REVIEW :: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Dermalogica's site describes their Daily Microfoliant as a "unique Rice-based enzyme powder (which) microfoliates dulling debris and instantly leaves the skin noticeably smoother and brighter." Now I don't know much about "Microfoliation" or "enzymes" but I do know about that general feeling of debris on the skin and the sense that there's something clogging and dulling the skin. This, I know all to well...

So reading about this product made me feel that it had to be one of the answers to my skin problems. My skin can be fairly sensitive and the promise from Dermalogica is that Daily Microfoliant is exactly that - caring enough to be used day in day out without stripping the skin of its necessary moisture and natural oils. I was intrigued by the fact that it came in powder form - that me took me back to the eighties/nineties? (I lose track of time these days!) when I use to used a body shop product which promised an end to my teenage blackheads. This too was a powder filled with scratchy particles which you worked into a gunk and scrubbed hard at your skin... So, when the Microfoliant arrived I expected it to be a bit of an upmarket remake of that old Body Shop one.

But what surprised me when I began using the product was that rather than a whole bunch of insoluble particles designed to physically slough away the skin cells, when I mixed the powder with a little water it became an incredibly soft creamy lather which felt so soft and gentle on my skin that i couldn't quite believe anything could be removed. Rather than the sandpaper feel of any physical exfoliant I had been used to, this was more like being cuddled by a duckling, which although very pleasant left me skeptical as to its effects!

I am big into the power of aroma and once again the natural ingredients that Dermalogica pack into every one of their skin health products are evident in the Daily microfoliant. The seemingly wierd base to the product are Rice Bran and Rice extracts which give the product its distinctive smell. I think it is a very neutral, almost sweet scent that would appeal to men and women alike. For me the scent actually takes me back to childhood and puddings like rice pudding and cremola and with each wash I am swept into a state of nostalgia!

But as ever with Dermalogica, none of the ingredients are there by chance and each one has a role to play. When the powder is mixed with water it releases Papain, (huh?) Salicylic Acid (phew - heard of that one!) and Rice enzymes which all work to clear away dead skin cells, leaving the skin clearer, brighter and prepared for toning and moisturising. The addition of a skin brightening complex of Licorice, Aspergillus and Grapefruit it claims, helps even out skin tone.

What I found when I first used the product was an immediate feeling of freshness on my skin. the product washed away easily rather than leaving any kind of residue and my skin felt really soft and clean. I had been so used to my skin being really dull that this first use made a big difference. My skin immediately looked brighter and clearer. Overall, I may not know or understand all the chemistry involved and all the ingredients, but I love the smell and I love the effect of the product. You can add it into another cleanser to boost brightening, or use it alone for a beautiful, soft, gentle wash. For me it really is gentle enough to use every day and I really feel like it benefits my skin to do so... What's more it lasts AGES! Big thumbs up from me!

I bought my last one from Jersey Beauty Company a little while ago. If you visit their site now, you can get it for £25.15 including delivery. Whatever your skin type, I thoroughly recommend it.