Today, I am VERY excited to start my Dermalogica Skin Health Series: Where my Skin Journey Began! I switched to this skincare line in December of 2015 and have since changed to using their products exclusively for my skin health. I am starting this series to walk you through why I chose this company for my skin health, what I use and highlight my facial routine with Dermalogica.
Note: I am a loyal customer of Dermalogica and began my skin care journey with them long before I started this blog. This Series is an honest Dermalogica review. All opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links; full disclosures HERE.
Overview:
- Background about my Skin
- Products I have used in the past
- Why I changed to Dermalogica in December 2015 (>6 months before beginning this blog)
- Stay tuned for more Dermalogica Skin Health Series posts coming to the blog soon! Can’t wait? See some of my daily products and comments on the Skin Health Tab!
Background about my Skin
Before we begin talking about Dermalogica, I think it is important to take a step back and talk about my skin health. I think this will help you relate to where my skin is now and where it has been in the past.
My skin is very sensitive. I mean very sensitive. I was always afraid to try new products for fear of a bad reaction to an ingredient or fragrance in the product. My skin reacted differently depending on the season; it was more oily during humid summer months in Wisconsin and dry during the cold winter months in Wisconsin. It was a constant battle to keep my skin health balanced and acne-free. When I moved to Los Angeles, my skin was more consistent because of less variation in seasons.
I’m in my late 20s and since I was a teenager I have been challenged with mild-moderate acne. I have continued to suffer from cystic acne with occasional breakouts and whiteheads – particularly during stressful times. Today, I continue to be challenged with mild acne breakouts; I unfortunately cannot say I have clear skin all the time. And I’m not expecting a skin care product to magically clear my skin. I’m expecting to keep my skin healthy.
Products I have used in the past
From age ~14-21 years old I saw dermatologists and mostly used prescription products to treat and control my acne breakouts. These were always topical prescriptions for acne; I never required oral prescription medications for acne. I’m not going to discuss the medical diagnosis and specific medications because a) I’m not a licensed dermatologist b) everyone’s skin is different c) I’m not here to give you medical advice d) honestly I didn’t keep records of everything I used throughout the years
In my 20s I used the Proactiv 3 Step Acne Treatment System. I had mild acne during this time and this system was easy to use and controlled my breakouts. I did find the products harsh on my skin though with frequent dry skin. My biggest problem with Proactiv was the severe skin deterioration and redness it caused on the sides of my nose. I switched between different moisturizers over the years – from Aveeno to Clinique to Ole Henriksen. I could never find one that I loved.
Finally, in December 2015 I had enough. My skin didn’t feel healthy. I needed a change. My twin sister recommended Dermalogica. She had been using Dermalogica products for ~6 months already and was loving them.
Why I changed to Dermalogica
I pulled the trigger to find a new skin care regimen – healthy skin was a must on my agenda! I researched new products and companies. When I finished my research it was clear that Dermalogica was at the top of my list.
Why?
- Free of common irritants and ingredients that could cause breakouts (including lanolin, SD alcohol, mineral oil, artificial colors and fragrances)
- Education behind the product is top of the line – the International Dermal Institute (IDI) is considered the international gold-standard for postgraduate skin and body therapy training with 37 locations worldwide
- Every Dermalogica product is manufactured in the USA and available for purchase from qualified skin therapists worldwide. You can even go behind-the-scenes to see how products are created HERE.
- Of course, you know I LOVE companies who give back. Dermalogica is included in this list. Their Dermalogica Foundation focuses on impact the world globally through Education, Entrepreneurship and Empowerment. Since this is not a dedicated article in my Giving Back Series, I’ll let you head over to the Dermalogica FITE website for more information now.
Now that I had decided on a company to try first, I headed over to their Flagship Store – Dermalogica on Montana – in Santa Monica to learn more and get a personalized face mapping service performed (free for all customers)! I didn’t set-up an appointment or anything; walk-ins are always welcome at their store.
An esthetician sat with me for ~30 minutes to customize my face mapping regimen. She educated me on their products and was not pushy or salesy in any way. At the end, I had a full regimen she recommended based on my past description of my skin and current skin condition. I was offered samples to try out the products for a week or so and also decided to purchase products before leaving. She even put together a sample bag of men’s products to leave with (since my boyfriend sat through the face mapping experience very nicely – I have since converted him to a Dermalogica customer – more info on that in another post).
That’s where my skin journey began. That ends Part I of my Dermalogica Skin Health Series. What products have I used over the past 14 months and how has my skin changed?
Stay tuned for more Dermalogica Skin Health Series posts coming to the blog soon with my Weekend Health posts on Saturdays! Can’t wait? See some of my daily products and comments on the Skin Health Tab!
Questions about my skin? Please leave a comment or email me anytime.
Jessica Louie, PharmD, APh, BCCCP is the CEO of Clarify, Simplify, Align and Host of The Burnout Doctor Podcast. Dr. Louie uses her signature Burnout Doctor Method to coach burned out pharmacists & professionals to simplify because work-life balance is a LIE. Align work into your life & break free from people pleasing, perfectionism and thrive in life on YOUR TERMS.