Posted on

Dermalogica’s Sound Sleep Cocoon

A couple of months ago Dermalogica launched a new innovation – Sound Sleep Cocoon. I was over the moon when I was sent one to try as I was very curious to see if it is worth the hefty price tag…

Dermalogica’s Sound Sleep Cocoon

This revitalising treatment gel-cream from Dermalogica is said to transform skin overnight by optimising nighttime skin recovery.

Sound Sleep Cocoon

Tamarind seed extract creates a nourishing cocoon of comfort for softer, more hydrated skin while encapsulated, motion-activated French-lavender essential oil (with Sandalwood and Patchouli) work all night to promote deep, restful sleep for healthier-looking skin by morning. Other key ingredients include Persian Silk-tree extract which reduces signs of skin fatigue and restores vitality while Wu-Zhu-Yu extract provides visibly radiant skin by the a.m.

This gorgeously scented cream is smoothed over your face and neck as the last step of your night time skincare regimen. It can either be used as a night cream or, for extra hydration, it can be layered over your usual night cream.

I used it (I just finished the product) as an additional step as my skin is extremely irritated, stressed and dry in winter. Even though the product was an absolute treat to use, I was not convinced that it packed the punch I was hoping it would. Especially as it retails for R1 295 for 50ml. Reviewing a skin care product isn’t always as easy as you might think as you seldom use a new product in isolation. At the time that I started trialling Sound Sleep Cocoon, I was also using a retinol serum that proved to be highly effective. My skin was looking great, but it was hard to say if it was the result of weeks of using the retinol serum or the addition of Sound Sleep Cocoon to my routine. Or was I just lucky to be going through a good skin phase?

I had a few minutes to spare one evening and I had the time to layer all sort of skin care goodness to my face. When I got to the final step, I realised that 2 pumps of Sound Sleep Cocoon was overkill and I applied the excess to the back of my hands…

Back story – years of cortisone use, sun exposure and not the best skin genes, have left my hands looking at least 10 years older than the rest of me.

I woke up the next morning with hands that looked and felt absolutely amazing! The skin on the back of my hands looked smooth, plump and bright. Sound Sleep Cocoon is magic!

Dermalogica says that this beaut visibly increases radiance by morning, reduces signs of skin fatigue and restores vitality. AND IT DOES. Really!

No wonder my skin was looking so good. Sound Sleep Cocoon is worth every cent.

Visit www.dermalogica.co.za to learn more about this skin changing product.

xoxo

Disclosure ranking: 2

Posted on

The Importance of Cleansing (and a game-changing SAI cleanser)

If I could turn back time, I would go back to 19 year old me, smack myself across the head and say… WASH YOUR DAMN FACE GIRL! I cringe when I think of all the nights I went to bed without removing my make-up. I will never again underestimate the importance of cleansing.

The Importance of Cleansing

The Importance of Cleansing

Why is proper facial cleansing so important?

First of all, it’s gross not to wash your face. Think about all that dirt and oil that builds up during the day (and night). Add to that pollutants, bacteria and dead skin cells, and you’ll think twice before you skip that morning and evening cleanse. You need to remove these impurities from your skin and you need to do it well. Plus, what’s the use of using amazing serums, treatments and moisturisers, if they can’t get passed all that grime to do what they are meant to? If you wear sunscreen and makeup, you need an extra step in your cleansing routine. Not double cleansing? You should! I see it this way… you first need to remove makeup and sunscreen before you can give your skin a proper cleanse. I’ve recently fallen in love with micellar water cleansers again and it’s my preferred method of removing my makeup. Then I let my cleanser get to work.

How important is using the right cleanser for your skin?

When I was younger I couldn’t be bothered with which cleanser I used. I usually went with one that left my skin feeling squeeky clean (read: stripped). The ‘cleaner’ the better, right? I thought it was better to spend hard cash on a serum and moisturiser. WRONG. At least in my case. Using the right cleanser for your skin has an immediate and long lasting effect on your skin. Over the past few months I’ve realised that the cleansers I use make or break my skin care routine. Make the effort to find a cleanser that works the best for your skin type and condition. I have and the difference it’s made is monumental. In the mornings I use a cream cleanser (favourites include the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser and the SKNgentle cleanse cream – blog review coming soon) and in the evenings I use the SAI Glyco-Lactic Creamy Cleanser. This Sandton Aesthetics Institute cleanser is the most effective face wash I have ever used and it has changed my skin in so many ways. Full review coming soon. I can’t see myself spending money on any other cleanser ever again. SAI has 4 cleansers in their range and if the Glyco-Lactic Creamy Cleanse is anything to go by, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Game-changing SAI cleansers

Game-changing SAI cleansers

SAI Glyco-Lactic Creamy Cleanser

Our Glyco-Lactic Creamy Cleanser is SLS free & perfect for all skin types. This cleanser boasts incredible exfoliating properties & is ideal for those wishing to improve the texture & appearance of their skin without altering their skin pH. An added benefit is that this chemical exfoliation will strengthen the skin while increasing collagen and elastin production

SAI Glyco-Lactic Cleanser Intense

By incorporating a higher concentration of Glycolic Acid this cleanser could be considered a little more aggressive in removing dead skin cells & for cellular turnover. Only the purest AHA imported from the USA is used to ensure product safety & comfort for those wishing to kick-start their skin back to a more youthful state.

SAI Gentle Cleanser

A natural and gentle face wash that is designed to prevent irritation. Suited to those with sensitive skin and normal skin types. Formulated with natural surfactants that gently degrease wthout stripping the skin and compromising the barrier.

SAI AHA Purifying Cleanser

Designed to reduce sebaceous secretion but also ease redness & inflammation associated with oily & acne skin types our SAI AHA Purifying Cleanser is the perfect choice for those with problem skin. You still want a cleanser to improve the texture of your skin & stimulate a glowing complexion, but it must control oil production too – hence the addition of the highest quality imported Salicylic Acid. Finally we’ve added lavender & camomile essential oils to help calm & soothe the area for all day comfort in your own skin.

Fine tuning my cleansing routine has resulted in brighter, clearer, less sensitive and irritated, healthier and younger looking skin. If you feel that your skin care products aren’t living up to their promises, try to change up your cleansing routine – it may just be the change that you (and your skin) has been looking for.

Do you agree with me about the importance of cleansing? Which cleansers do you swear by? Tell me in the comments below. I’d love to know.

xoxo