If you have read a few of my latest post and watched my skin journey vlog then you’ll know that I have become really serious about my skin care routine and more specifically the ingredients that I incorporate. I am all about the active ingredients, since I have added active ingredients I have noticed the biggest change. Dr Dermal offers just that a wide range of products filled with active ingredients and on top of that they’re a local brand – yay #LoveLocal
I have tried a few items from the Dr Dermal range and wanted to share my favourites, my repurchases and the products that aren’t my cup of tea. Starting off with a winner, Dr Dermal Texture Correction Pads:
Dr Dermal explain this as an at home exfoliator game changer and that statement can not be more true. The texture correction pads come in a pack of x30 and will honestly last you for so long. The pads are thin and fortified with 20% Glycolic Acid which means they have the power of a professional skin peel in a single pad!
Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecular size of all the AHAs so it penetrates deeper for predictable & reliable performance. It is the most dependable and widely used Alpha Hydroxy Acid due to its stability and reliability. It is derived from sugar cane making it a natural and sustainable active ingredient.
https://drdermal.com/product/texture-correction-pads/
The pads are so effective, they’re really that one product that you’ll notice a visible difference on your skin. They’re so active that the first time I ever used one I actually thought I was allergic as my face was so red, itchy and kind of felt like little ants all over my face (this is totally normal!). I gave them a rest for a few weeks before trying them again and because I had started using the Dr Dermal MicroRetinol 5 Rich Repair my skin got used to active ingredients so when I used them again my skin had less of a reaction, it still felt like teeny ants all over but a lot more bearable the second time round. If you’re in the market for a skin peel I highly recommend grabbing yourself a box of these!
Lets start off with the buzz word retinol:
What is it? Retinol is simply another name for vitamin A. It’s a type of retinoid, the family of chemical compounds related to vitamin A.What does it do? When retinol and other retinoids come into contact with skin, enzymes in the body convert the retinol into retinoic acid, the active form of the vitamin. Retinoic acid works to increase cell turnover, stimulate collagen and elastin production, fade hyperpigmentation, and help skin stay hydrated and glowing without irritation.
What is it used for? Since it aids in healthy turnover, retinol can treat and prevent everything from stubborn cystic acne and eczema to sun-induced wrinkles and dark spots.
Why use a retinol cream? Retinol is one of the most tried and tested advanced skin care ingredients in use. It has been clinically proven to improve cellular renewal and thicken the dermis resulting in rejuvenated skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles, reduction in the appearance of blemishes, and improved skin texture. In our unique and nourishing delivery system, the retinol benefits are also more efficiently delivered than in a retinol serum for example which may sensitize the skin due to the lack of moisturisers and skin identical lipids.
Dr Dermal MicroRetinol 5 is a microencapsulated retinol cream which meaning it is formulated to provide controlled time release of retinol into your skin, thereby ensuring maximum skin renewal benefits whilst reducing the risk of irritation. Without encapsulation, retinol is an unstable molecule. It also has 5% microencapsulated retinol, which makes it the most powerful microencapsulated retinol cream available in South Africa! It is an incredible cream, I used it for month at night and it really took my skin to the next level from lightening my pigmentation (from the sun and past breakouts) to reducing my forehead fine lines. If you want to up your skincare routine and add a retinol product, definitely give this one a go. If you’re a first time user you may have to start off slowly i.e 1 day skin 2 days as it is an active product.
The Dr Dermal IntenCE (it took me months to realise you pronounce this INTENSE lol!) Antioxidant Plasma is a Vitamin C serum with a potent cocktail of free radical scavengers it boosts the skin’s natural defenses, and with regular use it will visibly brighten dull, tired looking skin. This was my least favourite product I tried from the range and prefer the NeoStrata Illuminating Serum I didn’t enjoy the formula as its quite gloopy and has a papette applicatior. My main gripe with this product is that it stained my hands and pillow! It took me ages to figure out what was going on, my hands smelt like fake tan and after chatting to the brand I realised that it was this, I was advised to make use of a barrier cream on my hands and apply it a while before going to bed to let it sink in properly. I also read some very interesting facts about Vitamin C serum and its sensitivity to light over on All Dolled Up which may explain why it made everything stained.
Lastly one of my most favourites from the Dr Dermal range was the Total Rejuvenation sheet mask, oh my goodness this was incredible it’s packed with so much serum it can be used at least 3 times. I saved it until after I had Dermapen and I am convinced that it helped cut my healing time in half compared to the first time I had Dermapen. The Total Rejuvenation Mask is stated to be a complete indulgence, a luxurious organic anti aging sheet mask made of organic silk, saturated with an ultra hydrating emollient serum formulated to nourish, soothe and invigorate your skin. Ideal as a weekly treatment boost, or post aesthetic treatments such as collagen induction therapy or chemical peel. I mean is there anything more luxurious than a sheet mask, I think not!
NB it is very important to make use of suncream during the day once you have incorporated active ingredients into your skincare routine. Have you tried any active ingredients in your skincare routine?
DISCOUNT CODE: use CARAFAY5 to receive 5% off your order (I don’t receive any monetary value on any orders placed)