Lockdown 2020, what a strange year it’s been for us all, totally unimaginable given the lifestyles and freedom we’re used to. Personally, and I’m sure I speak on behalf of most of the country here, it has been exceptionally difficult to have no access to hairdressers and beauty salons, medispas or any type of business which involved any close contact with other human beings, it seemed that all of these services had to go DIY which was a bitter pill to swallow and Social Media was filled with posts about the whole world “getting ugly” and photos of home hairdressing, I have lost count of the number of clipper hair doos I’ve seen courtesy of my friends and family and even found myself ordering some clippers to cut my teenage son’s hair, at his request of course and let me tell you I am so very relieved that the barbers have reopened!
I was absolutely delighted when during lockdown Dr Natty Burgess of Nativis UK, asked me to try a new product, the Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask.
This innovative dual-action facial polish + mask firstly exfoliates skin with L-Ascorbic Acid and a Microdermabrasion texture, to prepare it for a powerful infusion of vitamin C, which has been hailed as one of the “holy grail of skincare ingredients” by many skincare professionals of late.
So, I began to trial the mask, which can be used up to 3 times weekly, and the results were really quite phenomenal over time.
Firstly, the mask is very thick in consistency, and after reading the instructions I wondered how I was to “scrub” a layer onto my skin, I soon discovered that applying the mask to damp/wet skin and with wet hands was the best technique as it then spreads quite easily across my face, neck and decolletage like that. It’s also a good idea to apply some lip balm beforehand in case of any movement of the product whilst it’s on your face, it’s quite tingly and not something that you want on your lips, also do keep away from your eye and nose area too.
On application, the mask creates a tingling and warm sensation and although the instructions state it can be left on the skin for up to 15 minutes on the first few occasions I left the mask on for a maximum of 10 minutes as I could feel it “working”. Over time I have built up to the full 15 minutes and I would definitely suggest that you also build up the time the treatment is left on to gauge what works best for you. I’ve read that some people leave this mask on for 5-8 minutes and some the full 15, it really is dependent on your individual skin type.
The mask has the most delicious orangey citrus scent ever and that gives a real feelgood factor in addition to all of the other benefits, and when I started to use it and I found myself looking forward to breathing it in before each home treatment, yes the fragrance is that good🍊
After using the mask a few times I decided that it’s definitely best to use before bed, so run yourself a nice bath or step into the shower and then apply afterwards to perfectly clean skin which has been “steamed” after bathing. When its time to take off the mask I use a facecloth and warm water to remove the product but don’t clean it off too much or scrub as there is a type of residue or film left which serves as a protective barrier. After removal apply your favourite moisturiser, oil or serum, Obagi Professional C Serum 15% is recommended - and then wake up to beautiful glowing skin!
Natty at Nativis advised me not to use any Retinol based products whilst using this mask, so be aware of that too.
Let me tell you this mask from Obagi is quite something, it’s helped to brighten and firm my skin during a period when beauty treatments were just not available and it’s also a double action product being a scrub and mask in one jar. When I use it I almost feel that I’ve had a mini facial and so during lockdown it's been an amazing substitute. I’ve missed the pampering feeling that only a treatment at a salon or medispa can deliver so Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask is a very welcome new addition to my at-home beauty routine.
Overview:
This product helps achieve a refined, smooth and even texture and adds a significant glow to your skin. Do exercise a little caution on the first couple of times you use it as it does tingle, you’ll learn how long to leave it on your skin for the optimum result for your individual skin type, trust me.
Quite simply it leaves your skin feeling brighter, and helps fade any discolouration from acne scarring, it’s a superb microdermabrasion exfoliation treatment and the smell is amazing! The difference in my skin texture is quite noticeable, more so than the photos show, taking your own before and after shots is always tricky, however, I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed with the results if you use this fabulous mask from Obagi!
Yes - I recommend Obagi Professional-C Microdermabrasion Polish + Mask.
Comments