woman cleansing skin

How a great cleanser will improve your skin ten fold

Updated

 

Here at Beauty Collective, we are strong advocates of cleansing; after all it is one of the most effective ways to achieve skin that’s healthier, clearer and more radiant.

And while you might think a quick swipe of a face wipe or micellar water might seem sufficient at times (I’m sure we’ve all been tempted to do this after a long day) taking the time to remove your make-up and really clean your skin daily will ensure that you see visible improvements in your complexion day after day, cleanse after cleanse.

So, if you want to learn more about the benefits of cleansing and discover why a great cleanser is the foundation to any great skincare routine, keep reading. You’ll even learn about the cleansing tools you might well not be using but definitely should be…

Firstly, what exactly is cleansing?

The role of a cleanser is to totally remove the days remnants. We are talking everything from makeup, dirt and grime to other skin impurities.

Whether your skincare routine consists of two or five products (eight if you’re a lover of the infamous Korean skincare routine) it should always start with a cleanser. Without this step impurities will cling to your skin and dead skin cells will build up.

 

How does cleansing improve your skin?

  1. Skin will be clearer and more refined

Without regular cleansing your pores will become congested, leading to breakouts and a lacklustre complexion. Washing your face every morning and evening will remove impurities (that have built up as a result of pollutants, bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum), decongest the pores and reveal clearer, healthier skin.

  1. Skin will look fresher and brighter

While cleansing isn’t able to remove dead skin cells quite like an exfoliator it will help sweep away surface dry and dead skin cells, revealing a fresh layer of skin underneath for a beautifully brighter, natural glow.

  1. Skin will be more hydrated, soft, supple and youthful looking

Cleansing is more than just cleaning your skin; it’s also the best way to prep your skin for other skincare products. This is because congested pores can not only cause breakouts but also prevent the absorption of other skincare products, cleansing daily will help to clear your pores and ensure that the active ingredients in your moisturisers and serums can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, hydrating it more effectively.

 

The cleansing tools you might be missing

First is the humble muslin cloth. They might not be the top of your skincare wishlist, but these unsung heroes are one of the best ways to gently exfoliate your skin daily and ensure product is completely removed. After applying your cleanser, simply soak the muslin cloth in warm water and sweep in upwards motions away from the face to leave your skin looking and feeling, softer and smoother.

 

Secondly for optimum cleansing results use a Facial Cleansing Brush.  With this little genius gadget you can get your deepest clean yet as gentle but powerful sonic massage works with ultra-hygienic silicone touchpoints and your chosen cleanser to thoroughly remove any build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, oil and sweat, preventing skin problems and resulting in clean & radiant skin, but that’s not all! It preps your skin perfectly for the absorption of your favourite skincare products for maximum effect and results, the tiny pulses help awaken the skin by stimulating the circulation of blood in the skin’s layers (when the blood is stimulated more oxygen is produced in the blood and this feeds the skin cells) and the cleansing brush will aid in keeping your pores clear from debris banishing those breakouts!

Beauty Collective - Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush

 

For the perfect cleanser it is also essential to find the best facial cleanser for your skin, a product that works with and not against your skin type. For our top recommendations click here.

Beauty Collective - Best cleanser for your skin

Beauty Collective - Retinol

Why retinol is the anti-ageing ingredient your skin needs

With so many anti-ageing skin care products on the market, choosing what will be right for your skin can be baffling so say the least. However, when it comes to reducing the visible signs of ageing, retinol is the “super-ingredient” every beauty professional hails as the holy grail of the skincare world. Why? Because it offers a multitude of benefits; From reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing wrinkles, to correcting hyperpigmentation, reducing large pores and clearing acne. Retinol also has the ability to speed cell turnover making cells function like that of a child!

 

What exactly is retinol?

Retinol and retinoic acid are both forms of vitamin A used in skincare products. The stronger of the two, retinoic acid, is only available via prescription while retinol can be sold over the counter.

 

What does it do?

It is a cell communicator that can help damaged skin cells return to their normal function.

When skin is exposed to the UV rays of the sun it absorbs free radicals, which attack healthy cells. Retinol interrupts this process by attaching itself to damaged cells and communicating with them, helping them to act like healthy cells again.

It also helps your skin slough dead cells and creates new ones, which in turn creates new collagen. Over time, this can lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Finally, because retinol helps to slough away dead skin cells and reveal new growth underneath, continuous use can help to reduce the symptoms of hyperpigmentation by peeling away the top layers of skin and slowing the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its colour.

 

Who is it suitable for?

While the cosmetic and medical industries are almost united in their love for retinol, some with sensitive skin will go through an inevitable adjustment period, up to six weeks of red, flaky skin. Still, sensitive skin can be trained to tolerate vitamin A derivatives, so really, the only women who shouldn’t use retinol are those who are pregnant or nursing.

So what about the adjustment period?  There will be some dryness, maybe flakiness and sometimes the skin may feel sensitive. Why? Upon application, the retinol binds to DNA, and immediately instructs the skin’s proteins and enzymes to do certain things, firstly to expel the piled-up dead cells from your skin’s surface. Refining that top layer causes some water loss initially, which can make sensitive skin seem drier and more irritable. But push through and it will become less sensitive over time and leave you with a fantastic glow and reduced fine lines.

If however, you have underlying skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, using a high strength retinol product could enhance the inflammation.

 

When is the best time to use it?

It is best to introduce retinol products slowly – apply it only at night, one or two times a week for the first week and gradually increase application. Retinols are best applied at night, particularly because it makes your skin more photosensitive and should be used in conjunction with sunscreen in the day (although you should be using SPF daily, round around anyway!).

When applying your retinol cream, allow the product to fully absorb into the skin (this could take up to 30 minutes) before layering any other products. Just make sure to use any acne-fighting products (i.e. anything that includes benzoyl peroxides or salicylic acid) on the nights you don’t use your retinol product.

Prepare for the inevitable adjustment period your skin will go through before you see the results you want. Because retinol causes the skin to shed cells faster than normal, you’ll likely experience a few weeks of change to your skin including some flakiness and dryness.

And finally, give the product time to work its magic. This could take a few months but the results WILL be worth it. We promise!

Micro Retinol

Why Pevonia Micro-Retinol range?

Pevonia’s Micro-Retinol Line contains all-natural retinol, sourced from green leafy vegetables.

The Micro-Retinol Line utilizes a specialized technology to create micro-particles of retinol that get delivered deep into the epidermis. This means complete product absorption, no skin irritation and immediate results.

Every product in the Micro Retinol Line contains a powerhouse trio of vitamin C, vitamin E, and Micro-Retinol® The addition of vitamins C and E not only ensures Micro-Retinol®’s stability, but also that the skin’s nutrients and density are renewed and preserved.

Beauty Collective - Stem Cells

One of the Greatest Innovations in Skin Rejuvenation

If you think fillers and BotoxTM are the only way to reduce wrinkles, think again! The latest craze to hit the beauty sphere is skincare ingredient Stem Cells.

Dermatologists are now turning to Stem Cells to smooth wrinkles, as well as improve cell turnover and the skin’s overall appearance! You heard right, Stem Cells, the same ones used to treat Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancer, are now being used in the form of creams, serums, and even cleansers. Except there’s one major difference here: These stems cells are usually derived from plants, yet they work similarly to human stem cells and may offer amazing benefits for your skin.

What stem cells are and how they work

Human stem cells are unique because of their ability to divide. In certain organs, they can even become specialized to repair and replace damaged tissues. Plant stem cells serve similar functions.

Both plant and human stem cells contain proteins and amino acids that signal the body’s cells to rejuvenate. In addition, they contain peptides, which are skincare powerhouse ingredients for collagen formation.  They are the building blocks for cell rejuvenation and have antioxidant properties that nourish skin cells thereby promoting cell turnover. This can result in fewer lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture and tone, and younger, better-looking skin! Now, who doesn’t want that!

So in a nutshell, Stem Cells have the potential to; repair skin cells, protect skin from external factors, create a more youthful look, enter the skin’s cellular level as well as deliver moisture and reparative agents to where they need to go. I’ll have me some of that I hear you say….Enter Stem Cells Phyto-Elite™ from Pevonia.  This innovative line features two stem cell sources, Argan Tree and European Comfrey Root, which are proven to work five to ten times higher than other plant stem cells currently available.  Each product in the collection enables maximum absorbency and faster repair activity, plus additional anti-oxidant, protective, and anti-aging benefits for the skin.

Beauty Collective - Rejueventaion

Featuring a Multi-Active Foaming Cleanser, an Intensive Serum, and an Intensive Cream, the skincare collection sets a new benchmark in cellular regeneration by getting to the root cause of skin ageing, to say this is one of the skincare industry’s greatest innovations is definitely an understatement!

Beauty Collective - Rebalancing

Troublesome Skin? It might be time to strip back your routine!

Skincare isn’t one size fits all, everyone has a different skin type and different skincare needs. Some people like having an extensive skincare routine, and others want something quick and easy. Whatever your skincare routine is there are times when your skin needs nothing more than rebalancing.

What is rebalancing?

It’s focusing on the skin’s oil and moisture levels to find perfect harmony, what we call a “normal” skin.  By doing this skin becomes more tolerant, less dry or oily and generally happier.

Why Pevonia Essential Line is the perfect antidote to unbalanced skin.

The essential lines; Dry, Sensitive and Combination are based on Essential Oils in perfect percentages to achieve optimum rebalancing.  Essential oils are whole, complete plant compounds. They contain the life force of the plant, which not only makes them beneficial but also powerful!

Here’s how they work…

DRY SKIN LINE

It is commonly misconstrued that dry and dehydrated skin are one and the same, this is not accurate. Dry skin can also be dehydrated, but dehydrated skin is not necessarily dry skin. When your skin is dehydrated it needs more water, when your skin is dry it needs more oil.

Pevonia Dry Skin Line contains hydrating Hyaluronic Acid as well is nourishing Micronized Vitamin E and Pear Seed Extract and the Essential Oils of Rose and Ylang Ylang to stimulate the skin’s oil production.

SENSITIVE SKIN LINE

Those with sensitive skin must choose products that contain ingredients that calm, soothe, heal, reduce redness and moisturise.

Pevonia Sensitive Skin Line contains calming, soothing ingredients like Allantoin and Azulene to control sensitivity with healing ingredients like Aloe, Chamomile and Propolis to help repair and reduce redness and the discomfort felt with sensitive skin, but it is the exquisite French Rose essential oil that is gold in this collection, not only does it dramatically sooth the skin it balances the oil and moisture levels offering stronger protection against the elements.

COMBINATION SKIN LINE

Treating and understanding combination skin can be confusing; nevertheless, being consistent with a clear, concise regimen will balance and hydrate this misunderstood skin type.

The important thing to remember is Combination skin requires products that normalize skin deficiencies while combating dryness and dehydration.

Pevonia’s normal to combination skin line contains some of the most effective essential oils such as: Grapefruit, Rosemary Oil and Lemon Grass Oil for balancing skin’s oily secretions. These oils literally “sedate” the oil glands. Add to this healing Arnica, Hazel Nut Oil and Vitamin E and the results are tightened pores, balanced, toned and refreshed skin.

So if your skin is feeling less than “normal” or you are suffering from ingredient overload, it might be time to strip back your routine and enjoy the powerful rebalancing powers of the Pevonia Essential Lines.

SPECIAL OFFER

For the month of July, purchase a Pevonia Essential Line Cream; Dry, Sensitive or Combination and Receive a Full Size matching Cleanser FREE!