Dermalogica Clear Start (Sponsored)

When I was a teenager I read Dolly, talked all afternoon the phone to my besties, kept letterbooks with my friends - recalling in excruciating detail everything that had happened each day. I loved fashion (which was totally in conflict with today's teenage uniform of too-short denim shorts, and midriffs), and I memorised all my favourite song lyrics. I'm pretty sure that never came in handy.

My beauty regime consisted of cleansing, moisturising and then go. It was pretty simple. 

Roll on the years - and you can ditch the soapbar - Dermalogica has launched their new Clear Start range for teenagers. Oh man. If only this was around when I was a teen. 

I spoke with Emma Hobson, Education Manager of the International Dermal Institute about the merits of looking after your skin as a teenager. So now us mums just need to help make it a reality! 

Why is it important to look after your skin as a teenager?

EH: Over 85 per cent of teenagers are afflicted with acne breakouts, so taking preventative action can help a great deal in assisting them to navigate this challenging period of their lives. Keeping a handle on teen breakouts is never easy, especially with so many raging hormones to contend with.  However a great deal can be achieved when incorporating a good skin care routine. In order to avert skin problems teens need to use products that are designed for their specific skin concerns, and that are formulated with ingredients that address oiliness, breakouts and congestion. They should look for products that also contain a high volume of anti-inflammatories which  will help  heal the lesions rapidly and reduce the incidence of a pigmented scars.  

What's wrong with just soap and water?

EH: Soap, having an ‘alkaline pH’ strips, irritates and dries the skin (both surface oil and moisture). If the skin is 'stripped’ of its natural oils it responds by producing more oil, resulting in the skin being more oily, not less! The alkaline pH also causes increased skin sensitisation.

Does taking care of your skin earlier effect how your skin is later in life?

EH: For sure. If during puberty you can keep your skin healthy and free of congestion, this means less breakouts which equates to less scarring. There should also be a focus on keeping it protected from the environment (think free radicals and sun damage), which will result in less premature ageing and skin discolouration (not forgetting that it also reduces the chances of contracting skin cancer). If you can do all of the above, you’ll noticeably enjoy the benefits of your investment in good skin care.

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'When I was a teen my top priority was...' Share a photo on Instagram of what you'd love to bring back from your teen years for your chance to win a gift pack valued at $500. Be sure to tag @DermalogicaAus and #ClearStart in your post.

Best Beauty Buys:: Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer

Before kids, I had ample time to use whatever beauty products I wanted to. I had heaps of time. I used primer, foundation, powders, blush, eyeliner, mascara, the whole kit and kaboodle.

Then I had a newborn in my arms, and struggled with even applying mascara, let alone some days fitting a shower into my day.

And now, I've got a bit more time up my sleeve - but I don't really need it. Not with this primer. Man I wish this had been around when my babies were newborns. Why, you may ask. Well listen up, because I am going to tell you.

I hadn't used a primer for many, many years. I came to the conclusion that moisturiser + foundation was ample. And that's all I had time for. But this primer? Aye carumba. For a natural look, I'd wear this instead of a foundation - as a tint, and the feel of it is velvety. Don't believe me? Trust me. Velvety goodness.

I've been using it every. single. day for the entire month of August. Which is rare for me, because generally I change up my beauty routine daily. But this is non-negotiable.

So each morning I shower, cleanse, moisturise, then prime. The finish is so smooth, plus it evens out skin tone and texture, and gives me a really awesome base for my foundation, plus it enhances luminosit and radiance. I don't have to work hard to get an even application of foundation - it just applies so smoothly. And if I wanted to wear this alone - it gives a nice sheer coverage that lasts the whole day.

I am one of those people that hates wearing sunscreen daily - despite the fact I know I should (hello ageing skin) - I don't like the feeling. Another plus is this contains SPF30, White Tea polyphenols (these help delay collagen damage) it's free of artificial colour or scent (it has a FAB lavender smell - yum). Definitely a big win going in to summer (but really, yes, yes I know I should be wearing sun protection year 'round).

In a snapshot:

• It provides an even, smooth finish - plus a slight tint
• Makes application of foundation super easy, luminises skin, and is long-lasting
• Contains SPF30 - so if you're time poor and hate the feeling of sunscreen, this is doing double-duty
• Has a velvety look and feel (Marilyn Monroe used to apply hormone cream to her face to enhance hair growth on her face to give her that luminescent look she had in photos. Please don't do that, you can use this instead for a similar and hair-less result)
• RRP $79 (might seem expensive, but I've been using mine for over a month and I still have heaps in the tube. Probably will last 3-4 months depending on how heavy your useage is)

Disclosure: This product was sent to me for review - however I had no obligation to do so. I will only tell you about products I genuinely love and use. Honesty is after all the best policy. I use it, I love it, I wanted to share.

Happy Mandela Day:: Ladies, This Is Your Call To Action

Today is Mandela Day.

What does this mean? For 67 years Nelson Mandela has dedicated his life on working to correct human actions that have led to poverty. Nelson Mandela continues to fight the good fight and change the world.

Today, to celebrate Nelson Mandela's 67 years, Dermalogica are hoping you can direct microloans to women who need a hand. You can be a change maker in the click of a button. All the loans are fully funded already - all you have to do is click to make someone's life completely different.

Please go online by midnight today - we're trying to direct 670 microloans today!

Did you know
* 66% of the world's work is done by women, yet...
* 70% of people below the poverty line are women
* 1% of the world's land is owned by women

You can learn more here about the important role Dermalogica is playing in helping women in poverty and empowering women entrepreneurs. Their joinFITE community and initiative has already funded over 14,000 women and businesses.

Click here to play your role in directing a loan. It takes seconds to make a change!

Together we can empower 670 women around the world who are less fortunate than ourselves to make changes to their lives. That's pretty damn powerful. GO!

* I have put so many links in here to make it as easy as possible to click through and change a woman's life.