Repairing Summer Skin Damage with Di Morelli Skincare

We know now, better than ever, the importance of taking care of our skin, especially when it comes to sun exposure. Especially when you're as burn-prone (read: pale) and freckled as I am, you're pretty conscious of your skin's health. I make sure to always wear SPF during the summer months - well, at least most of the time - but during the fall and winter months, I don't really have a skincare regime in place to help repair any summer skin damage. To be honest, I never really considered trying to "repair" my sun damaged skin at all.

Vancouver-based Di Morelli Skin Care recently introduced me to their product line, and it just so happens they have a 3 step regime for repairing summer skin damage - I figured I would be the perfect person to take it for a test run! I incorporated their SPF 35, Brightener and Vitamin C Serum into my daily routine for the last month:

Step 1: Vitamin C Serum for Face & Eye with Matrixyl

According to Di Morelli, this is the first step to healthier, more radiant skin! This serum, which is made for use on your face and eye area, stimulates collagen and fights environmental damage. I find it smells a bit like Dettol (if you've ever used the antiseptic), but the bf actually really liked the smell. I apply a thin layer over my whole face and around the eye area, and within a few seconds, it goes from an ever-so-light stickiness to completely invisible.

Step 2: SPF 35 with Micronized Zinc Oxide & Vitamin E

Can't skip the SPF! I applied this after the Vitamin C Serum in the morning. Even in the fall and winter, it's important to protect your skin from the sun. I'm guilty of not applying SPF this time of year, but I'm getting better at it. I applied this for daily protection from damaging UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. It's oil-free and non-comedogenic too, in case you're breakout prone! It smells like your typical sunscreen, and applies quite nicely to the skin. No greasy texture.

Step 3: Brightener with Lactic, Azeliac and Kojic Acid

There's something about a night time skincare regime that I find luxurious and pampering. Before bed, I applied Di Morelli's Brightener. The texture is very similar to the Vitamin C Serum, with a strong smell of alcohol. The Brightener disappears into the skin super fast though, so no stickiness or residue is left on your pillow. Dead skin cells will be eliminated, and a brighter and more even skintone is revealed underneath! Got sun spots? The Brightener actually inhibits your melanin production. Plus, exfoliating the dead skin cells also helps to eliminate the bacteria that causes acne.

Here's the thing - a regime like this doesn't come cheap. Something I've learned over the last couple years, though, is to invest in my skin. Especially when it comes to something like sun damage, you really need to make commitment to repair and protect your skin - especially if you want to see long term results!


Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta

Beauty Review: Daily Skincare Regimen

I've never been particularly good to my skin. I usually just bought whatever cheap facial cleanser and moisturizer I saw in the drug store. But now I'm being a real adult who finally has her own real skincare regime! For the first time ever, I feel like I'm treating my skin the way it should be treated: with the right acne cleanser and toner (to keep any pimples in check), the right cleansing brush, and the right creams. I was introduced to all these new game-changing products during the London Drugs Beauty Event; you can see my event coverage from that here. Follow along below to see what my new beauty routine looks like:

Cleansing: 

• Silk'n Sonic Clean Plus
• NeoStrata Acne Clear Cleanser
• NeoStrata Acne Clear Clarifying Solution

Nothing like a real deep clean! I've been using the Silk'n Sonic Clean Plus (available at London Drugs) for a few weeks now, and have been loving it! It's self-timed, so it'll switch off after 60 seconds. You can also set it to pulse or vibrate, deep clean or gentle clean, depending on what your skin needs. It's pretty cool that it re-charges through magnets, which means that the unit is water resistant and can be used in the shower! Pretty handy. It leaves my face feeling cleaner than using a facecloth, and is super soft too.

NeoStrata will soon be releasing their brand new Acne Clear line, something that I was excited to try, since I've gone through my fair share of acne products through my teen years especially. I still get the odd breakouts, so I figured I'd be able to give this a good test run! I particularly like the NeoStrata Clarifying Solution (available at London Drugs); it tightens up my pores, and I can feel the salicylic acid going to work right away. So far, I've been blemish free ever since! 

Moisturizing/Creams:

• NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal
• NeoStrata Night Repair Cream

If you've never used a cream with glycolic acid before, you'll notice a slight tingling for the first few uses, so just keep that in mind. NeoStrata's Glycolic Renewal (available at London Drugs), moisturizes the skin while exfoliating dead cells on the skin's surface. I find I usually have to use an exfoliator most days, but now that I use the Glycolic Renewal, I find I exfoliate less frequently now, and my skin isn't as dry!

At night time, I use the NeoStrata Night Repair Cream (available at London Drugs) instead of the Glycolic Renewal. Similar to the Glycolic Renewal, it removes dead skin cells and moisturizes the skin while I sleep. I find I haven't even been using primer on my skin in the mornings anymore, just using the Glycolic Renewal again and then applying my foundation. The perfect canvas!

Dark Spot Treatment:

• NeoStrata SecureWhite Brightening Serum

Now, this is a pretty cool product. I went in with pretty low expectations, as I really didn't think it could be all that effective, but I was more than impressed with the results! I tested NeoStrata's SecureWhite Brightening Serum (available at London Drugs) over 2 weeks on a couple of spots of discolouration, and was amazed that they actually disappeared that quick! I can only imagine what it could do over a longer period of time. Really recommend giving this a try if you have any dark spots you want to lighten up!

Happy Styling! xo

~ Britta