All about: Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant

One of the most exciting skincare releases of the year thus far has to be Dermalogica’s Daily Superfoliant, which has joined the ranks of innovative skin solutions harnessing the power of a very topical, buzz-worthy ingredient.

The Daily Superfoliant, which is not to be confused with its rice-based, best-selling and award-winning predecessor, the Daily Microfoliant, is the brand's answer to the emergence of “anti-pollution” beauty products that have been appearing of late. "While similar in form, the Superfoliant and Microfoliant couldn't be more different," Diana Howard, vice president of research and development for Dermalogica told Allure. "Daily Superfoliant resurfaces skin and helps prevent premature signs of pollution-related ageing, while Daily Microfoliant is known for its smoothing and brightening capabilities."

The aforementioned buzz-worthy ingredient that you’ll find in the formula is activated charcoal, which is undoubtedly the beauty ingredient of the moment. A carbon that has been treated to increase its absorbency, it isn't actually new. It's been used in hospital emergency rooms and vet surgeries for years to treat toxicity, alcohol poisoning and drug overdoses and works by attaching to toxins in the stomach and absorbing them before the bloodstream can. The theory behind including activated charcoal in beauty products follows similar lines – it will hopefully act like a magnet to attract and absorb dirt (i.e. “pollution”) and oil. I have seen it added to everything from cleansers to masks and even tooth whitener, but Dermalogica’s new lil' beauty is quite something again.

Differentiating it from other anti-pollution products on the market, the new Superfoliant delivers three key functions: resurfacing, purifying and protecting. It resurfaces via an advanced powder formula that activates upon contact with water, releasing powerful enzymes and skin-smoothing alpha hydroxyl acids (we love those!). Activated Bionchotan Charcoal is the goodie that purifies the skin, helping to adsorb environmental toxins from deep within the pores. Rice bran gives the powder its fine-but-effective grit, anti-inflammatory Niacinamide helps protect and lactic acid sloughs off dead skin cells. Amazing, yes?

So, how do you use it? After cleansing, pour out about half a teaspoon of the powder into wet hands (they must be wet, or forget about it) and slowly rub formula together until it forms a paste. When it starts to foam a little you know it has been properly activated, so then apply it – avoiding the eye area - in gentle circular motions for about a minute before thoroughly rinsing. The result? Glowing, even skin. Who doesn’t want that?

It is designed to be used daily, but if you have more sensitive skin like mine, apply on alternate days or twice a week. This beauty is available now, RRP $109.00.