Dermalogica is the skin care system researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute. They were founded in 1986, with the aim of producing a skincare range that delivers results, rather than just advertising "hype'.
Their products are use only the finest quality researched ingredients, and do not use artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, S.D. alcohol, lanolin or mineral oil.
This in turn means the price you pay is for a professional, finest-quality product: your money does not go towards fancing packaging, expensive advertising or brand "prestige' as with many other brands on the market.
An overnight medicated treatment to help clear skin and prevent blemishes by sloughing off dead skin cells and reducing sebum (oil) that clogs follicles leading to breakouts. Dermalogica's unique Alginated
Zinc Triplex helps fight bacteria, provides anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe irritated skin and helps regulate sebum production. Exfoliating Salicylic Acid is delivered deep into the follicles to prevent future blemishes and naturally purifying Tea Tree Oil helps fight future breakouts.
**Is the product right for me?**
I have found there are two main problems that cause acne; the typical 'teenage' acne, often as a result of oily or combination skin, and also 'adult' acne as a result of both hormonal and environmental factors.
Teenage acne often causes widespread breakouts on either the entire facial area, or on the T-zone (chin, forehead and nose) from combination skin.
Adult acne is usually more localised or sparse, caused by conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that originate from your body's hormonal imbalances. Acne can also be contributed to side-effects from medication. This type of acne is frequently found on people with dry, irritable and sensitised skin, rather than the typical oily type.
Dermalogica Medicated Clearing Gel can be used for either of the above, regardless of whether you have oily, combination or dry skin. The trick to getting the best results and ensuring the product does not cause problems such as excessive dryness, is all in the application.
Visit your nearest Dermalogica Skin Therapist for a sample sachet (which incidentally is a very generous and long-lasting size) to try before you buy.
**Application and Results**
Directions on the bottle instruct the consumer to 'cover the entire affected area with a thin layer at night'. I personally find that by applying a dab of gel to each of your spots, rather than covering your entire forehead for example, not only makes use of the product more economical, but also reduces the negative affects of salicylic acid; namely dryness and irritation. This was you are localising the active ingredients only to the areas that need it most.
May I also suggest that a very thin layer is all that is needed for results. Why waste a good product by piling it on excessively, when in reality it will make no difference to the time taken to see positive results.
For best results, cleanse and tone your skin in the usual fashion. Then apply the gel, leaving it to absorb for a couple of minutes. Only then should you apply your night cream or moisturiser over the top, avoiding treated acne areas where possible to avoid diluting the gel.
Whilst you will not have beautifully clear skin overnight, consistency is the key. After the first night, you will notice that even the largest, juiciest spot has less inflammation, is smaller in size and looks far less agressive. After night 2-3 most spots are gone completely, with perhaps only some of the deeper spots remaining. After night 4, even the most hideous and protruding spots are near-enough gone, or subtle enough to cover with a thin layer of makeup.
Remember that no matter what product you use, whatever the price or brand, some things in life just take time!
**Price**
As you will see from the prices on Ciao, a 59ml bottle ranges from ₤20-25. Many consumer reviews I read have criticised the price of this product. Whilst I agree that the inital outlay is a high one, I disagree that this is an overpriced item and would like to explain why:
Neutrogena RRPs at ₤4.49 for a 15ml tube. If Dermalogica's product is 59ml, you would need 4 tubes of Neutrogena to amount to the same quantity: 4 x ₤4.49 = ₤17.96 compared to Dermalogica costing around ₤20.
**Summary**
Personally, this is the best product I have ever used on my acne. I am in my mid-20s, with horrendously dry skin, and acne caused by out of control hormones. Cheap, nasty products (especially those aimed for the teenage market) cause more problems to my skin than they are worth, with unbearable dryness and flaking which looks worse than the acne I started with.
I can be reassured with Dermalogica that there are no irritants in this product, and providing I limit use only to specific areas, I need not worry about the dryness an flaking. I use about the amount of a very small pin-head on each individual spot, meaning a bottle lasts for months and months. Once opened, there is a shelf-life of 24 months.
Rosemary, thyme, tea tree, rosemary, sage, orange, ginger root and citronella extracts in the gel reassure me that the product is as naturally derived as possible, and give the gel a subtle and pleasant natural fragrance, unlike most same-purpose products that can smell highly offensive.
Overall, I consider this great value for money, and the best product I have found to combat those nasty, ugly spots!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: clears spots, stops inflammation, doesn't dry out the skin Disadvantages: not available from high street shops, price not affordable to everyone
Advantages: clears spots, stops inflammation, doesn't dry out the skin Disadvantages: not available from high street shops, price not affordable to everyone
very helpful by (80%):
helpful by (20%):
