Skincare

Every facial cleanser that is in the Image skincare collection is skin balancing and in line with what the skin needs for pH. So, all the cleansers perform the function of a ‘toner’ so no separate toner is required.
Ormedic balancing cleanser is suitable for every skin type – it lifts away makeup and impurities, helps to balance the pH of the skin, and delivers essential nutrients to restore the skin’s natural balance.

Serums are a vital part of a successful transformational skincare plan to treat specific issues. The serums contain special technology that pulls the active ingredients into the skin for a long lasting treatment and sealed in by moisturizer that sits over it. My favourite serum in the range is the Iluma intense brightening serum which evens out skin tone (and smells amazing).

There are many good reasons for taking vitamin supplements but vitamin C is worth applying topically to the skin. Vitamin C topically applied to the skin is effective for skin rejuvenating effects. Amazingly ancient civilizations realised this and many of the healing and anti-aging pastes and treatments rubbed on the skin were produced from plants selected to be particularly high in Vitamin C. The Vital C range contains stable vitamin C formulations to effectively boost collagen synthesis and act as powerful antioxidants. To deliver a flood of antioxidants, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid hydration try Vital C hydrating water burst .

There are different forms of exfoliation – mechanical and chemical. Mechanical exfoliation involves a tool, technique or product with an abrasive texture to remove the outer corneocytes (top layer of skin cells in the epidermis). Chemical exfoliation utilises hydroxy acids such as glycolic, lactic and malic acids to dissolve the bonds that hold skin cells together allowing them to shed. Fruit enzymes are another form of chemical exfoliation and work by dissolving keratin causing a softening effect to the skin and sloughing off dead skin cells.
The Ageless cleanser begins the exfoliating process with glycolic acid, the Ageless total resurfacing masque has both microcrystals for mechanical exfoliation and alpha hydroxy acids. The Vital C hydrating enzyme masque contains gentle fruit acid exfoliators (papaya and pineapple).
Retinol such as that contained in Ageless total repair créme is an exfoliator.

Consult with a clinician before use for the first time to develop a treatment plan and choose the Retinol carefully – there are a wide variation of products on sale over the counter and via prescription. If you have a dermatological skin condition such as eczema, rosacea or psoriasis retinol may NOT be advisable as it can increase vascularity. When retinol is first started it can cause redness, peeling and drying of the skin – the retinol preparations from Image such as those in the Ageless range are carefully formulated to help sooth whilst being active but it may take a while and persistence to start seeing the good results. It is very important to make sure you use retinol only at night and to use a good SPF sun protection in the daytime as it increases the skin’s susceptibility to the sun. Do not smoke and avoid secondhand smoke to avoid skin damage from the pollution particles. Retinol is NOT to be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Sebum (the medical term for the oil produced by the skin) is an essential part of healthy skin but excess production can be a real problem.
Some sebum is important in the acid mantle of the skin which is the body’s first line of defence and a barrier against viruses, bacteria and other potential contaminants. It also keeps essential moisture from escaping. Harsh products that strip the skin of sebum and disrupt the natural acidic pH are not recommended.
The key to achieving balance and a healthy, shine-free skin is to use carefully designed multi-functional cleansers that cleanse, exfoliate and remove excess oils without disturbing the natural skin pH and to follow this with oil free moisturisers with microsponge technology. Great products with this technology are found in the Clear cell range and matte SPF 32 in the Image skincare range.

Oily skin with excess sebum can lead to acne when the follicles become clogged with sebum and dead skin cells and bacteria grow and cause skin breakouts.
The Clear Cell range of Image skin care clarifies and balances oily skin with ingredients to remove and absorb excess sebum whilst maintaining the skin’s barrier and pH and supplying essential moisture.

They are all suitable for both men and women – the ormedic range is great for men and suitable for all skin types. The Vital C hydrating water burst is a great gift for men as it is an innovative gel for a cool burst of hydration – it is gentle enough to use on sensitive, inflamed or irritated skin so may be good for shavers.

The ormedic range is suitable for younger women and those with sensitive skin. It is a gentle range that uses organic ingredients with medical effectiveness. It contains soothing ingredients such as aloe, arnica, oat kernel and chamomile. This range is so balancing that it is suitable for all skin types and is a great range for those starting out to develop a habit of good skincare routine.

There has been debate and some concerns raised about nano particles in products and if they are harmful to humans and animals. This is because they may be small enough to cross the skin and even the blood brain barrier. None of the IMAGE products use nanotechnology.