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premature skin ageing

What to do when moisturiser isn’t enough for your dry skin

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Perhaps you’ve been a loyal fan of your trusty moisturiser for some time now but have recently realised it’s just not enough for your devitalised, dry skin? Or maybe you’ve read all the reviews on that ‘miracle’ face cream so many are raving about but find isn’t it working for your parched complexion.

If you’ve been asking yourself why your skin is still so dry even when you moisturise religiously, something isn’t right, and we are here to tell you what! Keep reading as we explain what you need to do when that moisturiser of yours simply isn’t enough for your dry skin.

 

  1. Properly cleanse your skin morning and night

A moisturiser isn’t going to work as well if your face isn’t clean! Moisturisers should be applied to perfectly cleansed skin as they prevent skin from drying out post wash and are actually most effective when applied to slightly damp skin as they seal in moisture.

Cleanse skin twice daily, morning and night with a gentle creamy cleanser to wash away the day’s dirt, makeup and grim that can dry out the skin.

Try: Pevonia – CleanRefresh™ Foaming Oil Cleanser

Suitable for all skin types, but especially recommended for dry skin, this innovative, triple duty oil cleanser features an advanced, lipid rich, alcohol-free, soap-free, exclusive formula which transforms into a luscious, foamy cleanser for a truly luxurious cleansing experience.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - CleanRefresh™ Foaming Oil Cleanser

  1. Exfoliate weekly

Exfoliation is essential. It will help remove dead skin cell build up that could be blocking your complexion and in turn preventing your moisturiser from properly absorbing into your skin.

If your skin is dry exfoliate just once a week and try using a gentle exfoliator formulated with nourishing ingredients. A gentle exfoliant will help remove the dry cell barrier that prevents absorption of moisturising ingredients and will brighten dull skin at the same time.

Try Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant. It’s seriously soft, silky and subtle scented plus it’s ideal for all skin types even the most sensitive or dry! It eliminates impurities by gently removing dead skin cells with natural enzymes (so no scrubbing or irritating the skin whatsoever) and naturally encourages cell turnover. The result? Beautifully luminous and youthful skin after every use – no jokes!

Phytomer's Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes

  1. Always use a serum

Serums have multiple benefits but the most important is that they can hydrate more effectively than any moisturiser because the molecules in a serum are able to truly penetrate your skin much deeper than any other skincare product. So, while your moisturiser tends to sit on the skin’s surface nourishing the toy layers, your serum hydrates on the deepest level.

Serums do not, however, replace your moisturiser, but instead, when applied prior to your moisturiser, boost its effects and help lock in moisture. Vital for those with dry skin!

Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Serum. Featuring one of the highest concentrations of hyaluronic acid on the market (12%), combined with the powerful anti-ageing duo of marine collagen and Hibiscus Esculentus extract, this ultimate serum for seriously thirsty skin, delivers immediate skin soothing results and deep hydration. It eliminates dryness almost instantly as it quite literally blasts even the most dry of complexions with a surge of moisture, maintaining surface hydration throughout the day. Oh and not only does it help rejuvenate skin cells but will bind any moisturiser you apply on top like a magnet too!

  1. Make sure your moisturiser is formulated with skin specific nourishing ingredients

A deeply nourishing moisturiser is a must when it comes to a dry complexion but the only way you’ll truly get this is if it’s loaded with specific hydrating ingredients including; Hydration hero Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Glycerin and Squalane.

Try: Pevonia Age Defying Marine Collagen Cream. This global best seller is my personal absolute can’t live without product and the no. 1 recommendation of the BC Pros too. It’s a gorgeously rich, yet fine cream – formulated with Squalane, Collagen, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid – that feels amazing on application and really does leave skin super soft, supple and like it’s had that much-needed boost of moisture, a feeling that lasts all day!

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Marine Collagen Cream

  1. Use a facial mist in the morning (and throughout the day)

Once you’ve applied your makeup it’s highly unlikely you’d reapply your moisturiser (after all you wouldn’t want to mess up that makeup of yours!) but by spritzing a face mist formulated with extra hydrating ingredients, will help give skin that extra boost of moisture every time you apply it throughout the day.

Try: Pevonia Hyaluronic Acid Hydra Mist. Formulated with super hydrator hyaluronic acid, this true multi-tasker can be used in the morning to revitalise your senses and replenish the moisture your skin has lost overnight, throughout the day to help your skin stay supple and fresh (or as the perfect pick-me-up), and as a toner to enhance your evening cleanse. What’s more it will actually improve the absorption of your serum and moisturiser optimising the benefits and overall results too! Oh, and it doubles as a finishing or setting spray, locking your makeup in place and increasing its length of wear!

  1. At night, lock in moisture with a facial oil

Yes, your moisturiser will indeed moisturise your skin but without using a barrier cream or oil, moisture can escape, and skin will become dry again. Face Oils have the ability to help boost your moisturiser’s hydrating efforts by sealing in all the nourishing ingredients, making your skin more likely to hold onto that added hydration. In fact, face oils are integral to healthy skin as without them, moisture just continuously leeches out from the skin until the next time you apply your cream!

Try:  Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate. It’s a soothing, silky antioxidant oil with the most amazing mandarin aroma, is worth its weight in gold! It’s fast-absorbing and radically combats premature ageing, dehydration, and excessive dryness by locking in hydration and delivering moisture that stays! So you’ll wake up to smooth, supple, and seriously glowy skin every morning.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Vitaminic Concentrate

 

adult acne

How to get rid of acne: 5 steps to pimple free skin

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You might well have suffered from acne when you were younger, or perhaps you were just prone to the occasional pimple, but why oh why years later are you still getting these darn spots you might be wondering?

Acne, or ‘adult acne’ as it’s more commonly known once you approach or 40’s or 50’s, is actually a very common skin condition that affects not only teenagers but men and woman of all ages! In fact, there is no age limit! Why?  Because acne, whether it presents as whiteheads, pimples, blackheads or cysts, occurs when your skin follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Something that is very easily done, but also something that can be prevented when you follow a few simple steps. So, if you are suddenly finding yourself with a face full of pimples, keep reading as we explain the best ways to get rid of them and how you can stay pimple free too!

  1. Watch what you eat

As good a staple as it can be, dairy in your daily diet can sadly lead to an increase in acne breakouts. Try cutting it out to see if it could be causing your breakouts to occur. Also cut down on the amount of sugar and caffeine you consume!

Instead indulge in foods such as almonds, blueberries, avocados and kidney beans as they are among a range of foods which may help to reduce and prevent inflammation.

  1. Stress less

Sounds easier said than done I know, we all have those days, weeks, months even where we are super stressed but said stress can lead to acne flare ups!

This is because stress-related hormone CRH can bind to receptors in the skin’s sebaceous glands, increasing oil production. Excess oil production can then cause pimples. So, if you keep breaking out and just can’t understand why, stress might be to blame, so try to relax!

Try listening to relaxation music or meditate. Also, something as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath every evening can really help. Exercise is also imperative! While exercising will increase blood flow, helping nourish skin cells and keeping them vital, it has also been accountable for reducing stress-related acne.

  1. Keep your phone clean! And your pillowcase too!

Yup, a sudden breakout can be from something as simple as your phone or pillowcase (well anything that touches your face really that could be hosts for harmful bacteria!) And anytime you hold your phone to your face or lie on your pillowcase you are spreading the bacteria to your skin. So, if you haven’t done so for a while, try sanitizing your phone screen and wash that pillowcase of yours more often, it could make a big difference to your skin.

  1. Use mineral makeup

Makeup can be a real trigger for pesky pimples. Especially if it’s full of pore clogging ingredients and oils. If you have acne, you are likely going to want to try and conceal it without exacerbating the condition, this is where mineral makeup will become your best friend! Each product in the ELES Mineral Makeup range is free of skin irritants and pore clogging nasties and instead are rich in skin nourishing and nurturing ingredients that will not only allow skin to breathe freely but will help to improve its condition too!

ELES Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation SPF 15

Our favourite? The ELES best-selling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation. But if you love powder, the Mineral Powder Foundation is pretty outstanding too, especially if your skin is a little on the sensitive side.

ELES - Mineral Powder Foundation

  1. Choose skincare wisely

You might well love your moisturiser but if it’s too rich for your skin it could well be doing more bad than good. Choosing skincare specifically designed to counteract acne is imperative. You want to make sure your products are formulated with acne-fighting ingredients including powerhouse salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. This is because salicylic acid dissolves the bonds that hold dull, dead skin cells on the surface of the skin so the skin will gently shed, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath, while super ingredient Benzoyl peroxide is helpful for treating acne not only because it kills bacteria that contribute to acne, but because it helps prevent and clear out clogged pores too!

Try;

Medicalia Clarifying Cleanser

The key to fighting persistent breakouts is to find a high-impact cleansing product that will help to clear up your skin while thoroughly cleaning it.

Formulated with both lactic and salicylic acids to deeply penetrate pores, remove dead skin cells, and eliminate toxins, surface bacteria, and makeup, Medicalia’s Clarifying Cleanser is a must! It provides skin with a super gentle lather that won’t dry out the skin like some acne treatments do!

Beauty Collective - Medicalia - Clarifying Cleanser

Pevonia Soothing Propolis Concentrate

If you’re a sufferer of reactive, sensitive or acne prone skin a soothing serum could be your new go-to if it’s not already! Pevonia’s Soothing Propolis Concentrate is a beautiful rich gel-like serum with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties! It combines calming lavender, vetiver oil and a high concentration of healing propolis from the Jura Mountains of France to desensitize, decongest, heal, strengthen, and really enrich skin! Outstanding stuff!

Pevonia - Soothing Propolis Concentrate

Pevonia Problematic Skincare Cream 

You might be thinking that applying a moisturiser is counterintuitive if you have acne prone skin? After all you’d do everything in your power to keep oiliness away right? The thing is not all acne-prone skin is oily, in fact, dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, basically any skin can be prone to breakouts as well! Whatever your skin, moisturising is an essential step in every skincare routine, after all they protect the skin’s barrier function and can even help soothe and prevent acne if done correctly.

The experts at BC can’t get enough of Pevonia’s Problematic Skincare Cream rich in Glycolic Acid. It works amazingly on problematic skin reducing overall breakouts while leaving your complexion soft, supple and pores clog-free!

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Problematic Skin Care Cream

Phytomer Oligopur Blemish Target Gel

When a pimple rears its head, a potent spot correction treatment will encourage rapid healing by controlling bacteria, reducing inflammation, and diminishing the follicular accumulation of keratin. Try Phytomer’s’ Oligopur Blemish Target Gel, it’s a phenomenal spot treatment which targets blemishes with precision, rapidly improving the skin’s appearance and eliminating spots almost overnight! Simply apply a small amount of product to your pimple and let the powerful ingredients keep your skin follicles clean to achieve an even and bright complexion.

Beauty Collective - Phytomer Blemish Target Gel

beauty collective - treat dark spots - woman under the sun wearing a native hat

5 products to best treat dark spots

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We might well be lucky to live in a country known for its breathtaking beaches, beautiful bushland and endless summer sun (well the latter could be debatable right now!) but unfortunately growing up in Australia can reap havoc on our skin, and as we age hyperpigmentation can start to form.

Otherwise known as dark spots, age spots, sunspots and uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation is a very common skin condition, especially in warmer climates. Why? Because it is mainly triggered by overexposure to the sun. UV light speeds up the production of melanin, a natural pigment that gives our skin its colour. On skin that has had years of sun exposure, hyperpigmentation appears when melanin becomes clumped or is produced in high concentrations. What’s worse, these dark spots are then typically perceived as ‘aged skin’ and can in turn make you look 10 years older. Eek!

The phenomenon affects both men and women and can occur in all skin tones and types. Unfortunately, sun exposure isn’t the only trigger though! Other triggering factors include genetics, pregnancy, the use of photo-sensitizing products, medication, lifestyle choices, acne and scarring and hormonal changes!

So, what exactly is the solution? How do we prevent these dark spots from forming? Or if we are already suffering from hyperpigmentation what are the best treatments to get rid of it?

While there is no quick fix to eliminate this condition, there are definitely methods you can take to help dark spots fade.

Firstly though, wearing sunscreen daily, all year round is essential. Studies have shown that sunscreen by itself will not only help prevent dark spots from forming but can help in preventing the exacerbation of already existing hyperpigmentation.

Secondly during the year, especially at the change of season, it’s best to use skincare products that inhibit the overproduction of melanin. Ingredients such as vitamin c will do just this.

Finally, look for products specially designed to fade hyperpigmentation.

Here are our top 5 product recommendations;

Pevonia Vitamin C Complexe

While vitamin C has many benefits from boosting collagen to helping heal blemishes, it can also help reduce hyperpigmentation (and give your skin an all-out glow!)

Pevonia’s Vitamin C Complexe is formulated with both vitamin C and hydration hero hyaluronic acid that work together to quite literally drench skin with repairing antioxidants, deeply nourishing skin while correcting photo-damage. And not only does it have the most beautiful citrus aroma, when applied, skin looks instantly brighter and dewier too!

Phytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum

AHA’s such as glycolic, citric and lactic acids are ideal for managing hyperpigmentation. They help with resurfacing, declogging and brightening skin and can aid in evening out dark areas of the face, neck and chest.

Phytomer’s Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum is formulated with all three AHA’s (Glycolic, citric and lactic acids to visibly reduce the appearance of imperfections. The lightweight, refining face serum diminishes the appearance of uneven hyperpigmentation, acne and enlarged pores making skin appear younger and healthier.

Medicalia L-Retinol Smoothing Cream

Another go-to ingredient when it comes to fighting hyperpigmentation is retinol. Hailed as the ‘holy grail’ of the skincare world, the super-ingredient works by going deep beneath your skin, encouraging cell turnover and bringing healthier, newer skin cells to the surface!

Medicalia’s L-Retinol Smoothing Cream, is not only formulated with stabilized, deeply absorbing retinol (for optimized regeneration) but glycolic and lactic acids too! A must in the fight against hyperpigmentation this resurfacing and lightening cream fades dark spots, whilst rendering skin smoother and brighter with continued use.  Just be sure to introduce it slowly and apply before bed. To learn more about retinol click here.

Medicalia L Retinol Smoothing Cream

Phytomer Oligoforce Advanced Wrinkle & Dark Spot Correction Moisturising Serum

This product’s name says it all! It’s an outstanding serum with an oily consistency formulated with OLIGOMER® (concentrated sea water) and blue micro-algae to target dark spots and wrinkles, two significant signs of ageing. It quite literally envelops the skin in light and delivers intense hydration. Day after day, skin is radiant, dark spots are diminished and wrinkles are smoothed away.

Vie Collection Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF 30

We all know wearing sunscreen daily is the best preventative when it comes to premature ageing and the formation of hyperpigmentation, but Vie Collection’s Mela White Protective Sunscreen is a true triple-action protective shield that preserves the youth of the skin with two high-tech ingredients that act against dark spots, free radicals and UV! Day after day, dark spots are less visible, skin is unified, smoothed and better protected.

Vie Collection - Mela White Protective Sunscreen SPF30

beauty collective - milia

MILIA: What are they and how do you get rid of them?

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UPDATED

 

If you’re currently experiencing small, whitish bumps on your face, mainly on your cheeks, nose or around your eye area, you could be suffering from milia.

Also known as ‘milk spots’ (although nothing to do with the amount of milk you’ve been consuming!), milia, while commonly associated with newborn babies, can frequently occur in adults too. They are often mistaken for whiteheads but are in fact keratin-filled cysts that form under the skin. Keratin? (You might be thinking since it’s likely you associate this protein with haircare) helps form our hair and nails but also makes up our skin’s outermost layer too! The problem is when keratin builds up, it hardens and becomes trapped which is when milia are formed.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps we can take to get rid of milia, as well as prevent them from returning too! Firstly, though it’s important to understand what causes milia as well as the two main types you could currently be experiencing.

What causes milia?

Your body naturally gets rid of dead skin cells by shedding them to make room for new cells to grow and take their place. When the dead skins cells don’t naturally expel, they can get trapped underneath the new cells, they then harden and turn into cysts.

What are the two main types of milia?

  1. Primary Milia

These are small cysts that most commonly occur around the eye area due to skincare used in this area not penetrating properly. Unlike skin on the rest of the face, the eye area has limited blood circulation to filter excess oil – therefore eye creams need to be very lightweight and easily absorbed.

Primary milia can also be found on your forehead and cheeks.

  1. Secondary Milia

Although they look similar to primary milia, secondary milia develops when something clogs the sweat ducts. This is usually caused by some kind of skin trauma or infection, (such as laser treatments or chemical peels or even cold sores), or contributing lifestyle factors, including lack of sleep, smoking, poor personal hygiene, using oil-based beauty products in excess, and long-term steroid use.

 

What are the best milia treatment options?

First up, forget squeezing. Remember milia are not whiteheads (although you shouldn’t squeeze any spots really!) they are instead stubborn cysts so squeezing (whether it be with your bare fingers, nails or any tools!) will only irritate and cause damage to the skin and without being able to remove the problem! Instead, you are best to wait it out (yes milia can simply disappear on their own but this can take TIME) or you can take the pro route – milia removal. This usually requires an incision, especially when the cysts are deep below the skin’s surface, typically, it’s a quick and painless in-clinic procedure. Depending on the dermatologist or skin expert, they should be able to get rid of the milia using a lancing tool or needle. They will gently flick up the outer most surface of skin freeing the milia and enabling it wiggle it out like a tiny chalk ball. Sounds horribly satisfying!

 

How can you prevent milia from returning?

As ever with skincare, prevention is better than cure (there’s no needles involved, for one), so try these suggestions if milia are a recurring concern for you.

  1. Cleanse thoroughly every day

Removing your make-up thoroughly before bed is essential, and if you’re not already try double cleansing in the evenings, particularly if you wear heavy make-up and/or live in a polluted area. The first cleanse removes your make-up, SPF and sebum (use something like an oil cleanser to melt make-up, we recommend the ELES Transformation Oil Cleanser), and the second – which is where your facial massage comes into play – should remove any further impurities and treat the skin. We love Pevonia’s CleanRefresh Foaming Cleanser.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia - CleanRefresh™ Foaming Oil Cleanser

  1. Exfoliate skin with the best acid exfoliators (formulated with AHA and BHA’s)

Regular exfoliation works wonders in preventing milia, in fact the most effective way to keep milia at bay is to encourage cell turn over! Look exfoliators formulated with glycolic acid and salicylic acid. Apply at least three times a week, paying special attention to areas of milia. Try: Pevonia Glycocides Cream or Vie Collection Glyco 10 on freshly cleansed skin in the evening. You won’t be disappointed!

8 VIE Collection Glyco 10 Resurfacing Acid Concentrate

If you have sensitive skin, or prefer manual exfoliation, try using a gentle scrub a few times a week such as the Phytomer Marine Scrub or Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. This way you’ll keep the dead skin cell build-up at bay and your pores tight and clean.

  1. Use a retinol cream

Retinol is also very helpful for both fighting and preventing milia. This form of vitamin A assists skin cell turn over, allowing the milia to surface and preventing the build-up of dead cells leading to the cysts in the first place. Try: Pevonia Micro Retinol Serum and Pevonia Micro Retinol Cream or Vie Collection Retinopur Fluid.

Beauty Collective - Pevonia Micro Retinol Serum

  1. Choose your eye cream carefully 

Skin under the eyes can be prone to puffiness if fluid builds up there, especially with aesthetic interventions which limit muscle movements [such as Botox] and lymph circulation. This, coupled with rich products loaded onto the thin skin with limited blood circulation is a recipe for clogging. Therefore, it’s vital to use lightweight eye creams, and ensure they penetrate effectively. Try: Pevonia “C” Evolutive Eye Gel or Vie Collection Chrono Eyes puffiness dark circles.

  1. Wear sunscreen religiously!

While this is already a must to reduce the risk of premature ageing, sun damage can also be a contributing factor of secondary milia. Also make sure you wear a hat, and sunglasses.

 

  1. Consider making some lifestyle changes

Limit your intake of cholesterol-rich foods (meat, eggs, etc) and instead stock up on good sources of essential fatty acids such as oily fish, flax seeds, olive oil (unheated), avocados and linseeds. Incorporate vitamin D supplements into your daily routine and avoid heavy oil-based skincare or make-up products. Instead opt for mineral makeup which will allow skin to breath freely.