By Gaynor Alder
I’m going to come clean – I’m not really a fan of natural skin care. You certainly won’t find me writing about how to make your own face mask with oatmeal and avocado, nor will I be advising you to smear your face with a mashed banana and honey.
It’s not that I don’t like the ethos behind natural products, it’s just that I’m not convinced that a few plant leaves and a rind of an orange are really going to help eradicate wrinkles. You could say I’m as dubious as a ten year old whose questioning the reality of a fat man in a red suit flying though the sky in a sleigh with a reindeer named Rudolph.
So, as it’s the season to be slathering on super serums and creams loaded with active ingredients, to repair and restore the damage to our skin caused by consuming more alcohol than Amy Winehouse, I was rather reluctant to recommend a natural range.
However, when a range like Pelactiv comes along that combines native Australian botanicals in unique synergy with active ingredients such as Vitamin A & C, I’m prepared to suspend my disbelief and put aside my prejudice.
Vita C+ Rapid C Serum
Vitamin C (L-Absorbic Acid) has long been hailed as one of the holy grails in skincare, as it’s one of the few ingredients that has been scientifically proven to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles. However, the Vitamin C must be stable, otherwise it will oxidise when exposed to air and become completely ineffective. Further to this, it can also become harmful to your skin with the formation of free radicals during the oxidation process.
This super serum contains highly concentrated 15% stable Vitamin C, and helps to fight the damage caused by the sun, smoking and environmental pollutants. I would definitely recommend slathering this baby on morning and night during the Christmas season.
Vita C + Rapid C Serum + AHA
Along with Vitamin C and Kakadu Plum, this serum also contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). AHAs and BHAs are naturally occurring acids that have an exfoliating action. They help to resurface the skin, stimulate new cell growth and leave your skin as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
Vita C+ Dream Cream
This powerful night cream repairs your skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles whilst you sleep. In addition to Vitamin C, this cream contains bilberry and my particular favourite Vitamin A, otherwise known as retinol, which also helps the skin to produce collagen.
I can’t tell you yet whether the proof is in the pudding. I will, however, be reviewing the Pelactiv range in the new year. In the mean time, I’m mighty impressed with the line up of ingredients, and just like all the little boys and girls, you’ll just have to believe in miracles.
2010 will also see a 3 month beauty bridal plan, more trips to Australia’s best day spas and continuing to review the best beauty brands across the country, including a home skin peel that normally costs $700 in the salon and a hair colour that uses water instead of peroxide.
Wishing you a fabulous Christmas and New Year darlings.
To find out more about Pelactiv, visit http://pelactiv.com.
