The Process of Illumination- Enhancement 2- Moisturising
The first part of our process of illumination was all about getting cleansing down to a fine art, creating a great base for your skin to be clear and ready to take on all the goodness you can give it – and the most integral goody that should always be on hand (and face) is moisturiser.
(Every) One must moisturise
A decent moisturiser that really means business will do several things: treat skin concerns, keep the skin in great condition, and most importantly, hydrate and protect the skin. All skin, no matter the type. I cannot express enough, despite the myth; oily skin is just as in need of moisturiser as dry skin. A well-selected moisturiser will actually help to control the oil flow, mattify the skin and help with texture.
Switching it up
Moisturisers come in a range of mediums including cream, fluid and gel, and while the type you choose can simply come down to personal preference, it’s also worth assessing how your skin reacts to changing weather conditions throughout the year to determine whether variations are required at different times, rather than using the same moisturiser every day.
With this being said
The ranges that Puravida stock come in one form and focus on optimal skin health in both our ranges,. Prologic and Environ have a step up system created to help skin become more comfortable with increased levels of vitamin A and other ingredients from one level to the next so that skin can be reborn and look healthy and beautiful for a lifetime. Our skin needs to become accustomed to extra vitamins being applied to it, particularly vitamin A which is vital for its health, radiance and youthfulness. Skin fundamentally needs what it needs to be healthy. There are no “if, buts or maybe’s” about that.
But you can add some extras in the routine, for example, you may require a lighter-weight, more sun-protection or maybe something that helps get rid of the congestion in summer. What about something more nourishing and hydrating when the heaters come on in winter. The change of seasons is also a great time to see what’s new and exciting in the world, so talk to your professional skincare therapist about my thoughts on the amazing goodies you can add to your routine to take your skin to “skin goals”
Let’s look at the step up systems in both ranges
(I have included some of the ingredients so you know what ingredients are good for the skin)
Environ’s range
of moisturisers in the Essential Skin Care segment contain a series of products with increasing amounts of vitamin A as well as other vitamins and antioxidants.
- This Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 1 is the first vitamin A moisturiser in the Skin EssentiA® Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™. It contains a low concentration of vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Palmitate, as well as vitamin C and antioxidants.
- This Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 2 is the second vitamin A moisturiser in the Skin EssentiA® Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™. It contains a medium concentration of vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Palmitate, as well as vitamin C, powerful antioxidants and botanicals that together help to revitalise the appearance of the skin cells, resulting in a more youthful-looking complexion with the appearance of a smoother texture and a radiantly, healthy-looking glow
- This Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 3 is the third vitamin A moisturiser in the Skin EssentiA® Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™. It contains a moderate to high concentration of vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Palmitate, as well as vitamin C, powerful antioxidants and botanicals as well as a peptide that together help to revitalise the appearance of the skin cells, resulting in a more youthful-looking complexion with the appearance of a smoother texture and a radiantly, healthy-looking glow.
- This Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 4 is the fourth vitamin A moisturiser in the Skin EssentiA® Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™. It contains a high concentration of vitamin A in the form of Retinyl Acetate, as well as vitamin C, powerful antioxidants and botanicals as well as a peptide that together help to revitalise the appearance of the skin cells resulting in a more youthful-looking complexion with the appearance of a smoother texture and a radiantly, healthy-looking glow.
- This Vita-Antioxidant AVST Moisturiser 5 is the final vitamin A moisturiser in the Skin EssentiA® Vitamin STEP-UP SYSTEM™. It contains the highest concentration of vitamin A in the forms of Retinyl Palmitate and Retinyl Acetate, as well as vitamin C, powerful antioxidants and botanicals as well as a peptide that together help to revitalise the appearance of the skin resulting in a more youthful-looking complexion and the appearance of a smoother texture with a radiant glow.
Environ then has a unique approach
to moisturising for Acne/ blemish prone skin, this is the only skin type we change the way we approach skin as the skin needs are targeted in a different way. The client will use equal parts of, Focus Care™ Clarity+ Vita-Botanical Sebu- ACE Oil. Scientifically formulated with vitamins and botanicals, this lightly textured non-oily oil helps to control the appearance of breakouts by providing your skin with a daily dose of essential vitamins and will be used with equal parts of the Focus Care™ Clarity+ Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Lac Lotion, This non-oily lotion is formulated to combat the signs of breakouts and to assist in improving the texture and tone of breakout-prone skin. Containing a special combination of Lactic Acid exfoliators and moisturisers, it leaves skin feeling softer, smoother and more balanced.
Prologic has a three step system
- Repair Moisturiser- Step 1 in our Treatment Moisturiser range. Designed to repair the skin’s barrier function and acid mantle, therefore creating a healthy epidermis. Contains Echcium Oil for its anti-flammatory properties, making it the perfect choice for eczema and psoriasis. Also contains Vitamin A for DNA cell repair and Vitamin E for general cell health.
- Strengthen Moisturiser- Step 2 in our Treatment Moisturiser range. Designed to take your skin to the next level. Contains Kiwi Seed Oil to boost the skin’s Omega 3 levels, along with Vitamin A for DNA cell repair and Vitamin C for collagen stimulation, strengthening of capillary network and pigment fading.
- Optimal Moisturiser- Step 3 in our Treatment Moisturiser range. Designed to give your skin the optimal amount of essential vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Contains Kiwi Seed Oil to boost the skin’s Omega 3 levels, along with the highest amount of both Vitamin A and C, plus Calcium Phosphate which strengthens the Keratinocyte – meaning a stronger, healthier more youthful skin
Prologic also has a great specialist range
that is targeted purely for pigmentation- Pigment Moisturiser. Step 3 of 3 specialised pigmentation products. Contains Aloesin an effective Dopa and L-Dopa Phosphate Inhibitor, along with Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Licorice Extract and Vitamins A, C & E. Squalene also helps to strengthen barrier function. All 3 products must be used together to achieve optimal results with pigmented skin disorders.
Night cream vs day cream
Some people don’t like the consistency of traditional night creams, and to be honest, they aren’t essential, in fact at Puravida we only have “regular” moisturisers in both ranges, the skin needs what the skin needs and you should be using the “extra’s”, the serums, the masques, treatments sprays etc. to boost up your skin care routine. Using a regular moisturiser before bed is preferable for many and is perfectly fine
The “extras” tend to carry more active ingredients that set to work while you snooze. If vitamins, AHAs and other acids really work for you, you’re better off getting your dose at night, as certain ingredients such as these shouldn’t really be used on your skin while you’re exposing yourself to sunlight.
What order should I apply my moisturiser?
Serum before moisturiser? SPF before or after? It’s likely this process has stumped you more than once, especially when a new product is thrown in the mix. General rule of thumb is that you should always apply your skincare products in order of lightest to heaviest. Following cleansing and toning, this would mean serum and then moisturiser. An SPF should be applied a few minutes after your moisturiser has properly sunk in.
When should I apply my moisturiser?
Most of us will religiously apply our moisturiser both morning and night however the time that this is done must be exercised with a little caution. This tip may just make all the difference to the way your skin absorbs the benefits of your moisturiser. Upon cleansing, moisturiser should be applied as soon as possible. Damp skin is best for applying moisturiser as it is a great way to lock in any additional hydration before it evaporates. If you use a toner, or treatment spray make sure you spritz your face whilst it is still wet, and then apply your moisturiser less than a minute following this. For these wanting to up their moisturising game, ensure the entire process happens in a hot, steamy bathroom immediately post shower.
What is the best way to apply moisturiser to the face?
All that time saved waiting for your face to dry can now be put to proper use as you begin the actual act of applying product to the face. The amount of product is important to ensure you’re not getting carried away. A small dollop is best to ensure you a) don’t waste product unnecessary and b) don’t clog the pores. Instead of pushing product outwards from the middle of your face (which can cause excess oil around the hairline), ensure you dab the product evenly across and blend it. Don’t rub the product too harshly into the face, but try and adopt a ‘dab and tap’ rhythm. Patting your face softly will stimulate the circulation, wake up the complexion and can work to flush out that any toxins that have built up in your lymph nodes. Finally, whatever you do, don’t forget your neck. The neck and décolletage area are two areas that are the first to show signs of ageing, and unfortunately, virtually impossible to repair once damage is done. Apply a dollop twice the size of that on your face and liberally spread across your neck, throat and chest using the same dab and pat method.
