Dermaquest : Beauty and Fashion Tech

Happy Fourth of July! Plus, Wear Your Sunscreen!

Happy Fourth of July all! While out and about this weekend, don’t forget your sunscreen!

Personally, I recommend Badger Sunscreen SPF 30 for both face and body (Read Review), or if oil control is an issue, try DermaQuest ZinClear (Read Review).

For a powder that can be applied over makeup, look at ColorScience Powder (Read Review).

Need more suggestions? Try the Sunscreen Category!

Have a great Holiday Weekend!

Popularity: 8% [?]

Dermaquest Anti-Bacterial Cleanser

When I started having some unusual problems with acne a few months ago, I started researching products. My goal was to find a set of skin care items that would not be likely to contribute to acne, would treat the condition, and would also work with my melasma treatment regime. Dermaquest Skin Therapy Anti- Bacterial Enzyme Cleanser - 8 oz. was my choice in cleanser.

After quite a bit of consideration, I chose Dermaquest because it did not contain any ingredients likely to contribute to acne and it had anti-bacterial functions to help treat it without being too drying. I have been pleased with my choice.

Dermaquest’s Anti-Bacterial Cleanser is a very low foaming cleanser that does a decent enough job at cleaning without drying. It also removes makeup sufficiently well, although I suggest using a separate eye makeup remover. After 6 weeks, I am still happy with it. At first blush the price seem a bit high, but considering that the bottle is 8 ounces, it actually is a pretty good value.

Comparison shop for Dermaquest skin care products

Popularity: 8% [?]

DS Labs Trioxil Acne Treatment Gel

When I first read about DS Labs Trioxil (bisazulene gel) I was rather curious. I came across it on several message boards and it seemed that about half of the people who tried it loved and half hated it. After more reading, it became clear that many reported an increase in acne when they first began using the product, followed by significant clearing. So there was a trend where those who stuck with it, liked it, while those who quit during the first week or two hated it.

I decided to purchase some and try it. Using an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compound from chamomile that is encapsulated in nanosomes for time release of the active ingredient, Trioxil is advertised as being as effective as Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide, without the drying and irritation that those can cause.

I have been using Trioxil for about 6 weeks, but alternating it with another product, so it tends to get used every other day. Consistent with the reports that I read, I experienced an increase in acne the first few weeks that I used it. My theory is that it probably exfoliates to a certain degree, which will bring some of the underlying acne to the surface. Regardless, after a couple of weeks, I cleared up significantly, and while my acne isn’t gone, it is definitely improved 6 weeks later. Unfortunately to get full clearing, I think an appointment with a dermatologist for a prescription is in the cards for me.

Trioxil tingles a bit when used, so those with sensitive skin should be prepared for that. But it does not tingle any more than many salicylic acid products that I have used, and it is not drying or overly irritating. It has a bit of a yellow/tan color to it and a slightly odd scent. Neither is overly problematic, and I don’t notice the scent after it has been on and absorbed, but I would prefer it to be scent free.

I am inclined to repurchase DS Labs Trioxil once my tube is gone, although I might go to using only the Dermaquest Dermaclear formula (read review) that I have using in conjunction with it. I haven’t quite decided yet. At $34 for a tube, Trioxil is cheaper than the Dermaquest product, albeit for a smaller amount of product. But I like Dermaquest Dermaclear quite a bit as well.

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Popularity: 8% [?]

Review: Dermaquest Dermaclear Acne Treatment

DermaQuest Skin Therapy Dermaclear (aka Rejuvaderm) has been my acne treatment of choice for the past six weeks. I chose it after careful research, searching for products with treatment ingredients that might also assist in treating melasma and that were non-comedogenic. Amazingly many of the drugstore acne treatment products, and some of the expensive ones as well, contain acne causing ingredients of fairly high concern.

I have been very pleased with my choice. As active treatment ingredients, Dermaclear contains Salicylic Acid 2%, Azelaic Acid 5%, and Glycolic Acid 10%. This is a fairly strong combination, especially with 10% Glycolic Acid, so those with sensitive skin might want tobe careful with this one because of the strength. Irritating your skin can actually cause acne. Personally, I like the high amount of Glycolic Acid and the addition of Azalaic Acid, because these do double duty for me by also treating melsama. The formula also contains ingredients to soothe inflammation, which makes the strength more tolerable. I have not experienced any issues with irritation or drying from the Dermaquest formulation, but my skin is not particularly sensitive either.

In my six weeks of use, my acne has cleared quite a bit. It hasn’t disappeared, and unfortunately I don’t think it is going to completely clear without a visit to the dermatologist. But I have seen a very large improvement. In addition to Dermaclear, I am using a Dermaquest cleanser and am alternating in Retin-A and DS Labs Trioxil as my other primary acne treatments. I also rotate in DDF Fade Gel for melasma and acne treatment (read review). I will be posting a review of Trioxil in the next week or so.

At $60, Dermaclear is definitely on the expensive side. I find that I need very little, so it lasts fairly long though. I have found it worth the price and will repurchase this item when it is gone.

Comparison shop for Dermaquest skin care products

Popularity: 18% [?]

DermaQuest ZinClear Sunblock SPF 30

DermaQuest ZinClear SPF 30 is a full spectrum sunblock, providing physical blocking with zinc oxide.

Something that stood out on this one for me was that it was quicker absorbing than some of my other favorite sunscreens. It also provides some moisture without being too heavy or greasy.

Finally, there is no left over white tint, so I suppose the zinc oxide is likely micronized.

I liked this sunscreen and easily recommend it for those who want some light moisture and a physical blocker in their sunscreen.

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Popularity: 6% [?]

DermaQuest Dermalash: Eyelash Fortifier?

Can lashes really be made longer, stronger, and healthier with a product? It seems like it should be possible in theory, but I am skeptical.

DermaQuest DermaLash is a product that makes such claims. After trying it, I am unable to definitively say yes or no on the matter.

DermaQuest Dermalash consists a conditioning serum with a small brush. The idea is that you are to brush Dermalash at the base of your lashes, and over time the lashes will be fortified, conditioned, longer, and stornger. The serum itself feels fine, and I had no issues trying it and then wearing my contacts. So it seems perfectly safe. But whether it is effective is a big question mark for me.

How can a person really measure this? I used it for about three weeks and can’t say that I noticed any difference, but I’m not sure that I really would. It is not like I examine my eyelashes to the point of noticing minute changes. So, I am skeptical, but the product also did no harm. I can’t say that I would purchase this (I got mine in some beauty samples and promotional materials), but if you have some eyelash concerns, I suppose it can’t hurt anything but your pocketbook to try it!

If anyone has experience with this stuff please post a comment. I’m curious if others saw anything from using it!

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Popularity: 22% [?]