Dermalogica Skincare Review

We might all have different ideas of what beautiful makeup looks like, but I think we can all agree that healthy, hydrated  and clear skin is something we can all aspire for. Dermalogica is one of those tried and true brands that I’ve always admired. I’ll never forget my first time getting to use Dermalogica products when I was in college living with roommates. It felt so fancy to me to use stuff that wasn’t bought on sale at Target. I love me some Target brands, but Dermalogica was such a treat!

Since then I’ve dabbled here and there with their products getting a broad taste of their skincare products.  It was only recently that Dermalogica invited me to try a handful of their products (at the same time, haha) to share with you guys and I couldn’t say no!

Dermalogica had fill out a short survey to help them choose some products for me, one ended up being a longtime favorite, while a few were completely new. I had told them that I had combo skin that had breakouts from time to time, but also was in my late 30’s so anti-aging was something I consider. My package arrived with my favorite Daily Microfoliant and the some products that were new to me: their Special Cleansing Gel, PreCleanse and their Phyto Replenish Oil.

For years I have been a fan of the Daily Microfoliant. It doesn’t matter if it’s Summer or Winter, this rice-based powder exfoliant makes my skin smooth and truly has been one of the best ways to unclog pores and oil ducts that are constant problems for me. It also helps remove dry flaky skin revealing the fresher stuff underneath. It has the perfect blend of salicylic acid, enzymes and a Skin Brightening Complex that has never irritated my skin and has only benefited it. Just a small amount in your hand mixed with water rubbed on the skin and presto, you fall madly in love with it. I find that now I can use it every other day and still get good results.

The Special Cleansing Gel is a soap free, gel cleanser that’s meant for all skin types. It washes away makeup, dirt and oil while offering a calming component to it as well. Sadly for me, within weeks of receiving this I had some bad bouts of stress that affect my skin and make it very sensitive to everything and makes it very dry. While I can see this would be great during the Summer months for me, it was a bit too much of a “squeaky clean” feeling during these drier Winter months. So those of you with oily skin, you’ll want to look into this one!!  I’m holding on to this for the next sweaty Summer when oil production ramps up — but for now will sit in my beauty cabinets. Sorry Special Cleansing Gel, it’s not you, it’s me. I wish I gave better information during the selection period.

I’m a fan of precleansing so I was really excited to give their PreCleanse a try. Precleansing is great when you’re wearing makeup that doesn’t come off that easy. Instead of letting those traces of foundation sit in the pores and create blockages, Dermalogica’s PreCleanse offers the first step in getting a deep down cleansing of your skin. I like massaging this into the cheeks, jawline and eyes to breakdown budge-proof mascaras, excess oils, and full coverage foundations. As expected, this turns into a milky white emulsion with the addition of water and easily rinses everything away clean.

I’m super excited to tell you about the Phyto Replenish Oil. Because my skin took a turn for the worse into sensitive and dry town, this Phyto Replenish oil was SUCH a skin soother. My skin drinks this lightweight oil right up! This unique blend restores the natural skin barrier, locks in moisture, and creates an antioxidant shield which my skin needs. I add a few drops to my morning routine as well as my night time cleansing routine. It never feels heavy, and can be worn under my moisturizer, or mixed in it. I even put a drop or two on my daughter’s skin when it gets dry and flaky, poor thing.

I do wish I had tried a more gentle cleanser for my stressed Winter skin but it was my fault as my skin changed between the weeks of choosing and it’s arrival. When I look over their cleanser options I can see that their UltraCalming Cleanser or their Essential Cleansing Solution would have probably been a better choices but at least I have a Summer time cleanser ready to go!

Overall I’m very happy with Dermalogica. I think if I refined the cleanser choice and added a comforting moisturizer I would really be all set. What have you tried from the Dermalogica line? Found any true winners that you want to share about? Let me know in the comments below!