Daily Superfoliant

92% of Americans are breathing unsafe air due to pollution – imagine what that same air is doing to our skin. The aging process is accelerating at an alarming rate in areas where heavy air pollution occurs, which is mainly in densely populated areas. These pollution particles adhere to the skin and lodge themselves into our follicles, creating inflammation and wreaking havoc on our skin’s acid mantle (the protective barrier of our skin). Per Dermalogica’s Skin Pollution Index (be sure to check out your city’s pollution level at www.skinpollution.com), the air in Manhattan, New York is predominantly made up of 40% Nitrogen Dioxide which is the chemical compound that results from the burning of fossil fuels. These particles are small enough to penetrate our skin, resulting in the increase of skin pigmentation, fine lines, and deep set wrinkles.

So, what can we do to stop this accelerated skin aging in its tracks? Using amazing and innovative products like Dermalogica’s new Daily Superfoliant can certainly help – It’s like a breath of fresh air for your skin! I was given a sample of this product to try and couldn’t wait to get home and use it. After cleansing my skin, I dispensed a small amount of the powdered enzyme based exfoliant into my palm. After vigorously rubbing my wet palms together, I was left with a nice, frothy paste. Using circular motions, I began to work the product over my entire face, neck, and décolleté. I immediately felt it working and was left with a soft, supple canvas to apply my serum and moisturizer to.

With star ingredients such as Activated Binchotan Charcoal, Niacidamide, Red Algae, and Tara Fruit, this product is sure to make your skin happy! Binchotan Charcoal, which is produced in Kishu (Japan), becomes activated through an extremely high burning temperature.  Charcoal in general is best known for its ability to purify water and the air, and the same goes for our skin because it naturally absorbs pollutants. Niacidimide, also known as Vitamin B3 and Nicotinic Acid, is a very effective ingredient in skin care products as an antioxidant that helps reverse the visible signs of aging. As time goes by, and with the constant exposure to free radicals and glycation, the skin can appear dull and sallow. Niacinamide as an antioxidant reduces this negative impact and improves the skin’s ability to deal with the damage. Red Algae is an active ingredient for overall skin health. It is a rich source of natural polysaccharides with a proven ability to enhance skin’s barrier function, replenish the skin’s natural water reservoir, and increase its moisture-retention capabilities. Lastly, the real game changer is Tara Fruit extract. Acting as a veil, it leaves behind a protective layer on the skin. Tara Fruit is found predominantly in seasonally dry regions of Peru. It is used culturally for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, and also acts as a healing agent to the skin while providing photoprotection.

All these amazing ingredients work harmoniously together to create a product that will forever be in my medicine cabinet! As a skin therapist and avid product junkie, I can promise you will NOT be disappointed – Stop by New York Institute of Beauty and get yours today!

Article Written By: Nicole Nunns, NYS Licensed Esthetician  and Esthetics Instructor with New York Institute of Beauty