Potent Line Erasers

Sometimes your skin just needs more than the average moisturising and you need extra fighting powers in your skincare arsenal to target specific skin concerns.

In adult skin, the main skin concerns are fine lines, pigmentation, wrinkles and hormonal break outs.  Today we'll look at line erasing products that actually works. 

The most effective and scientifcally proven line minimising products are retinoids, which is a derivative of vitamin A.

Unfortunately the good stuff (retin-A which is tretinoin -a retinoic acid at concentrations of 0.01% .025% 0.05%) are available prescription-only in Australia and are usually prescribed by the local GP for acne treatment as it speeds up the shedding of outer layer skin (epidermis) to reveal softer new skin and stimulates the production of collagen on the dermis layer of skin for baby plump skin (which btw is a great treatment for reducing the dimply appearance of stretchmarks). 

Retin-A is prescription-only and costs A$30 a 20g tube

As doctors don't usually write these out to save you from wrinkles, you may have to look online for sites that offer to sell them without a script but I find this somewhat dubious so would advise you to go see a dermatologist and pester them for a script instead.

If all that is too hard for you, then your best bet is the poor man's version of the activie ingredient in the form of retinol. Retinol isn't as potent as the prescription stuff (because it needs to break down to retinoic acid first, resulting in a lower concentration of the available active ingredient to it works its magic on lines and wrinkles) but still can gently refine your skin over time.

The other products that help to refine skin is alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), which dissolves the glue that keeps the dead skin cells on the surface of skin that can dull your complexion and help to reveal newer soft skin.

Like any other skin thinning products those, it makes you sensitive to the sun's rays so I cannot stress enough you need to cover up with sunscreen or best yet, a hat  and long sleeved shirt to make sure you don't damage the newly revealed skin.

Although I have access to Retin-A via my dermatologist, I find that it can be too strong on my skin and make my face peel like an onion which is not a good look. So retinol products have its place in my vanity table as it's milder and the peeling effects are not as promininent. My current favourite retinol product is from Roc.

Roc Retin-Ox Intensive Anti-wrinkle Cream Night 30ml - A$49.95 

I use this twice a week for a dose of retinoid on my skin in a bid to minimise and delay the deepening of fine lines Cream based, it spreads easily and has a very pleasant albeit slightly strong scent that some people may find too much. The next day my face is soft, supple and the fine lines look lighter. 

There's now a new version of this called Retin-OX wrinkle filler with retinol and hyaluronic acid which I haven't yet tried but I am really impressed with it's predecessor so have high expectation of the incumbent.


Alpha-H Liquid Gold - 100ml A$57.50

I use this once a week in place of a serum. This golden brown liquid has a distinct scent (not unpleasant but there is alcohol in it) improves and clarifies skintones, removes dry patches and firms and refines skin with 10% glycolic acid. It's also great at fading blemish scars but do cause skin sensitivity by thinning the upper layer of skin so be sure the use it only at night and top up with the sunscreen during the day

Skin Plumpers
With all these skin thinning and high actives ingredients, you need to plump the skin up with something that mimics its own fat to keep the youthful look. Nothing like essential fatty acids omega 3 and 6 to help revitalise your carefully prepped skin from all those other skin refining products.

Organic Rose Hip Oil 100ml - A$18

On dehyrdrated days, my skin just drinks this right up. I love it around the eye areas to plump the skin up and with all the essential fatty acids and high vitamin C concentration, it repairs and protects and brightens. A must have for me during winter months. Read more about my love for it here.

What do you use to combat the signs of aging? Would you resort to surgery?

Review: Organic Rosehip Oil (rosa rubiginosa)

In my last post, I wrote about my love for rosehip oil (RHO) but found that most of the commercial brands sold rosehip oil in small bottles of 15 to 25ml at $20 - $25 a pop. This eventually ends up being costly as I use it as a treatment serum on my face and for stretchmarks as well as a moisturising treatment on my arms and legs and use up the small bottle within 2 weeks.

So in search for bulk quantities at more affordable prices, I embarked on some research to find out more on rosehip oil.

Rosehip oil facts

Rose hip seeds

• rosehip oil is made from rose hip seeds - that's the red seeds of roses after it has finished flowering
• is a dry oil and has a high absorbption rate through the skin
• a natural remedy for treating common colds and flu, scurvy and even diarrhea
• contains linolenic and linoleic fatty acids, giving it antiseptic and astringent properties, which makes rosehip seed oil an effective treatment for many skin conditions including burns, boils, varicose veins and acne
• helps with regeneration and repair of of skin cells and skin tissue. Made of 80% fatty acids, it assists with the production of collagen and elastin to rebuild skin
• high in vitamin C - a skin brightening agent, vitamin A & Beta-carotene - great for fine line and wrinkle smoothing and sun damaged skin
• helps fades scars and reduce skin pigmentations
• reduce appearance of stretchmarks

Fresh wholesale quantities
Through my search, I met the lovely Jacqui of Tassie based Essential Oils & Soap, who stocks 100% organic and unrefined Rosa Rubiginosa from Chile at A$18 for 100ml bottle (she actually fills it to the brim and it is labelled as 110ml). She's saved my wallet and my skin with her lovely products selling natural soaps and other oils as well.

Organic cold pressed rosehip oil

• has a slightly smokey tea leaf scent when applied undiluted
• has all the qualities I love of the SHE rosehip oil but without the price tag to go with it. I'm converted and so is my mum, who often steals my bottle of RHO to use.
• to speed up the already quick oil absorption, use after showering so skin just soaks the oil up
• cold pressed rosa rubiginosa (aka rosa mosqueta) is the higher quality rose hip oil and is sourced from Chile. Rosa Canina, another type of rosehip oil and can be sourced from various parts around the world and has similar essential fatty acid and vitamin properties as rosa rubiginosa. If the choice is there - always buy rosa rubiginosa
• cold pressed rosehip oil has a shelf life of approximately and should really be stored refrigerated. After that the oil goes rancid and may not have as many benefits as fresh oil do
• Companies usually add in vitamin E (natural anit-oxidant) to stabilise rosehip oils. Add some vitamin E by breaking a capsule or two into your oil mix to make sure it stays fresh and good

Tip: if you find the natural smokey tea scent a bit too strong for your liking on the face, mix 2 part rosehip oil with 1 part jojoba oil (a great non-greasy oil that has properties like skin's natural sebum) and a few drops of your favourite essential oil (eg. lavender) to give skin its moisturising needs while the rosehip does the hard work to heal/renew the skin.

So if you are also looking for affordable RHO, do give this organic and fresh version a try. Your skin will thank you for using the best quality product available while keeping your wallet happy (so you can buy more beauty items to try).

Rating: 10/10. Definitely a must have oil for in my daily skincare routine for refining and firming of skin. 

Pure Rosa Rubiginosa oil RRP $A7.70/$A18 for 25ml/100ml at Essential Oils & Soap.

Review: SHE Rosehip Oil

When you hear the word oil in skincare, the image of greasy skin, shininess and pore clogging skin would pop up in many people's head.

Oil have been given a bad rep but not all oils are equal and in fact, many are good for you - especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. Some oils can make a world of a difference to your skin and may even help to relieve some skin conditions.

My skin is hating the winter this year as it has been particularly cold and windy. My typically normal/combination skin has decided to revolt and is becoming more dry and sensitive, and my skin was craving oil like it has never before.

Despite being normally afraid of oils on my face for fear it might cause skin congestions, I kept reading and hearing that rosehip oil is great for dry skin and assists with healing scars, I finally decided it was a 'must try' item for my parched skin.

SHE anti aging rosehip oil on my skin

• made of pure cold press rosehip oil (not specified which variety), vitamin E and rosa Damascena absolute
• smells like lovely roses with the rose absolute added. Rosehip oils do not smell as sweet as roses rather it has a slightly botanical scent
• light oil and absorbed quite easily by skin
• left skin soften and smoothed
• great for assisting with fading new scars by healing them faster. Did not help with old acne scars
• gave skin radiance and even tone next morning
• skin firmed up quite nicely after 3 weeks of use
• best eye treatment hands down - wrinkles and fine lines were smoothed and plumed up immediately and after a period of use, fine lines were softened. My mum's who's in her late 50s loves this stuff
• only 2 or 3 drops are needed for the entire face 

I think I may found an oil that works as well on my skin as the more fancy and expensive creams and lotions for skin firming and soothing. The only problem I now have is that my body (especially the scaly legs) loves rosehip oil as much as my face and I find that a bottle would last me just under 2 weeks before running out. The quest is on for buying this product in large quanities at affordable pricing. Stay tuned on my quest to hunt for alternative rosehip oils.


Have you tried rosehip oil yet? which is your favourite brand?

Rating: 9/10. Definitely a must have product for addressing fine lines, fading new scars and firming skin up.
SHE Rosehip oil RRP A$17.95 for 15ml