To have the opportunity to speak to an extremely talented, inspirational and educational woman in the beauty industry, continues to renew my spark and desire to learn more about the ever evolving world of beauty and skincare.
Becoming a skincare educator enabled me to thread through my belief that "learning never ends". I personally still crave knowledge and understanding when it comes to skincare formulations and how they work. So I was thrilled to be able to have a conversation first hand with Colette Haydon, a doctor in dermo-pharmacy, who has formulated products for many coveted beauty brands (which you may already possess unknowingly in your beauty collection).
Read on to discover the simplicity of Colette's creations that are supported by clinical results and how I have adapted my skincare routine to suit my current lifestyle needs.
I always research a brand and product before making the choice to invest.
The Lixirskin Philosophy
I was instantly drawn in by the simplicity of Lixirskin. The aesthetics are very pleasing to the eye, with its 'millennial blush pink' tones and its streamlined 'less is more' approach of infusing skin with targeted molecular based ingredients, ensuring an advanced but relaxed approach to achieving that healthy glow.
As we speak on the phone (with my toddler making his presence known in the background), I nod my head in agreement....we have a mutual understanding that having a busy lifestyle, whether that being a busy mum to your children, having work deadlines and commitments, or even a hectic studying schedule can really take its toll.
So, as we try and deal with the every day stresses that life can throw at us, our skincare should be the one thing that is uncomplicated and time efficient. It should instead be a pleasurable part of our daily routines and even act as a haven of tranquillity with an air of simplicity.
Lixirskin fuses everyday skin care essentials that perform on a multi-tasking level. Colette believes that "a good formula will do it all." Dedicating her work to the understanding of how the skin works forms the basis of her universal formulations. She does not believe in defining where the transition of skin begins or ends. From the face to eye area, neck and décolleté they are all seamlessly bound together.
The formulas are designed to be applied wherever you desire, even on the body if you so wish!
What I find most appealing about the branding is that there is no age limit on any of the products. Lixirskin can be used by any age and gender who are looking to improve the overall health of their skin.
A simple two step system is at the core of this skincare ritual with no need to apply layer after layer of actives, something that can be time consuming, confusing and complicated for your average skincare user.
Morning
Vitamin C Paste + Universal Emulsion
Night
Electrogel Cleanser + Universal Emulsion
The Universal Emulsion has been designed to be used as your morning and evening moisturiser with the addition of it being your serum base where you can add a targeted Night Switch Molecule- a concentrated fusion of ingredients designed to treat specific concerns.
When in consultation with my clients or talking to friends, they all desire skincare that is simple but harnesses effective ingredients. They want to combat common complexion concerns such as signs of dullness, skin ageing, congestion and problematic skin concerns. Step in Lixirskin, with there multi tasking hero products.
I chose to invest in the below products to incorporate into my minimal skin care edit. Here is what I thought:
A textured paste, that upon massaging, gently melts and warms into the skin. The sensory addition of Jasmine and Mandarin infuse a fresh, light, floral aroma.
It packs a skincare punch with the 10% L-Ascorbic Acid, transforming my dull morning skin with a glow that I definitely did not wake with!
Once I have massaged a pea size amount to the face, eye contour, lips, neck and décolleté, I leave for around 3-5 minutes before adding water to further work the product into my skin. Vitamin C loves water with regards to making it an active molecule, therefore, when activated this way it is able to reach the skin cells to perform its magic.
I then remove any remnants with a soft muslin cloth, soaked in warm water. 'Et voila' energised and radiant skin!
I was interested in finding out how this product provides a natural sunscreen against UVA and UVB. Colette explained that when Vitamin C is applied topically it absorbs and protects from within, shielding your cells against free radical damage. It has the capacity to work as a co-factor of collagen and elastin synthesis making this an excellent addition for those wanting to prevent signs of ageing caused by environmental aggressors.
Colette recommends using this every morning as your cleanser/ mask step in one to ensure you receive the best outcome.
This is what I have been adhering to with fantastic results from the very first use!
I adore this product. It actually reminded me of a product I used when I was a spa therapist for a French based Beauty Brand. It had the same removal technique with the natural clays acting to smooth away impurities. The actual method of removal resonates with classic French inspired exfoliation techniques.
You can use this as either a 1 minute exfoliation step or a 5 minute purifying clay/exfoliation treatment. I tend to use this as the latter.
The texture is extremely creamy, gliding over dry clean skin with ease and comfort.
Continue to pat the product into the skin for a minute or two. As the Kaolin Clay begins to dry it will help remineralisation of the complexion whilst drawing out impurities. This formula is also infused with hydrating ingredients to ensure the skin does not dry out.
Top tip: Avoid putting this too close to the eye area.
Now comes the fun part, the removal. Support the skin, as you use a gentle back and forth motion using the length of your middle finger, you are able to gently lift and 'rub' off the product, leaving little particles that resemble eraser (rubber) shavings. This is super satisfying and feels as if you have given your skin a mini workout boosting the circulation at the same time.
Colette explains that granular facial exfoliators are not great as they can lead to microtears in the upper layer of your skin, compromising your microbiome. They are also not good for the environment, with some even polluting our oceans and poisoning sea life.
Acids + enzymes + clay are the three things that will help resurface and exfoliate your skin and can be applied in controlled dosages as to not implicate the barrier function.
This put simply is a universal moisturiser that can be applied any where on the face and body, morning and evening. A great one to pack for upcoming trips away. The top ingredients listed are Water, Glycerin, Squalane, Shea Butter, Soybean Oil and Evening Primrose Oil.
But this is not your average emulsion, Collette explains that this is a 'reverse emulsion' where the aqueous phase (water) is dispersed in the non-aqueous phase (oil). By using this type of emulsion formula, dermo-pharmacists are able to control and tailor more precisely the initial texture, the spread ability and efficiency of the product. This effectively helps to replenish the acid mantle on the skin.
This emulsion is lightweight and instantly hydrates the skin. Massage this into the skin until you recognise the 'sealing in' feeling. It's as if it locks and retains water into the skin, revealing a plumped up effect.
The Universal Emulsion also claims to provide a natural UV protection with no added sunscreens. How? The emulsification technique explained above allowed clinical testing to confirm it provided a protection of an SPF 10 without adding any other sun protection ingredients into the mix. This also makes it compatible for night time use. Colette says this product is ideal to use as an 'urban day cream and primer'.
Last thoughts
So there you have it a minimal skin care edit that harness amazing multi-functional ingredient formulations, that work on a variety of skin levels.
This could be the brand for you if you were thinking of re evaluating and streamlining your current skincare routine while still achieving clinically proven results.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Lixirskin as much as I did learning about this next generation of transformative and beneficial formulas.
Lindsay x
