We don’t know about you but we’ve noticed that there’s been a bit of a skin care revolution lately. While we love a dreamy eye palette and creamy lipstick as much as the next beauty addict, we’ve learned that that dewy foundation won’t sit right until you sort it out at the skin level. So that’s why we’re pretty excited to have Aspect on the Oz Hair & Beauty shelf now, especially because it’s our first cosmeceutical option too!
What is cosmeceutical skin care, we hear you asking? No idea what we’re talking about? Or looking for a simple place (or routine) to start? We’ve got you! Keep reading below for a breakdown on some of the cosmeceutical must-trys and why Aspect Skincare is a great place to start.
Overview:
- What is cosmeceutical skin care?
- Tell me more about Aspect Skincare
- 4 best products to try from Aspect Skincare
What is cosmeceutical skin care?
Well, the term itself means that it’s a product that sits between cosmetic-grade and pharmaceutical-grade. Like cosmetics, they are applied topically to the skin but often contain more active ingredients to help improve the skin and generate real results.
You might be familiar with some actives already but below are a few of the more common ones that you'll want to add to your routine:
- Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) - common ones are lactic acid and glycolic acid
- Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) - salicylic acid
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Vitamin A - also known as Retinol
- Vitamin B - common ones are Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and Panthenol (vitamin B5)
- Vitamin C - commonly l-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid on an ingredient list
- Peptides
Tell me more about Aspect Skincare
Formulated right here at home in Melbourne, Aspect Skincare has been changing skin for the better with their cosmeceutical skin products since 2007. Their main goal is to create skin care that uses high-performing active ingredients that help to enhance, rejuvenate and cosmetically correct the skin without any irritation. Their clinically proven product ranges all use more than 20 years of research to deliver the perfect concentration of active ingredients - naturally derived and organic where possible - to give you good skin.
Which products should I try from Aspect Skincare?
Extreme B 17 Hydrating Serum
As far as we’re concerned, every good skin care routine needs a hydration serum with niacinamide in it, and Aspect’s Extreme B17 sure does tick all our boxes. A potent blend of B vitamins - including niacinamide and panthenol - other antioxidants like vitamin E and Canadian willowherb as well as Aspect’s signature superfood blends, this serum is a soothing hydration boost.
Niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) itself might just be one of the most hyped ingredients in skin care at the moment, and for good reason as well. It genuinely suits all skin types and has so many good benefits too. So apart from being a much needed boost for dehydrated skin, it can protect your skin from environmental damage and also help it produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid. It also helps reduce signs of ageing, shrinks enlarged pores and lessen skin discolouration too.
When to use: Right after cleansing and can be used in a cocktail with other Aspect serums before applying moisturiser.
Aspect Fruit Enzyme Mask
Name us a person who doesn’t love a good face mask? What if the face mask could also leave you with glowy, more radiant looking skin almost immediately? Let us introduce you to the Fruit Enzyme Mask - arguably Aspect’s most popular product.
It’s an exfoliating gel-mask that uses a gentle blend of fruit enzymes - pineapple, grapefruit, pomegranate, acai berry and cranberry to be exact - to help smooth skin texture. Fruit enzymes are a much more gentle way of removing dead skin cells than a physical exfoliant so this mask is suitable for almost everyone looking for smoother skin. Paired with coffee extract to re-energise the skin and a powerhouse vitamins A, B & C complex - you’ll be singing the praises of this mask after one try.
When to use: Apply a pearl sized amount and massage in after cleansing but before serums, leave for 5-25 minutes before wiping it off.
Aspect Pigment Punch+
So when you asked ‘what is cosmeceutical skin care’, this Pigment Punch+ is the type of product we had in mind. An advanced formula using therapeutic ingredients designed to prevent age spots and even out your skin tone and other pigmented areas, it really does pack a punch for your skin.
Pigmentation can be one of the hardest skin issues to treat, especially without further damaging the skin. So you really need real cosmeceutical skin care to treat it as well as aid any further treatments you’re getting done. Pigment Punch’s main ingredient lineup contains a trademarked complex of Rumex Occidentalis and Vitamin C to brighten the skin and even out complexion as well as a daisy flower extract to further illuminate. It’s also aided by ascorbic acid (vitamin c) and lactic acid to gently promote cell turnover and result in brighter, less pigmented skin.
This potent ingredient list means that you need to be using a strong sunscreen everyday - if you don’t - already. Try the Aspect Sun Hydrating Face SPF50 for AM use.
When to use: Right after cleansing on its own or mixed in with other Aspect serums - like the Extreme B 17.
Aspect Retinol Brulee
So we like to say that if you know you know when it comes to retinol. It’s a synthetic form of vitamin A that is a truly powerful ingredient - and one that you will definitely see results from. The main reason consumers love retinol is for its anti-aging benefits - consistent use will reduce fine lines and minimise the appearance of new ones. But it can also help with regulating oil and therefore repairing acne prone skin, help shrink pores and fade dark spots and soothe redness as well. So it really is the gold standard in cosmeceutical ingredients. But it’s not for the faint of heart so you can’t just jump into using it. You’ll most likely have to build a tolerance to it so start slow!
Aspect’s Retinol Brulee contains both retinol and retinyl palmitate, another variant of vitamin A that is suitable for sensitive skin. This blend of Vitamin A along with Lanablue, a blue-green algae, rich in vitamins and amino acid will help promote faster cell turnover resulting in smoother, more youthful looking skin. Don’t forget to use sunscreen while using retinol as well.
When to use: Apply 1 pump in the evening after cleansing and before layering on other serums and moisturisers. Introduce gradually - start with once a week and DO NOT use it with any other exfoliants.
Note: If you haven’t tried retinol or a chemical exfoliant before, we recommend starting with something like the Aspect Exfol L Serum instead. It’s a blend of alpha hydroxy acids - including lactic acid and fruit enzymes - that will also smooth out your skin and get you started on your exfoliating journey.
Now you’ve got the answer to what is cosmeceutical skin care…
Get some Aspect Skincare and cosmeceuticals in your life today. A good beauty routine really does start with good active skincare that is designed to really benefit your skin so we’re all about getting that in order before we get ourselves anymore beauty products.
Shop Aspect, skin care and all things beauty on Oz Hair & Beauty with Afterpay and Zippay today.
