Our bathrooms are cluttered with skincare, some of it we start and never finish, some of it we never open. How much do you really need to have healthy, glowy-looking skin? Learn how two products are changing the face of beauty here at BEQ HQ says editor Trudi Brewer.
The benefit of products that include fewer ingredients and no preservatives means fewer nasties to cause sensitivity and skin flare-ups. However, the skincare we use needs to be active and address concerns such as breakouts and wrinkles. French skincare giant Avène provides everything from brightening, to acne fighting, firming and nourishing. But what appeals to us is the simplicity of the range. We asked Avène's national trainer Yoann Ledey where to start when searching for a simple, effective skincare range. "Avène is a dermo-cosmetic that offers dermatological active ingredients, in a pleasurable cosmetic formulation. At the source of all our products is the water from Avène (a village located in the Orb valley, in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc Regional Park) with soothing, and anti-irritating properties that are recognised by dermatologists all over the world. These qualities are backed by more than 150 clinical studies." Virtues Ledey believes help to calm and correct the skin of any type, age or ethnicity. Here's what's new.
Eau Thermale Avène Cleanance Micellar Water, $43
Clean skin is happy skin, while it's an arduous task, it's essential, one beauty duty that can cause irritation or sensitivity. This is where the power of magnetic water, known as micellar water comes into its own. A quick science lesson micellar water works like a magnet, grime, oil and makeup are drawn to the particles in the water which is why it's such an effective cleanser. In this new water, the mattifying monolaurin extract (found in coconut oil) helps to manage oil flow in the skin, while the soothing and anti-irritating benefits of the Avène mineral-rich water help to refresh your complexion leaving it not only clean, but hydrated and smooth. Soak a cotton square and apply to the skin, morning and night.
Eau Thermale Avène TriAcnèal Expert Emulsion, $50
A hybrid between a lotion and a serum, this cream was created to solve two beauty dilemmas. Pimples and wrinkles, the very issues that affect many women at any age. First up an anti-bacterial ingredient known as Diolényl, helps to reduce breakout, blackheads and annoying blemishes while stopping the spread of pimples and reducing redness associated with acne. While the powerhouse retinaldehyde (vitamin A derivative) helps to add clarity to the skin and reduce the look of scarring, brown spots - and fine lines. And because this emulsion is packed with the Avène thermal spring water there is no chance your skin will react or become sensitive. Apply at night only, after cleansing your skin.