<![CDATA[Drift Facial Lounge

<![CDATA[Drift Facial Lounge - BLOG]]>Fri, 27 Jul 2018 17:49:50 +1000Weebly<![CDATA[Vitamins in Skincare]]>Tue, 31 May 2016 08:08:38 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/vitamins-in-skincare

Last month we learned which skin loving vitamins give you glowing skin from within. This month I’ll share with you which vitamins work best when applied topically to the skin.

Vitamin A

Retinol and retinoid are both forms of Vitamin A widely used in skincare. They get an A+ on paper for their ability to penetrate the skin, combat the signs of ageing and improve the skin’s texture. It is also effective in treating acne and breakouts. However what’s great on paper, may not necessarily be great on your skin.

Let’s take a closer look.

Retinol vs Retinoid

Retinol (or retinyl palmitate, retinylaldehyde etc) is found in OTC products whereas retinoid is available as prescription only. Retinols are a much weaker version as our body must convert the retinol into retinoic acid in order for it to work. Retinoid is already in an active form so it works much faster and is also much stronger. The reason it is prescription only is because it can also be extremely harsh on the skin. Many people experience redness, burning and flaking of the skin with retinoid products. Retinol is less harsh, but it is still common to experience sensitivities if included at the required strength for it to be effective.

The other factor to consider with all topical forms of Vitamin A is that its effectiveness deteriorates when exposed to air and light. It should always be packaged in a dark, airless container and be worn at night.

When is it OK to use Vitamin A?

Seek out a prescription product if you have ongoing acne or skin texture concerns.
For anti-ageing benefits, increase your intake of Vitamin A rich foods recommended here.
If you really want to use a product, make the switch rosehip oil which contains a natural form of trans-retinoic acid without the potential to irritate your skin. The level of retinoic acid in the oil is comparable with the level found in a retinol cream.

Vitamin B

I’m a huge fan of the B Team. Niacinamide (B3) is backed by lots of research and clinical trials on its ability to improve the appearance of our skin. I also love it because a little goes a long way, it’s highly stable and does not cause irritation when applied to the skin.

Niacinamide (B3)

Niacinamide is suitable for all skin types, especially those with rosacea or sensitive skin because it does not irritate. I include it a lot in my Drift custom moisturisers when the goal is to improve skin tone and appearance.

Here’s what it can do:

Improve hydration by improving the barrier function and reducing water loss from your skin.
Boost ceramide and collagen production which in turn improves the condition and gives the appearance of plumper, fuller skin.
Inhibit melanocytes which lessens the appearance of sun damage and age spots.

Panthenol (B5)

Panthenol (B5) is the other B vitamin and is often used in conjunction with niacinamide. It too improves hydration by drawing moisture to the skin. It is used a lot in hair care as more moisture on the strands of hair provide a softer, silky feel. I find this the same in skincare and will include in my Drift custom moisturisers for people who experience especially dry, sometimes flaky skin.

Vitamin C

I absolutely love the concept of Vitamin C in skincare. It is the powerhouse vitamin that can repair cell damage, address all signs of ageing, reduce sun damage and brighten the skin.

But there is a catch. It is really difficult to produce a product containing Vitamin C that is stable, effective and non-irritating. And boy have I formulated and trialed a few.

Ascorbic Acid

The most researched and accessible form of vitamin c in skincare is ascorbic acid. It is highly effective at levels of 15 – 20% and with a ph less than 3.5 which can also make it irritating to the skin. It is also highly unstable as it oxidises easily and can degrade and break down other ingredients in the product. Cellex C was such a product and is no longer sold, mostly due to stability issues. This is also why berries lose their vitamin c content when frozen.

There are other forms of vitamin c such as Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Ascorbyl Palmitate and Ascorbyl Glucoside to name a few and are considered to be less irritating. However they too lack in their ability to convert to ascorbic acid and be effective or being able to remain stable in a formulated product.

The good news is cosmetic companies continue to work on formats as this is a compound they truly want to crack. When one is proven, I’ll be the first to use. Until then ensure you include enough vitamin C rich foods in your diet. Yellow capsicum, green vegies, berries and tomatoes are best, as mentioned here.

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is one of the most well known naturally occurring anti-oxidants. The amount required for basic skin health is very minimal so most diets has this vitamin covered. Unless you have a diagnosed deficiency, there is no real benefit in increasing dietary intake or incorporating as an oral supplement.

The addition of vitamin E in skincare though can help protect our skin. It works as an anti-oxidant for both skin and product and helps moisturise the skin to keep it in good condition.

Tocopherol

Tocopherol is the name given to the 8 compounds that make up natural vitamin E. To gain the most benefit from this vitamin in skincare, it’s important that all 8 compounds are present. Most products and oral supplements only use one i.e. dl-alpha-tocopherol. This is because it is easy to source and is synthetically created. This form still provides anti-oxidant benefits, but only among a limited range of free radicals. The full range of natural compounds (i.e. mixed tocopherols) is considered more effective.

How do I know if it is natural or synthetic?

The letter ‘d’ indicates it is naturally derived. ‘Dl’ means it has been synthetically created. Any other word after tocopherol e.g. acetate also indicates it is a synthetic. The natural form of vitamin E will be listed as ‘tocopherol’ or ‘tocopherols’ along with a claim that it is natural.

Vitamin summary

So there you have your A, B, C's. Below is an easy reference of each vitamin and how they will work best for your skin. For me, I prefer to consume my daily dose of vitamin A, C & K and slather on the B Team and E.

]]><![CDATA[Beauty Boosting Smoothie Recipe]]>Sun, 01 May 2016 08:47:50 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/beauty-boosting-smoothie-recipeIt may sound cliché but beautiful skin really does start from within. Try this great tasting, simple to make smoothie packed full of skin boosting goodness.

Green leafy vegetables are high in skin loving vitamins A, K & C.

A fresh smoothie or juice each day is one of the easiest ways to up the ante on your vitamin intake. This recipe has been specifically created to improve the condition of your skin. As we learnt from How to get glowing skin from within - vitamins A, C & K are best for healthy, radiant skin.

Blend vs Juice

They are both good for you – juicing extracts all the fibre whereas blending does not. If making at home, I prefer to blend as it is quicker and easier to clean up. If you wish to make the recipe below as a juice simply double the quantities, leave out the walnuts (they won’t juice) or stir in ground walnuts at the end.

Beauty Boosting Smoothie Recipe

1/4 wedge
1 whole
2 large handfuls
1 large
1 small handful
1 small handful
1 cup

rockmelon
kiwifruit
spinach leaves
carrot
mint leaves
walnuts
coconut water or water

Remove skin and stalks.
Roughly chop or tear into blender size chunks.
Add the softer ingredients to the blender first so there is a liquid base.
Introduce a little coconut water if needed to pulp until smooth.
Pour into glass and enjoy!

Handy Facts:

The ingredients above have been selected for their high vitamin content, year round availability and consistent pricing in store. You may substitute as desired from any of the vitamin rich foods listed on my glowing skin from within post. It really is a matter of personal taste and preference.

Here’s why I have chosen each:

Rockmelon - A & C

Rockmelon contains more vitamin A than any other fresh fruit; it is 2nd to kiwifruit in vitamin C content and adds a nice sweetness and liquid consistency to the mix.

Kiwifruit - C

One kiwifruit has the same amount of vitamin c as a large punnet of strawberries and nearly twice as much as one orange.

What about blueberries? 1 cup blueberries is equivalent to 20% vitamin c value found in one kiwifruit. If using berries, it is better to use fresh as they lose ½ their nutritional value when frozen.

Spinach - A, K & C

Kale does have a slightly higher vitamin content, but I’ve chosen spinach as I find kale can make the taste quite bitter. You can use frozen spinach also as it has an even higher nutritional value than raw.

Carrot - A

Carrot is one of the best sources of beta-carotene and adds a nice earthy sweetness to the mix.

Mint - flavour

A small handful of mint does contain a good dose of vitamin A but it really is all about the flavour.

Coconut Water

I prefer coconut water to water as it contains electrolytes and adds a little sweetness to the flavour.

Walnuts - Omega 6 & 3

Although not high in vitamins, walnuts make a great addition, particularly if you have dry skin. Walnuts are one of the richest nut sources of Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids which you can learn more about here. They also add a nice texture to the drink.

Happy blending! Let me know if you have any other suggestions or questions. I’d love to hear what you think.

]]><![CDATA[How to get glowing skin from within]]>Sat, 30 Apr 2016 11:55:49 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/how-to-get-glowing-skin-from-within

It would be remiss of me to write about vitamins in skincare without first sharing how we can absorb all this skin boosting goodness from within.

Let’s take a look at which vitamins in foods work best to achieve healthy, radiant skin.

A is for anti-ageing benefits

Our body requires vitamin A for good vision, a strong immune system and maintaining healthy skin. As an anti-oxidant it helps neutralise free radicals in our cells caused by environmental stresses such as UV damage, pollution and smoking. The healthier our skin cells, the more youthful our appearance.

Why do I need to consume vitamin A, when I can use a product containing this on my face?
In order for it to work our body must convert vitamin A in to retinoic acid. This form is only found in prescription creams and can cause skin sensitivity and redness. More common forms such as retinyl palmitate are not as strong, but can still make skin sensitive. I will go into greater detail when I cover vitamins used in skincare, but let’s just say I prefer sourcing Vitamin A from foods when looking to improve the skin.

Foods rich in vitamin A:
Vitamin A rich foods are yellow, orange and green leafy fruits and vegetables. This is because they have loads of beta-carotene which converts to Vitamin A when consumed. Beta-carotene is what gives these foods their strong colour. To get the maximum amount of beta carotene, foods are best consumed pulped/processed or cooked. Sweet potato, carrots, kale, spinach, rockmelon and mango are all high on the list.

The other great thing about beta-carotene is that our body stores it if it already has enough vitamin A. The only downside to too much beta-carotene is that your skin can turn yellow. If this starts to happen, back off the kale.

C is for cell repair

Vitamin C is needed by our body to grow and repair all tissues. It makes collagen which holds our skin, bone, muscles and cartilage in place. Collagen is also what gives our skin its strength, elasticity, firmness and shape. Increasing collagen and elastin production leads to plumper looking skin.

Foods rich in vitamin C:
Because our body does not make or store Vitamin C, it’s important we include enough vitamin C containing foods in our diet. All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C. Those highest are yellow peppers (capsicum), green vegies, berries, tomatoes, citrus and kiwifruit.

K is for blood flow

Vitamin K helps our body maintain a healthy blood flow and keep our bones strong. How our blood circulates can impact the appearance of our skin. If you are prone to fragile capillaries, redness or dark eye circles, then vitamin K may play a role. Studies also show vitamin K can improve wound healing and the severity of bruising as well as preventing loss of elasticity in the skin.

Foods rich in vitamin K:
Green leafy vegetables, herbs and brassica vegetables such as broccoli, brussel sprouts and cabbage are all high in Vitamin K.

What about vitamin B & E?

Both play a very important role in skincare however their daily intake percentage values are quite low. Their benefits are far greater seen when applied topically to the skin.

Want a quick, easy recipe that includes all these superfoods? Stay tuned for my next blog. I will feature a great tasting Beauty Boosting Smoothie that will have you looking fresh and fabulous in no time.

]]><![CDATA[Reduce the signs of aging with coenzyme Q10]]>Thu, 31 Mar 2016 09:36:47 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/reduce-the-signs-of-aging-with-coenzyme-q10

In skincare, coenzyme Q10 is king. First discovered in 1956, its health benefits became known in the 80’s, followed by use in skincare in the late 90’s, mostly notably by Beiersdorf and the Nivea brand. Still ever popular today, there is much research supporting its effectiveness as an anti-aging ingredient that is able to improve the appearance of your skin.

What is coenzyme Q10?

Also known as ubiquinone, coenzyme Q10 is a vitamin-like substance produced naturally by the body and found in all cells. It plays 2 key roles:

As a coenzyme it is vital in the production of energy.
As an anti-oxidant it neutralizes free radicals and helps protect these cells.

As such coenzyme Q10 is essential to healthy aging. However the older we get, the less coenzyme Q10 our bodies produce. It’s believed our coenzyme Q10 levels start to decline as early as our 20’s with significant decline showing by the time we reach 50. Foods that can boost coenzyme Q10 levels are oily fish, organ meats and whole grains.

Coenzyme Q10 in skincare

We know that as we age our skin cell turnover slows and the damage caused by free radicals makes us look older. Coenzyme Q10 can address this. Studies show that when applied topically, coenzyme Q10 can penetrate the skin, replace antioxidant properties and improve cell turnover.

The Benefits
What this means for your skin is it is able to:

Increase collagen and elastin production resulting in plumper looking skin
Lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
Reduce UV and other oxidative damage
Protect skin from further damage
Improve overall skin health

Key anti-aging ingredient

Co enzyme Q10 is my go-to anti-aging ingredient for people over 30 and features a lot in my Drift custom moisturisers. After only a couple of weeks, it can visibly improve the look of your skin as a result of improving skin health.

If your current anti-aging products just aren’t cutting it, give me a call to learn how I can create your very own range of skincare products, specifically formulated to meet your skin's unique requirements.

]]><![CDATA[Smooth & improve with allantoin]]>Sun, 28 Feb 2016 09:27:04 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/smooth-improve-with-allantoin

Allantoin is my go-to cosmeceutical for dry skin that is in need of love and protection.

What is allantoin?

It is a natural chemical compound mostly found in the comfrey root or animal urine. In more traditional times, these natural forms were used to heal wounds, relieve burns and treat fractures. Today, it is mostly synthetically derived to mimic the natural form and is used as a natural soothing skin protectant that can help improve the moisture content of the skin.

How does it work?

Allantoin has 2 main actions when applied to the skin:

It is keratolytic, meaning it is able to thin the excess build-up of keratin and therefore soften the skin.
It encourages cell regeneration that helps heal and improve the condition of the skin.

Benefits for your skin

As a result of these actions, allantoin is known to provide the following skin benefits:

Improve water content
Protect the natural barrier function
Soothe irritation & redness
Relieve dry flaky skin
Reduce inflammation
Speed up wound healing process

Best for which skin type?

Too much sun over the summer holidays? Too harsh a cleanser? Skin always dry, rough and feels like it can’t get enough moisture – then allantoin is for you. Because it does not irritate, it is also great for sensitive skin and recurring skin conditions such as dermatitis or eczema.

I always include allantoin in Drift custom skincare formulations for clients who have dry, environmentally stressed skin or their skin’s natural barrier function has been damaged. After a few months, their skin condition has dramatically improved. Why not give me a call and arrange a consultation if you feel this ingredient may work for you.

]]><![CDATA[Everyone's hot for Hyaluronic Acid]]>Sun, 31 Jan 2016 09:39:30 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/everyones-hot-for-hyaluronic-acid

Hyaluronic acid is hot right now. Pretty much every beauty writer is promoting its benefits and you’ll see advertisements for all manner of skincare products, make up, even hair care. Is it worth all the fuss? Most definitely! Let’s review.

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a large sugar molecule cosmetic chemists refer to as a polysaccharide. It presents as a liquid filler in our bodies and is a major component of connective tissue and skin. Its No.1 claim to fame is that it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. As such, our bodies use hyaluronic acid to hydrate tissues and lubricate joints.

Why is it important for my skin?

When our skin has a high moisture content, we look more youthful. However, as we age our hyaluronic acid levels decrease. The moisture content in our skin also decreases and we don’t look so fresh faced and firm anymore. The loss of hyaluronic acid also means the skin is not able to repair itself as quickly.

The many faces of hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid as an ingredient in skin care is not the same hyaluronic acid found in our skin. If it was we’d be extracting this gel-like fluid from animals which we did do in the 1980’s when it first came on the scene. It was originally sourced from umbilical cords and rooster combs! Since 2010 it has been safely and humanely produced by a bacteria based bio-fermentation process.

There are 2 main types of hyaluronic acid, and to make matters more confusing, the names are used interchangeably and sometimes incorrectly.

1. Hyaluronic acid is the acid form and is also referred to as hyaluronan. It’s mostly used in injectable fillers to plump up the skin. It cannot be absorbed when applied to the skin which is where the 2nd type comes in.

2. Sodium hyaluronate is the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid. Because it has a lower molecular size than pure hyaluronic acid, it can be absorbed when applied to the skin and is used mostly in cosmetic products. The official ingredient listing INCI name for hyaluronic acid is sodium hyaluronate and is what you will see on the back product label.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

Because of its water loving properties, hyaluronic acid helps moisturise the skin in 2 ways:

Increases the moisture content by penetrating the skin and improving hydration levels.
Helps reduce water loss by binding water to the skin and providing an occlusive barrier.

Interestingly the molecular weight of the hyaluronic acid influences its effectiveness and how best to use:

A lower molecular weight has a greater ability to penetrate and is best suited for dehydrated skin that lacks moisture content.
A higher molecular weight binds water to the skin resulting in a plumper look and feel.

Whichever form is used, hyaluronic acid will help deliver firmer, smoother looking skin.

At Drift I use both low and high molecular weight hyaluronic acid in treatments and product that are individually formulated to meet your skin’s unique requirements.

Why not book in for a facial and trial your own hyaluronic acid formulation today.

]]><![CDATA[Travel Skincare Essentials]]>Sun, 27 Dec 2015 05:59:40 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/travel-skincare-essentials

Heading away over the holiday period? Whether you're enjoying some time off by the beach or in the wintery snow, my top skincare tips to keep the toiletry bag light and the routine easy are listed below.

Cleanser and Moisturiser are a must

Pack your favourites, not product samples you don't regularly use. Invest in small travel size containers if space is an issue. Discount chemists and $2 shops are great for cheap travel friendly size packaging.

Pure Base Oil

Nothing fancy here. Choose sunflower, sweet almond, grape seed or flaxseed oil and decant in to a small 30 - 50ml bottle. Use whatever you already have on hand and is not expensive or scented as you will be applying this to your face. Loaded with essential fatty acids, this little bottle of magic can do many things.
Use it to:

Remove make up and caked on sunscreen especially thick, zinc based ones.
Apply directly to sunburn, windburn, chapped lips and dry skin patches. It will help heal and soothe.
Add a few drops to your moisturiser or apply as a night serum if your skin is starting to feel a little weather beaten.
Dab a drop or two high on your cheekbones for a dewy, radiant glow.

Pink Zinc Stick (nude colour 30+)

Zinc is great for drying out pimples and calming nuisance spots. In nude, it works as an excellent concealer too. Blend across nose and cheekbones for added sun protection without the thick white marks.

Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil is the great all-rounder. Because it has both anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties you can apply a dab of eucalyptus oil to:

Nip any nasty pimples in the bud.
Cleanse and heal bites, cuts and scratches.
Clear up cold sores.
Relieve any joint or muscular aches and pains. It is best mixed as 5 drops eucalyptus with 10ml base oil.

A big whiff of eucalyptus oil will:

Help clear a fuzzy hangover or jet lagged head.
Relieve cold, sinus or flu symptoms such as a blocked nose, sniffles, cough or sore throat.
Rubbing the oil mixture mentioned above will also help with congestion in the chest.

For best results, use as a steam inhalation or sprinkle a few drops on to a tissue.

Breakfast

The breakfast bar is a great source of on-the-go beauty treatments:

Tea bags - black or green tea is loaded with caffeine and anti-oxidants which are excellent in revitalising puffy eyes.

Wet and place two tea bags in the fridge/freezer to cool.
Then close the eyes, place a tea bag on top of each eyelid to cool and soothe.

Honey & Yoghurt - this combo makes an excellent rejuvenating face mask. Yoghurt contains lactic acid which will gently cleanse and exfoliate. Honey helps hydrate, soften and smooth.

And of course, wherever you are, don't forget sunscreen.

]]><![CDATA[Get to know your cosmeceuticals]]>Sun, 29 Nov 2015 10:35:37 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/get-to-know-your-cosmeceuticals

Over the next few months I’ll give the low down on cosmeceuticals. Which ones to look out for, how they work and how they are best formulated to benefit your skin.

What is a cosmeceutical?

A cosmeceutical is a fancy way of saying an active ingredient used in skincare. It is usually backed by scientific research that when applied topically, is able to penetrate and improve the skin. The name itself suggests a combination of ‘cosmetics’ and ‘pharmaceuticals’ however it is still a cosmetic product. If the ingredient does produce a physiological change, it is then considered a therapeutic product and must pass a strict assessment of efficacy or require a medical prescription to dispense.

Cosmetics vs Cosmeceuticals

If you compare the ingredient list of your grocery bought L’Oreal skincare product vs a high end cosmeceutical product they may look pretty much the same. The difference is in the concentration of active ingredients. The cosmeceutical product should be formulated with a higher level of active ingredients that penetrate the skin and improve it's condition, hence the higher price tag. These higher levels are also designed to be used over a long period of time. A pharmaceutical product i.e. one that requires a prescription to obtain, is also high in active ingredients but is more about treating a specific skin condition over a short period of time.

What can they do for my skin?

Active ingredients can help reduce fine lines, improve hydration, reduce congestion and in general improve the health and appearance of the skin. But sadly, there is no quick fix. Proven results are mostly achieved through ongoing daily application.

Which active ingredients are best?

It all depends on your skin type. The ones I have found to deliver the best results are:

Hyaluronic Acid – for hydration and to help plump up the skin
Allantoin – improves TEWL
Niacinimade (Vitamin B3) – for sun damage and pigmentation
Peptides - increases collagen synthesis
Anti-oxidants – general improvement in skin appearance and skin health

At Drift I can create a range of custom skincare products using these proven cosmeceuticals to meet your skins unique requirements. Sign up to The Drift Escentuals blog to learn more about how these ingredients can benefit your skin.

]]><![CDATA[Can caffeine keep the cellulite and bags away?]]>Sat, 31 Oct 2015 07:53:15 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/can-caffeine-keep-the-cellulite-and-bags-away

Caffeine may be your new best friend for fresh, smooth, younger looking skin. Not by fueling your daily coffee habit, but as an active ingredient in skincare.

Caffeine in Skincare

Caffeine is found in coffee beans, tea leaves, kola nuts and cacao pods. In creams and gels, it is usually an extract of one of these forms (eg green tea extract, coffee berry extract) or a dry white powder made from the coffee bean known as anhydrous caffeine. In a scrub, it’s plain ground coffee.

How it Works

The effectiveness of caffeine in skincare comes down to how it’s used, how much is used and which format. What is a given is that caffeine is loaded with anti-oxidants, those free radical scavengers that can prevent the signs of premature aging. It is also able to penetrate the skin which makes it a promising ingredient when applied topically.

Puffy Eyes

Caffeine has anti-inflammatory properties - it mildly constricts small blood vessels to reduce inflammation. This makes it a popular choice for eye products, as it helps reduce puffiness and dark circles caused by inflammation and poor circulation. I use a combination of green tea extract and caffeine in my Drift Custom Eye Serum along with loads of other wrinkle fighting anti-oxidants and peptides. The gel format allows water loving ingredients to penetrate and feels cool & smooth going on.

A trick you can do at home is make green tea ice cubes. Lightly circle over puffy eyes after cleansing. The cold and caffeine helps reduce any swelling and provide an instant pick me up.

Cellulite

Caffeine may also help reduce the appearance of cellulite. The theory being:

Caffeine inhibits an enzyme in our skin which in turn helps break down cellulite fat.
It also accelerates drainage of the lymph system – thus eliminating toxins and excess fluids which contribute to cellulite.
To work it must be able to penetrate the skin - and we know caffeine can penetrate the skin through water soluble formats such as water, gel and alcohol.

Studies also show that water based caffeine products can have an effect on reducing cellulite. Not everyone is sold on this research as it may also be the combination of ingredients and massage application, rather than caffeine alone that delivers results.

What I do know is when finely ground coffee is used as a body scrub and moistened with water it will give your skin and lymphatic system a real boost. You can try this at home but to do more than exfoliate, you must leave on your skin for 20 minutes or so. It’s also important not to mix in oil, as this will not allow the caffeine to penetrate.

Or you could save the fuss and indulge yourself in a Drift Full Body Facial. This is a luxurious spa experience features a full body scrub, wrap, facial and body hydration all in one.

Drift Full Body Facial

For November and December I’ll be using Drift Espresso Orange Body Glow, a combination of finely ground coffee, raw sugar and sweet orange essential oil as the body scrub which absolutely smells divine. This remains on while you are wrapped and cocooned in your body mask to ensure the caffeine fully penetrates to further soften and tone.

With only 8 weeks until Christmas, make sure to book in early for fresh, sleek, beach ready skin this upcoming festive season.

]]><![CDATA[Let's Exfoliate]]>Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:41:20 GMThttp://www.driftfacials.com.au/blog/lets-exfoliate

Exfoliating your face on a regular basis is an important step in your skincare routine.

For the best results it's equally important to know what exfoliation can do, which products to choose and when is it best for you.

Why Exfoliate?

Our skin is constantly creating new skin cells. They travel from the lowest layer of the epidermis and move all the way to the top layer where they eventually shed off. This is to keep dead skin cells from building up.

As we age, this process slows down and the surface skin that we see and feel may start to look dull or feel rough because the dead skin cells don’t shed as quickly. A build up of dead skin cells (whether young or old) can also lead to excess oils being trapped in our pores where breakouts and congestion may occur.

Exfoliation - the removal of dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin - is giving the cell renewal process a helping hand to encourage new growth and keep our skin looking young, fresh and smooth.

How can I exfoliate?

Exfoliation can achieved either physically (i.e. brush, scrub) or chemically (application of product).

Physical Exfoliants
Let's start with the basics.

Face Cloth
Everyone should use a face cloth, no matter what your skin type. It gently exfoliates and removes all traces of product every time you wash your face. A 100% cotton cloth is fine. Choose muslin if your skin is more on the sensitive side.

Scrubs
Most scrubs are granular and naturally derived such as walnut shells, coffee grinds, bamboo, sugar however there are plastic microbeads too. I find most too large in size and scratch rather than exfoliate. They are best left for the body, rather than the face. What I do use are jojoba microbeads which are spherically shaped and made from jojoba oil. Because they are teeny-tiny, soft and with no harsh edges they are very gentle and can be used on sensitive skin.

Brush
As in rotating or oscillating, clarisonic kind. I consider these a splurge, rather than a necessity. They are more effective at pore cleansing, but only marginally over a face cloth. The flip side is they can be irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin or suffer from lots of break outs. They are a nice treat for dry – normal skin once or twice a week, but I would not recommend every day.

Chemical Exfoliants
There are 3 types of chemical exfoliants and each work in slightly different ways.

AHAs
Alpha Hydroxy Acids are found in sugar (glycolic acid), fruits (citric & malic acid) and milk (lactic acid), although most used in skincare are synthetically derived. They work by loosening the skin cells which then leads to exfoliation. There are many types of AHA products available, but in order for this process to work, it must have a ph 3 – 4 and be left on the skin. They are also known to be irritating so are best reserved for sun damaged, fairly thick or non-sensitive skin.

Enzymes
Most enzymes used in skincare are proteolytic enzymes that are found in papaya, pineapple and fungus. They work a little differently by dissolving the dead proteins and leaving the healthy stuff alone. Because they are digesting only the dead bits, enzyme products are a lot less irritating than AHAs. They are not ph dependent and only require water and a little heat to activate, making them an excellent exfoliating ingredient in cleansing products.

BHA
Salicylic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid that is synthetically derived. The white willow bark herb also contains salicylic properties and when used in skincare provides similar effects. BHA works differently again to AHAs and Enzymes. It helps break down congestion by penetrating the pore and breaking down oil and build up of dead skin cells. It is also known to reduce inflammation which makes salicylic acid excellent for oily, acne prone and sensitive skin.

Which Product Should I Choose?

I’m not a fan of AHAs as I have seen more harm done than good. It is best reserved for really dry, sun damaged skin, with no sensitivity and you must not over use. AHAs need to be left on in order to work, so apply a serum or cream at night, not the day as it makes your skin photo sensitive too. Leave the full strength treatments to the professionals and know when to stop – like all good things, it too must end so you get to keep your fresh, rejuvenated skin.

Oily, acne or sensitive skin – then a BHA is for you. Cleansers and leave on toners are best.

If you don’t have oily or problem skin, then look to an enzyme based cleanser and incorporate a physical exfoliation as needed.

And always use a face cloth.

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