Funny how the Tcallers who speak to Keeley on air say how many years they've been using Elemis and how wonderful it is and then reel off a list of skin concerns making me wonder whether they should raise their expectations from a "wonderful" skincare brand!
Jude xx
From QVC's Question & Answer Page
http://blogs.qvcuk.com/qgossip/2010/01/elemis-expert-keeley-answers-your-questions-part-2.html
Q. Hi Keeley, I have very awkward skin and I'm wondering if you can help! It's very sensitive so many products make me bright red but I need something that will improve my combination skin and help with large pores. I also get small pimples on my cheeks, a dry nose and I have wrinkles around my eyes and nose. What a mess my skin is! Sue.
A. As you have many concerns with your skin I would suggest that you go back to basics with a good routine like
Lime Blossom Cleanser,
Lavender Toner,
Maximum Moisture Day and Night Cream.
Twice a week exfoliate with Papaya Enzyme Peel followed by Herbal Lavender Repair Mask.
Lime (oil or extract)
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants, Plant Extracts
Citrus fruit whose volatile compounds are skin irritants and photosensitizing (Source:
www.naturaldatabase.com)
Lavender extract and oil
Fragrance: Synthetic and Fragrant Plant Extracts, Irritants, Plant Extracts
Widely-used plant that's a member of the mint family. It is primarily a fragrance ingredient, although it may have antibacterial properties. There is no research showing it has any benefit for skin (Sources: Phytotherapy Research, June 2002, pages 301–308). In fact, it can be a skin irritant but there is a conflicting research on just how much of a photosensitizer lavender can be. It appears lavender oil all by itself isn't a photosensitizer, but when exposed to oxygen (as it would be when applied to your skin), one of it's fragrant components, linalyl acetate forms substances that lead to allergic contact dermatitis in and out of sunlight (Sources: The New Ideal in Skin Health: Separating Fact from Fiction, Thornfeldt, Carl M.D., Allured Books, 2010, pages 286–287; Contact Dermatitis, January 2008, pages 9–14; Hautarzt, February 2002, pages 93–97; and Contact Dermatitis, August 1999, page 111).
Research also indicates that other components of lavender, specifically linalool, can be cytotoxic, meaning that topical application causes skin-cell death (Source: Cell Proliferation, June 2004, pages 221–229). Lavender leaves contain camphor, which is known as a skin irritant. Because the fragrance constituents in lavender oil oxidize when exposed to air, lavender oil pro-oxidant. This enhanced oxidation also increases its irritancy on skin (Source: Contact Dermatitis, September 2008, pages 143–150). Lavender oil is the most potent form, and even small amounts of it (0.25% or less) can be problematic. It is a must to avoid in skin-care products, but is fine used as an aromatherapy agent for inhalation or relaxation (Source: Psychiatry Research, February 2007, pages 89–96; and
www.naturaldatabase.com)
Papaya Enzyme Peel
Contains pineapple extract which in turn contains the enzyme bromelain, which can break down the connecting layers between skin cells to exfoliate skin
and, supposedly,
the enzyme papain extracted from papaya. Applied topically, papain can cause severe irritation, itching, and allergic reactions (Source:
www.naturaldatabase.com) It is very fragrant, and absolutely not “perfect” for sensitive skin or skin that’s mature.
http://www.beautypedia.com/CosmeticDictionary.aspx