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Did you know that skin whitening is one of the most searched beauty terms in 2020? It's clearly a front-runner for many women in their quest for flawless skin. 

Here’s how to make clear, glowing skin a reality for you.

First and foremost, pigmentation is the culprit for many uneven skin and skin darkening concerns. This comes down to melanin formation, mainly. The many forms of pigmentation which lead to uneven skin tone are UV induced. These include skin darkening, sunspots and freckles. Utilising a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation is a must during sun exposure in order to prevent the exacerbation of existing pigmentation and the development of new symptoms.

By minimising melanin activation and build-up we can prevent further pigmentation formation. 

In many cases simply slacking off your skin care regime can leave your skin looking dull and uneven - not to mention feeling rough and bumpy. Exfoliating the outer layer of the skin with a cleanser that breaks the bond between dead cells and the surface of the skin will reveal a brighter and more even complexion. This encourages the darker redundant skin cells to lift away and reveal the younger lighter cells beneath. 

Exfoliating will also prepare the skin for further treatment including whitening cremes by creating a blank canvas which will aid absorption and penetration of ingredients into the epidermis - where it is most effective.

3. Look for Natural Lightening Ingredients that Work 

Want to see real results? Lightening ingredients that actively lighten the complexion are vital in any quest for brighter, younger, clearer skin. While it’s important to avoid sensitising ingredients such as Hydroquinone, there are many natural lightening ingredients which work effectively without causing UV sensitivity or irritation over long term use.

Gentle and effective lightening ingredients to look for:

• Tetrahydrocurcumin: Works as a powerful tyrosinase inhibitor which prevents melanin activation in the skin leading to less pigmentation and skin darkening overall. It also provides UV protection for pigmentation protection, antioxidant support for overall skin health and anti-inflammatory benefits to prevent signs of skin ageing all while lightening dark spots and overall skin tone.
  
• Tetrahydropiperine: A potent antioxidant, Tetrahydropoperine enhances the efficacy of Tetrahydrocurcumin by improving its free radical scavenging properties that take place during the melanin formation process. It also improves the absorption of Tetrahydrocurcumin into the epidermal layers where melanin forms.  

Containing an expertly formulated blend of both Tetrahydrocurcumin and Tetrahydropiperine, Neutriderm Skin Whitening Crème is a natural topical pigmentation inhibitor and potent antioxidant cream which has been expertly formulated to minimise the appearance of pigmentation and enhance overall skin tone in as little as two weeks. 

Are you ready to go brighter?

A flawless, brighter, even skin tone is just a whitening creme away. Add Neutriderm Skin Whitening Crème to your regime and see the difference. Purchase yours here.

For best results it is recommended to use Neutriderm Skin Whitening Crème for 60-90 days.

Are you guilty of using make-up wipes or skipping your daily cleanse? Rest assured you are not alone - more than 50% of people surveyed admitted to not cleansing daily.*

While cleansing may not be the most exciting step in your skin care regime, skipping this step could be standing between you and your best skin. Here's why: 

Each day the skin encounters a build-up of dirt and debris from the environment, sunscreen, face creams and make-up. This build-up and make-up can inhibit the skin from functioning optimally by blocking the pores and causing congestion. To explain this further, Dermatologist, Hadley King, says “Makeup (alone) has pigment, preservatives, minerals, and metals that often clog your pores if left on too long. It is essential to remove makeup as the first step in your night-time routine."

By removing dead cell matter, dirt and debris, the skin becomes a blank canvas which can readily accept further skin treatment. A skin which is clean and clear of congestion will readily absorb nutrients and vitamins from creams, oils and serums better than one which is compromised due to surface build-up. Dr King adds that by not cleansing the surface of the skin adequately, we are essentially "preventing penetration of skin care products".

3. Cleansing Wipes Don’t Cut It

Cleansing wipes are handy for when you are on the go, or when you need to remove make-up before a gym session, however they don’t replace the real deal. "Cleansing wipes remove a bulk of bacteria, dirt, and oil, but also leave a trail of residue behind," says King. "Appropriate facial cleansing requires a water-based rinse to fully clean."

"Cleansing before bed is generally recommended not only to remove makeup, but also to remove dirt and pollution that accumulates on our skin during the day," says King.

This is relevant for sensitive skins as well as acne sufferers. Dirt, pollution and bacteria overgrowth can lead to inflammation and when combined with dead cell build up and excess oil this can lead to irritation, itching, redness and swelling. In acne sufferers, bacteria can exacerbate symptoms including the formation of acne lesions which may become infected. Cleansing the skin of bacteria is vital to allow the skin to heal and to reduce the occurrence of breakouts. 

5. Cleansers Can Hydrate, Restore and Protect

While some cleansers simply remove unwanted nasties, a pH balanced soap-free cleanser will actually support and regulate the functioning of the skin and cleanse without drying. Ingredients which support the skin to reduce inflammation, regulate oil production and hydrate the skin are the kind to look for if you want to upskill your beauty regime.

Natural cleansing ingredients such as Colloidal Oatmeal physically expand and hold water onto the skin while addressing redness and inflammation. Citric Acid breaks the bond between dead cells and the skin's surface, while hydrators such as Sodium PCA and Glycerin provide the skin with a superior moisture boost. 

Dermavive Hydra Cleanser is a natural pH balanced soap-free cleanser formulated utilising Colloidal Oatmeal, Citric Acid, Sodium PCA and Glycerin. The dermatologically approved cleanser is formulated to relieve the skin of bacteria and build-up, hydrate and prepare the skin to readily absorb vital nutrients. 

* Face Wash Study - Medium 

Are you ready to supercharge your skin care regime with a cleanser that cleanses, supports and maintains the health of your skin, while preparing it for further treatment?

Cleanse smarter with Dermavive Hydra Cleanser.

Purchase yours here.

It is considered one of the leading anti-ageing ingredients, but what is fact and what is fiction when it comes to Retinol?  

1. Fact: Retinol Slows Ageing 

Retinol falls within the Retinoid family of Vitamin A-derived ingredients. Retinol not only reveals younger cells beneath the surface as it encourages cell turnover, it actually encourages collagen production for smooth, plump skin. Retinol has shown to smooth existing fine lines by targeting the skin from a cellular level - not just the surface. Dr Gohara, clinical professor at Yale, links Retinol's success to its ability to actually sink into the skin while speeding up cell turnover which actively boosts collagen and elastin - effectively revealing fresher, smoother skin.

2. Myth: Retinol Cannot Be Used Long Term 

This is incorrect for a number of reasons. Firstly, Retinol actually requires ongoing use for users to experience the full effect of Retinol. Results are often seen after two months and ongoing use will enhance these results even further. Secondly, while some people may experience reactions to Retinol, this is often a symptom experienced during early use. The skin generally adapts to Retinol over time as its effectiveness enhances without symptoms after just two weeks. 

3. Fact: Retinol Evens Skin Tone and Prevents Acne 

By encouraging cell regeneration, Retinol reveals a brighter complexion, effectively fading dark circles, pigmentation and acne scars. This occurs through exfoliation of the skin surface which reveals the younger cells beneath and relieves congestion. This process of dead cell removal revises the appearance of fine lines, scars and skin imperfections including pigmentation as the younger skin cells are uncovered.  

Ready to reap the benefits of a Retinol cleanser? Neutriderm Brightening Bar is a multi functioning cleanser which revises over all skin tone and condition for a youthful appearance. Complementary ingredients further support optimal skin health and hydration through antioxidant and vitamin support for a bright, plump and clear complexion. 

Ingredients

• Retinol - A form of Vitamin A which reduces the appearance of wrinkles through cell regeneration, exfoliation and collagen production. 
• Lactic Acid - An alpha-hydroxy acid which provides anti-ageing and pigment fighting properties to the skin. 
• Tocopherol Acetate - A natural form of Vitamin E, Tocopherol Acetate supports the skin with antioxidant, skin moisturising and protectant properties. 
• Sodium PCA - With natural moisturising factors, Sodium PCA increases the water content of the skin's surface by drawing moisture from the surrounding air. 
• Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane - Also known as Tetrahydrocurcuminoids (THC) this ingredient has skin-brightening, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties for healthy functioning skin and a bright complexion. 

Rich in anti-ageing and brightening properties, Neutriderm Brightening Bar is a skin brightening treatment recommended as an essential age management product. For pigmentation, scar and fine line revision, Neutriderm Brightening Bar can be used ongoing without drying or sensitivity. 

Are you ready to experience the benefits of Retinol yourself? Purchase your Neutriderm Brightening Bar here. 

Is your skin looking and feeling weathered thanks to the sudden temperature change? You're not alone. A staggering 93% of men and women surveyed noted a decline in skin health in the cooler months*. 

Here are our tips for surviving winter with soft, supple and youthful looking skin.

1. Moisturise

During the cooler months, the skin can become compromised due to dry indoor environments and battling the outdoor elements. One of the key contributing factors which exacerbates the appearance of ageing is dehydration. Dehydration means your skin contains less than 10% water.

Supporting the skin barrier is vital in maintaining moisture levels and to avoid dehydration in challenging conditions. Moisturising the skin morning and night is the easiest way to encourage plump, youthful looking skin.

2. Brighten Dull Skin

If your skin is looking dull there are plenty of options beyond exfoliating. A skin whitening crème can be used in the cooler months to brighten dark circles and skin darkening which may have appeared during summer. Skin whitening crèmes come in a variety of forms and many have a dual anti-ageing and brightening effect. Natural ingredients which do not lead to photosensitivity are the kind to look for.

3. Opt for Antioxidants

Antioxidant rich creams are great for the skin on the face as well as the body. Antioxidants help to fight off free radicals which wreak havoc within our skin and accelerate the signs of ageing through cell damage. 

4. Sun Protection

Just because the skies are grey doesn’t mean that UV radiation isn’t still damaging to the skin. We know that UV radiation is responsible for premature ageing and the rapid acceleration of wrinkles, that's why protecting your skin year-round with a sunscreen or moisturiser is vital for defending the skin against environmental damage. Overcast days, windy days, you name it. You still need to apply sunscreen.

Time-strapped? Here's an all-in-one product to make life easy... 

If you’re looking to cover these hacks using just one product, Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion ticks all of the boxes. Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants which support skin functioning via intense hydration and barrier protection – to ensure long lasting skin softness and plumpness. Vitamin E has also shown photoprotective properties to protect the skin against environmental damage while encouraging an even skin tone.

Ingredients

• Vitamin E Tocopherol Phosphate - when applied topically helps to hydrate and protect skin from damage caused by free radicals with photoprotective properties. 
• Sodium PCA - increases the water content of the skin's surface by drawing moisture from the surrounding air. 
• Glycerin - a humectant used for its ability to draw water into the outer layer of the skin for increased hydration levels. 

*Talk Health Winter Skin Care Survey Results 2016

Rich in antioxidant properties, Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion has been known to provide the skin with long lasting hydration as well as minimise the appearance of wrinkles and the early signs of ageing caused by environmental damage. 

Are you ready to experience the benefits of Vitamin E yourself? Purchase your Neutriderm Moisturising Lotion here.

Most of us know that in order to achieve healthy, strong skin, we need to balance its pH. But do you really understand why? And how? 

Let's take a look. 

Firstly, what is pH?

pH is measured on a scale of 0-14. 0 being very acidic and 14 being very alkaline. For the skin to remain balanced, the skin's pH must stay slightly acidic with a pH of 4.5-5.5.

Alkaline pH:

If your skin is too alkaline, it may feel dry and be more prone to showing signs of premature ageing such as deep wrinkles and UV damage. Often skincare products like soaps and foaming cleansers can raise the skin's pH too high.

Acidic pH:

If your skin's pH levels are too acidic it may feel oily, be prone to breakouts and inflammation. These symptoms can be caused by over-exfoliating, using peels or acid-based cleansers.

Why is it so important?

1. Hydration. When skin is too alkaline it struggles to maintain moisture which leads to dry and tired-looking skin.

2. Ageing: When the skin’s pH is imbalanced the skin becomes stressed. When the skin is stressed it becomes vulnerable to attack from nasties like bacteria and free radicals which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress - skin ageing. 

3. Defence: Balanced pH levels mean common skin stressors, allergens and irritants (ingredients in skin care) are less likely to trigger skin conditions that are instigated or exacerbated by a poor barrier function. 

How do you restore it?

Restoring the skin’s pH is easy. The fastest way to do this is to redesign your skin care regime with pH balanced products only. To bring your skin back to the perfect balance your skincare products should range between 4.5-6 pH. A pH balanced cleanser is the ideal place to start. 

To achieve a slightly acidic pH level of 4.5-5.5, astringents, harsh toners and soaps must be avoided. Soaps for example tend to have a pH (between 8-10) which is far too acidic and can damage the skin. Therefore, a cleansing bar, which is a soap-less soap is best to cleanse while restoring balance to the all important acid mantle. 

• Soap-less soaps are less alkaline than a regular soap so they are gentle on the skin.
• Soap-less soaps are formulated with a neutral pH which is far less irritating to sensitive skin types.
• Soap-less soaps are more nourishing for inflammatory skin conditions such as dry skin, or acne-prone skin, as they do not strip the skin of natural oils like a regular soap. 
  
  Dermavive cleansing bars are a gentler alternative to removing dirt and excess sebum from the skin while supporting the skin with pH neutral ingredients for optimal skin functioning. 

Dermavive Cleansing Bars are pH neutral which support the acid mantle for healthy skin. They do not contain any soap or artificial soap and have both cleansing and antibacterial properties to dissolve dirt, oil, grime and other debris within the skin while maintaining a perfectly balanced acid mantle to encourage harmony within the skin. 

Purchase Dermavive Cleansing Bars here.  

With hand sanitizer now part of our daily hygiene regime, it's important to understand how these antibacterial gels are intended to be used and exactly how they keep us COVID-free. 

Has your new hand hygiene regime affected the quality of your skin? Approximately 800,000 Australians currently suffer with eczema with numbers expected to increase due to excess hand washing due to COVID-19. 

To help you avoid hand eczema and drying, here are some tips to encourage supple, soft hands. 

1. Avoid Soaps 

Dermatologist Professor Rod Sinclair emphasises the importance of hand washing as the most important step to killing the virus. "But if you have hand eczema or vulnerable hands you can certainly overdo it", he warns. 

For this reason, selecting the right product is important. Soaps (in bar and liquid form) are known for stripping the skin of natural oils. The reason for this is due to the high level of fats and oils used in the formulation of soaps. When we expose our skin to frequent washing and antibacterial gels we reduce the skin's precious oils which provide our skin with natural protection and hydration. 

2. Use a Cleansing Bar  

While a cleansing bar may look just like a soap, its benefits lie in its formulation. Formulated with pH neutral ingredients, cleansing bars effectively cleanse without leaving a dry or chalky residue like a soap can. Cleansing bars contain less oils and fats compared to soaps. They utilise a gentle lather to lift and wash away impurities without allowing them to reattach. Nourishing ingredients then act to support and hydrate the skin rather than dry it out, all while supporting the all-important acid mantle. 

3. Moisturise after washing 

When the skin is hydrated it can better protect itself from the symptoms of dry skin. Professor Sinclair advises thoroughly drying and moisturising hands after washing. “If we put moisturiser on 5 times or 10 times a day - the more the better," advises Sinclair. 

A moisturiser which contains a blend of hydrating and barrier protective ingredients is vital for repairing and restoring water levels. Moisture locking ingredients include Colloidal Oatmeal, glycerine, vitamin E and aloe vera. We recommend keeping a hand cream or nourishing lotion handy for some post-hand washing TLC. 

4. Maintain the pH balance

Natural ingredients such as Colloidal Oatmeal are generally less alkaline which do not disrupt the pH of the skin. The pH of our skin directly impacts the acid mantle which is responsible for protecting our skin against external influences such as bacteria, pollution and allergens. It also counteracts the effects of nasty skin care ingredients. For our skin to remain balanced, the acid mantle will need to remain at a slightly acidic pH level of 4.5-5.5. Therefore a cleansing bar, which is a soap-less soap (when compared to a regular soap) is best for the pH of the skin. 

5. Ingredients to look for 

Professor Sinclair suggests keeping it simple in terms of ingredients as "Some people will be allergic to fragrance or will find the preservatives in the moisturisers can sting... the simpler the better". 

• Natural Colloidal Oatmeal: Long used for its ability to hold water on the skin, this moisture locking ingredient can deliver similar anti-inflammatory and healing results to topical steroid creams without the negative effects of long term use
• Sodium PCA: A natural humectant known for holding several times its weight in water, to support optimal hydration levels within the skin
• Citric Acid: Breaks down the protein bonds between dead and living skin cells, causing the older, dead cells to lift away revealing the younger cells beneath 
• Vitamin E: Delivers antioxidants to the outer layers of the skin. Vitamin E helps to reduce free radical damage and protects the body’s cells therefore protecting the skin against ageing, inflammation, and sun damage

Designed specifically for dry skin, pH balanced Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar contains a unique formulation designed to replenish hydration levels without stripping the skin of vital oils like regular soaps can. Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar is fragrance, soap, paraben (preservative) and lanolin free, and will not cause irritation or drying due to the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal and natural moisturisers. 

This dermatologically endorsed cleansing bar can be used when washing hands to actively wash away bacteria and impurities ensuring the skin’s environment is not conducive for bacteria or infections. Soap-less soaps can be used safely by all ages for dry skin relief and as a preventative remedy. 

Are you ready to ditch dry hands and replenish your skin with a cleansing bar that not only washes away germs but supports your skin? If you are ready to experience the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal you can purchase your Dermavive Dry Skin Cleansing Bar here. 

With the average Australian woman spending $300 per month on beauty, it seems our face regimes absorb the lion's share of the beauty budget. But what about moisturising your body? Did you know it's just as important to hydrate your body with the right ingredients, especially as we enter the cooler months? 

Here are some tips Dermatologists wish you knew when selecting your moisturiser. 

1. pH is important 

Balancing the all-important acid mantle is the key to supporting the core functioning of the skin. When we use acidic products, this throws out the pH of the skin which puts the skin into damage control. When we apply a pH balanced moisturiser to the skin, the skin is not disrupted and therefore functions well. When the skin functions well it appears youthful, feels smooth and bouncy and maintains hydration. 

2. Not all moisturisers are created equal 

There are three classes of moisturisers. These consist of emollients, humectants and occlusive. 

• Emollients prevent evaporation of water by forming a protective layer on the surface of the skin. This minimises moisture loss and supports long term hydration
• Humectants have an emollient effect but work in a different way. Humectants attract and draw water into the surface layer of the skin from deeper within the skin or the atmosphere
• Occlusive agents are utilised to block moisture loss entirely

A moisturiser which contains a balanced blend of emollient, humectant and occlusive agents will provide the skin with superior moisture retention with minimal moisture loss in drying environments. 

3. Hydrate for overall skin health 

Hydrated skin is healthy skin. When the skin is hydrated it can better protect itself from the symptoms of dry skin, as symptoms of itching, tightness and feelings of discomfort subside. Furthermore, well hydrated skin can better protect itself from inflammatory flare ups especially for those prone to dry skin conditions such as eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. 

4.  Gradual results over quick fix 

Don't always go for the product that promises the most drastic results in the shortest timeframe. Just like going to the gym, long-lasting results take time. If your skin feels dry or even inflamed, you don't have to opt straight for a steroid cream, there are natural remedies available to you which can provide you with immediate relief. We recommend trying a natural based moisturiser for two weeks before proceeding to anything more drastic. The results you gain in this timeframe may surprise you. 

5. Natural is always best 

Natural ingredients are always best as they are often recognised by the body and are less likely to induce a reaction. As a first point of call, natural remedies should always be tried first. Ingredients which naturally retain water within the surface layer of the skin and create a protective layer to prevent moisture loss include some of the following: 

• Natural Colloidal Oatmeal: Long used for its ability to hold water on the skin, this moisture locking ingredient can deliver similar anti-inflammatory and healing results to topical steroid creams without the negative effects of long term use
• Sodium PCA: A natural humectant known for holding several times its weight in water, to support optimal hydration levels within the skin
• Glycerine: A natural humectant utilised for its ability to draw water from the skin's deeper layers into the surface layer of the skin to support long lasting hydration
• Light Mineral Oil: An emollient used to treat and prevent dry skin with an ability to moisten and soften the skin upon application
• Isopropyl Myristate: An emollient utilised for its ability to strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, preventing water loss from the surface layer of the skin

Dermavive Moisturising Lotion is a pH balanced lotion which has been designed to increase hydration and softness of the skin via a blend of the above mentioned ingredients. This dermatologically endorsed formula provides immediate relief from the symptoms of dryness, including inflammation, itching and discomfort. This lotion can be used safely by all ages (including infants) as a daily moisturiser on all parts of the body for smooth, supple, hydrated skin.  

Are you ready to include a moisture locking body moisturiser into your daily routine? If you are looking to nourish, hydrate and protect your skin with the nourishing benefits of Colloidal Oatmeal, you can purchase Dermavive Moisturising Lotion here.  

Have you ever looked closely at your pores? These tiny delivery channels are responsible for the good, the bad and the ugly when it comes to our skin, yet we rarely pay them the attention they deserve.