Ask our Experts
Product Usage Questions
I am the mother of an active toddler and a newborn. Can you please tell me how to keep my skin well cleansed and nourished in the shortest time possible. My skin is quite sensitive and generally dry.
“This is a fantastic question and one that we get often.
The most import thing about skincare is keeping the skin clean and protected.
I would absolutely recommend multi-purpose, time saving products for you, considering you have your hands full with the littlies!
Vitamin C Daily Brightening Cleanser Use morning and night. Massage with fingers into the skin for at least 60 seconds to ensure a deep clean.
Microdermabrasion Scrub: For a sensitive skin, use the microdermabrasion scrub with a drop of water 1 – 2 times a week.
How do we keep our body hydrated even at night when too much liquid consumption before bedtime would only result in frequent visit to the loo?
“Water consumption is very important for keeping the body hydrated, if you can drink 2-3 litres a day this help maintain hydration.
As well as increased water consumption during the day, you should look at investing in a quality body moisturiser. I personally love a dry body oil. Our Derma e Vitamin E Oil or Cream, help to hydrate the skin while protecting the body from moisture loss.”
I’m unsure whether to use serum before moisturiser in the morning or just the evening before sleep or both? I have read various suggestions and remain confused?
“You are correct, your serums should always be applied to a clean skin, after cleansing/exfoliating and before your nourishing cream.
I recommend to use a serum in the morning and at night. However, the reason you might have read conflicting advice is that some serums can only be used at night, for example Vitamin A, because it makes skin very sensitive to the sun.
I am wondering which products should I use after excess sun exposure?
“Derma e has a number of products that will help to rejuvenate your skin after being exposed to the harsh Australian summer environment.
– The Hydrating Range with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin C, will deeply hydrate and nourish the skin, helping to maintain hydration of the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
– The Sensitive Skin Range will help to calm and soothe inflamed or red skin. But remember to always a broad spectrum SPF and reapply every two hours to avoid any redness.
– The Firming Range with DMAE will help to not only lift tone and tighten skin it will also help to minimise the appearance of pigmentation and sun spots with antioxidants Vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic Acid.”
I am currently using a Vitamin C Serum at night. I have normal-dry skin and want to minimise wrinkles. Am I on the right track?
“Absolutely! You can use a Vitamin C Serum at morning or night or both! It is a fantastic anti-aging and strengthening ingredient however it can make some skins slightly sensitive to the sun, so I would always recommend an SPF during the day.
To increase the efficacy of your Vitamin C, I would recommend using a gentle Vitamin A over night to allow your skin to achieve maximum benefit from your Vitamin C in the morning. Vitamin A acts almost as a resurfacing product, increasing cell turn over, minimising the build up of dry or dead skin cells and helps to improve the appearance of fine line and wrinkles. Try Derma e’s Firming Serum in the morning and the Anti-Wrinkle Moisturiser at night.”
Why do I need to exfoliate?
While cleansing is necessary to keep the skin clean, exfoliating two to three times a week works to minimise the buildup of dead skin. This process helps to stimulate healthy cell turnover, prevent clogged pores and enable other products to work at peak performance, leaving skin with a healthy, radiant glow.
I have used eye cremes before but they make my eyes feel uncomfortable. What do you recommend?
You may be placing the product too close to the eye and not on the bone that surrounds the eye area. The eye area generates a lot of heat so naturally all products are drawn towards the eye. When applying only apply a small amount to your ring finger and dot around the bone – do not rub or tug at this delicate skin as it can casue skin damage or encourage fine lines and wrinkles.
Can I use your products if I’m pregnant or nursing?
While Derma E stands by the integrity and safety of ALL its products, we recommend you consult with your doctor or medical practitioner before starting any new routine while you are pregnant or nursing.
What’s the best way to layer leave-on products?
Easy! Go from the thinnest product to the thickest. Start by applying your eye crème of choice, then apply a lightweight serum to your face. Next, apply the best moisturiser for your skin type and main concern.
How should one’s skin care routine change in winter to ensure skin stays healthy?
During summer our skin tends to produce more oil, therefore we opt for lightweight products. During winter, our skin needs products that are slightly heavier. Try Derma e Hydrating Day Crème to ensure maximum hydration and most importantly, prevent moisture loss.
When our skin lacks water, it affects its natural protective function and can create fine lines that may lead to deeper set wrinkles are we age. Think of your dehydrated skin as a sultana – dry and wrinkled. If you were to pump water back into it, it would become plump, firm and smooth like a grape. This is exactly what we want for our skin. Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most effective ingredients to “rehydrate” your skin. Hyaluronic Acid is created naturally by the body. Babies are born with loads of it (and think of how good their skin looks!). Unfortunately as we age, we stop producing as much. The reason Hyaluronic Acid is so effective is that once applied to the skin, its binds water to itself and swells to 1,000 times its size. Try Derma e Hydrating Serum with Hyaluronic Acid.
Are serums particularly good in winter?
Serums are great in winter to prevent moisture loss; however it is very important when using a serum to you prepare your skin before applying it. If you do not remove the build-up of dry or dead skin cells on the surface of your skin, there is essentially a barrier preventing your products from penetrating and working effectively. That’s why it’s most effective to use a serum and exfoliant hand in hand. During winter, you should be exfoliating 2-3 times a week and using a different serum morning and night, depending on your skin concerns.
How can we repair any winter skin damage?
“After the chilly winter weather, it is important to nourish your skin as you would your body! Vitamins A, C and E will work together to get your skin back into shape.
– Vitamin A, know commonly as the “skin vitamin” helps to gently resurface your skin, perfect after those drying winter conditions.
– Vitamin C will give your skin a boost, as it does for your immune system when you’re feeling run down. Try Derma E Vitamin C Serum for a potent dose of antioxidants to boost skin’s appearance and help fight environmental factors.
– Vitamin E helps to soothe any irritation that may result from harsh winter conditions. Try Derma e Vitamin E Cream (12,000 IU) to seriously protect and nourish your skin against all that winter throws its way.”
Skin Type or Concern Questions
I have recently turned 31 years old and I am just wondering should I start worrying about premature ageing? And if so, what kind of skincare routine or product should I start incorporating into my regime?
“31 years old is a great time to start thinking about anti aging products. Starting looking for products including antioxidants and peptides.
The most effective anti aging product is always going to be a serum as it works on the dermal layers of the skin where most premature aging starts.
Introduce the Firming Serum to your routine morning and night. This product with potent antioxidants such as Vitamin C and Alpha Lipoic, will help to slow the visible signs of aging.”
I tend to have forehead small bumps pimples under the skin and sometimes all over face. What can cause that and how can I treat it.
Small bumps on the forehead are most likely caused from sweat and a lack of proper exfoliation. Similar to blackheads these small bumps are a build up of dirt or oil trapped beneath the skin, however, these bumps have not oxidised with the air therefore have not turned black. Try our Microdermabrasion Scrub 2-3 times a week to gently exfoliate away dead skin cells.
I have combination and sensitive skin. I would like to try your full range of product. What would you recommend?
For sensitive skin, I would recommend our Biome Range. This line will help to reduce redness and irritation while calming and desensitising sensitive skin. All the products are great for combination skin, as they are all considered lightweight.
I’m allergic to almost everything. What Derma E products would work for me?
The Biome Range was created for all sensitive skin. Fragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin, this free-radical fighting collection boosts barrier function and protects skin against environmental and internal stressors.
I wake up with really puffy eyes in the morning. Do you have anything that will counteract this?
Yes! The Vitamin C Eye Creamis formulated to visibly reduce puffiness, redness and swelling, soothe irritation and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.
I have very sensitive skin with broken capillaries on my cheeks. How I can get rid of this or is there some way of toning them down at least?
I would advise you use our Derma E Biome Range. This specially formulated range contains anti-ageing Pycnogenol® as well as soothing green tea and chamomile. Pycnogenol® is a powerful yet gentle antioxidant extracted from French maritime pine bark that helps ease redness. To prevent further inflammation try to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine and a sudden change in climate and temperature (e.g. having a very hot shower and then stepping into cold air).
I have very dry skin with blackheads. What do you recommend?
I would recommend our Anti-Wrinkle Cleanser with Vitamin A and Glycolic morning and night, the Microdermabrasion Scrub three times a week and the Anti-Wrinkle Renewal Cream.. These products will prevent the build up of dry skin cells on the surface of the skin that may be trapping dirt and oil in the pore leading to blackheads.
General Questions
Will your products make me break out?
Our number one priority is the safety and efficacy of our products. Derma E products should not make you break out, however everyone is different and has unique responses to skincare. If you are concerned that a product might give you a reaction, we always suggest performing a patch test on the inner side of your elbow first.to be effective yet gentle, even on sensitive skin.
What is your skincare advice for men? Do they need to use different products?
Because men have facial hair, they are prone to razor burn and ingrown hairs. The best remedy to prevent irritation and encourage clear, healthy skin is to use a combination of our Microdermabrasion Scrub , two to three times a week, with our Tea Tree and Vitamin E Relief Cream as a post-shave moisturizer.
Can my diet affect my skin?
Absolutely! Fatty foods, alcohol, lack of sleep and lack of water all effect how you feel. The body takes longer to digest fatty foods and this is evident in the skin. The skin becomes dull, pores become open, the sebaceous gland is irritated and in general our skin is overworking to cope. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and causes premature aging – if you have had a big night you need to double your water intake.
Why is there no toner in the Australian range?
When chemical or sulphate based cleansers are used on the skin, the natural protective layer of the oil can be damaged or disrupted, leaving the skin vulnerable to sensitivity and irritation. Toning is the action of rebalancing and re-protecting the skin. However, all Derma E cleansers are sulphate free and pH balanced, maintaining the skins natural oils, meaning that toners not necessary.
What does AHA and BHA stand for and do I need to use them?
“AHA stands for Alpha Hydroxy Acid and BHA stands for Beta Hydroxy Acid. Examples of AHA’s are glycolic, lactic, malic and citric. BHA is otherwise known as Salicylic Acid. AHA’s are water soluble and BHA is lipid soluble. Both AHA’s and BHA’s are excellent options for exfoliating the surface of skin as well as helping to reduce wrinkles, encourage the production of collagen, and firm skin. AHA’s are best suited for sun-damaged or dry skin. BHA is best suited for oily, blemish-prone skin. BHA is also a gentle anti-inflammatory, helping to decrease redness or irritation associated with blemish-prone skin. Derma E Overnight Peel features a 5% mix of Glycolic, Lactic and Malic Acids. ”
