A Capsule Skincare Line That Will Make Your Skin Glow
Lixirskin is more than just millennial pink packaging and cool names like Night Switch and Electrogel Cleanser. The capsule brand, consisting of just seven products, is the brainchild of Colette Haydon a French doctor in dermo-pharmacy. She has been formulating skincare products for years working for brands like Ren and Healgel. For her own brand, Lixirskina, Haydon wanted to streamline it down to great products that work for everyone, young or old. "We don't believe in having products dedicated to the face, neck or eye." says Haydon. "There is no such thing as a product which is good for one part of your skin and not the other. A good formula does it all. We believe in universal, advanced and multi-tasking formulations for everyday use."
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Refreshing to hear, right? Lixirskin has products you use every day and then actives that you switch in and out. "Products with too many active ingredients confuse the skin, it works too hard, gets tired and gives up," says Haydon. "It is better to ask the skin to do one thing at a time but to do it well. Some active ingredients are universally essential to your skin and you can never overdo it. Others are for specific skin concerns, if used for too long they saturate the skin and no longer delivers results. It is good to switch them around to keep the skin stimulated and avoid the plateau effect."
And as to whether the brand is natural or synthetic, it's both and Haydon doesn't shy away from that fact, "The natural versus synthetic battle is dated - not all chemistry is bad... We focus on pure molecules with published clinical results."
Now, let's talk you through the products in the line-up.
Electrogel Cleanser
A rich cream cleanser, this does it all removing dirt and grime in one wash. Interestingly most things that are bad for our skin: pollution particles, dirt and free radicals have a positive charge, so Haydon has given this a slight negative charge to attract all those nasties which can then easily be rinsed away. Smart, right?
Electrogel Cleanser, €28
Vitamin C Paste
This super quick daily mask works in just a few minutes to neutralise oxidised sebum and proteins (blackheads!) to revive greyish, greenish and dull skin tones. Containing 10% L Ascorbic Acid which is the most potent form of Vitamin C, it protects against UVA and UVB rays, whilst regulating melanin production (that can cause uneven pigmentation) so your complexion looks brighter. Oh, and it also bolsters your collagen and elastin production that helps skin look bouncy and young.
Vitamin C Paste, €39
Universal Emulsion
Okay, this is where it gets really interesting. The Universal Emulsion is a great all-round moisturiser that can be used anywhere on the body (no need for a separate neck or hand cream). It seriously hydrates the complexion, which is important because water is key to the healthy functioning of our skin. This emulsion creates a shield against the environment - think UVA, UVB and harmful free radicals so you can rest assured that you're protected throughout the day. It also acts as a base for the Night Switch actives...
Universal Emulsion, €34
Right, there are three Night Switch products the BHA/AHA 10%, PHA/AHA 10% and the Retinol 1%, below.
Haydon believes that skin can become accustomed to active ingredients and the effects plateau, so she has created three products that you switch in and out.
Night Switch BHA/AHA 10%
The BHA/AHA 10% is a combination of two alpha hydroxy acids - lactic and azelaic acid and beta hydroxy acid salicylic. AHAs work on the top layer of your complexion to slough away dead skin cells so it looks brighter and more even. As well as exfoliating lactic acid is hydrating, whilst azelaic acid helps to control sebum. Salicylic acid is able to dive deeper into your pores to exfoliate and unclog any that are blocked. This is a great choice if you have dull, oily or spot-prone skin.
At night mix one or two pumps into the Universal Emulsion and apply every evening for three weeks. Then give your skin a rest using just the emulsion for a few nights before switching.
Night Switch PHA/AHA 10%
PHA/AHA 10% contains a slightly different blend of acids that work together to dislodge pigmented skin for a brighter complexion overall. It utilises AHAs lactic and phytic acid, along with the PHA lactobionic acid. Phytic acid eliminates heavy metals from the skin, whilst lactobionic acid reduces oxidative stress. Essentially, heavy metals and oxidative stress cause skin to look dull and age prematurely, making this Night Switch ideal for anyone with uneven skin tone, pigmentation or fine lines and wrinkles. Use at night mixed into your Universal Emulsion for two weeks before resting your skin for a few evenings.
Night Switch Retinol
Retinol is known in the beauty world as the gold standard anti-ageing ingredient. It does everything you could want - evens skin tone, smooths texture and fine lines, tackles pigmentation, prevents spots and even firms the skin. Add one pump to your Universal Emulsion and apply to the face, around the eye contour and neck. Use two pumps if you want to apply to your hands and décolleté too. Apply at night for four weeks before resting and switching.
With the Night Switch trio you can alternate between the retinol and the acid that's best for you, or if you feel all three could work for your skin then switch between all of them!
Soft Clay Rubber
If enlarged pores and blackheads are your main skin concerns then this multi-functional all-in-one exfoliator and mask is for you. Once or twice a week apply a generous layer of this to your skin, paying particular attention to the T-zone and chin. The mask contains enzymes that break down the dead skin cells made from keratin that block pores. Then white clay draws out impurities and mops up excess oil. Once the mask is dry you rub and massage the skin to mechanically exfoliate away the top layer of dull pore-blocking skin. The more you massage the better, it stimulates circulation so your skin will look bright and glowing after.
Soft Clay Rubber, €32
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