BC Skin Journal
BC Blog
Face Fixers - Non-invasive Botox and filler alternatives
by Jo Boyden
on Dec 05 2019
We’ve all heard of Botox and dermal fillers, let’s face it (pardon the pun!) with the ever-increasing gen-Z idolisation of the likes of the Jenner-Kardashian clan or the millions of social media ‘influencers’ all with their perfectly plumped lips and ‘smooth as a babies bottom’ skin, these procedures have today become commonplace. But if you’re like me and needles are a formative no-go, or Botox has been a consideration but you’d rather search for topical skincare solutions before taking the plunge, we are here to inform you that there are excellent alternatives, and these days, thanks to the advancement in both technology and skincare ingredients, these said alternatives can seriously achieve similar smoothing and plumping results. You can take our word for it!Okay, so you are unlikely to see life-changing results overnight (even Botox takes a week to have effect don’t you know) but these non-invasive topical alternatives give you more control over the change in your appearance (no poker-face in sight), provide a much more natural look, plus you will achieve outstanding on-going results when used as part of your daily skincare routine.So if you’re looking for a painless, subtle and (relatively) cheaper solution, here are our top 5 topical treatment alternatives;Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen CreamCombining Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane this best-selling rich moisturiser softens fine lines and wrinkles while replenishing vital nutrients.“I love this daily face cream....I use it morning and night! My skin looks and feels amazing. I'm 52 and am told constantly that I look so young....I give Pevonia products the credit!” Linda Vie Collection Concentrate de Vie Youth ElixirFormulated with three advanced ingredients selected for their ability to correct visible signs of ageing, this elixir offers complete and incomparable action to reduce wrinkles, improve firmness and reveal skin's radiance.“I have been using this product for the past two years and have noticed a remarkable difference in my skin. My facial lines are significantly less noticeable!” Sarah P Pevonia MyOxy Caviar Timeless Repair CreamA restorative treatment cream for visibly younger-looking skin, it features an advanced, triple-action formula – caviar, pearl and Escutox – the natural equivalent to Botox – combined with Retinol to correct and prevent signs of premature ageing. Enjoy increased oxygenation, greater cellular activity, improved blood circulation, increased suppleness, improved elasticity, extreme hydration and fewer visible wrinkles!“I love this product, I saw a noticeable difference within 2 weeks, wrinkles less noticeable and my skin seemed to look younger and smoother.” Dianna K Phytomer Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth CreamXMF, a 100% natural advanced ingredient with exceptional youth preserving properties is featured in this luxurious and comfortable “second skin” cream. It instantly smoothes wrinkles and plumps the skin. In just one hour, wrinkles are visibly diminished.“This creams big claim to fame is a purported reduction in wrinkles in just one hour. I'm in my early 30s so I don't have any deep creases, but I do have fine lines and I can tell you for certain this helps to smooth them out. And it feels AMAZING. The texture is pure luxury.” KK Medicalia Retinol & C Care CreamThis creams innovative ‘age-reversing’ Micro-Retinol® technology normalizes mitosis, boosts cellular performance, and restructures skin layers for visible rejuvenation. Skin appears dense and supple with a smoothed surface and diminished wrinkles resulting in brighter, more youthful looking complexion.“This is the best product for aging skin I have found.” Heather
RUNWAY TO REALITY: The most sought after spring makeup trends decoded
by Jo Boyden
on Sep 19 2019
Good bye winter, hello spring! And what better way to bring in the new season than with a makeup overhaul! From ‘lit-from-within’ skin to all out bronzed beauty, groomed brows to bright lips, we share our favourite four makeup trends straight off the runway and explain how you too can achieve these sought after looks this spring. “Lit-from-within” Glow If your preference is minimal makeup on the daily then this will be the perfect trend for you to adopt! While luminous glowing skin is always on trend, the ‘lit-from-within’ glow is what’s creating all the hype this season. Simple to achieve, this look is all about skin first, makeup second - from skincare that’ll make up your complexion gleam, to makeup that’ll let your natural self shine through (we are talking freckles, beauty marks, the lot!)Boost skin with Vitamin C and Hyaluronic to oxygenate and deeply nourish the skin from inside out. We recommend both the Vie Collection - Mesoforce Hydra Revitalizing Cream and Medicalia - "C" Serum with Oxyzomes. Add a drop of face oil to your foundation to amp up your skin's natural glow. We are in love with the Phytomer - Rosee Soin Radiance Replenishing Oil. And softly highlight your forehead and cheekbones with a touch of liquid cream illuminator favoured by makeup artists over the classic powder highlighters. Try ELES Stick Illuminator for the perfect natural sheen. Brushed Brows From the overdone insta-brow to the unkempt bushy brow, this season takes us on a different path – softly perfected brows. A fluffier, feathered texture achieved by brushing the hairs upward. We recommend using the ELES Precision Brow Pencil. Use the bush end to brush up your brows, then the pencil end to create hair light strokes to subtly fill in any sparse areas. Keep the rest of your makeup pretty low key so that your brows are the star! Bronzed Beauty This season bronzer is back baby! After putting in on the back burner it returns with conviction! We are talking all out bronzed goddess. Reach for champagne gold and metallic hues and couple with bronzed illuminator and peachy eyes synonymous with tropical summer evenings. To achieve this look try the ELES Baked Bronzer in Sunbeam, the ELES Liquid Illuminator in Bronze and the ELES Mineral Matte Eyeshadow in Terra Peach. Loud Lips We are talking bright highly pigmented lips. From corals to neon pinks to fiery reds, the bolder the better. Whatever ‘bright’ tickles your fancy it’ll be on trend so go on give it a go and breathe some life into your makeup bag and look! This season we are lusting after the new ELES Moisture Crème Lipstick in Sorbet.
7 reasons your skin is dehydrated and how to fix it
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 22 2019
Winter, darn winter! Yes it’s the time of year that your skin can look and feel seriously parched, think lack-lustre, inflamed, or just plain devitalized. Chances are your skin is simply dehydrated and in need of some serious moisture boosting love! And let’s not forget, even those with oily skin can be suffering from dehydration too! After all just because your skin is oily doesn’t mean you are immune to external factors and lifestyle choices that deplete your skin’s water content. Dehydration is in fact characterised by a lack of water not oil.Luckily dehydrated skin can be relieved with a combination of lifestyle changes and topical treatments. Below are 7 reasons you could be battling dehydrated skin and our recommendations for how to fix it. Water intake Yes we all know that the number one way to counteract dehydration is to drink plenty of water! But there is the when and the how! This water intake actually needs to commence as soon as you awaken from blissful slumber! It is suggested that drinking approximately 2 glasses of water first thing is hands down the most ideal way to bring back your hydration levels, after all you’ve not replenished fluid levels for a number of hours over night. Not enough ‘quality’ sleep Remember this as you will! Poor sleep leads to dehydration, dehydration causes poor sleep. Eek we have ourselves a vicious cycle here. Firstly before bed, prise that mobile phone out of your fingers (sooo guilty here!) and put it down! I don’t need to tell you the impact screen time has on you, secondly drink a glass of water prior to sleep, yes you may think bad idea as surely you’ll be up in the night stumbling to the bathroom but believe me your skin (and all other vital organs) will lap up that glass of water and you’ll be able to notice the difference in the morning! Finally turn off the light and get that precious shut eye as apparently those that sleep for an average of six hours a night are up to 59% more likely to be dehydrated that someone who sleeps for say 8 hours. That’ll be me then. Pass me a glass of water someone! Too much caffeine & alcohol I’m not saying go cold turkey or anything as like me I love a good cuppa and won’t say no to a glass of vino in an evening, but if dehydration could be something you are suffering from, significantly reducing your intake of both caffeine and alcohol will dramatically benefit your skin. And for every coffee or alcoholic beverage to do indulge in, drink a glass of water! Your skincare regime or lack of While it is necessary to hydrate your skin from the inside out it’s also very important to hydrate your skin at the surface level too. One of the best ways to achieve this is with a topical treatment to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss.a) Use A Hyaluronic Acid SerumHyaluronic acid is the number one go to ingredient for effectively replenishing dehydrated skin, it helps bind and retain moisture, keeping skin soft and subtle and plump! We are in love with the Vie Collection Wrinkle Dimension Hyaluronic Acid Concentrateb) Apply a rich moisturiser at nightWe all naturally lose moisture while we sleep so using a rich nourishing moisturiser prior to bed will stand your skin in good stead. We highly recommend both the Pevonia Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream which is rich in both Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen the perfect combination to replenish devitalised skin. As well as the Phytomer Hydrasea Night Plumping Rich Cream, which provides optimum skin hydration during the night. From the very first use, the skin appears drenched in moisture!c) Don’t use harsh face Scrub but do exfoliate!As dead skin builds up, it can diminish the absorption of important skincare essentials like your serum and moisturiser, exfoliation is therefore an important skincare step in aiding the recovery of dehydrated skin, however be sure to use a gentle exfoliating cleanser and once or twice a week only. Hot water Hot water will strip your skin of its natural oils and those natural oils are what protect your skin against water loss by forming a barrier.Believe me I know how indulgent a simple hot bath or shower feels especially on a cold morning or evening but you will thank me by telling you to turn down that heat and opt for a more lukewarm temp. Your daily diet We already know that what you eat can impact your skin but did you know that our skin is reliant on essential fatty acids, think oily fish, nuts, and fresh green veggies to battle dehydration? So next time you decide to ‘diet’ consider how it might affect your complexion especially if you are depriving yourself of good fats. Heating/Air conditioning As much as many of us have become reliant on heating or revised cycle air con in the cold months, both can dramatically disrupt the natural moisture balance in your skin. Now while it’s highly unlikely we’d be prepared to suffer the consequence of not turning the heating on, brrrrr, just make sure you balance your day with fresh air and if your skin is feeling particularly dry, keep on hand a spritz to add a burst of rehydration when needed.Most of us understand the negative impact of dehydration on our overall health but who knew it could wreak havoc with our skin!
Troublesome Skin? It might be time to strip back your routine!
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 26 2019
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 LINEIt 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 LINEThose 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 LINETreating 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 OFFERFor the month of July, purchase a Pevonia Essential Line Cream; Dry, Sensitive or Combination and Receive a Full Size matching Cleanser FREE!
by Jo Boyden
on Jun 03 2019
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 CreamFormulated 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 CreamThere 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 AttackHead 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 EyesNot 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 30Last 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?
by Jo Boyden
on Apr 02 2019
It's great to have the wisdom of the ages, but that doesn't mean you want your skin to reflect it. And with a relatively new branch of topical skin-care products, perhaps it doesn't have to.Called "dermaceuticals," these products spur the repair of sun-damaged skin, effectively making skin look years younger and luckily, dermaceuticals such as Vie Collection don't require a prescription!Introducing VIE COLLECTIONWhat makes it so unique?Working very closely with the VIE COLLECTION development team is Dr. Laurence Richier, a respected leader of medical aesthetics based in Saint-Malo, France with over 20 years’ experience as a surgeon. The collaboration between Dr. Richier and the Vie team resulted in the first ever line of products that mimic the results of Botox, injectables, mesotherapy, and skin resurfacing. The results of this union is in a word, revolutionary!But Vie Collection is not limited to just one star ingredient. The laboratory selects and combines the most powerful ingredients used in aesthetic medicine. Using optimal concentrations, and playing with molecular size has enabled them to achieve results for a range of skin conditions from ageing to acne and hyperpigmentation to rosacea.What You’ll Find In VIE COLLECTIONENCAPSULATED RETINOL. Encapsulation limits tolerance risks and boosts the effectiveness of retinol which is released gradually and in a controlled way deep within target cells.ANTIOXIDANTS. Such as vitamin C or coenzyme Q 10 to rebuild collagen and stop free radicals from interfering with the body’s own natural repair process.EXFOLIANTS. These compounds-glycolic, alpha hydroxy and salicylic acids-slough off aged, dead skin to make room for new, healthy skin.LIGHTENING AGENTS. These agents block pigment cells from producing freckles, age spots, and melanoma.ADVANCED SUNBLOCKS. These contain aggressive blockers that protect against both UVA and UVB rays and they are very effective in repairing the damage to DNA done by ultraviolet light.HIGH AND LOW MOLECULAR HYALURONIC. A benchmark ingredient that literally “plumps” out lines and wrinkles.So don't fret about frown lines. Instead, give your skin a dermaceutical boost-and yourself a confident smile in the mirror.
Phytomer Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth Cream
by Jo Boyden
on Mar 26 2019
Imagine a moisturiser that feels light as a feather, is full of the sea’s most potent anti-ageing extracts and blended with the heavenly aroma of Rose and Jasmine…sighWe’ve all seriously fallen in love with this heavenly creation and the results of this magical cream that takes marine biotechnology to a new level!XMF (Extra Marine Filler) is a 100% sustainable marine extract derived from plankton. This unique ingredient replenishes lipids to make skin plumper and younger-looking within one hour, according to company testing. It works by depositing an invisible film on the skin’s surface, which fills and smooths wrinkles. Beneath the surface, the EPS (ExoPolySaccharides) increase production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid for long-lasting results.Key Ingredients:XMF EPS – Phytomer Advance Research’s exclusive discovery; smooths and firms skin.Morio Orchid – a rare, protected plant sustainably grown by Phytomer; protects against free radicals and complexion-ageing sugars.It’s loaded with amazing ingredients and feels unlike any other cream. Even though it’s very lightweight it packs in an abundance of hydration. From first use skin looks fresher and fuller without feeling greasy, after several weeks you’ll see the real results; a noticeable firming and softening on wrinkles.If you like a richer texture there is a new addition to the range; PIONNIÈRE XMF PERFECTION YOUTH RICH CREAM. This one has the added benefits of Schizochytrium Oil – 100% natural oil derived from micro-algae; rich in acids (including Omega-3 fatty acids) that protect, strengthen and lock in moisture, and a great solution for very dry skin!PHYTOMER means “plants of the sea,” and every one of their products contains seawater, seaweed or seaside plants. All natural ingredients. No animal testing. Yes it’s a little pricey for these two creams but with results like these, we think it’s worth the splurge! Also….this March, if you buy either one of these cult favourites, you’ll receive a full size XMF Rich Cleansing Cream for FREE. Now that’s what we are talking about!
by Jo Boyden
on Feb 26 2019
It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed in the constant changing world of skincare, with new ranges hitting the market every day, telling us what is good and not good for our skin.Skin science has moved in leaps and bounds as new delivery systems and ways to modify ingredients can make it seem more like a Star Wars battle than the exciting world it really is. It’s like most things; sometimes a lot of choice is just too much!So we are here to bust just a few of the common myths of this mystifying topic!MYTH #1 – TREAT YOUR SKIN ACCORDING TO SKIN TYPE For years we’ve been conditioned to believe that skin is oily, dry or combination and most of us have used skin care products accordingly. However, your skin type is just a grain of sand on a beach when it comes to getting the most out of your skin care.It’s very important to address the health of the skin and not just the external factors such as “not enough moisture”. Sure we can the moisture however it’s going to be a short-term fix if we are not addressing the cause; i.e. dehydration of the body and compromised skin function. Maintaining a good diet, getting plenty of sleep, staying hydrated and looking after your health is an obvious fix, and when it comes to skin care, look for products that stimulate the bodies own healing processes i.e. stimulate collagen formation, sedate oil glands, repair cell mitochondria etc. Ingredients such as AHA’s, Retinol, Anti-Oxidants, Hyaluronic and Sunscreens should be on the top of your list.We recommend: Vie Collection - Retinopur Wrinkles Imperfections Fluid, it stimulates collagen and elastin and helps rejuvenate skin cells.MYTH #2 – I’LL USE ANTI-AGEING SKIN CARE WHEN I’M OLDERUnfortunately there is no wonder ingredient that completely repairs the passage of time; prevention is No.1 when it comes to youthful skin.Every day we are exposed to factors that damage our skin and cause skin ageing; the sun’s rays, pollution, stress, unhealthy lifestyles all work together like a super-villain team and attack our skin at a deep and cellular level. It may not show immediately but it’s happening.Keeping the skin deeply hydrated is important in our early years and ingredients such as Hyaluronic help our fibroblast cells (the ones that make collagen and elastin) to work more effectively and more collagen and elastin means less wrinkles and sagging.Also make sunscreen application part of your daily routine, everyday! Not only to reduce your chances of skin cancer but to reduce about 90% of visible skin ageing.We recommend: ELES - Luminous Defence Brightening Day Protection 50, its super light and gives the skin a lovely pearlescent glow!MYTH #3 – THE ONLY WAY TO LOOK YOUTHFUL IS WITH BOTOX Not true! There are so many effective products and treatments that will help to plump and firm the skin without a needle. As we age the lower layers of our skin lose volume. By reducing cell build-up on the outer skin (this acts like a wall to great ingredients getting in where they are needed) and increasing the volume of the deeper layers of the skin on a daily basis with ingredients such as retinol, peptides and essential fatty acids you can enjoy bouncy, firm and radiant skin. You’ll also find many skin care products contain neuropeptides (Botox substitutes) that do a wonderful job relaxing and softening wrinkles.We recommend: Phytomer - Pionniere XMF Perfection Youth Cream, a firm favourite this exceptional cream adds density to the skin giving it volume and bounce.MYTH #4 – WE ALL NEED TO PEEL AND EXFOLIATE DAILYThis will look amazing for the first week or even month, however you’ll soon discover the damaging effects of over-exfoliating as you remove your protective acid mantle. This barrier protects the skin from moisture loss, from bacterial invasion and when it’s gone you’ll be left with dry, sensitive skin with breakouts.Exfoliation is an important part of any good skin care routine, however moderation and gentle when it comes to peels and scrubs is always best.We recommend: Phytomer - Vegetal Exfoliant with Natural Enzymes a gentle but effective exfoliant that leaves skin fresh and refined.MYTH #5 – DRY SKIN NEEDS RICHER MOISTURISERSQuite often a super-rich moisturiser can exacerbate the problem. The oils in rich creams can act like a glue to dead skin cells that prevent hydrating ingredients from penetrating the skin, so while it might feel soft and supple on the surface, deep down it’s drying out!Layering is your best defence against dry skin. Apply a hydrating serum that will sink into the lower layers and then seal it with a protective cream, something that contains shea butter or light oils is ideal.We recommend: Phytomer - Hydrasea Ultra-Moisturizing Polarized Water Serum, it drenches the skin with pure moisture leaving it dewy and supple.
INGREDIENT GLOSSARY: 10 ingredients you definitely want in your skincare and why
by Jo Boyden
on May 31 2018
Probiotics, Essential Oils, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, AHA’s, BHA’s, Clay, Charcoal, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid, Acai, Elastin, Retinol, Caviar, Aloe Vera, Green Tea …The list of “hero” ingredients is endless. But what exactly are the benefits of these ingredients and why do we need them in our skincare?To save all the confusion and prevent you spending hours trolling the internet for answers, we asked skincare expert and Pevonia Australia’s Director of Education, Liane Scior for the low down on her top 10 skincare ingredients (let’s face it without a little help, figuring out which “youth-enhancing” products to buy is enough to give us wrinkles!)“There are so many skincare products to choose from nowadays, all promising an array of solutions for our skin but without understanding the key ingredients and how they’ll benefit our individual needs, purchasing products can be a minefield,” said Scior.“It’s important to firstly work out what you really want from your skincare, for example whether it be luminosity, lesser wrinkles, smaller pores, a clear complexion….then read the benefits of these ingredients and understand if they are for you. Understanding ingredients will not only help you find the right skincare choices, it’ll also save time, money and potentially unwanted breakouts, reactions or simply just a lack of results”.AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)Derived from plant and fruit sugars (glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids) AHA’s break down the glue that holds dead skin cells together allowing for fresh, new skin to come through. The gentle acids exfoliate skin, while offering a multitude of other benefits such an evening out skin tone, helping to fade pigmentation and age spots, hydrating the skin and providing an overall brighter complexion.AHA based skincare products are great for those who have a preference for a gentler exfoliation as they are free from beads and grains found in other exfoliators. Also good for those with dull, ageing and sun damaged skin.Try: Renewing Glycocides CreamBHA’s (Beta Hydroxy Acids)BHA’s are oil soluble mild acids (salicylic acid) that penetrate pores deeply to unclog, clean and clear oil, dirt, pollution and dead skin cells.BHA based skincare products are perfect for people dealing with blackheads, congested skin, breakouts and acneTry: Spot TreatmentCollagenCollagen is technically a protein. It actually occurs naturally in our bodies giving our skin strength and elasticity and working to replace dead skin cells. However as we age, our natural Collagen levels begin to decline which is why we need a little help by applying it topically through skincare.Collagen is re-absorbable, which means it can be broken down, reabsorbed into the skin and used to boost your skin's natural Collagen production processes, leaving you with a plump, refreshed complexion the natural way.Collagen based skincare products are perfect for those looking to counteract the first signs of aging.Try: Age Correction Intensifier Collagen & My-Oxy CaviarRetinolRetinol is a derivative of Vitamin A. It has been proven to boost collagen and elastin production, and energise and speed cell turnover making them function like the cells of a child! Using a well-formulated and stable product with retinol will also visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage, brown spots, lines, wrinkles and large pores.Retinol based products are perfect for those with sun damaged, dull and discoloured complexion. Also good for those suffering from blemished skin as it can reduce pore size and acne or simply aging skin.Try: Micro Retinol Essential MoisturiserHyaluronic AcidHyaluronic acid is a natural substance in skin, a component of the body’s connective tissues.As we age, the environment and lifestyle choices destroy hyaluronic acid in our skin, in turn our skin loses the ability to preserve moisture, resulting in the visible loss of firmness and plumpness. Hyaluronic acid when applied topically through skincare has the ability to replenish moisture (that is crucial to having younger-looking, supple skin) as well as revitalise the skin’s outer layers, so they look and feel plumper, smoother and softer. Hyaluronic based products are also known to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.Try: Age Correction Marine Collagen Cream(Plant) Stem CellsPlant stem cells are undifferentiated cells taken from the stem of a plant. Like human stem cells, they have the ability to self-renew and when applied topically to the skin, help protect the human skin stem cells from damage and deterioration as well as stimulate better cell turnover, leading to more youthful skin cells at the surface of the skin.Products that contain plant stem cells can help keep skin looking young by fighting off wrinkles, protecting against sun damage and reducing inflammation.Try: Stem Cells Phyto-Elite SerumVitamin CVitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and powerful antioxidant which helps boost collagen production while treating photo-damage. Not only does it penetrate the skin to fight free radical damage caused by the environment it also helps fade pigmentation and repair tired, lacklustre skin visibly boosting skin brightness and luminosity.Vitamin C based products are perfect for those with dull, devitalised, pigmented and aging skin.Try: “C” ComplexeProbioticsProbiotics are good bacteria that normally reside in our bodies and in our skin. Due to sickness, toxicity, the use of antibiotics, and other external factors, our good bacteria diminishes.Topical probiotics help deliver a dose of good bacteria directly to our skin, restoring radiance and balance. Some topical probiotics are recommended for mature skin because of their ability to regenerate as well as protect the skin by retaining moisture, healing wounds, and increasing collagen and elastin production for anti-aging effects. They are also an effective anti-inflammatory which means they bring calm to the skin soothing redness and irritation.Products formulated with probiotics are great for anyone wanting to restore balance and radiance to the skin. Also perfect for those wanting to counteract large pores, uneven texture, oil excess, aging and dehydration.Try: Age Correction Micro Pores Bio-Active MaskElastinElastin is a highly elastic protein in connective tissue that gives skin its flexibility. It is a crucial factor in ensuring we maintain a youthful appearance. Also when applied topically it helps skin retain moisture.Our bodies start to produce less and less of the protein as we get older. As skin loses elasticity it starts to show signs of aging - sagging and wrinkling.Products formulated with elastin are great for those with skin sagging and loss of elasticity. They deliver repairing and tightening benefits, visibly firming the skin.Try: Age Correction Firming Marine Elastin CreamVitamin EAn antioxidant that protects skin effectively against free radical damage which plays a large part in the aging of our skin!By blocking free radicals, products formulated with Vitamin E can reduce the signs of aging including fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots in turn prolonging youthful looking skin.Try: Vitaminic Concentratehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BjW7mVgA5sP/?taken-by=pevoniaaust
Is stress making us look older?
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 16 2017
Without a doubt, and you probably don’t need a blog post to tell you this, stress is written all over our faces! You can see it in your skin tone, texture, elasticity and the absence of a youthful glow.It would be easy to say, “stress less” but we know that’s easier said than done! However, if we understand why stress affects our skin as well as change a few habits, we will be able to manage the stress and in turn look a whole lot younger!Dark CirclesWhen we are stressed our blood flow increases and the fragile capillaries beneath our eyes become engorged so dark circles become more obvious. Drinking more water can help, getting more sleep will certainly improve things, while gently massaging a good eye cream or gel to the delicate eye zone will to help increase blood flow. Apply a soothing eye gel around the eyes and slide your middle and ring finger around the orbital bone (slide outwards on the brow and inwards beneath the eye). We recommend Pevonia C Evolutive Eye Gel, the ginkgo biloba, this helps increase the circulation while soothing and hydrating the eye contour.Mini-menopauseWhen we are stressed our body creates cortisol, which can lead to a drop in Oestrogen, much like it does when we are in menopause. Less Oestrogen means less collagen and less moisture. Nourish your skin from within with hydrating food such as fish, nuts, avocado, sweet potato, olive oil and cucumbers to name a few. And “up the hydration” with products rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid. We recommend Pevonia Power Repair Line for bringing back the bounce and youthfulness of dehydrated skin.WrinklesAs our hydration levels decrease our collagen and elastin production decreases. The skin cells that form these vital proteins take a siesta and meanwhile our expressions seem to become indelibly etched into our faces. Maintaining hydration is key but to restore the damage already caused it might be time to get out the big guns and reboot the skin cells which have become lazy. We recommend Pevonia Micro-Retinol line to help rejuvenate the skin from within.Itching, flaking and hivesStress leads to inflammation which may lead to rashes, rosacea, eczema flare ups and changes in skin moisture. It’s vital to maintain your skin’s barrier function with filmogenic products that trap moisture and to reduce inflammation in the skin. Take cooler showers and baths, avoid synthetics in warm weather and apply soothing products such as Pevonia Propolis Concentrate and Reactive Cream which provide both anti-inflammatory properties as well as restoring your protective acid mantle.A Heavy JawGrinding teeth and clenching of the jaw are common symptoms of stress. Unfortunately, these habits can cause the jaw muscles to work overtime. This can result not only in damaged teeth, but also a heavier than usual jawline, as the muscles become larger with the grinding action. Be mindful of this habit by relaxing the jaw whenever you think of it, and massage the jawline every evening while cleansing your skin and applying your moisturiser. Take time out to completely relax with a warm bath, a short nap or just doing something that distracts you from over-thinking! Even though you might only be able to spare 10 minutes your body trains itself to be more relaxed over time and will thank you.Hair LossStress can cause sudden hair loss by literally flipping the switch on the hair follicle’s growth stage from an active to a resting phase. Once the follicle enters this resting phase prematurely, it stays there for about three months, after which time a large amount of hair will be shed. Avoid over-styling hair and using too many heat appliances. We recommend a weekly hair mask using the Micro-Emulsion Massage Oil Anti-Stress. This not only helps stimulate a healthy scalp, but leaves hair soft and conditioned too.Adult AcneAcne isn’t just for hormonal-crazed teenagers. Many adults can’t seem to outgrow it because of stress hormones. Cleanse your skin thoroughly every morning and evening and exfoliate every couple of days to keep skin clear and pure, we recommend Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser for mild breakouts or the Clarifyl Line for more serious adult acne. It purifies, calms inflammation and deals with pesky breakouts pronto.Clearly there is a connection between how we look and how we feel and think. The good news is that we can get to the root cause of our stress and manage it!
by Jo Boyden
on Aug 02 2017
You may have heard of the ingredient Hyaluronic Acid. Beauty editors, bloggers and skin care aficionados are currently having a serious love affair with it. It’s not a new ingredient, in fact, it has been a staple in skin care and makeup for the last couple of decades. However technical innovation has changed it for the better.Once described as “ineffective” by the medical profession as an ingredient that does little for anti-ageing due to its large molecule, recent advances in cosmetic manufacturing have resulted in lower molecular structure which can penetrate the skin and help stimulate your own collagen production.With all that said, the more hyaluronic acid you put into your skin, the more youthful you'll look—and now there are a number of ways to load up from lotions to serums to creams.Hyaluronic acid is a bit of a misnomer. First, it's not actually an acid. It's a sugar. Also, it's a sponge. Every molecule can hold 1,000 times its weight in water. But one thing about hyaluronic acid that’s absolutely true: It's a skin-care wonder. PEVONIA POWER REPAIR LINEAny Pevonia fan will tell you this is the “go to” line for rehydrating the skin and smoothing away dehydration lines.Abundant in Hyaluronic and Collagen, the serums and creams are like a moisture magnet, plumping and firming the skin.POWER REPAIR COLLAGEN CREAMWith hyaluronic, vitamins and marine extracts to plump the skin with moisture.Ingredients:Water (Aqua), Squalane, Collagen, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Corylus Avellana (Hazel Nut) Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Tocopherol, Arnica Montana Flowerhead Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Capryl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Narcissus Jonquilla (Jonquil) Flower Extract.REVIEWS“A skin care professional introduced me to the Pevonia line several years ago. I am often complimented on my skin and always credit my use of Pevonia. It has contributed to keeping my skin toned and beautiful.”By M.M.“Great product. Does exactly what it says it will do. My skin feels awesome and looks awesome.”By Noni“I have tried so many products on the market and this cream is the first one that I really saw a difference with. After a week, I actually had friends ask me what I was using. There is a serum that goes with it that I want to try.”By SusanPOWER REPAIR MARINE ELASTIN CREAMIt enhances skin's elasticity with the aid of elastin while infusing it with soothing hydration. The non-greasy texture sinks into the skin without feeling heavy.Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Squalane, Elastin, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Corylus Avellana (Hazel Nut) Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Gel, Arnica Montana Flowerhead Extract, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Sodium Citrate, Phenoxyethanol, Capryl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower Oil.REVIEWS“I've been using this product for 2 years now and can't live without it! It's wonderful... a little goes a long way, and it's not greasy or heavy! Love, Love it!”By RM“Love it. The smell is amazing!”By Jhalber“This product is perfect for me. It is difficult for me to find a night-time moisturizer/anti-aging serum that fits my unique skin. I'm turning 44 this month, but still tend towards oily skin and occasional breakouts every once in a while. I've finally found something that gets the job done without feeling greasy nor clogging my pores and causing breakouts. It has a nice smell, too! It only takes a few small dabs dotted around your face and massaged in, so the small container actually lasts a good while - a good buy.”By Mosaicgirl
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