Calm down

Feeling overly sensitive? Many women complain of sensitive skin. Dermalogica launched its Ultra Calming skincare range at re:ab Pilates studio after an extremely stress-relieving talk by Breathing Works…

Feeling overly sensitive?

Itching, burning, stinging or redness?

Many women complain of sensitive skin. Dermalogica launched its Ultra Calming skincare range at re:ab Pilates studio on 1st September after an extremely stress-relieving talk by Breathing Works.

"If in doubt, breathe out" said the Breathing Works physio who talked us through various stress-relieving, calm-breathing methodologies. We had to uncross our legs, lower shoulders, hold hands in lap palm up, and breathe in slowly and out twenty times. The counting helps your active mind to relax, as it needs to be "doing something." There were audible sighs of relaxation around the room from busy editors as they calmed down and breathed deep.

Ultra Calming, billed as "serious relief for sensitised skin", differs from many sensitive skincare lines which are merely "watered-down" regular products, with a lower concentration of active ingredients. In contrast, Ultra Calming contains specially developed active ingredients that mediate immunogenic and neurogenic inflammatory triggers for the relief of inflamed skin.

The Ultra Calming Complex consists of botanicals Boerhavia Diffusa (Red Hogweed) root extract to target neurogenic inflammation by limiting the production of pro-inflammatory agents in the skin, Avena Sativa (Oat kernel) extracts which are rich in avenanthramides, proven to have natural anti-irritant and anti-redness properties, and Zingiber officinate (ginger) and Bisabolol (derived from chamomile) which work synergistically to help reduce redness and irritation.

Below, Emma from Dermalogica.

Emma’s coat is the only redness you’ll be seeing after using Ultra Calming.

The media launch in the beautiful art deco building at re:ab Pilates studio in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

The Ultra Calming range has five products: Cleanser (250ml $74, 500ml $107), Mist (177ml $84.50), Serum Concentrate (50ml $124.50), Barrier Repair (30ml $96) and Relief Masque (75ml $96).

How does it work? The Ultra Calming Cleanser is a gel cream that is more clear than milky and gently lifts away dirt. Use this daily, and use the Relief Masque anytime for quick relief when you experience a flare-up of irritation.

The Ultra Calming Mist – note, not a toner – is perfect to spray on over make-up and to have at your desk during the day or on the aeroplane. It desensitizes and eases redness and stinging.

The Ultra Calming Serum Concentrate is the star in the range. It feels silky smooth and acts to treat already irritated skin as well as defend against inflammation.

Dermalogica fans will already recognise the Barrier Repair from its earlier incarnation and now it’s back. The waterless moisturiser is an ideal base for make-up. Use after Mist and Serum Concentrate.

The Ultra Calming range is available in New Zealand from October 20th 2010. See www.dermalogica.co.nz for more details.

By Megan Robinson, 6 September 2010.