I don’t often get “relaxing” facials that see you sit back, say nothing and allow the therapist to go to work.
For this reason the skincare professionals probably despise having me in their clinic but if I’m face-to-face with a beauty guru I’m going to pick their brains on everything from acne to what makeup I should be wearing and how to manage my gut health.
And so it was when I visited the esteemed INSKIN COSMEDICS HQ recently and dabbled with the hugely popular and science-backed O COSMEDICS.
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The educator and therapist Michelle said she planned to give me a relaxing experience but in the end we opted for a peel, extractions and a calming mask so I could really put the O COSMEDICS products to the test.
And impressed by the results would be an understatement.
Later, I spoke to the CEO and founder of INSKIN COSMEDICS, O COSMEDICS and GINGER&ME about some of the key beauty questions that have been gnawing away at me and Maria Enna Cocciolone was only too happy to help out.
To summarise, this is what I learned.
1. To improve your skin health from the inside out, invest in EFAs
Now that acronym might seem like it belongs on the stock market but EFAs are actually your body’s Essential Fatty Acids, and they act as building blocks in the skin.
“EFAs play a critical role in skin function and appearance; skin is smoother, more hydrated, looks healthier and more youthful,” Maria explained.
“Those more skin savvy recognise the importance and correlation between gut health and skin health that supports reduction in inflammation, rebalancing of microbiomes and vitality of skin from within.
“I personally love supplements that are made with the right blend of pre, pro and postbiotics, vitamins, minerals, marine collagen and herbal blends.”
The team actually recommended I start taking OPTY.NC’s Ultimate 2.0 Marine ($115) post-facial — after explaining that I prefer a powdered formula over tablets — and I can safely say it’s the tastiest supplement I’ve ever had.
I’ve tried many of the main marine collagen brands on the market and this blood orange-flavoured option is so easy to take I almost wonder whether I’m cheating the system.
2. I was told to avoid vitamin C when I’m heavily breaking out. Is this a myth?
This actually came up during the facial itself because I was incorporating vitamin C into my current routine to combat hormonal acne and I’d heard differing versions of whether this was a safe practice or not.
Maria quickly broke down the various forms of vitamin C for me.
“The truth is in the type of vitamin C that is used and it goes without saying some are better than others for certain skin types,” she explained.
“L’Ascorbic Acid is the most common type of vitamin C and is effective when used on oily breakout prone skin.
“My personal favourite derivatives of vitamin C are Resveratrol that has proven anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, also known as Stay-C 50, which is clinically proven to treat both teen and adult breakout and acne.”
It’s important to apply your vitamin C in the morning regardless — and retinol (usually) in the evening — just in case you want to add it to your daily skin cycle.
3. Other than double cleansing, what are other skin best practices I should be following?
Repeat after me: You should be cleansing no matter what and double cleansing if you’re wearing makeup.
Maria said: “I can’t stress enough the importance of a clean canvas. If the skin isn’t perfectly cleansed, the delivery of corrective serums and hydrators is compromised”.
Speaking of “correctors” they are usually key to treating specific skin conditions like pigmentation and acne so you can’t just reply on a good old fashion cleanse and moisturise routine to get the job done.
“Functional actives are critical for skin transformations. If the strength of actives isn’t enough, cell behaviour cannot be influenced,” Maria said.
“Retinol is king. No corrective skin regime is complete without vitamin A.”
And finally, but most importantly, apply SPgot yF during rain, hail, shine, indoors or outdoors. Or you might as well tip those serums and functional actives down the drain.
4. Is there truth to the fact your makeup could be delaying your clear skin goals?
The perfect skin regime can be compromised and disrupted when you apply chemical based primers and foundations, Maria said.
“Most cosmetic products contain harsh ingredients that compromise your natural skin barrier, allowing pathogens to enter the skin, clog pores, cause irritation, breakout and contribute to premature aging, dehydration, and loss of radiancy and even skin tone.”
Skincare educator Michelle actually applyed the 1Skin foundation range to my skin — in the shade “Suede” if you’re interested — and even after the extractions I couldn’t see even a bit of redness.
It covered what it needed to cover without suffocating my skin and it has become my favourite base product pretty much overnight.
“The 1SKIN range is free from silicones, parabens, phenoxyethanol, mineral oil, artificial fragrances and colour and always cruelty free,” Maria added.
5. What is your number one best-selling product?
O COSMEDICS, which was developed by Maria, has plenty of star-powdered products but the best-selling one is actually the Gentle Antioxidant Cleanser ($58).
It shouldn’t come as a surprise given cleansers are such an important first step in the skincare process, but this one in particular leaves skin feeling hydrated and fresh.
“I love the B3 Plus Serum ($129) powered by 12 per cent niacinamide and enhanced with Trylagen for ultimate collage production in one,” Maria said. This is also the best-selling serum at O COSMEDICS.
“Our Smart Serum ($199) boasts 12 clinical actives, making it a must have for every skin and the Neck Firming and Lifting Serum ($159) with 10 Clinical Actives is a game-changer.
“Let’s not even start on the Immortal Cream ($110), everything and more in a perfect hydrator and muscle relaxant.”
Want to test the O COSMEDICS range for yourself? Head to the brand’s website.
