FAQs

DERMALOGICA

HOW CAN I AVOID PREMATURE AGEING?

Premature aging refers to the unnatural acceleration of the natural aging process and is induced by daylight exposure (90% of premature aging is caused by ultraviolet rays from the sun) and lifestyle choices (smoking, stress or diet). These factors trigger a slowing of collagen production and a breakdown in elastin, reducing "turgor" (or the "snap back into place" reaction when skin has been pulled). The skin cell turnover process slows, and dead skin cells shed off our skin's surface at a slower rate. Other contributors to the quickening of the natural aging process are sleeping positions, repetitive facial expressions and gravity.

Premature aging isn't natural. So what is natural? Healthy aging - also known as intrinsic aging, or the normal process of physical change over time that is more about your genetics than your lifestyle. This process begins in our mid 20s, but, unlike premature aging induced by external factors, does not begin to show on our faces until decades later.

While intrinsic aging is out of control, you play a powerful role in controlling extrinsic aging. And the right lifestyle choices and a proper product prescription are your first steps towards maintaining healthy skin.

The 5 major causes of premature aging:-

The Sun

Responsible for a litany of skin issues, and more importantly skin cancer, the sun really is our skins worst enemy. Scientific studies have shown the repeated (UV) exposure breaks down collagen, impairs skins ability to repair itself, and attacks our elastin.

The damage is seen through deep wrinkles, age spots (hyper-pigmentation), spider vein, a rough, blotchy complexion and a "leathery" look.

Cumulative exposure to daylight will also cause extensive damage. Fifteen minutes walks outside and occasional lunches outdoors can add up to weakened collagen and elastin, and of course, skin cancer. And even if you don't see pink or red skin after being in the sun, that doesn't mean that the damage hasn't been done.

Smoking

Smokers are more likely than non-smokers to develop wrinkled, leathery skin, as well as a yellowish hue in their complexions. And even if you are not a smoker, being around a smoker can still cause damage to your skin.

Lack of Sleep/Stress

Skin is the first place to be affected by lack of sleep - the immediate effects of exhaustion are represented through dark circles under the eyes and sagging skin.

Stress is inevitable - just like aging! But it also contributes to premature ageing. Often when we're stressed, we furrow our brow, place our hands on our face and pull it in every which way direction, frown (where do you think the term "frown lines" come from?) and twist our faces around, performing repetitive movements that impart permanent damage. Stress also results in heightened adrenal activity, which over time can lead to impaired health.

Lack of Exercise/Poor Diet

Lack of exercise can contribute to prematurely ageing skin, as exercise keeps muscle tone and stimulates blood flow.

A poor diet leads to a lack of nutrition for the cells and possible exposure to chemicals and preservatives. Fried and burnt food can also cause oxidation (free radicals from vitamins help counteract oxidation), leading to weaker cell structure.

Exposure to the Elements

Cold winds and low termperatures can dry out skin, depriving it of balanced levels of sebum (oil) that keep skin lubricated. Without these oils, skin becomes dry, and is more prone to premature aging because of the lack of protective oils.

This goes for forced air heating as well. Warm, dry air acts like a giant sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.

Sun protection as your first line of defense

If the sun is your skin's worst enemy, then sun protection is your first line of defense. And with new sunscreen technology that won't clog pores, won't cause irritation (redness and burning) and won't feel chalky or greasy, it's much easier to comfortably make sunscreens a part of your daily skin care regime.

When selecting sun protection, look for Sun Protection Factors (SPFs) that are combined with stabilized antioxidant vitamins. Research shows sunscreans formulated with antioxidant provide enhanced protection against damaging UV light and free radicals. With this increased protection from antioxidant vitamins, there is no need to add more potentially-irritating sunscreen chemicals to create a higher SPF level.

Dermalogica's Solar Defense System delivers this antioxidant technology through UV Smart Booster Technology, a microcapsule containing antioxidant vitamins that bursts upon contact with UV lightm, releasing the antioxidants onto skin, providing protection when it's needed most.

Make sunscreen as much a part of your skin care regime as cleansing and moisturising. Apply at least a walnut-sized amount of sunscreen to skin and neck before going out into the daylight, and after swimming or exercising, to impede the damage caused by UV light.

Proper treatment for results

When skin is healthy, premature ageing is minimised. Professional skin treatments coupled with the right lifestyle choices are great ways to begin treating the signs of premature ageing.

An effective prematurely-ageing skin treatment regimen will include exfoliation, hydration, and vitamins to help smooth skin, stimulate collagen production and increase skin's natural protective barrier.

Exfoliation helps remove dulling skin cells while improving penetration of beneficial ingredients. The use of electric brushes will also greatly enhance the penetration of the exfoliation ingredients.

Glavanic current can also be used to increase product penetration. This professional tool creates gentle electrical currents that work to push hydrating and replenishing ingredients deep into the layers of the epidermis.

Emollients (such as Shea Butter and Organic Silicones) will help maintain soft, smooth pliable skin and will act as a lubricant, helping to reduce flaking and moisture loss while improving appearance.

It has been scientifically proven that topically-applied vitamins do improve the health of the skin. Vitamin A helps inhibit collagen breakdown while stimulating collagen production, Vitamin B aids in wound healing, Vitamin C is an antioxidant that inhibits melanin, and Vitamin E is an antioxidant that provides barrier protection while smoothing skin.

It is also imperative to recognise that the success of your skin treatments will be heavily influenced by your professionally prescribed at-home regimen and the wearing of sunscreen anytime skin is exposed to daylight. Also important is proper home skin care products and techniques. Do not use hot water when cleansing, don't use excessive or abrasive movements (instead, go for gentle, upward circles), keep your surrounding temperature as moderate as possible (a humidifier can help add moisture to the air), and stay away from products that contain artificial fragrances or colours.

In addition, ask your Skin Therapist about products containing peptides. Peptides act as cellular messengers that regulate cell repair while stimulating collagen production. Peptides also help improve skin elasticity and tone while fighting the appearance of fine lines.

Some of the products your Skin Therapist may subscribe are:-

Essential Cleansing Solution
Extra Firming Booster
MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque
MultiVitamin Power Concentrate
MultiVitamin Power Firm for lip and eye area
Super Rich Repair
Power Rich
Extra Rich Faceblock SPF30
MultiVitamin BodyBlock SPF20

HOW CAN EXFOLIATION IMPROVE MY SKIN?

Will exfoliation help the health of my skin?

The first answer is yes - exfoliation will help the health of your skin!

Skin exfoliation improves the quality and tone of skin by assisting in the removal of dead skin cells from the surface (the human skin produces about one million skin cells per minute, which equates to over five billion skin cells per day). As our skin cells renew, old surface cells harden and lose moisture, and eventually detach from skin to allow for new cells to come through (this process is called desquamation).

Desquamation also eliminates damaged and contaminated cells that carry pollutants and micro-organisms from the environment. These dead skin cells don't always effectively fall from our skin, meaning they can dry and dull the skin's surface, and cause clogging and congestion. Through professional and at-home exfoliation, these dulling skin cells are effectively removed, and newer cells are revealed for a fresher, healthier appearance.

Acneic Skin: Acneic skin produces five times more dead skin cells than other skin conditions, meaning proper exfoliation can have great benefits for acneic skin. Hydroxy acids, in general, will be effective, as they help the dead cells detach, preventing dead skin cells from clogging the follicle and contributing to acne. (Avoid physical exfoliants/scrubs, which can worsen inflammation.

Ageing Skin: When we are young, our cells renew roughly every 12-19 days. But as we get older, this process slows down, as the "glue" that holds our cells together becomes denser. The natural sloughing of older cells from the skin becomes more difficult, causing a build up that results in dull, thick skin with less tone. On average, cell renewal takes from 28 - 35 days in midlife, and up to 90 days in maturity.

Exfoliation is especially effective on prematurely-ageing and mature skin, as it stimulates cell renewal faster than the body can on its own.

Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is an increase in colour caused by either an increase in melanin, an increase in melanocytes, or is from substance that adds colour by forming deposits in skin. Exfoliation helps shed these pigmented cells more quickly, and will also help remove the dead skin cells so ingredients can more effectively penetrate hyperpigmentation at its source.

Dry, Dehydrated Skin: A lack of moisture in skin leads to gaps in the cellular barrier. Leaving skin feeling tight and stretched, many tend to overmoisturise, which sticks the older skin cells down, leading to a dull, uneven skin tone. Through exfoliation, dying skin cells are effectively removed, and moisturising and hydrating ingredients can penetrate deeper into skin to help ease dry and dehydrated skin conditions.

When not to exfoliate

If skin is sensitised, exfoliation may not be for you, as it may further compromise your skin's natural protective barriers. It is important to always follow the direction of your Skin Therapist when exfoliation is a part of your at-home regimen and professional skin treatments.

What is an exfoliant?

An exfoliant is any agent that removes dead skin cells from the skin's surface to reveal newer, smoother skin that's underneath. When we exfoliate, we automatically cause skin renewal because new cells are stimulated to push towards the surface to replace the newly removed dead cells.

Exfoliants can be physical or chemical, and their usage is dependent upon each individual's skin care needs.

Physical exfoliants use friction to remove dead skin cells, either through the use of a tool (such as a brush or sponge) or a gentle abrasive (such as Corn Cob Meal, Rice Bran or Oatmeal). Depending on the amount of friction and the nature of the abrasive used, results will vary. You can find Corn Cob Meal in Dermalogica Skin Prep Scrub and Rice Bran in Daily Microfoliant.

Unlike physical exfoliants that remove debris through gentle abrasion, chemical exfoliants smooth skin by dissolving the intercellular "glue" that attaches cells to the surface. Hydroxy Acids, Retinol, and enzymes (proteins that initiate a chemical reaction to break the chemical bonds of older cells and "digest" them) are a few examples of chemical exfoliants.

What about over-exfoliation?

The recent emergence of much more aggresive exfoliation treatments, such as dermabrasion and chemical peels, has lead many consumers to over-exfoliate their skin. Research at the International Dermal Institute indicates that a series of exfoliation treatments can actually be much more effective than one very aggresive lunchtime procedure. In fact, any skin treatment - including exfoliation- that causes the skin to become red and irriated is triggering the inflammatory response, which in turn accelerates premature aging. A more gradual approach, which includes professional-strength exfoliation treatments from your Skin Therapist combined with an at-home regimen, will reveal a dramatically smoothed complexion without any of the undesirable side effects.

Hydroxy Acids

Today we have many choices for exfoliation from Hydroxy Acids - Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic are just a few. Hydroxy acids are the most common form of at-home exfoliant because they are extremely effective and, when used properly, very safe.

Glycolic Acid was the first to be used in a cosmetic application, and is still widely-used despite its high incidence of skin irritation. Lactic and Salicylic Acids which are as effective as Glycolic Acid, are now the choice of leading skin care professionals because they deliver the same level of results with considerably less irritation. In fact Salicylic Acid has exhibited anti-inflammatory properties while effectively exfoliating surface cells, which is why it is a key ingredient in Daily Resurfacer. And Gentle Cream Exfoliant and Skin Renewal Booster are two great at-home exfoliants that use the combination of Lactic and Salicylic Acids.

Exfoliation and Solar Defense

Hydroxy Acids increase sensitivity to sun as little as 13% and up to 50%. Because of this, the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) requires that sunscreen must be applied after any hydroxy acid exfoliation treatment - good advice for your at-home regimen as well.

Research shows sunscreens formulated with antioxidant vitamins provide enhanced protection against damaging UV light and free radicals. With this increased protection from antioxidant vitamins, there is no need to add more potentially irritating sunscreen chemicals to create a higher SPF level.

Dermalogica's Solar Defense System delivers this antioxidant technology through UV Smart Booster Technology, a microcapsule containing antioxidant vitamins that bursts upon contact with UV light, releasing the antioxidants onto skin, providing protection when it's needed most.

Make sunscreen as much a part of your skin care regimen as cleansing and moisturizing. Apply at least a walnut-sized amount of sunscreen to skin and neck before going out into the daylight, and after swimming or exercising, to impede the damage caused by UV light.

Some of the products your Skin Therapist may prescribe will include:-

Daily Microfoliant
Daily Resurfacer
Skin Prep Scrub
Gentle Cream Exfoliant
The Face Brush
Total Eye Care with SPF15
Skin Renewal Booster
Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF30
MultiVitamin Power Firm for eye and lip area
The Ultimate Buffing Cloth
Exfoliating Body Scrub
Hydro-Active Mineral Salts

DO I HAVE SENSITIZED SKIN?

Up to 90% of the population perceives their skin as sensitive. But do you really have sensitive skin? This inquiry is not posed to make you question your skin's redness, irritation and discomfort. It is actually posed to point out that there is sensitive skin, and then there is sensitised skin, which is the growing phenomenon of skin experiencing sensitivity because of environmental assaults, cosmetics, poor diet and the natural ageing process.

Sensitive skin versus sensitized skin

A true sensitive skin condition is caused by a genetic predisposition. This genetic predisposition is found in those who have very fair skin and are usually of Northern European ancestry. This could be caused by the lower amount of pigment and a thinner epidermal skin layer (the epidermal layer is the top layer of skin we can see). Someone with truly sensitive skin is highly prone to blushing and may experience bad hay fever, allergies or asthma.

Sensitized skin can affect any person of any racial background or skin colour. (Case in point: many people in Asia are experiencing skin sensizitation due to the large amount of pollution in some parts of this region). Symptoms for sensitive and sensitized skin do have a lot in common (itching, burning, redness, flushing and stinging) but in many cases, sensitized skin can't be seen by the naked eye, as it resides much deeper. And, our microclimate, or the climate we are exposed to in our home, cars, offices and during air travel, changes daily, meaning our level of sensitization can vary.

What causes sensitized skin?

A number of factors contribute to the process of skin sensitization. These causes are among the most common, and fortunately, the most treatable and preventable when lifestyle changes are adapted and when under the care of a skin care professional.

Environmental Assaults

The fastest rising factor contributing to sensitized skin is environmental assault, as the epidermis is constantly exposed to assault from the sun, extreme weather and pollution.

The Sun

Exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from the skin, making it more prone to sensitivity.

There is still not enough understanding that cumulative exposure to sun can also cause extensive damage. Fifteen minute walks outside and occasional lunches outdoors can contribute to skin sensitization, and of course, skin cancer. And even if you don't see pink or red skin after being in the sun, that doesn't mean that the damage hasn't been done.

Summer activities, such as swimming, can also cause skin irritation, as chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water are abrasive and drying.

Pollution

On average, our skin is exposed to an estimated 6 million chemicals, and roughly 2,800 of these have sensitizing properties. Extensive exposure to Nitrogen oxides (from road traffic, industrial heating units, etc) and volatile organic compounds (from hydrocarbons and waste) contributes to the steady rise in sensitized skin causes.

Cold Weather and Low Humidity

Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out skin, depriving it of balanced levels of sebum (oil) that keeps skin lubricated. Without these oils, skin becomes dry, and is more prone to sensitivity because of the lack of protective oils.

This goes for forced air heating as well. Warm, dry air acts like a giant sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.

Aging

Scientists agree that there is a sharp decline in the stratum corneum lipids as we age (lipids are fats that are essential for the structure and function of living cells). Meaning by the time we reach age 40, our skin will almost certainly be dry and/or dehydrated. Without these protective lipids, skin is left exposed and defenseless against external aggressors, and the chances for reactions to the environment increase.

Ingredients

Certain ingredients in cosmetics can cause irritation and exacerbate skin sensitivity. More importantly, these ingredients can be found in skin care ingredients that claim to help treat sensitized skin. Some ingredients that can sensitize skin include fragrances, D and C colours, preservatives and Lanolin.

Lifestyle

Nutritionists say that those surviving on a litany of diet sodas and fat-free food items are missing out on vital, skin-friendly essential fatty acids (EFA) and fat-soluble vitamins. (And don't forget that fat-free foods often substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners that can cause skin sensitivity).

An EFA deficiency can result in skin problems such as chronic itching, dryness, scaling and thinning, and can lead to an imbalance in prostaglandins (prostaglandins are chemical messengers that do many things, such as control inflammation). The lack of "good" fats in our diets could also be contributing to the increase in the percentage of the population that suffers for psoriasis, eczema and dandruff.

Smoking can also have a drying effect on skin, as smoking inhibits the body's ability to provide oxygen and nutrients to skin. Smoking drains skin of vitamins A and C and restricts blood vessels (which equates to less blood flow) - meaning smoking is somewhat like suffocating the skin from the inside. And, an excessive intake of alcohol beverages and certain medications (such as nasal decongestants) can also contribute to dry skin.

Over-cleansing

The loss of existing sebum (oils) is commonly caused by excessive bathing or showering, scrubbing, or the use of harsh soaps that dissolve the protective layer of sebum. In addition, shaving without a protective medium or using dull razors can also weaken the skin's barrier function, leaving it exposed to environmental assaults.

Proper treatment for results

When skin is healthy, a sensitized skin condition is minimized. Professional skin treatments coupled with the right lifestyle choices are great ways to begin treating sensitized skin.

An effective sensitized skin treatment will include gentle cleansing, soothing and anti-inflammatory-based products, hydration and pressure point massage techniques to help increase skin's natural protective barrier while repairing previous environmentally-induced damage. The "less is more" rule should be followed during any professional sensitized skin treatment and at-home regime.

Points that relate to the sinuses, lungs and eyes can be targeted through pressure point massage to bring about relief to associated skin problems.

A Dr Lucas Pulverizator is a professional tool that creates a fine mist ideal for removing products from skin without causing the trauma or friction imposed by sponges or cloths. This fine mist can also be customized to include soothing and calming herbal extracts.

Exfoliation can be performed on sensitized skin, but should be done only under the recommendation of a professional. A traditional product used is Daily Microfoliant, as it does not compromise the barrier levels of skin, is non-invasive and less aggressive than other forms of exfoliation.

Essentail oils of Lavender, Sandalwood and Eucalyptus are ideal for hydrating and healing sensitized skin.

It is also important to recognise that the success of your skin treatments will be heavily influenced by your professionally prescribed at-home regime, and the wearing of sunscreen anytime skin is exposed to daylight. Ask your skin therapist about Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF30. This sunscreen utilizes physical UV-blockers instead of chemical UV-blockers which can sometimes increase irritation. Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF30 contains UV Smart Booster Technology - a microcapsule containing antio-oxidant vitamins C and E that bursts upon contact with UV light, spilling the antioxidants on to skin to protect against environmental assaults when it is needed most.

Proper skin care techniques will also help ease skin sensitization. Do not use hot water when cleansing, don't use excessive or abrasive movements (instead, go for gentle, upward circles), and stay away from products that contain artificial fragrances or colours.

In addition, take note of what triggers the "red" reaction in your skin. Certain foods such as artificial sweeteners or spices can bring the flush look forward. Also be aware of your hormones, stress levels, physical exertion, adrenal shifts and alcohol and nicotine intake.

Some of the products your Skin Therapist may prescribe will include:-

UltraCalming Cleanser
The Sponge Cloth
Soothing Protection Spray
Gentle Soothing Booster
MultiVitamin Power Firm for eye and lip area
Climate Control
Barrier Repair
Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF30

It is also important to note that Dermalogica products are free of the following ingredients known for increasing skin sensitivity:-

Artificial colours
Artificial fragrances
S.D. Alcohol
Mineral Oil
Lanolin
PABA

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY DRY, DEHYDRATED SKIN?

Dry skin, also called xerosis, is a very common problem in modern life, affecting people of all ages, even infants. And scientists agree - because of a sharp decline in the stratum corneum lipids (lipids are fats that are essential for the structure and function of living cells), especially the significant drop in ceramides (one of the more important structural components of the lipid barrier), by the time we reach age 40, our skin will almost certainly be dry and/or dehydrated.

However, some people who experience the trials of a dry skin condition before they reach this time in their life. An increasingly stressful lifestyle coupled with continual exposure to the sun, wind and chemicals in the environment contribute to dry, dehydrated skin in people of all ages.

What is dry, dehydrated skin?

Dry skin, or alipoid skin, generally refers to skin that is lacking oil, whereas dehydrated skin is characterized by the lack of moisture in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. Typically, cells that comprise the deepest layers of the epidermis have about 80% water content, while cells of the stratum corneum are about 10% water. Anything below 10% is perceived as dehydrated.

Both dry and dehydrated skin is often irritated, inflamed and itchy, and it is generally worse in areas with relatively few sebaceous (oil) glands such as the arms, legs and torso, as well as the cheeks and eye area.

There is also a widespread misconception that dehydrated skin is the opposite of oily skin. "Dehydrated" refers to lack of moisture (not a lack of oil) while "oily" refers to levels of sebum or oil on skin. While adequate sebum does help maintain water levels on skin, oily skin can be dehydrated. Dehydrated skin may lack water only in the outermost layers of the epidermis while maintaining normal levels in the deeper layers.

Other symptoms of dry skin can include a feeling of tightness or tautness, especially after showering, bathing or swimming, skin that feels and looks rough rather than smooth, slight to severe flaking or scaling, fine lines, cracks that can sometimes bleed, and severe redness.

The top five causes of dry, dehydrated skin:-

Intrinsic Ageing

Intrinsic aging, also known as healthy aging, is the normal process of physical change over time that is more about genetics than lifestyle. (Lifestyle induced aging is known as premature aging). This process begins in our mid-20s, but, unlike premature aging induced by external factors, does not begin to show on our faces until decades later.

Dry, dehydrated skin is common in older skin, since the activity of the sebaceous glands in the skin tends to decrease with age, and the skin's natural hydrators decline over the years. Aging may also cause blood flow to the skin to decrease, causing a drop in sebum production.

Over-cleansing

The loss of existing sebum (oil) is commonly caused by excessive bathing or showering, scrubbing, or the use of harsh soaps that dissolve the protective layer of sebum. Often times, dry skin can affect the hands, as those in health care or food preparation must frequently wash to rid their hands of potential germs.

Cold Weather and Low Humidity

Cold winds and low temperatures can dry out your skin, depriving it of balanced levels of sebum (oil) that keeps skin lubricated. Without these oils, skin becomes dry, and is more prone to premature aging because of the lack of protective oils.

This goes for forced air heating as well. Warm, dry air acts like a giant sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.

Lifestyle

Nutritionists say that those surviving on a litany of diet sodas and fat-free fad food items are missing out on vital, skin-friendly essential fatty acids (EFA) and fat-soluble vitamins. (And don't forget that fat-free foods often substitute sugar with artificial sweeteners that can cause skin sensitivity).

An EFA deficiency can result in skin problems such as chronic itching, dryness, scaling and thinning, and lead to an imbalance in prostaglandins (prostaglandins are chemical messengers that do many things, such as control inflammation). The lack of "good" fats in our diets could also be contributing to the increase in the percentage of the population that suffers from psoriasis, eczema and dandruff.

A deficiency of the mineral zinc, which plays a key role in wound healing and the metabolism of fatty acids and vitamin A, can also affect the integrity of skin.

Smoking can also have a drying effect on skin, as smoking inhibits the body's ability to provide oxygen and nutrients to the skin. Smoking drains skin (and the body) of vitamins A and C and restricts blood vessels (which equates to less blood flow) - meaning smoking is somewhat like suffocating skin from the inside. And, an excess intake of alcoholic beverages and certain medications (such as nasal decongestants) can also contribute to dry skin.

The Sun

The sun can also contribute to dry skin. Although many people only complain of dryness in the winter, others experience dry skin in the summer. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes water to evaporate from the skin, which is why skin that has been recently tanned or burned often requires more moisturisation than areas that were not exposed.

While many of us are responsible enough to apply sunscreen at the beach or when we're spending a long time outdoors, there is still not enough understanding that cumulative exposure to sun can also cause extensive damage. Fifteen minute walk outside and an occasional lunch outdoors can add up to dry, damaged skin, and of course, skin cancer. And even if you don't see pink or red skin after being in the sun, that doesn't mean that the damage hasn't been done.

Summer activities, such as swimming, can also contribute to dryness, as chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water causes skin irritation.

Proper treatment for results

There are many steps you can take to help prevent or lessen the discomfort associated with dry, dehydrated skin. Professional skin treatments coupled with the right lifestyle choices are great ways to being treating and relieving dry skin.

An effective skin treatment for dry skin will include exfoliation to help prep skin to receive nourishing ingredients, the use of emollients and hydrators to replenish skin, and vitamins to help smooth skin, stimulate collagen production and increase skin's natural protective barrier.

Exfoliation helps remove dulling skin cells while improving penetration of beneficial ingredients. The use of electric brushes will also greatly enhance the penetration of the exfoliation ingredients.

Galvanic current can also be used to increase product penetration. This professional tool creates gentle electrical currents that work to push hydrating and replenishing ingredients deep into the layers of the epidermis.

Emolients (such as Shea Butter and Organic Silicones) will help maintain soft, smooth pliable skin and will act as a lubricant, helping to reduce flaking and moisture loss while improving appearance.

It has been scientifically proven that topically-applied vitamins do improve the health of the skin. Vitamin A helps inhibit collagen breakdown while stimulating collagen production for more plump-looking skin, Vitamin B aids in wound healing and Vitamin E is an antioxidant that provides barrier protection while smoothing skin.

Research shows sunscreens formulated with antioxidant vitamins provide enhanced daylight protection against damaging UV light and free radicals. With this increased protection from antioxidant vitamins, there is no need to add more potentially-irritating sunscreen chemicals to create a higher SPF level.

Dermalogica's Solar Defense System delivers this antioxidant technology through UV Smart Booster Technology, a microcapsule containing antioxidant vitamins that bursts upon contact with UV light, spilling the antioxidants onto skin, providing protection when it's needed most.

Make sunscreen as much a part of your skin care regime as cleansing and moisturizing. Apply at least a walnut-sized amount of sunscreen to skin and neck before going out into the daylight, and after swimming or exercising, to impede the damage caused by UV light.

Also important is proper home skin care products and techniques. Do not use hot water when cleansing, don't use excessive or abrasive movements (instead, go for gentle, upward circles), and stay away from products that contain artificial fragrances or colours.

Keep your surrounding temperature as moderate as possible, and never place any heat directly at your skin. The use of a humidifier will also help add moisture to surrounding air. And when in colder temperatures, use a protective salve or extra rich moisturizer containing Zinc Oxide, which helps soothe skin, provides anti-itch relief, moisturizes and promotes skin repair.

Some of the products your Skin Therapist may prescribe:-

Essential Cleansing Solution
Extra Firming Booster
MultiVitamin Power Recovery Masque
MultiVitamin Power Concentrate
MultiVitamin Power Firm for eye and lip area
Super Rich Repair
Extra Rich FaceBlock SPF30
MultiVitamin BodyBlock SPF20

It's also important to note that Dermalogica products are free of the following ingredients known for increasing skin dryness as well as skin sensitivity:

Artificial Colours
Artificial Fragrances
SD Alcohol
Mineral Oil (skin sensitivity and congestion)
Lanolin (skin sensitivity and congestion)
PABA (found in sunscreens)