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Beauty Collective - Dermatologist

Dermatologists Share Their Advice for Great Skin

Here at Beauty Collective HQ, we constantly receive a smorgasbord of questions from our customers, and while we are brimming with great tips, rituals and product recommendations, we too often seek advice from our esteemed suppliers and dermatologists alike. To learn about the skin-care tips these pros live by, read on…

Use any downtime to do a skin treatment

I keep extra beauty treatments in my car in a little bag. When I’m in bad traffic (at a red light of course), I apply serum, an eye mask, teeth whitening strips, eyebrow gel, and more!” -Francesca Fusco, dermatologist.

Ok, while we don’t recommend performing facials when in the car! We do agree that having the right products in the right places (think by the bed or by the hand basin) may encourage you to apply some of those products we often forget such as a good anti-ageing hand cream and a gorgeous eye and lip balm.   We love Phytomer – Oleocreme Ultra-Nourishing Hand Cream for a daily dose of hydrating marine oils.

Practice a facial massage to fight wrinkles

Many people (myself included) frown and scrunch their faces at night, leading to frown lines and crow’s feet. To relax my face, I do facial acupressure for a few minutes at bedtime. Press above your inner eyebrows, temples, and next to your nostrils, holding for 10 seconds each.” –Jessica Wu, dermatologist.

We agree there is nothing better for smoothing tension wrinkles than a soothing massage and we are all addicted to the Rosee Soin from Phytomer.  It’s a heavenly dry oil that rejuvenates your skin, calms your senses and leaves skin super soft and hydrated.  A few drops massaged onto a cleansed skin at night (you can do this while watching your favourite TV series) will smooth out any stress lines you’ve earned that day.

Hydrate your skin from the inside out—and outside in

Despite what you hear all the time, the amount of water you drink daily doesn’t translate into proper skin hydration. It’s vital to hydrate your skin from the outside in with serums, creams, and hydrating mists.” –Dendy Engelman, dermatologist.

It’s very true and never so true as in Winter when artificial heating and a more sedentary lifestyle can leave our skin parched and thirsty.  Our go-to for deep hydration is the Vie Collection – Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid Concentrate.  It attracts and binds water to the skin keeping it super soft and super supple. The perfect skin drink.

Avoid hot showers that can be drying

I never wash my face with hot water–it is too harsh. Only tepid water at the sink.” -Elizabeth Tanzi, clinical professor of dermatology.

Gentle cleansing of the skin with warm (not hot) water is not only better for managing your skin’s natural pH but will also prevent moisture loss on a grand scale.  To remove makeup and the days grime at night we all reach for the ELES – Transformation Cleansing Oil.  It emulsifies foundation and binds impurities that can be washed away in water and leaves the skin balanced and soft and ready for your serums and creams.

Apply sunscreen to your neck, chest, and hands first

Apply sunscreen to the neck, chest, and hands before the face–these areas age faster and are harder to improve than the face. We often forget to apply sunscreen there even though they’re exposed as much as the face.” –Doris Day, dermatologist.

We absolutely agree with this one!  Sunscreen is your bestie when it comes to anti-ageing skin care.  Our favourite is the Medicalia – Sunscreen SPF 30.  It’s lightweight and totally reliable and comes in a generous 150ml tube so there’s no excuse for leaving out your neck, chest and hands!

Don’t ever rub your eyes

If you rub your eyes like you are scrubbing a pot, your eyes will look black like a pot! When you’re taking off eye makeup, gently wipe off mascara as if you’re touching an egg.” –Jeanine Downie, dermatologist.

Very true and we agree that a good product to remove your eye makeup will mean you don’t have to rub, it will do all the work for you!  Our go-to is Phytomer – Micellar Water Eye Makeup Removal Solution.  It’s strong enough to remove waterproof makeup but gentle enough for even the most sensitive eyes.

Let your lips guide your skin care routine.

One tip to know when your skin is ready for seriously creamy moisturizers: Your lips feel dry first, so you know the humidity has dropped, and it’s time for more moisture.” –Ellen Marmur, dermatologist.

Lips are a great indicator for hydration levels and we look after ours with Phytomer – Youth Contour Reviving Wrinkle Correction Cream –Eye and Lip.  Not only does this wonderful multi-tasker protect our precious lips but also our delicate eye contours.

Check the menu for skin-saving fatty acids

Your diet has a huge impact on your skin. Avoid starchy vegetables and refined carbohydrates like white bread and rice and instead opt for foods high in omega 3’s and fatty acids like avocados and salmon to help give you that youthful glow.” –Whitney Bowe, dermatologist.

Fatty Acids are also a great addition to topical skin care and Phytomer – Hydracontinue Radiance Energizing Cream contains Buckthorn Pulp extract which is super-rich in Omega-7, a very rare essential fatty acid that stimulates cell metabolism and increases cell vitality.

Beauty Collective - Big Guns Anti-ageing

“Big Guns” skin care products

Just a few miles from the gorgeous Manly Beach in Sydney, our Beauty Collective Head Office is full of high-tech dermaceutical solutions, from powerful medical-based skin care to advanced cellulite products.  And something you may not realise is that we are not just a retail supplier, we are one of Australia’s leading salon and spa suppliers and educators in the beauty industry.  So what do our team use on their skin and why are some products the universal favourites with us and our clients?  We share our “big guns” in the battle against skin ageing…

Medicalia L-Retinol Smoothing Cream

Medicalia L-Retinol Smoothing Cream

Formulated with Micro-Retinol® which works so much better than regular retinol, this fast-acting cream gives you astonishing visible results. It makes pores almost invisible, softens lines and wrinkles and fades hyperpigmentation.  It uses Biomimetic technology, which is a fancy way of saying that it goes through a process that makes the formula almost identical to the oils and moisture produced by your skin, so it literally melts into the skin.  Not a product to use year round as it has an exfoliating action and over-use can cause irritation, but perfect as a Winter treatment.  Just use a small quantity each night (or alternate nights if you find it too stimulating) and enjoy smoother skin for months after.Phytomer Pioneer XMF Cream

Phytomer Pioneer XMF Cream

There truly is no other cream on the market like this!  It has won numerous International awards and is Phytomer’s No 1 seller.  Often hailed as the professional version of Crème De La Mer. On the surface of the skin, it creates a biofilm for an instant smoothing effect and within the skin, it binds to the fibres in the dermis to densify them.  Imagine your face is a cushion and this cream is the extra stuffing!  We also are in love with the light silky texture of the cream, neither too rich or too light and the heavenly, soft aroma.Phytomer Celluli Attack

Phytomer Celluli Attack

Head and shoulders above the rest, this IS the best cellulite product on the market today.  Most cellulite products use Green Coffee Extract to stimulate lipolysis (breakdown of fats), this formula uses Pepper Slimactiv which is 8 times stronger.  And how is this for technology?   Pepper Slimactiv is incorporated in a vectorized capsule that propels at high speed to the fat cells, avoiding any loss of ingredient on the way and is also combined with a signal peptide that enables it to exclusively target adipocytes and attack them with more power. Take that Cellulite!  All you need to do is smooth it over cellulite areas, no need for massaging and within a month you begin to see results.  We should probably point out that Phytomer has been the undisputable leader of cellulite treatment products in Europe since 1994!

Vie Collection Chrono Eyes
Vie Collection Chrono Eyes

Not sure about you but at Beauty Collective, we believe products should be multi-functional.  So when we use an eye cream not only should it help prevent skin ageing it should also smooth fine lines, reduce dark circles and deal with unwanted eye puffiness.  When this product came onto the market we switched over to it with no loyalty at all to our previously adored eye products.  With a botox-like peptide to inhibit muscle action, low and high molecule hyaluronic which acts like a filler and vitamin C, B3 and Phytosterols to stimulate the circulation to deal with puffiness and dark circles can you really blame us?  Now the top seller in the Vie Collection line here in Oz we feel sure we are not biased.

Medicalia - Sunscreen SPF 30
Medicalia – Sunscreen SPF 30

Last but certainly not least the biggest seller in our skin care arsenal is the Medicala Sunscreen.  The MOST important anti-ageing product we should all be using is a broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) sunblock.  We have discovered the only reason some don’t use sunblock despite knowing how important it is, is because they can’t stand the texture or smell.  No more excuses, this feels like a lightweight moisturiser and smells divine.  It won’t make your eyes water or cause itchiness and it’s loaded with anti-ageing goodies.  Finally, it comes in a generous 150ml bottle!  Very slightly tinted (though most of the tint disappears once it’s absorbed) it leaves your skin looking smoother and calmer.  What’s not to love?

Beauty Collective - compliment worthy skin serum

The one product that’ll give you compliment-worthy skin

A really, really good face serum (or concentrate, solution or fluid as you may know it) is, hands down, the most important step in your skincare routine (after SPF, of course!). However many of us have no idea what a serum does and why we should shell out the extra dollars to get one!

The thing is serums often contain a high percentage of active ingredients that are designed to address specific skin issues or concerns. They are potent, effective, and fast acting! And because they have a thin consistency, they’re able to easily penetrate the skin, giving you noticeable results pretty quickly. There is also a serum literally for every single skin type or skin concern which means you can get one for your individual needs and reap in the benefits.

Convinced yet? Below I’ve outlined our favourite six serums for six different concerns. Now go and get layering!

ANTI-ACNE

Vie Collection Acnipur Blemish Solution Fluid

This is the best if you are suffering from a blemish breakout! It literally flights acne without clogging pores or irritating skin. With regular use not only does it miraculously improve unwanted blemishes, it will actually prevent future breakouts! 

ANTI-AGEING

Medicalia Retinol Concentrate

Hailed the anti-ageing wonder serum, this retinol concentrate is designed to normalize and boost cellular performance with Micro-Retinol technology. Ideal for all mature skin types or as preventative care, the serum helps improve elasticity, plump the skin and diminish the look of wrinkles, resulting in a brighter, more evenly toned complexion. 

PIGMENTATION & DARK SPOTS

Phytomer Emergence Even Skin Tone Refining Serum

This serum does it all! It actually diminishes the appearance of uneven pigmentation, acne, enlarged pores and dark spots with a formulation infused with alpha hydroxyl acids and glycolic acid. Skin really does immerge younger and healthier.

DEHYDRATION

Phytomer Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturising Polarized Water Serum

The ultimate serum to combat dehydration! It has an ultra-moisturising (although lightweight) texture which immediately melts into the skin to quench its thirst! Softer and suppler, the skin reveals a radiant complexion and looks visibly more beautiful.  

DULLNESS

Phytomer Souffle Marin Energising Oxygenising Serum

If your skin is looking a little dull and lifeless this should be your go-to! It literally coats the skin in pure oxygen, providing the cells with vivid rejuvenation. Formulated with marine extracts, this serum also protects against environmental pollution and free radical damage. An invigorating, moisturizing blend, it leads to fresher, more youthful skin and an overall increase in radiance.  

SENSITIVITY

Phytomer Oligoforce Soothing Enforcement Serum with Oligomer

Sensitive skin? Suffering from facial redness? We swear by this product! It helps calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skin instantly. It contains anti-inflammatory Phycosaccharide to reduce stinging sensations Infused with OLIGOMER® to deliver an optimum dose of trace elements & minerals fortifies the epidermis & prevents cellular fatigue Restores calm & soft skin.

Beauty Collective - blemished skin

The best way to deal with blemished skin

Still suffering from blemish-prone skin but feel you’re too old to be getting spots? Unsure how you should best deal with it? We hear you and are here to help!

Adult spots (or acne as it’s referred to) can actually affect up to 50% of us, but before tackling your issue, it’s important firstly to understand why and how they are formed.

What causes blemishes?

Blemished prone skin can be triggered by a number of factors from diet to stress, genetics to hormones, a reaction to topical products or environmental factors, however the spots themselves are the result of an over production of sebum (oil) which can mix with dead skin cells and other grime on the surface of your skin leading to blocked pores.

How to best prevent them

While the dreaded blemishes are unpredictable and sadly part and parcel of everyday life for many, there are a few methods you can adopt to try and prevent them;

  • Stop pores getting clogged by deep cleansing twice daily and using gentle exfoliation.

N.B We are talking gentle exfoliation! People often think daily “scrubbing” will prevent blackheads but it can actually increase the shedding of skin cells therefore causing further clogging on the pores! Make sure you use exfoliators that don’t require physical scrubbing. We highly recommend Phytomer Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes.

  • Use non-greasy, non-comedogenic (pore clogging) products or products that do not contain additional ingredients like artificial fragrances and preservatives as these commonly cause skin reactions.
  • Always wash your hands before touching your face, in fact, keep your mitts off your face altogether!
  • Clean your makeup brushes often (we are talking once a week) – makeup brushes naturally accumulate and harbour bacteria and an overload of bacteria can trigger breakouts!
  • Adjust your diet. You want to ensure you include lots of fresh, green leafy vegetables and dramatically reduce the amount of sugar and dairy you may be consuming. Some experts agree in particular that milk may stimulate oil glands thanks to the hormones, creating a breeding ground for blemishes! Eek.
  • Flush toxins by drinking plenty of water
  • Remove makeup before any exercise. We are talking energetic exercise though when you may sweat a little, not walking from your house to the car. 
How to best treat them

We have all been guilty of over-treating our blemishes! Topical ingredients such as salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide if overused can really dry out your skin (yes, we understand you want to dry out the skin and reduce the oil flow) but beware over-dry skin care can actually cause oil production to go into overdrive and in turn produce more clogged pores which equates to more spots! Vicious cycle. Also when used in unison these ingredients can slightly inflame the top layer of skin making it look red and raw! Just what you want, to replace a spot with red, raw skin! No thank you. Instead, opt for professional skincare created specifically to treat blemish prone skin with pure ingredients.

A tried and trusted skincare routine will really help with symptoms and keep those pesky pimples under control just be sure to include a face mask into the mix as we promise a good face mask can be a game changer for those with blemish prone skin. We are currently in LOVE with Phytomer’s Oligopur Flawless Skin Mask.

Just remember to keep pimples at bay, you only need to apply a face mask once or twice a week for a minimum of 10 minutes. Easy.

When your skin is acting up, reaching for your concealer and foundation seems like the only answer as there is no way you’re ready to face the world with the Taj Mahal on your chin in all its glory. But choose wisely, as the wrong foundation can exacerbate blemishes! Consider switching to mineral-based cosmetics. They contain ingredients such as silica, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide that soak up excess oil without clogging pores, allowing skin to actually breathe freely! Make sure you get your hands on the ELES bestselling Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation, it will calm skin with anti-inflammatories, provide natural-looking coverage, and won’t clog pores.

You can win the war against pimples, just be sure to follow these simple steps.