Review :: Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster

Part of Dermalogica’s booster range, their skin renewal booster is a concentrated exfoliating complex designed to chemically clear dead skin cells, break down surface debris leaving the skin’s texture smoothed and improved.

Again, for those unfamiliar with chemical exfoliants, the smooth, fine texture of this lotion may come as a little surprise. The lotion is designed to be spread over cleansed skin as a leave-on layer, which works under your moisturizer or makeup.
Rather than simply scrubbing away dead skin cells like a physical exfoliant may do, (Using ingredients like crushed nut kernels etc) this product uses a “complex of hydroxy acids and soothing plant extracts” in order to do its exfoliating work. What is expected from its use is that surface skin cells are renewed, the skin is less congested and the complexion therefore brighter, smoother and clearer.

When I first used the product, the thing that first struck me was the smell. It is quite strong and not that nice. Along with Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Hibiscus Extract, the all-natural ingredients also list Aloe, Chamomile and Cornflower extracts. My husband and I have just decided after a sniff test that the initial smell seems to have quite an alcoholic kick and an almost Christmassy edge – a little like Brandy Butter or perhaps a boozy Christmas Pud!!! Now, you might just think that this sounds quite delicious and you’d love spreading it all over your face – BUT for me the smell then goes into a sort of licorice note and dare I say it – smells a little like a cheap false tan.

The VERY good thing is that the smell disappears very quickly and for sensitive skins Dermalogica recommends that you mix it in with your usual moisturizer. So, although I am a big one for smell being all-important, since it is usually covered very quickly with something a little more aromatic, I don’t mind too much!

The texture of the thin white lotion is very smooth and silky. A little goes a very long way so the 30ml bottle lasts an age. I have had mine for over 4 months now and using it about 3-4 times a week it is still going strong.

After use, the effects are not necessarily immediate and build over time. But, I do find that by the evening when I remove my makeup, my skin is smoother. In combination with other exfoliating products I have found that over time, my skin is becoming clearer, smoother and brighter.

Dermalogica Skin Renewal Booster also contains Retinol (Vitamin A), which has been proven to protect the skin against the damaging and aging effects of UV sunlight. Obviously this is not necessarily a claim that I can comment on until I find myself looking exactly like I do today, 30 years down the line (!), but I do find comfort in the fact that these proven ingredients are included and can only help, rather than hinder against the inevitable tide of UV damage!

To summarise, I wouldn’t say that this is one of my favourite Dermalogica products. The smell is a little off putting despite the fact that it quickly dissipates. I am just not that sure that the effects I have seen are worth the £32.53 price tag (from Jersey Beauty Company – RRP - £41.90) For me I have been far more blown away by something like the Multivitamin Powerfoliant – but perhaps it is simply that I prefer a physical, rather than chemical exfoliant.

For those of you who like a gentle but effective chemical removal of those dulling skin cells, maybe this is for you, but I think I will stick to a good old fashioned polish! I am sure it is brilliant for some people and I can’t say it didn’t work at all, but I think I need a little convincing that it is the perfect route to go for my own skin health.