“Candice, try not to use to many different products on your skin. You don’t want to end up with beauty editors skin.” This was the stern warning I received almost 11 years ago from my friend Elsa Kruger, the renowned beauty writer from mooipraatjies met Elsa (check her AWESOME beauty blog out here). She went on to explain that a fruit salad of various products was sometimes just too much for the skin to handle.
This was a warning I took seriously. I can happily say that up until last week, I’d never suffered with skin sensitivity, or even had a reaction to a product! Amazing really, given that I test hundreds of products a year.
Then it happened! Last week Monday I tried out a new CC cream and BAM – within two hours, my skin was covered in a hot painful rash. Hello ‘beauty editors skin’, not so nice to meet you.
Ouch!
Obviously, I immediately removed the CC cream – but the reaction persisted. Given that I’m a glass half full kinda gal, I looked at this as the perfect opportunity to try out some of my products for sensitive skin.
I’d heard so may rave reviews about BioNike from those suffering with sensitivity, that I hauled out a jar of their Defence Xage Revitalizing Smoothing Cream (R265) to try.
The soothing gel texture of this moisturiser is just incredible
BioNike is specially formulated for those with sensitive, allergic and reactive skin. All their products are free of potential skin irritants like fragrance, preservatives, nickel and even gluten. BioNike have ranges for all types of skin concerns. The Defence Xage range, (in addition to soothing sensitive skin), promises to increase elastin and collagen production, making skin firmer.
The formula contains Rejuvinate SGF, a complex that stimulates the natural production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. It’s also enriched with lychee extract, which fights free radicals and protects against UV induced stress while supporting the skins repair process. It’s a great range for women with sensitive skin that are 30+ and concerned with skin ageing and pigmentation.
The minute I applied this balmy gel textured moisturiser onto my skin, it felt better. It had an immediate soothing effect without leaving my skin feeling oily. My sensitivity bout is over, but I’m still using and LOVING this moisturiser. And, can I just add that I can’t believe this moisturiser only costs R265! I’d HAPPILY fork out R500+ for it – it’s THAT good! BioNike is available at Dis-Chem pharmacies nationwide.
Another product I always have in my beauty cupboard is the Vichy Eau Thermale spa water spray (R120). I use it to cool my skin down on hot days, or to set my make-up in the morning. It’s great for sensitivity as it contains healing waters from Vichy in France, that are rich in mineral salts. It’s been scientifically proven to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier function (which is compromised during a sensitivity reaction).
To diminish the redness bought on by the reaction, I applied some of the newly launched Dermalogica Ultra Calming Redness Relief Primer SPF 20 (R630). This formula has a green tinge that counteracts redness while it soothes the skin. It contains botanical extracts of yeast, oat and oat kernel oil, all which offer an immediate calming effect and have anti-redness and anti-irritant properties. This primer can be worn alone, or under foundation to extend the life of your foundation.
Just to be on the safe side, I used my trusty Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream (R365). It’s ideal for dry, red or irritated skin and contains mango and shea butter that envelop the skin in a veil of comfort and moisture. I’ve written extensively about this product previously. You can read more about it here.
Thankfully my skin is on the mend and looking much better. I don’t think I’d have got through this bout of skin sensitivity quite as easily as I did had it not been for these products.
GIVEAWAY
Because I’m so impressed with the BioNike Defence Xage Revitalizing Smoothing Cream, I’m giving a jar away for one of you to try. Simply leave a comment below this post telling me what your skin sensitivity issues are. I’ll announce the winner next week Tuesday. Be sure to include your email address (only I can see it) so I can get hold of you, should you be the winner.
