Daily delight: Dermalogica ULTRACALMING

Last week I went to the wonderful re:ab studio not just for a gut busting Pilates class or two, but also to hear more about Dermalogica’s exciting new release – the UltraCalming collection. Serious relief for sensitised skin, it’s a must for people like me that suffer from the aforementioned condition, especially at times of seasonal change like right now. I’ve been using their Barrier Repair for a few months now – i.e. over Winter and the early morning starts I have as a boot camp attendee – and can’t rave enough about its ability to “toughen up” my skin (for want of a better phrase) when I’m going from a warm house to a freezing park and back again. But back to the new goodies – and good they are. True to Dermalogica formulation standards, all of the UltraCalming products are free of known sensitisers like artificial fragrances and dyes, and tackle the challenges of treating sensitised, highly reactive and recently resurfaced skin. Dermalogica have recognised that there is often more than one contributing factor behind sensitised skin, and this is a complete system to help manage the multiple causes, which can stem from a genetic predisposition towards sensitivity or as a result from environmental assaults. “It’s a hostile world,” they say, “and the effects of stress, pollution, climatic extremes, medical procedures and even the foods we eat reflect on our skin.” These inflammatory responses can include:
Immunogenic inflammation: When skin is under assault, localised skin cells are alerted and activated to fight off the “invader.” This allergic reaction in skin triggers redness, soreness, and itchiness.
Neurogenic inflammation: Whereas immunogenic inflammation is triggered by the immune system, neurogenic inflammation is triggered by the nervous system. When an irritant chemical activates nerve sensors, it results in the release of substances that also trigger the inflammatory cascade, resulting in redness, soreness and itchiness.
Whatever the case, inflammation is never good! Luckily for us, all five of the UltraCalming products feature Dermalogica’s all new and highly effective UltraCalmingComplex. This multi-benefit complex includes active ingredients that mediate immunogenic and neurogenic inflammatory triggers for immediate and long-term relief of inflamed, sensitised skin. It also includes botanicals and peptides that help mimic skin’s natural protective barrier, helping to strengthen skin cell structure against water loss and defend against dehydration-induced sensitisation.
As well as a cleanser, super serum and masque, the range also includes a re-formulated version of my darling Barrier Repair, which I’m now loving even more. My second favourite so far must be the UltraCalming Mist, a highly active formula that soothes and protects whenever you need an added boost. It can be used over make up and is reportedly the perfect thing to have on board when you travel, which I’m going to be doing in just a few weeks. It was first on my list for the long haul until I realised one vital thing – at 177ml it’s 77ml OVER what you’re allowed to take on a plane!
UltraCalming launches in New Zealand 20th October 2010.