Perfectly Polished Tips 189 - Dermelect Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum

Recently I had a chance to try out Dermelect Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum. That is a mouth full! This serum is used twice daily and will help to stimulate your skin's protein production which will then boost facial stem cell activity.

The reconstructing serum is also supposed to help protect your skin from harmful UV rays and even prevent the formation of wrinkles and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

The special ingredients in the serum are Alpine Rose (plant) stem cell, Ecoskin, and vitamin E. This product also contains dimethicone which my skin hates.

The serum is part of a Skin Regenerating System and it is recommended that all the products be used for best results.

It goes on nicely, a pea sized amount is all you need. It soaks in quickly but I found that my skin felt a little bit tight after it dried. It has a light rose scent but that vanishes as soon as the product dries. I only lasted for a week using this because my skin started breaking out. I am pretty sure it was the dimethicone which is a type of silicone. Most hair products containing this break me out/irritate my skin almost immediately. I had a small blemish on day 2 but I stuck it out hoping it was just a coincidence. It only got worse though. I was very disappointed because I was hoping to get a radiant complexion from it. I have been trying to achieve "dewy" or glowing skin and I can't get it. I've tried all types of lotions and creams, different cosmetics. Still nothing. Maybe I should try working with what I have.

Dermelect Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum retails for $75 and can be purchased on Dermelect's website. Currently Dermelect is offering the three piece Skin Regenerating System for $159. You can find it under the Holiday Sets tab on their website.

(this was sent to me for review)

Perfectly Polished Tips 186 - Holiday Gift Idea: Dermelect Skin Regenerating System

This holiday season Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is offering an amazing deal on their new skin regenerating products. The kit, which is worth $208 contains:

1 - 1 fl oz Resurgent Stem Cell Firming Activator

1 - 1 fl oz Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum

1 - 1 fl oz Resilient Stem Cell Regenerating Treatment

All three items arrive in a bonus Dermelect red signature bag. The kit retails for $159. This is a great deal because the products are all full size. I will have review of the Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum up in a few days.

If skin regeneration is not what you are looking for check out their Holiday Sets page. They have a decent variety of products including nail stuff.

Perfectly Polished Tips 172 - PMD Personal Microderm System

This is the PMD Personal Microderm System. This little tool is used for at home microdermabrasion. It is a nice alternative to fitting appointments into your schedule and costs a whole lot less. This device uses the same aluminum oxide crystals as the high tech pro machines. It is supposed to smooth out the skin while diminishing age spots and other signs of aging.

For the best results a cell renewal or skin resurfacing cream should be used along with the treatment. The creams are meant to enhance the outcome of the treatment. Before using the PMD Personal Microderm System it is very important that you watch the instructional DVD that comes along with it. You need to take precautions and be sure to not apply to much pressure to the area you are working on.

The tool comes with two different types of exfoliating discs in two sizes. A larger one for area such as the cheeks and chest, and a smaller one for harder to reach areas. The blue grit is for sensitive skin and the green is slightly more coarse. PMD also offers a coarse disk for tough areas.

I got to test out the PMD Personal Microderm System and while it is supposed to be very simple to use I was not able to get the hang of it. The instructions say to pull the skin tight and very lightly apply the tool. You are to move back and forth across the skin. The tool has a bit of suction which I believe it supposed to remove the dead skin cells off of your face. When I attempted to use it the tool got stuck to my face leaving a not so great result.

(photo credit goes to my 5 year old)

As you can see on my cheek the tool left behind some mean scrapes. This was a couple of days after I had used it. I emailed Skincarerx.com's help center and was told that I was probably not pulling my skin tight enough. Makes sense so against my better judgement I tried again but this time on my knee. I still could not get the hang of it and again was left with some scrapes. It is possible that I am just not coordinated enough to hold my skin with one hand. After using it I did have a tiny bit of pain, almost like a sun burn and my skin was pink. Nothing terrible.

I think that this tool could be very useful but it does have a learning curve. I was very lucky to have only gotten a few minor scrapes. I watched the instruction video several times, I had it on during my first attempt. To be honest I feel like the woman in the video does not have her tool turned on because I could not get it to glide across my skin like that, even when I did have proper suction.

I may give this product another go in the future. I really feel like my skin could benefit from a tool such as this, I just wish it were easier to use.

The PMD Personal Microderm System can be purchased on SkinCareRx.com and retails for $179.

(this was sent to me for review)

Perfectly Polished Tips 171 - Systeme 41 Gentle Purifying Cleanser

Systeme 41 is a line of all natural skin care products. Their products do not contain any harsh surfactants or detergents. They are free of parabens, gluten, mineral oil, and all artificial colors and fragrance. They also do not test on animals which is always nice.

I have the most fickle skin ever. I find something that works amazingly for a couple of months and then I am back to square one. I do get minor breakouts, I have an oily T-zone, and my cheeks are usually very dry. I got to try out the Gentle Purifying Cleanser. It is made up of a blend of amino acids, coconut oil, and sunflower oil as well as almond oleosomes to rehydrate your skin. I've been using it for a little over a month now and I'm really liking it.

The cleanser is a cream that is slightly on the thick side but it does not feel greasy. It rinses easily and clean. My skin does feel dry after washing but I think that might be due to the benzoyl peroxide I use to help with break outs. My face looks smoother and a lot more refreshed after using the cleanser. My break outs have been less frequent as well. This product also does a great job at removing make up. I try to make my self use eye make up remover before washing my face but ehh, so many steps. I am not very high maintenance so the less time I can spend and the least amount things I have to use the better. It even takes off all of my mascara, it's not a water proof formula though.

I love the packaging, it comes in a pump bottle. I guess that is really personal preference but I am one of those people who would like it if everything came in a pump bottle. For me it's easy, the bottle stays clean. The perfect amount of product is dispensed as well. The bottle is 6 oz, I've been using it 1x a day for a little over a month and am about a quarter of the way through it.

The only downfall to this product, for me, is the price. $39.95 for a 6 oz bottle. The website does offer a slight discount if you purchase more than one at a time. I do not think I would be okay with spending $40 on a cleanser that I was not sure that I would like.

Overall I really like this product and am going to continue using it for as long as it keeps playing nice with my skin.

(this was sent to me for review)

Perfectly Polished Tips 163 - 100% Pure Purifying Seaweed Facial Mask

I ordered this on a whim a couple of weeks ago. My skin has been really picky since having children and I am always looking for a miracle product to give me smooth, clear, glowing skin. A few months ago I began using the Oil Cleansing Method which lucky for me my skin loves. I've used this mask twice so far and I love the out come. My forehead is a trouble spot for me and after 2 uses it's drying up. I have high hopes for this product. Also 100% Pure is an all natural, vegan company. I have been striving for a healthier, greener life style so I am happy to have stumbled upon this brand.

This mask is rich in nutrients and antioxidants which are supposed to help purge your skin of toxins. The seaweed nourishes your skin while alpha lipoic acid and vitamin C help to repair damaged skin and strengthen overall cellular structure.

The mask comes in a powder form with directions to mix with water, juice, or yogurt. I've only used water. I do one teaspoon powder & one teaspoon water. This makes more than enough for me to generously coat my face with. It smells like seaweed, there are no other filler scents in there. I found it to be slightly over powering while mixing but after it's applied the smell has already begun to fade. The directions on the jar say to leave on for 5-10 minutes, I found that after 5 it was almost dry. I like to remove it with warm water + a wash cloth. It has a nice cooling tingle as it dries. Upon removing I have fresh, soft skin. I will definitely keep using this mask.

100% Pure Purifying Seaweed Mask costs $17 for 2 oz and can be found on 100% Pure's website.

Ingredients: Organic Seaweeds1(Kelp, Agar Agar, Bladderwrack), French Green Clay, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate), Organic Peppermint Leaves1