Discovering Dermalogica

Revitalising my skincare routine

About a month ago I was sent an extremely exciting package, containing a selection of products from Dermalogica. They handpicked products suited to my skin type, so I could review and share my thoughts with you. I was over the moon to receive such a generous package and try such a well loved brand.

*These products have been sent to me for testing and review purposes. All opinions are my own.**Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Who are Dermalogica?

Dermalogica is a brand that’s been on my radar for a while and I’ve been keen to give their products a go. It’s extremely well loved within the beauty community and for a good reason, their products don’t just do the job, they transform the skin.

A majority of their products are gluten free, vegetarian or vegan, paraben free, cruelty free and contain no artificial fragrances or colours. All things that make a skincare junkie such as myself very happy to hear. The vision for Dermalogica was to create a line without common irritants and ingredients, that did more harm than good. Bringing expect knowledge to our bathroom cabinet and a sharing a line of products that really work.

Dermalogica is sold in over 80 countries with 100,000 skin therapists worldwide.

Dry, sensitive skin

My skin type is dry and sensitive. I was delighted to see Dermalogica has such an extensive sensitive range. They very kindly sent me four products from the Ultracalming range to test out. These products are specially formulated to give relief to sensitive skin and treat inflammation. As someone who has had one to many skin flare-ups in my time, having products that cater too and offer relief to sensitive skin, is a must for me.

Introducing the Dermalogica products to my routine

I have tried a lot of skincare in my time, I would argue maybe even more than makeup. When testing skincare, I tend to slowly introduce products into my routine, as to not overload my skin. By adding new things one-by-one, I can not only easily identify what’s doing what but it also ensures my skin doesn’t have a freak-out at the complete change. Because of this system, I started first with the Ultracalming cleansing and the last product I introduced was the Calm Water Gel. This does mean that some products are more tested then others but I have used everything here for a minimum of three weeks before sharing this review.

Interested in more Dermalogica reviews?

Check out my recent posts: Dermalogica Skincare Stash & Winter Skincare Saviours

Precleanse balm 90ml | £44

For my first step, I like to use the Precleanse balm. I have been a long time lover of the double cleanse, so I was pleased to see Dermalogica are too. For my first cleanse I like to use a balm or oil cleanser, to clean the surface of the skin without stripping it. If I can afford the time in the morning, I love to use this first. If time is not on my side, I save my double cleanse for the first step in my evening routine, to remove my makeup instead. The Preclense balm works amazingly for both.

How to use

I squeeze a 10p size amount of balm on to the cleansing mitt and begin to massage onto dry skin. To help it emulsify, I will add a bit of water to the mitt and continuing using the mitt all around my face. Then I simply rinse off with warm water and move onto the Ultracalming cleanser. If I’m using this to remove makeup, I will take a little extra product and use my fingers over my shut eyes to remove mascara. I find it gentle and effective at removing every trace of makeup too.

Texture and Formula

The texture reminds me a lot of the Emma Hardie Cleansing balm. A thick cloudy balm, that dissolves into a gentle oil, as you massage into the skin. It easily emulsify with water, to dissolve build-up and leave my skin silky smooth.

Cleansing mitt

The Precleanse balm comes with a cleansing mitt, that feels incredible on the skin. The silicone bristles really help to work the balm into your skin and exfoliate and massage at the same time. Honestly, I could do this all day it feels so nice and I don’t find it to be to rough or harsh for my sensitive skin.

Quick facts:

• Unclogs pores
• Removes excess oil / makeup and pollutants from the skin
• Nourishing and gentle
• Deep cleaning
• Safe to use around eyes
• Ideal for normal to dry skin

Together with the Ultracalming cleanser, this is a powerful deep-cleaning combo that is unbelievably gentle on the skin. My pores look visibly tighter and my skin always feels silky soft and comfortable. I’m a huge fan of the Precleanse balm, it’s really deeply cleans the skin and takes my cleansing routine to the next level. I am amazed at how effective this is, without feeling harsh or stripping. Balm cleansers have always been a firm favourite of mine and this is one of the best I have tried.

Ultracalming Cleanser 250ml | £32

My next step (or first) is the ultracalming cleanser. I have been using this for a full four weeks in the morning and loving every minute. You know a product is good, when you cant wait to use it and I truly have felt this way about the Ultracalming cleanser.

How to use

I like to squeeze a small amount into the palm of my hand and work into damp skin. Moving in upward motions across my entire face, even over closed eyes and down the neck. Then when ready, I like to use a damp facecloth to remove excess product and towel dry.

Texture and Formula

The Ultracalming cleanser. has a thick gel consistency. It doesn’t foam-up when coming into contact with water. I find foam cleansers can be stripping and aggravating so I’m so pleased it doesn’t. The texture is slippy but not greasy feeling and glides over the skin making it really easy to work-in.

Quick facts:

• Calming on the skin
• Easily rinses away leaving no residue
• Super gentle
• Can be tissued/wiped off
• Ideal for sensitive skin

Since using this in my routine, with or without the Precelanse balm, I find it to have really helped my temperamental skin look and feel calmer. It doesn’t leave my skin dry or stripped. A little goes a long way and the generous size means I will get a lot of use out of this cleanser. Overall my redness and pigmentation looks improved over time. The Ultraclaming range is designed to help with reactive skin and I can really see the benefits from using a cleanser that is so delicate and doesn’t leave my skin feeling irritated. It feels nourishing and gentle and truly has been a joy to use. I’ve fallen totally in love with both of the Dermalogica cleansers, they are a game changer for sure.

Ultracalming Mist 177ml | £31

After cleansing I like to use the Ultrcalming Mist. This can be used at any point in the day, even over makeup, for a quick refresh or as an added layer of hydration during your skincare routine. Use this as often or as little as you like, to refresh and give your skin that extra hydration boost.

How to use

I consider this my treat step, it’s what I would imagine walking through a cloud would feel like. Keeping eyes closed, gently mist this all over the face and neck. The spritz is such a perfect even fine mist, that leaves my skin feeling totally refreshed. If you don’t want to spray this directly onto the skin, you can spritz this onto a cotton pad first and wipe across the skin instead.

Quick facts:

• Relives inflammation and discomfort
• Conditions the skin
• Soothing
• Can be used as often as you would like
• Perfect for sensitive and dry skin

The Ultracalming mist quickly sinks into the skin leaving no residue. I could mist this on my face all day, it feels so wonderful and refreshing. The Ultracalming mist adds a valuable extra step to my routine, that feels wonderful and gives my skin some extra hydration. When my skin is feeling dry or tight during the day, I love reaching for this as an added boost of comfort. As I suffer from eczema on my face, I find this to be a real lifesaver. It doesn’t aggravate very angry skin and I love that I don’t have to rub anything in, potentially making it more aggravated. Its one of those products that’s great to have on hand and reach for whenever needed, as well as using within your routine.

Skincare swatches to show texture and consistency: top product is Biolmin-c serum, Precleanse balm, Super sensitive shield, Ultracalming cleanser and lastly the Calm water gel.

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Biolumin-c Serum 30ml | £81.50

After using my normal eye cream, it’s time for serum. The Biolumin-c Serum contains vitamin-C to brighten and firm the skin. The Biolumic-c is part of the Dermalogica Age Smart range, which as the name would suggest are products that target signs of ageing. You can use this twice daily but my skin is a little sensitive to vitamin-C, so I have been using this once in the morning every three days. I will likely increase the usage as my skin builds a tolerance for it.

How to use

The Biolumin-c serum comes with a pipette, which I use to dispense about 6 drops into the palm of my hand and apply to the skin. It quickly absorbs leaving my skin ready for moisturising.

Texture and Formula

Lightweight and thin, this cloudy liquid has no trouble working into the skin. It has a lovely mild citrus scent to it, which comes from its ingredients.

Quick facts:

• Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves the appearance of pigmentation
• Brightens and firms
• Contains lactic acid to improve cell turnover

When I use this more sparingly, my skin response better to it, so I have temporarily decreased the amount I use this. I have tried vitamin-C serums in the past and experienced similar reactions, so I know it’s an ingredient my skin is a little unsure of. After speaking to the Dermalogica team about this, they recommended I decrease my use and build my way up and I was so grateful for the advice. It’s a powerful serum and one I know I will reap the benefits from long term. I have still noticed positive effects, on pigmentation and dark spots on my skin even from using this more sparingly. I’m hoping in time, I can increase my use to gain even more benefits.

Calm Water Gel 50ml | £44.50

Now it’s time to bring my dry skin some relief with the Dermalogica Calm Water Gel. This moisturiser really surprised me, it’s incredibly light feeling and since I have always had the mentality that, only thick rich creams can really hydrate my skin, I didn’t expect to fall so in love with such a light gel formula.

How to use

I squeeze an amount the size of a pea into the palm of my hands and use upward motions to apply to my skin. If I have a particular dry spot, often around my nose, I will add an extra bit to these areas.

Texture and formula

The cloudy gel has an incredibly light gel texture that feels slippy when initially applying but doesn’t take long to sink into the skin.  This moisturiser is formulated with Hyaluronic acid, which I can tell by the way it behaves on my skin. I have been using Hylauronic acid as a separate step within my skincare routine for a long time but never as a part of a moisturiser. It makes so much sense to combine the two, to really lock in moisture while providing hydration.

Quick facts:

• Provides instant hydration
• Fast absorbing
• Locks in moisture
• Weightless feeling
• Sooths sensitivity

I was initially unsure if this would be hydrating enough for my skin, as it’s so lightweight but as time has gone on, I can say that it’s absolutely doing an outstanding job. My skin looks plumb and healthy and over the past few weeks my skin looks generally less dehydrated. I have even used this on my facial eczema with great success, a risky move but I found it helped so much with irritation when it’s flared up. The Calm water gel doesn’t irritate my skin and although I don’t expect my moisturiser to do more than simply moisturise, I’m delighted by how much its improving my skin elasticity and overall hydration.

Super Sensitive Shield SPF 30 50ml | £44.50

No matter the time of year, protecting your skin from the sun and sun damage is an important step. I was delighted to see Dermalogica have a SPF that caters to sensitive skin. The Super Sensitive Shield has spf 30 which means it provides 30 times the protection of no sunscreen.

How to use

Just before I’m ready to leave the house, I like to apply the Super Sensitive Shield. As this is a thin formula, I like to apply a 10p size amount to the back of my hand and use my fingers to dot around the skin before rubbing in.

Texture and Formula

This has a milky formula, that is thin and easy to apply to the skin. As it’s a physical sunscreen, it does have an initial white residue. I find it fully disappears after a few minutes, as it sinks into the skin. Sensitive sunscreens  more typically use physical and not chemical spf, because of this they sit on the surface of the skin more, to deflect UV rays. This means its less likely to cause a reaction to the skin. All sunscreens have the potential to cause breakouts but I don’t find this to exacerbate them.

Quick facts:

• Natural mineral UV Protectors (physical sunscreen)
• Light formula
• Doesn’t break up foundation if worn underneath
• Delightful lavender scent

I have really been enjoying using the Dermalogica super sensitive shield, sunscreen is never going to be my favourite step, the kid in me always wants to protest. However, I know its an important stage and if I can find something that doesn’t feel to greasy and heavy, I’m happy. I have found it to be a quick easy step, that protects my skin and gives me peace of mine. This can feel a bit sticky initially but I don’t find this to last. As I have experienced redness and irritation from so many sunscreens in the past, it’s wonderful to finally find something that doesn’t cause any reaction in my skin but still offers the protection I need.

Final Thoughts on Dermalogica

These products have made a drastic difference to the overall comfort of my skin. It feels less dehydrated and tight but also calmer and more consistent. I am truly blown away with this line and can safely say they have made me a fan for life.

It takes a lot to really blow me away and these products have done just that.

Dermalogica caters to a lot of different skin types and concerns, so even if you don’t feel the Ultracalming range is for you, there is a huge variety of other products to suit. I feel they really understand skin, it not only makes me confident in their products but excited to see my skin react in such a positive way. If you are looking to try something new, I highly recommend treating your skin to some Dermalogica products. You will be amazed at the results.

Hungry for more Dermalogica? I have a new post all about my winter skicare saviours, click here to read it.

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