*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The product was provided by DermaV, though, the review therein is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Aesthetic Appointment reviews are intended to be for information purposes only, nor should they be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns*
It’s really exciting to discover more and more locally made skincare – the advantages are obvious: it’s easily accessible, designed by South African scientists for South African skins and of course, clinically tested so that you know you are buying something that really works.
With no-nonsense packaging (mostly dark, glass bottles with a dropper or pump dispenser, to preserve active ingredients) the range has specific categories, so you simply have to select the products that will address your skin concerns.
For instance, the DermaV Awake Range has been developed to deal with dull skin, also protecting it from free radicals. Two key products are the Diamond Hyaluronic Acid Serum and the Daily Power Vitamin C Moisturiser. These contain Hyaluronic acid which increases the moisture levels of your skin and Vitamin C stimulates collagen synthesis and helps protect from UV damage.
As part of the Awake range, the Diamond Moisture Lock Silicone Seal is applied as a barrier to lock in the hydration- it’s also a phenomenal primer as it leaves the skin velvety and smooth.
I also enjoyed using the DermaV Intense Care Range – perfect if you’re new to Retinol and want to step up your skincare game. In the evening after cleansing, the Advanced Retinol Serum is applied in a thin layer all over the face and neck. This is quite a spreadable gel formula, really pleasant to use. The benefits are numerous: reducing photo-damage effect and collagen loss, improving firmness and elasticity and helping with uneven, mottled skin. Finish off with the Eye Elixir – also a thin serum which is patted around the eye area. You can start with these once or twice a week and step it up as your skin gets used to the retinol.
The DermaV Target Range is aimed at acne sufferers and contains active ingredients which reduce inflammation and are antimicrobial. The Active Calming Acne Serum was tested on my teenage son who had a spot that diminished overnight (of course he complained that it tingled on application – but those are the active ingredients getting to work). The Glutathione Intense Illuminating Serum with Vitamin E also contains Vitamin B3&6. Glutathione and Azelaic acid are responsible for the magic: brighter skin tone, reducing dark spots and blemishes and diminishing pigmentation.
DermaV Unwind is a range which I also really enjoyed – in particular, the Glycolic Acid Cleanser. This is for those of you who prefer an intense cleanse which lightly exfoliates. Of course, there’s 10% Glycolic acid which removes dead cells and allows for further penetration of other active ingredients. Papaya and pineapple extracts also aid in exfoliating – great for mature skin and promoting the production of collagen and elastin. You only need a little amount of this cleanser to get a great effect – loved it! A layer of the Intense Hydrating serum with High Concentration of Vitamin C and Jojoba oil completes this Unwind routine, for beautiful hydration.
All in all, I would recommend this brand: target your skin concerns and find the products that work for you. The serums are light, easily absorbed and the result is healthy, radiant and balanced skin.
For more information, prices and to buy products online, visit www.dermav.co.za/online-store
About DermaV Pharmaceuticals
DermaV Pharmaceuticals is a Medical Aesthetics Company, established in 2006, which specialises in the research and development of Clinically Advanced Pharmaceuticals and Cosmeceutical products. DermaV’s focus is on pharmacology with experience in skin and wound care, the immune system and Platelet-rich Plasma. DermaV designed a daily skincare routine to meet the specific needs of every patient, regardless of their age or skin type. We specialise in clinical technology for advanced skincare, to provide clinically proven products, with active ingredients to target specific concerns. These active ingredients can penetrate the skin and address pigmentation, dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. The DermaV DAILY CARE RANGE can be combined with home and in-office treatments or added to your regular skincare regime.
Paola Chellew is a freelance journalist and regularly writes for a number of publications. A former professional contemporary dancer, she has always loved the arts in all their forms. She has been a freelance writer for many years and has been published in various magazines including Live Out Loud, Private Life and Do It now magazines. Her passion for beauty and skincare started in her teens, when she would read every beauty editor’s picks and reviews. Serious about skincare, she has researched medical-grade products for over ten years, as well as aesthetic treatments to restore and repair skin to look its best. Having turned 60 last year, she has dedicated her blog to the “over 50s and beyond Club”, shining a spotlight on a generation that is seemingly side-lined by the beauty industry. “There is no age limit for when you stop being beautiful – a gorgeous lipstick, a sexy fragrance, radiant skin- these are not synonymous with youth- they are just things that add an extra sparkle to my day”.
📸 Profile photo credited to Lerissa Kemp Photography