The Lowdown on Colloidal Oatmeal

Tags

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

Image Source

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.

Our Top Five Non-Greasy Skin and Haircare Formulas

Tags

acne, ageing, all skin types, Aloe Vera, antioxidant, bath, bedtime, body, breakouts, brighter, broad spectrum, cashmere, chamomile, coconut, complexion, daily, damaged hair, dry, dry oil, dry skin, even, formula, frizz, Glycerin, greasiness, greasy, harmful, healthier, healthy, heavy, Ho Wood, holiday, hyaluronic acid, hydrated, ingredients, lavender, light, lighter, moisture, moisturiser, night oil, non-greasy, nourished, oil, oils, patchouly, polished, porous, powerful, protect, protection, rays, refine, sensitivity, sensory, sesame oil, Shea butter, shower, skin, skin type, skincare, smooth, smoother, SPF30, SPF50, spots, spray tan, spring, stress, styling creams, summer, sun creams, tea or flour, tension, texture, thick, uncomfortable, UVA, UVB, vetiver, Vitamin C

Photo by cottonbro

There are many reasons for opting for skincare formulas which are non-greasy. For some people, it’s the simple fact that their skin already produces too much oil and greasy formulas are simply not compatible with their skin type. For others, it may be an issue of sensitivity to certain ingredients such as certain oils which may exacerbate breakouts of spots or acne. And for some people, it is simply a sensory issue which means that formulas which are too heavy and greasy feel highly uncomfortable on your skin. 

All of these issues can also be worse depending on the season; wearing thicker formulas in spring and summer when it is hot can feel unpleasant at times. With this in mind, we’ve searched our stock to put together a list of five non-greasy products which are perfect for anyone who prefers lighter skin care:

Decleor Aloe Vera Sun Gel Cream SPF50

When it comes to skincare that feels heavy or greasy on the skin, suncreams are often one of the worst offenders. This Aloe Vera Sun Gel Cream from Decleor is a non-greasy gel which is enriched with aloe vera and sesame oils, to leave the skin feeling nourished and hydrated but fresh and light at the same time. The broad-spectrum SPF50 protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and it can be used on all skin types on a daily basis.

Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C

If your skin is dry and lacking radiance you may find that many of the formulas designed to relieve this are thick and heavy. This Daily Radiance Vitamin C from Medik8 has a light, cashmere texture to deliver powerful antioxidant protection as well as broad-spectrum SPF 30 without any of the greasiness of other products. It’s enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which draws moisture into the skin leaving you with a brighter, more even complexion and skin which is protected from the future signs of ageing.

South Seas – Moorea Moisturiser

Dry skin doesn’t just affect your face; it can happen anywhere on your body and can be difficult to tackle. This moisturiser from South Seas is a non-greasy, lightweight formula to leave your skin feeling healthy and smooth. It is designed specifically to be used alongside a spray tan and for people who have very dry skin, and contains shea butter to deeply nourish, along with tiare flower and coconut to give you a fragrance which makes you feel like you’re always on holiday!

This Works Deep Sleep Night Oil

Finding a product which describes itself as a non-greasy oil may sound like something of an oxymoron, however this Deep Sleep Night Oil from This Works is a dry oil which is easily absorbed. It is formulated using oils of lavender, chamomile, vetiver, patchouly, and ho wood, which combine to create a delicately scented and relaxing oil which will lock moisture into your skin, soothe your muscles and calm your mind before bedtime. It’s perfect for use after a bath or shower and can be used daily to help relieve tension and stress.

Color Wow One Minute Transformation Styling Cream

Unless you have a hair type which is extremely dry or porous, some styling creams can feel slightly greasy and leave your hair looking slick and weighed down, rather than natural and weightless. This One Minute Transformation Styling Cream from Colour Wow is designed to banish frizz and refine texture without any greasiness. The formula revives shine and enhances the hair’s moisturisation, leaving dry, damaged hair smoother, more polished and looking healthier than ever.

Dermaplaning – A Beginner’s Guide

Tags

acne, chemical, chemical peel, damage, Decleor Thyme Gentle Peeling Cream, Decleor Ultra Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF50 Face, Dermalogica UltraCalming Serum Concentrate, Dermaplaning, doctor, dry skin, dull skin, exfoliate, exfoliation, face, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, inflammation, irritation, Keratosis pilaris, nurse, peel, practitioner, professional, protect, protection, rosacea, scalpel, sensitive skin, skin, skin condition, SPF, SPF50, sun, sun damage, wrinkles

Photo by Antonika Chanel on UnsplashDermaplaning – A Beginner’s Guide

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 6 months, there’s a good chance that you will have seen the videos doing the rounds where it looks like people are using a knife to scrape their skin off. What you’re actually witnessing are videos of dermaplaning, something that is considered the next big thing in the beauty world. We thought it was time that we took a look at what dermaplaning is and give all of the details you need to know before taking the plunge. Read on for more information:

What is it?

Dermaplaning is an exfoliating treatment which should only be done by a doctor or licensed practitioner and involves gently scraping the surface of your skin off with a surgical scalpel to remove dead cells and the fuzzy hair that most of us have on our faces.

What does it do?

Dermaplaning is said to have many benefits; as well as making your skin feel baby soft, it helps foundation to apply smoothly and is also said to be useful for acne, rosacea and people with hyperpigmentation.

Who is it good for?

The answer to this is basically anybody who feels that their skin needs a boost. If you have dull skin, dry skin, sun damage, fine lines, keratosis pilaris, sensitive skin, rosacea, acne or any other skin condition which causes you you bother dermaplaning is probably worth a go.

Is there anything I need to bear in mind?

Dermaplaning is considered safe for all skin types, however, if you do have highly sensitive skin it’s worth bearing in mind that dermaplaning might cause you added irritation. As we mentioned above, dermaplaning should only be carried out by a professional so we definitely do not recommend going out and buying scalpels and trying this yourself. Scalpels and faces really do not mix!

Which products should I use before and after?

If you have sensitive skin, it’s worth bearing in mind that dermaplaning can cause a little irritation. We’d recommend adding Dermalogica UltraCalming Serum Concentrate to your daily skin routine in the run up to your appointment as this will help to keep irritation and inflammation to a minimum.

Lots of people also opt for a chemical peeling treatment immediately after dermaplaning as the newly revealed skin is more receptive to strong treatments. If you want to do this yourself, we recommend Decleor Thyme Gentle Peeling Cream, a gentle cream exfoliator that removes dead skin cells for a clear and radiant complexion.

Finally, you’ll need to protect your skin from the sun for a few weeks after treatment, so make sure you start using Decleor Ultra Protective Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF50 Face on a daily basis, too.

How to Be Mole-Safe with Pure Beauty

Tags

blemishes, Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50, Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster, freckles, melanoma, moles, protection, rays, skin, skin cancer, solar defence, SPF50, sun, sun safe, UVA, UVB

Photo Credit: Gigi Hadid/Instagram

In the past, women in the public eye would do their best to cover any “imperfections” on their skin and Photoshop was a magazine editor’s best friend if any of their models had moles. However, with the likes of top supermodel Gigi Hadid embracing her moles and showing them off in all their glory, we thought we’d take a look at some of the ways that you too can embrace your blemishes in a healthy way.

Keep an Eye on Them

There are apps online which actually allow you to take photographs of your moles, document them with times and dates, and then compare them to pictures at a later date, giving you the all-important info about whether your moles have changed size, shape or colour. The rule to remember is “ABCDE” – if your moles are ASYMMETRICAL have a ragged BORDER, uneven or dark in COLOUR, change DIAMETER or EVOLVE in any other way, they should be seen by your GP.

Protect Them from the Sun

We all know how harmful the sun’s rays can be, but moles are particularly vulnerable to them and can put you at greater risk of something nasty if you don’t use protection. Opting for a high SPF sun lotion, such as Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF50 and paying close attention to moles and freckles when applying should give you peace of mind. We advise using this all year round, too, as winter sun can still be harmful.

Think About Where They Are

Moles on your body are likely to be covered up by clothing for most of the year, especially if you live in the UK, but it’s possible to have moles just about anywhere on your body and moles on your face, hands or neck will be most vulnerable. If you already use a moisturiser or hand cream in these areas, you can add a great boost of protection by adding Dermalogica Solar Defence Booster SPF50 to your usual creams.

If In Doubt…

As much as we embrace beautiful moles and freckles, if you have a blemish which is worrying you, see a GP or dermatologist about having it removed. Imperfections are truly beautiful and make us unique, however nothing is worth risking your health over and if you’ve a family history of cancer, it’s best to get them removed.

Caring for Your Skin After a Chemical Peel

Tags

chemical peel, dead skin, decleor, dermalogica, Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50, flaky, hyperpigmentation, moisture, moisturise, peeling, Renew, replenish, sensitive, sensitized, side-effects, skin, SPF50

Here at Pure Beauty, we feel that the products we offer from Dermalogica and Decleor are more than enough to ensure that we don’t need to go for more drastic measures such as fillers and chemical peels. However, we know how a-peel-ing (see what we did there?!) the prospect of totally renewed skin can be and that a chemical peel can seem like a good idea, so we thought we’d put together a guide for helping you to care for your face after taking the plunge.

Be Gentle

The single most important thing we can tell you is to BE GENTLE! The skin which has been peeled away has revealed the brand new, extremely delicate and sensitive skin beneath and it needs to be treated with the utmost respect. Opt for the mildest cleanser you can find; we recommend Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser which is designed to cleanse and protect even the most delicate and sensitive of skin.

Don’t Over-Moisturise

The whole point of a peel is to destroy the top layer of skin, which means that your face will feel dry and flaky once the chemicals have started to work. It’s tempting to add moisture to your skin when it feels this way but actually, in order to get the full benefit of the treatment you need to allow your skin to dry out and flake away.

Replenish

Once the old, dead skin has fully peeled away, NOW is the time to start replenishing the new, rejuvenated skin with the moisture it needs. One of the unwanted side-effects of a chemical peel is that the peel can actually increase melanin production temporarily, which can cause dark spots. Using a product which reduces the effects of hyperpigmentation is really important, so investing in Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50 ahead of time is a good idea.

Stay Away from the Sun

Keeping your brand-new skin away from the sun is also very important. Your risk of burning is FAR higher when you’ve had a chemical peel and burning brand new skin right away, causing sun damage, completely defeats the object of having a peel in the first place! The Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50 that we mentioned above is good for this reason too; the SPF50 gives added protection if you simply aren’t able to stay indoors.

Don’t Exfoliate

This may seem like a no-brainer but exfoliating is a big no-no right now. Your skin is probably the most delicate and sensitive it will ever be and exfoliating it now could cause you some serious discomfort. It may be tempting to help the flaky skin to peel away but YOU MUST RESIST!