion which evens skin tone and reduces the appearance of skin discolouration.  It is clinically proven to improve the appearance of stubborn hyperpigmentation and boost the appearance of skin tone. 

Dermalogica SkinPerfect Primer SPF30

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 will help even your skin tone and texture allowing for a smoother application and longer lasting coverage of makeup to follow. It is suitable for drier or prematurely-ageing skin.

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex is an anti-wrinkle eye cream that contains a combination of ingredients formulated to target the visible signs of ageing skin. This eye cream improves the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles and puffiness.

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF30

Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF30 is a lightweight, ultra-sheer Broad Spectrum sunscreen helps prevent shine, regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. Oil-absorbers help maintain an all-day matte finish without a powdery residue.

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque is an intensive calming facial mask formulated to soothe and replenish skin discomfort and sensitivity. It delivers intense cooling and calming comfort to skin sensitivity and is suitable for irritated, sensitive skin prone to temporary redness.

Everyday Sunscreens for Every Skin Type

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ageing, Aloe Vera, board protection, botanical, broad spectrum, cloudy, coconut, daily, defend, delicate, discolouration, dry, environmental, exacerbate, harmful rays, hydration, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, Jojoba oil, make up, matte, normal, nourish, nourished for more hydrated, oily, protection, rays, sesame oil, shine reducing, SPF, spot prone, stress, sun, sun damage, sun exposure, sunscreen, thinner, UVA, UVB, wrinkles

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Although keeping your skin clean and hydrated is always going to be important, most experts agree that the easiest way to care for your skin is by wearing sunscreen on a daily basis. Wearing sunscreen can prevent skin damage, including wrinkles, unwanted pigmentation, skin thinning and cancer. It’s also a common misconception that you only need to wear sunscreen on warmer days; you can still get burned when it’s cloudy, so wear sunscreen daily.

With this in mind, we’ve curated a list of our best sunscreens for every different skin type:

Normal

When you have normal skin, you often have the pick of many different products, but finding a daily SPF which works well with make-up can still be a challenge. Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF30 is a perfect base for make-up and offers broad protection against environmental factors including UV rays, high energy visible light and pollution. It has a super light texture and contains both coconut and jojoba oils to nourish the skin.

Dry/Sensitive

When people with dry skin use sunscreens which aren’t formulated for dryness, they often find that the product can look chalky or exacerbate flakiness. Decleor Aloe Vera Sun Gel Cream SPF50 is a gel-based sunscreen offering broad spectrum SPF50 protection which also deeply hydrates dry and ageing skin. Aloe vera soothes and prevents inflammation and botanical sesame oils leave the skin feeling nourished and hydrated.

Oily/Spot Prone

Many sunscreens are oil-based to prevent them from being washed away too easily, but this can play havoc with oily and spot prone skin. Dermalogica Clearing Defence SPF30 is a shine-reducing SPF moisturiser that protects breakout-prone skin from environmental stress. It offers a matte finish which doesn’t clog the pores while protecting the skin from the suns harmful rays. 

Ageing

If your skin is ageing, either prematurely or when it should, you’ll find that you need added protection from the sun. This is because, as we age, our skin loses the ability to make certain key elements, leaving our skin thinner and more delicate. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF50 will help achieve absolute hydration and defend against the internal and external causes of skin ageing.

Hyperpigmented

If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, you’re probably all too aware that sun exposure can exacerbate the condition more than almost anything else, so having a good SPF is essential. SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defence SPF 50 is a dual-action, lightweight sunscreen with SPF50 that helps protect the skin from UV-induced discolouration and helps evens skin tone. 

Don’t Wait for the Golden Hour to Glow!

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beta-carotene, bronze, complexion, decleor, dull, dullness, essential oils, Evolve organic Beauty, formula, glow, golden, golden glow, green mandarin, hyaluronic acid, natural, non-nano mineral-based zinc oxide, pigments, reef-safe, skin, SPF, St. Tropez, summer, sun, tan, tanning, This Works, tint, tropical, winter

Photo by Andreas Dress on Unsplash

Unless you’re lucky enough to be able to nip off to somewhere exotic for some much needed winter sunshine, there’s a good chance that you’re feeling a bit dull, like the rest of us. Your summer tan (achieved with full sun protection, of course!) is but a distant memory and your summer holiday seems like it’s a lifetime away while you navigate the hurricanes and sleet of a British winter. 

That hour when the sun goes down and the world looks golden is the closest you’ll get to enjoying a glow – but never fear, because Pure Beauty has your back! We’ve dug up a whole selection of products to help you to feel glowy and gorgeous. Here’s just five of them:

Evolve Organic Beauty Climate Veil Tinted Light/Medium SPF20

This product from Evolve Organic Beauty combines skincare and sun protection to create one product which will both protect you from the sun’s harmful rays while giving your skin a glow. It contains mineral light reflecting natural pigments for a luminous dewy finish while the broad spectrum SPF comes from non-nano mineral-based zinc oxide, which is certified as “reef-safe” and therefore won’t hurt the environment. 

St.Tropez Gradual Tan Tinted Everyday Body Lotion

If you want to glow but aren;t a fan of the full-on fake tan look, then this body lotion fro, St. Tripes is the ultimate compromise. The lotion moisturises the skin while giving an instant hint of bronze that immediately illuminates the skin. It then has a slight tan which will develop gradually, giving you a gentle glow which makes you look healthier all over. It can be reapplied daily, or however often you prefer, to build the colour or maintain a sunkissed look. 

This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle

If you’re planning on wearing something which shows your legs but don’t want to commit to an all-over fake tan, this product from This Works is the one for you. The powerful, tinted serum is full of vitamins to enhance and repair skin, while also containing a tint which instantly enhances legs and helps combat uneven skin tone and bruising. It’s a non-greasy formula which absorbs to give the legs a deep moisturising effect and has natural caramel included, which will add warmth and immediately transform the skin with a sun-kissed glow.

South Seas – Sea Foam Tanning Mousse

If you’re ready to just grab the self tan and get  that all-over glow then you should definitely consider this tanning mousse from South Seas. It has a rich brown tint for easy application which dries quickly into a satisfying tropical glow, allowing you to wear and go. You don’t need to wait hours before you can get dressed (although you DO need to wait six hours before you shower!) and the colour will develop to a longer-lasting tan. 

Decleor Green Mandarin Sun-Kissed Glow Cream

This face cream from Decleor is a multifunctional product; it contains a blend of essential oils and hyaluronic acid to smooth the appearance of fine lines, as well as beta-carotene which gives your skin an instant glow. The formula is designed to help to prevent the early signs of ageing, as well as giving you a healthy glow which allows you to go make-up free. It’s suitable for all skin types and can be used daily.      

Forget the Hacks – Get Skincare RIGHT!

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avoid, care, caution, contouring, damage, face masks, hacks, homemade, ingredients, mask, masks, microneedling, moisturiser, skin, skincare, slugging, social media, SPF, spoons, sun, sunscreen, tan, tears, TikTok, Vaseline

Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

These days, because the internet and social media give anyone who wants one a very public mouthpiece, there’s a lot of false information floating around which claims to be true. This is especially relevant when it comes to skincare and barely a day goes by without a new “hack” hitting TikTok, claiming to be the latest skincare saviour or correct way to do things. There are, however, plenty of people out there putting paid to these myths, and we thought it was time we weighed in too! 

Homemade Face Masks

While there’s no doubt that there are plenty of ingredients in your kitchen which are can be good for your skin, there are also a lot which can be damaging. One such ingredient is sugar, which many claim makes a good exfoliant when added to face scrubs or masks. In fact, using sugar to exfoliate your face can be highly damaging and actually cause micro tears to your face, leaving you open to infection. If you want to exfoliate, opt for a non-physical exfoliation product such as Elemis Superfood Blackcurrant Jelly Exfoliator which will gently yet effectively exfoliate, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.

Frozen Spoons

There are lots of tutorials on the web showing people using spoons which have been stored in the fridge or freezer to perform facial massage and lymphatic drainage. While the theory behind is is fairly sound, using a spoon is less than ideal. They’re usually made of a non-optimal material such as metal and they’re not specifically shaped for the contours of the face. Swap your spoon for a Hayo’u Beauty Restorer and we’re positive that your facial massage routine will start to show MUCH better results. 

Slugging

For those of you who don’t know, slugging involves covering your face with a thick layer of Vaseline and leaving it overnight as a way of hydrating the skin. It originated in Korea and made it’s way across the globe thanks to social media, however it’s NOT something we’d recommend. At all. While soaking your skin in something nourishing to encourage moisturisation is fine, using a product like Vaseline (which, let’s not forget, is a petrochemical…) is a really bad idea. Aside from suffocating your skin and blocking your pores, it can actually be more drying and cause your skin to parch completely. If you must slather your face in something, opt for Elemis Superfood Night Cream, which is designed to deeply hydrate and nourish your skin without the risk of damage. 

SPF Contouring

This trend is one that really blew our minds! Certain TikTokkers were advocating for only putting sunscreen on small areas of the face, so that you’d tan more in other areas, to create a physical contouring effect without using make up. Obviously, this is just beyond daft, and potentially a very dangerous thing to do, and we can’t imagine anyone taking this seriously. Properly protecting your skin from the sun using a product like SkinCeuticals Advanced Brightening UV Defence SPF 50 is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun – and we do mean ALL OVER your face! 

Home Microneedling

While we aren’t suggesting that microneedling is totally out of the question, we have serious reservations about doing such an invasive treatment without proper medical training. Microneedling, for those who aren’t in the know, involves using a device which rolls lots of tiny needles across your face, making minute holes in your skin as it goes. The theory is that it allows the skincare to penetrate more deeply, but in reality, the risk of introducing bacteria, and therefore infection, is really high. Devices which pierce the skin should be sterilised in a medical grade autoclave before each use…not just left in your bathroom cabinet! If you make the sensible choice of leaving your microneedling to a professional, we do recommend using Medik8 Ultimate Recovery Bio-Cellulose Mask in the days after treatment.