Dermalogica – is it worth it?

After my little skin meltdown a month or so ago, I’ve been using Dermalogica religiously, sticking to my prescribed skincare regime.

So, this is a feedback session on the products I’ve been using, and how I feel my skin has changed during this time. After my initial concerns about congestion and dryness, I’m happy to report that the dry, flakey skin disappeared almost instantly, while the congestion is slowly disappearing – I’m trying to be patient.

Keen to know more? Read on to see my thoughts on each of the five products I’ve been using.

So, here are my thoughts on the five-step programme I’m currently using, listed in order of us – in an attempt to keep some sort of objectivity.

Precleanse

I was trying to remain unbiased, but the first product also happens to be one of my absolute favourites. While I was having my skin-mapping done, the therapist told me that if she could only use one Dermalogica product for the rest of her life, this would be it. I thought that was quite a stretch for a not-even-proper-cleanser, but now I kind of see what she was on about. Described as an “oil-busting emulsifier”, you smear a pump of the oil over your face, makeup and all, and when evenly covered, rub it in with a little water until it turns into a milky emulsion. Rinse off, and your skin is now ready to receive all the benefits of an actual cleanser, without your makeup and environmental dirt getting in the way. As someone who loves the feeling of oil on her skin (so luxe), this was always going to be a standout product – but, I might have doubted its effectiveness. So, I tried it both after wearing makeup and after a bare-faced day – and I could feel a substantial difference in both, after I’d used the precleanse and Special Cleansing Gel. It’s a fantastic product and I simply adore it.

(Note: it’s also available in a nifty 30ml travel size, here.)

Special cleansing gel

Onto the actual “cleansing” part, this cleansing gel is soap-free and suitable for all skin types. Evenly spread on the skin, the addition of a generous amount of water helps it whip up into a “cappuccino-like lather” (although, I’ll admit, all the face-cappucinos I’ve made have been severely sub-standard – but, I still have a clean face. Not adding skincare barista to my repertoire just yet). It’s mild, in both scent and action, but leaves your skin feeling clean, but not stripped. It’s a does-what-it-says-on-the-box kind of product.

Daily resurfacer

Right, so, favourite-product alert. One of my main concerns when I started my Dermalogica journey was the dry, flakey skin that no amount of exfoliation seemed to get rid of. I was not-so-secretly hoping that I’d be prescribed their iconic microfoliant, so was a little disappointed when these sachets were brought out. Opened to reveal what I can only describe as a “finger mitten”, the daily resurfacer is a leave-on exfoliator, with alpha and beta hydroxy acids and enzymes. You simply rub the perfectly-dosed finger mitten over your face, and you’re done. Now, I don’t want to make any miraculous claims, but, my dryness and flakiness disappeared after one use. One. As my skin is still on the sensitive side, I’m using this twice a week, instead of daily – and, am still 100% ecstatic with the results. This should totally be a cult product.

Skin hydrating masque

A fresh, light and hydrating masque that “remedies dry, stressed skin”, I use it after exfoliating. Covering my skin in a thin film, you can leave it on for 7 – 10 minutes, or sleep with it on and rinse it off in the morning. There are no artificial colours or fragrances, so it’s super gentle for even the fussiest skin types. It’s another does-what-it-says-on-the-box product – no bells and whistles, just better skin.

Skin smoothing cream

A medium-weight moisturiser, the skin smoothing cream delivers great hydration, without stickiness or weighing your skin down. As I’m used to richer moisturisers, I find myself having to not use more than I should, as I can be paranoid my skin isn’t getting enough moisture – blame it on my flakey skin days. It works on balancing combination to dry skin – so, mine – and smells faintly of cucumber.

And, that’s it. In a nutshell, if you’re looking for products that work, then simply, “yes“, Dermalogica is for you. If you want results, provided by a professional skincare system, then there’s absolutely no reason to hesitate. Out of five products, there is not one that has disappointed me – and, two have absolutely become must-haves. It works. Simple as that.

Note: I received these products from Dermalogica for review (and skin improvement) purposes. All images and views are my own.