The benefits of facial exfoliators

Every dermatologist and beautician you consult is likely to tell you that keeping your skin really clean is the basis of any beauty routine. When you are young, using a cream or foaming cleanser daily may be sufficient to keep a great complexion. However, from about thirty onwards, the outermost layer of your skin (known as the stratum corneum), gets thicker making the skin look dull and coarse. Cleansing alone will not get rid of these old cells so exfoliating at least once a week, is essential to slough off these old cells which are dying off on the surface and give skin a renewed thin layer.

There are many facial exfoliating washes and cleansers that are effective and gentle on the skin, taking off the dead cells without scratching the healthy surface. I recommend using natural or organic exfoliators formulated without chemical abrasives and those specifically for the face as body exfoliants may irritate facial skin.

If your budget is very limited, a good natural exfoliant is ordinary household fine salt, applied in small amounts and avoiding the eye area. If you want a more convenient option and the benefits of professionally formulated facial exfoliants, here are some of my favourites:

John Masters Jojoba & Ginseng Exfoliating Face Cleanser (£26), an ultra-mild exfoliating cleanser that reoxygenates and nourish skin as it gently cleanses and purifies. Great for daily use.

If you have sensitive skin, look for facial exfoliators made with natural fruit enzymes. They work by dissolving dead skin cells without causing friction or irritation to sensitive skin. Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive (£37) refines, brighten and clarifies with a complex of certified organic apple, lemon and grape juices. Jurlique Fruit Enzyme Exfoliator (£33) is a rinse off revitalising treatment with natural enzymes and indigenous Australian extracts of Desert Lime, Quandong and Wattle that revitalise and even skin tone while soothing and protecting sensitive skin.

If you have oily skin, choose an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or lactic acid based exfoliator. These are effective facial exfoliators and are available in different strengths. Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser (£29) is an award-winning organic AHA rejuvenator with a divine lemongrass scent that enhances clarity, unclogs pores, reduces dullness, smoothes dryness & wrinkles and reveals fresh, new skin.

For dry skin, Oskia Micro Exfoliating Balm (£46) leaves skin feeling replenished, nourished and comfortable. Its micro granules of both silica and MSM eliminate tired skin cells while skin boosting nutrients restore balance and enhance softness.

Always use sun protection after using a facial exfoliator. Freshly exfoliated skin is very prone to sun burns and sun damage. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Luzern La Defense Collagen Protection SPF30 (£36) is one of our best sellers. It offers the Next Generation in Sun Protection: 100% mineral SPF30 with advanced collagen protection.

Natural exfoliators are available at naturisimo.com

Oil is the new face cream

This is the year of Cleopatra - says The Wall Street Journal this week. She is the subject of an acclaimed new biography and Angelina Jolie is soon to step into her gladiator sandals and scanty tunic. We've all heard that the legendary beauty bathed in milk to keep her skin soft (the benefits of lactic acid), however her other skin secret—massaging her face in olive oil—has proven equally effective.

So is 'oil is the new face cream'? Should you really toss your moisturiser in favour of deeply hydrating nectars? According to Francesca Fusco, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, "People shy away from using oils on the face, assuming they are greasy and pore-clogging, but this is not the case with essential oils, which are a worthy aromatic alternative to standard moisturizing creams." I completely agree: natural face oils are not the culprit behind skincare problems; it's a combination of dirt, dead skin cells, build up, bacteria and hormones.

When using face oils, massage works to help in cell rejuvenation and strengthen that illusive, fast-disappearing key to youth and firmness: collagen. Oil saturates the skin, replenishing lost moisture and creating a barrier that locks hydration in and the cold winter wind out. Face oils are great for dry skin, don’t clog pores and can even help rebalance sebum production on oil and combination skin.

If you don't want to use plain olive oil and rely upon scientifically formulated toxin-free products, look no further than these six high-performing oils.

Rodin Olio Lusso (£90): A refined luxury and effective blend of 11 oils, including evening primrose to increase circulation and rose hip for its potent dose of vitamin C.

Nude Replenishing Oil (£44): Rich in omegas 3, 6, 7 and 9, it's 100% natural and 100% active and works thanks to the antioxidant power of raspberries and cranberries.

Trilogy Rosehip Oil (£28): Truly exceptional abd clinically shown to minimise the appearance of wrinkles (up to 23%), increase skin smoothness (up to 21%) and improve skin moisture (up to 44%).

Pinks Boutique Antiageing Serum (£33): A recent addition to our collection, this oil scientifically proven to reduce the signs of aging and sun damage with super-charged rosehip.

Antipodes Joyous Night Replenish Serum (£36.99): Restores natural collagen and delivers natural radiance. With Himalayan goji delivers up to 19 amino acids to replenish protein at a cellular level.

Ananne Nectar Cutis Sensitive Skin (£128): Our favourite for sensitive skin. Its advanced formula firms, calms and provides extra protection to sensitive skin and supports deep skin regeneration.

These natural / organic face oils are available at naturisimo.

Rodin Olio Lusso

Rodin Olio Lusso, just in: The exclusive Rodin Olio Lusso has finally reached our shores. Rodin Olio Lusso collection was created by Linda Rodin, stylist and former fashion editor for Harper's Bazaar, to satisfy what she felt was missing in the anti-aging skin care market. During the 40 years Linda Rodin worked as a stylist and editor in the fashion and beauty world, she was privy to the best products available. Linda Rodin was not satisfied though, so she created a powerful luxurious elixir, which she tested on the make-up artists, models and celebrities she worked with who loved it. The Rodin Olio Lusso Cult was born.

I used the Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil for a week now, both morning, under my foundation, and night after my night cream and the results are highly noticeable. I let Olio Lusso sink in for approximately 5 minutes before applying any other product. My skin has a smooth, silky consistency and in the morning, and noticed a visible radiance that few products have ever achieved. The scent of Jasmine is strong and luxurious, though, may not suit those that want scent-free or vaguely scent skincare.

Made with an exclusive, completely natural blend of 11 powerful essential oils to soothe and soften the skin, the Rodin Olio Lusso elixirs have a strong following among fashion and beauty insiders as a miracle treatment for women of all ages who seek beautiful, dewy skin with an extraordinary sense of well-being. From Madonna and actress Halle Berry to supermodels Giselle Bundchen, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Karolina Kurkova and Kate Moss among others, the list of devotees just keeps growing.

Rodin Olio Lusso Face Oil (£90) and Rodin Olio Lusso range are available at Naturisimo.

Caudalie Anti-wrinkle Ultra-nourishing Cream

Review of Caudalie anti-wrinkle ultra-nourishing cream.

By Sue B.

Packaging: Caudalie anti-wrinkle ultra-nourishing cream comes in a soft pink tube with a lid that enables you to stand it upright, keeping the cream at the top of the tube. The information on the tube is: the application details, how soon it is to be used after opening and a website address. The green text on the soft pink tube makes a good contrast for reading.

Application: The instructions state to apply morning and evening to face and neck therefore this would reduce the need for separate moisturisers. The Caudalie rich white cream is easily applied and absorbed within moments. It gives the feel of a good quality moisturiser with little fragrance and no tightness after applying.

Ingredients: There is no list of ingredients on the tube so I referred to the website for more information. On inspection, the ingredients appear to be all naturally sourced with no parabens, phenoxyethanol, artificial colourings or mineral oils.

Results: I’ve been using Caudalie anti-wrinkle ultra-nourishing cream for very dry skin for the past three weeks as my skin is generally dry and I moisturise daily. I enjoyed the feel of the deep moisturising properties yet I have not noticed any smoothing of wrinkles. I think this would be an ideal product for anyone with very dry skin or who spends a lot of time outside, particularly during the winter months.

Pros:

It has anti oxidant properties.

It is both a day and evening moisturiser, so this would reduce the need for separate products.

It is made of natural ingredients.

It is not tested on animals.

Cons:

It tends to leave a slight residue

It is recommended for very dry skin or those that are exposed to harsh climates only.

It costs £27.50p for a 40ml tube so is quite expensive.

Caudalie Anti-wrinkle Ultra-nourishing Cream (£27.50) and Caudalie products are available at Naturismo.com.

Eco Organic Compact Bronzer Reviews

Review of Nvey Eco Organic Compact Bronzer
By Sally Sisson

Packaging: Nvey Eco Organic Compact Bronzer comes in a black plastic compact case with internal mirror. The casing is simple and functional not glamorous and arrived inside a printed cardboard box with the product details on.

Application: The powder comes with a foam powder sponge. This is not suitable for application; I tried and ended up with very patchy brown streaks. The best method is a soft blusher brush. The colour pigment is very intense and it only requires a very light touch to pick up some of the powder.Having said this it does blend very well once on the skin.

Ingredients: The Nvey Eco Products range boast organic ingredients, the colours come from mineral pigments and the base uses cornstarch, carrot oil and chamomile amongst others ingredients. The products are made in Australia and the Organic certification comes from The Organic Food Chain Pty Ltd.

Results: My skin is fair and this Nvey product was a little too dark for me. I went from English rose to Australian tan very quickly on first use. I discovered that a light touch was the way to go and subsequent use has produced a more subtle healthy glow. The colour is very believable and I can’t wait to use it in the summer when my natural skin colouring is a little warmer. The Organic Compact Bronzer stayed put during the day.

Pros:

Very believable colour not at all orange.

Powder blends well on the skin.

Had good lasting power through out the day.

Excellent colour for medium to dark skins or those who already have a good tan.

Cons:

Packaging is pretty boring.

Too dark for very pale skins.

Nvey Eco Organic Compact Bronzer (£23.00) Nvey Eco Makeup Products are available at naturisimo.com

Pai Skincare rivals the mega-brands

We got some amazing news from Pai Skincare this week. Ireland’s Sunday Independent LIFE magazine named Pai the ‘Best Light Option’ for winter skin care. The Panel tried and tested several products and said this about Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Sensitive Skin Cream (£22):

“The seven kinds of oils and the other skin-nourishing ingredients – almost all of them are organic plant extracts – immediately create a lovely layer of moisture. Instantly soothing and cool on the skin, this is a real find. It’s hard to find really moisturising creams that aren’t just for very dry skins, so this is a marvel. I’m not sure how it’s so light and yet so luxurious, but it is.”

The amazing fact is that Pai products are featured alongside the likes of Clarins, Decleor and Elemis, which proves that truly organic products can rival the big mainstream brands in terms of performance. Moreover they are better for you!

Pai Skincare range is available at naturisimo.com.

John Masters Calendula Hydrating Mask Reviews

Review of John Masters Calendula Hydrating Mask
Kelly B

Packaging: John Masters Calendula Hydrating Mask comes in an amber glass jar with a black plastic screw top lid in a cardboard recyclable box. Amber glass is great for protecting ingredients from exposure to light and glass is also excellent for preserving the product. Importantly no leaching of chemicals into the product which happens with products that come in plastic packaging.

John masters organics is very environmentally aware and only use the minimum amount of ink (on their packaging) which is always printed on 100% recycled and unbleached paper. The packaging looks elegant and expensive and the muted tones give a really natural feel to the product.

Application: The texture of John Masters Calendula Hydrating Mask is creamy but not at all oily or greasy. It is fluid and light and easy to apply and spreads effortlessly.On the packaging it states to apply the mask to damp skin, but I found it best to emulsify some of the product in my hand with a small amount of water and then apply. This method allows a lovely creamy application and allows the product to go even further. As with all products that come in jars I recommend using a clean spatula to extract product each use to prevent bacteria from fingers from entering the jar (which multiply and spoil ingredients and effect shelf life).

The scent of this John Masters Organics mask is a delicate floral calendula fragrance with undertones of ylang ylang oil. It also has kind of woody and musky fragrance that I felt was unisex. I loved the smell and found it very calming and relaxing.

My skin is very sensitive and John Masters Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask was lovely and soothing and calming on my skin. I could even apply it right underneath and around the delicate eye area with no negative skin reaction.

The mask stays moist but gradually absorbs into the skin and seems to firm and tighten the skin as it is absorbed. The skin appears to drink the product right in. After 20 minutes the mask was easy to remove with a damp face cloth. On several occasions I left it on my skin for about an hour and this was absolutely fine and no sensitivity. On each application I rubbed the excess onto the backs of my hands and found it very hydrating and softening.

This mask would be perfect for those with oily skin or acne or anyone whose skin needs moisture but is suffering a breakout. Such skin can often be dry due to harsh products applied to dry out spots, but would not benefit from greasy oils as this would exacerbate acne. John Masters Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask on the other hand provides moisture and hydration with no grease or oilyness and no blocking of pore (it actually tones and closes pores). This organic mask is different to other moisturising masks which tend to use rich greasy ingredients with seem to plump the skin up and make skin feel soft. Whereas John Masters Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask tightens, firms and hydrates in a lifting non oily way.

Ingredients: John Masters products use only the finest ingredients as they believe ‘only the world’s finest botanicals can make the world’s finest products’. All John Masters products must be 75-100% organic. Importantly the essential oils used by John Masters must be steam distilled and not extracted with propylene glycol which actually kills the effect of the oils. Plus only cold pressed plant oils are used rather than heat distilled which kills the therapeutic properties of plant oils. So this means that the ingredients used in John Masters products are of the most potent and highest quality.

Now onto the ingredients contained in the John Masters Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask. The main ingredient is aloe vera leaf juice which is well known for its deeply hydrating, nourishing, healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging benefits. Sun flower seed oil for hydration. Shea butter for moisturising and anti-aging effects. Algae extract for skin nourishing and healing. Calendula flower oil for added healing, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Rice, which softens and heals the skin whilst assisting to prevent wrinkles. Rose flower oil for astringent and softening effects. Rosemary leaf extract for its astringent and toning action. All natural preservatives, using aspen bark which protects against harmful bacteria. Importantly all John Masters products are free from harmful toxic ingredients such as parabens, TEAs, DEAs, GMOs, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances. Plus no animal testing.

Results: I am really pleased with the results of John Masters Calendula Hydrating Mask. After one application there is a noticeable glow to the skin. After removing the mask skin is left refreshed soft and dewy with a lovely luminescence. I feel that better results are achieved after several uses. After three applications (on consecutive days) I noticed redness reduction and a tightening and firming effect. My skin felt very soft to the touch and it definitely took away some skin redness too (maybe 50%). I used it three times a week for 3 weeks and my skin looked healthier, firmer and more hydrated.

John Masters Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask has a much more hydrating effect when emulsified first in your hand with a little water. Without mixing with water and simply applying to damp skin, skin is hydrated but not so soft and dewy. This organic mask seems to firm and tighten skin as it is absorbed. I didn’t notice any real reduction in wrinkles but my skin did look more refreshed and relaxed and the skin tone was more even.

John Masters Calendula Mask is perfect for oily, acne prone skin and those who want toning and firming with hydration. For very dry skin (without breakouts) I feel a more rich and creamy mask would be more suitable such as Caudalie Moisturising Mask which is fantastically hydrating, doesn’t dry and can be left on as an overnight treatment. This Caudalie mask definitely reduces fine lines and wrinkles. However more greasy masks such as Caudalie Moisturising Mask would be less suitable for oily or acne prone skin that need moisture.

I am a real fan of moisturising masks and have never before tried one that hydrated in a non greasy way and I think John Masters Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask really fills a need. If I suffer dry skin and a breakout John Masters Calendula Hydrating & Toning Mask would be the only hydrating product I would use.

Pros:

Gives skin a dewy glow after one application
Effects increase with each use
Fluid texture easy to apply
Firming gentle astringent tightening effect
Makes skin silky soft
Doesn’t block pores
Reduces redness
Non oily
Tone skin and closes pores
Good hand mask
Organic ingredients
Free from parabens and other harmful ingredients
No animal testing

Cons:

Product comes in jar so it therefore exposed to air each time lid is opened
Because of coming in a jar a spatula is needed to preserve ingredients and prevents introducing bacteria from hands.
Quite expensive

John Masters Calendula Hydrating Mask (£26.00) and John Masters Products are available at naturisimo.com

Trilogy Sensitive Cleansing Cream Reviews

Review of Trilogy Sensitive Cleansing Cream
By Sandra C.

Packaging: Trilogy Sensitive Cleansing Cream comes filled in a recycled plastic tube. Plastic tube is one of my favourite storage packaging. Not only that it’s light to carry, free from contamination but I can also squeeze the last drop of content instead of wasting it. A full size 150ml priced at £20, it is slightly expensive.

Scent: Since this Sensitive Cleansing Cream is for sensitive skin, there is no fragrance which I absolutely embrace it. I always feel sick when I use some very good organic products but with extremely strong smell. I can’t smell anything in this cleanser which is rather pleasant for me.

Ingredients: I know I can trust Trilogy Products because I know the ingredients they contain are always natural. The only thing I was disappointed is that they put preservative Phenoxyethanol in it. With the price tag, I would expect they do better than that. Apart from that, they have packed a lot of pure plant oil such as Chamomile, Evening Primrose and Calendula.

Result: I never really like cream cleanser because I always feel it just doesn’t cleanse the dirt off properly. Moreover, I don’t like my face feeling a bit sticky afterward. I didn’t use it at all for a month until last week when the weather was so cold that central heating was on even when I was sleeping. Then I realised how good this cleanser was, I tried my normal cleansing gel but it literally stripped my facial moisture that it really hurt. So I swapped to Trilogy Sensitive Cleansing Cream and it was so soothing to my skin and it is a must in harsh winter. It left my skin so moisturised and not itchy anymore. The best thing is when it was so cold in the morning that I didn’t even want to wash my face, I just massage a small amount of this cream to my face and then tissue off. It is so easy and stress free.

Pros:
Very moisturising and soothing.
Packaging is light and hygienic.
It is filled with lots of pure plant oil.

Cons:
There is Phenoxyethanol in it.
Slightly expensive.

Trilogy Sensitive Cleansing Cream ( £20) and Trilogy Skincare Products are available from naturisimo.com

Akin Cellular Radiance Serum Reviews

Review of Akin Cellular Radiance Serum

By Catherine Geiger

Packaging: Akin Cellular Radiance Serum comes in a 23ml brown glass bottle with a pipette for ease of use.

Application: Applied after cleansing at night, you just need 3 or 4 drops so this product will last for ages. The pipette allows you to easily dispense just enough for each application. You can follow this with your favorite moisturiser to really lock in the moisture and give your skin a good overnight treatment. The serum soon melts into your skin and doesn’t leave it feeling greasy at all.

Ingredients: Akin Skincare products are free from sulfates, parabens, petrochemical cleansers, mineral oils, artificial colours & fragrances. It’s good to know that they only use the purest ingredients and their products are formulated without animal ingredients or animal testing and are vegan certified too.

The primary ingredient is organic Rosehip Seed Extract which has been used for many years to treat skin problems and is rich in omega oils and Vitamin C so already this is a great start! But, wait for it! As well as this there is Seabuckthorn Fruit Extract which is said to promote skin cell regeneration and is rich in natural vitamin E and Pomegranate Seed Extract and Amaranth Seed Extract. Both these ingredients hydrate the skin and help to protect against damaging free radicals. Chamomile Extract is particularly soothing and refreshing for sensitive skins and Calendula Extract is known for its powerful soothing properties. Echium Oil is a rich source of omega essential fatty acids, helping to fight the appearance of wrinkles as well as increasing skin suppleness and elasticity.

So as you can see this product is packed with anti-aging ingredients which are all organic and produced with chemical free extraction.

Results: Having just returned from a lovely holiday in Sydney, I was very pleased to get the opportunity to test a product from the Akin range which is actually produced there. This lovely serum looks just like liquid gold and leaves skin feeling smooth, firm and glowing.

It also helps to diminish the appearance for fine lines. Research has shown that products with vitamin A, C and E are particularly good for reducing signs of ageing so seeing as this product has all three this is one I will continue to use! I really was impressed with Akin Cellular Radiance Serum from the first use and would recommend it to all my friends! Great value for a great product.

Pros:

Feels like an expensive luxury product yet very well priced

Great pipette dispenser means allows for controlled use and therefore no waste

Leaves the skin looking more even and smooth

Suitable for all skin types

Amazing anti-aging ingredients

Cons:

None

Akin Cellular Radiance Serum (£16.99) and A’kin Products are available at naturisimo.com