'Facelift in a Jar' Creme

Posted on 12 February 2014

The Ageless Total Repair Crème  is a definite favourite of Euphoria clients. One client describes it as a ‘face lift in a jar’ to us, hence the name of this article.

This wonder cream comes from IMAGE Skincare’s ‘Ageless' range, which is predominantly a Glycolic Acid based range. The Total Repair Crème has some other exciting active ingredients as well, which I’ll get to a bit later on in the article.

“So…why do I want to put this ‘acid’ on my face?!” you might be asking…

Glycolic Acid: What is it?

Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecules of the Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid (AHA) group, which makes it the most easily penetrable AHA. When applied to the skin, it reacts and weakens the binding properties of surface oils that hold dead skin cells on the very top layer of your skin (the ‘stratum corneum’). This allows for your fresh, young skin cells to be left revealed. In other words, it’s a great exfoliant!

It’s good for so many things, but here’s a few you might be interested in;

  • It allows your other products to be absorbed more effectively, due to the breakdown of the surface barrier of grime and dead cells. This means the other active ingredients in the product or your other products will work better!
  • The benefits of Glycolic Acid use are compound; meaning your skin will benefit the more you use it (within reason, of course – we’re not saying you should use more than is recommended!).
  • It can help minimize the look of pores by keeping them clean and clear, but also by strengthening your skin cells around your pores.
  • Acne and oily skins can be kept clean and clear with the use of Glycolic Acid products as it penetrates deep into your pores anddissolves oil and dead cells, which cause blockages and infected pores (pimples)
  • Prematurely aged skin and fine lines can be reduced due to the faster cell turnover rate (exfoliation process). You’re always getting rid of the dead cells on the surface and this leaves more of the fresh new cells visible!

It’s important to note that the percentage of the Glycolic Acid in the product plays a major part in the effectiveness of the product. The Total Repair Creme is 19% Glycolic Acid, and 1% Retinol (Vitamin A molecule). Which brings me to the next active ingredient in this ‘Face Lift’ crème…

Retinol: What is it?

Retinol is the term for the Vitamin A molecule. It belongs to the family known as Retinoids and boasts the same capability as Glycolic Acid to penetrate the skin very effectively. Retinol has some similar functions to Glycolic Acid, but also unique benefits of its own, including;

  • It speeds up the skin cell turnover rate, meaning your skin basically grows new cells at a faster rate. This means your skin is shedding the dead upper layer faster and more effectively than it usually does by itself, leaving you with fresher skin cells.
  • It can also help regulate your sebum (oil) levels, which is great for acne skins and blocked pores.
  • Your skin is actually very good at keeping foreign substances out, but this is one molecule that is able to penetrate deep enough into your skin that it reaches the Dermal layer. This gives it the ability to produce Collagen and Elastin; the building blocks of youthful looking skin! These proteins are what give your skin strength, form and suppleness.

So you may be wondering, “Do I really want this product to make it easier for other ingredients to penetrate my skin?” The answer is; it depends what else you are putting on your skin. 

On that note, I’d like to point out what other goodies this product contains;

  • Hyaluronic Acid – the molecule our body already produces to hydrate and plump our skin, but which decreases with age and environmental factors (like the sun, smoking, etc). This is also what our Dermal Fillers are made from.
  • Antioxidants A & E – to repair skin and fight nasty free radicals
  • Soybean Oil – another Collagen stimulant!
  • Shea Butter – to restore hydration to your skin
  • Liquorice Extract -  a skin lightening agent

And finally, this product, (and all Image Skincare products) contain;

  • No petrochemicals
  • No chemical preservatives
  • No artificial perfumes – the fragrances are composed with 100% essential oils

We hope this has been informative but if you have any other questions regarding the IMAGE Total Repair Crème, or any other products and services we offer here, please get in touch or leave us a comment below!

Ph: (07)55140614