Imagine Dermatology Skincare is one of my favorite skincare brands. Which is saying a lot. I don't think I've ever called out a skincare brand as being my favorite here on AMused, so...there's that! Surprisingly I only came to this realization recently, while packing for my two week trip to France. Whenever I travel I bring my favorite, multitasking products as a way to eliminate excess of anything. (Over packing makes me super uncomfortable in that I feel like I'm taking up too much space with "stuff" I won't actually use.) Can you guess what dominated my skincare space? It was Imagine Dermatology!
There are certain products that will always rotate on my beauty and skincare shelf, but Imagine Dermatology creates several products that will always have a place. I will be detailing those four products below. Continue reading to learn why I love and value these products as much as I do!
Who is Imagine Dermatology?
Imagine Dermatology is a local, Northern California Bay Area based brand. They pride themselves on their strict adherence to high quality products and production, while bringing affordable luxury to the consumer.Imagine Dermatology does not use parabens, phthalates, or sulphates of any kind. I have been a consistent user of their products for nearly three years!
Bubbling Charcoal Mask: Until this exact mask, I believed that bubbling masks were a fun and playful, albeit mostly ineffective skincare item. However when I was introduced to Imagine Dermatology's Bubbling Charcoal Mask, my opinion changed (at least for this one!). Using a combination of activated charcoal, clay, B vitamins, and antioxidants vitamins A and E, this mask is a bubbling powerhouse. One of the many things that I love about it is how multitasking it is: it is a clay mask that doesn't dry on the skin, or dry out the skin. The clay in the mask is what activates skin detoxification, and can pull impurities to the surface: and while the bubbling action is fun, it is also important in that it brings much needed oxygen to the skin, helping to prep the skin for additional moisture and vitamins.
➤How I use it: I start with a freshly washed face, and a nice even spritz of a non-alcoholic toner. Then, using my fingers (this product doesn't work so well with a mask brush), I dispense the product on to my fingers, and quickly spread a nice even layer across my face. Within seconds the bubbling action begins, which tickles. I should comment here: I am a fan of any skincare or beauty that not only works, but also makes me giggle!
Hyaluronic Hydration Honey: Now, it is no secret that I absolutely love hyaluronic acid in skincare, and as an internal supplement. I believe this ingredient to be a powerhouse of all things good (especially when combined with collagen), and I like to see it included at least once in my daytime and evening skincare routines. The Imagine Dermatology Hyaluronic Hydration Honey contains lactic acid - which is a alpha hydroxy acid that gently exfoliates the skin, fights fine lines and wrinkles, and creates a healthy glow. In higher concentrations, lactic acid serves as a facial peel. But in the smaller doses such as in the Hyaluronic Hydration Honey, it keeps skin looking fresh and bright. It also helps the skin better absorb the hyaluronic acid. It's a win-win!
➤How I use it: This hyaluronic serum is the first thing on my skin, in both my AM and PM routines. I mist on an even layer of non-alcoholic toner, and while my skin is damp, I apply this serum (hyaluronic acid needs moisture). I pat the product in until fully absorbed, and then apply another light mist of toner, and continue with my layering routine.
Beyond Retinol Creamy Serum, Bakuchiol: Imagine Dermatology was the brand that first introduced me to bakuchiol; I had never heard of it before them! Pronounced "back-uh-heel," this natural skincare ingredient has quickly gained popularity because of it's similar attributes to vitamin A/retinol. After doing some research, I learned that the bakuchiol extract is found in the seeds and leaves of the babchi plant. What makes bakuchiol so popular among users and dermatologists alike is that it helps to strengthen collagen, brightens skin, and also helps to even out skin tone and reduce hyper-pigmentation. Another reason as to why is it so popular is because it does not cause the same skin and sun sensitivities that retinol does: clinical trials on bakuchiol have given the extract the green light of safety for pregnant women to use.
So far, I am really enjoying the Beyond Retinol Creamy Serum; my skin is soft and bright after five months of continuous use. I'll admit - at first I was hesitant to give up a portion of my regular use of retinol, but the truth is, I haven't missed the vitamin A very much. My skin quickly absorbs the product, and it doesn't interfere with my other beauty or skincare items that I layer over or under it.
➤How I use it: I use this product both day and night. Because bakuchiol doesn't pose the same issues that retinol does, I feel confident in including it as part of my daytime skincare routine.
Pure Retinol Creamy Serum: Retinol aka vitamin A, is a powerful ingredient. So powerful in fact, that it is considered the gold standard within the skincare community. Retinol has earned its reputation due to its ability to reduce dark spots, wrinkles and fine lines, and other signs of aging. Retinol must be used with caution: some users experience a warming, or tingling sensation when they first start using it. It can sometimes cause the skin to temporarily blush on contact (which will fade away), and it can also cause peeling, dry skin, and is recommended to only be used at night. This recommendation is because retinol greatly increases sun sensitivity. Remember: always wear your sunscreen!
When it comes to my personal skincare routine and retinol, I find that I really do adore the Imagine Dermatology Pure Retinol Creamy Serum. It is surprisingly gentle on the skin, and does not cause me to break out, or cause my skin to temporarily flush. Like the name suggests, it is indeed creamy. My skin soaks up the product quickly (retinol is easily and quickly absorbed), and it layers under and with my other skincare products without an issue. I have not experienced any peeling, or skin sensitivity with it either. I have been known to layer my retinol products, and I also really like to layer this Pure Retinol Creamy Serum, with the Hyaluronic Hydration Honey; hyaluronic acid and retinol are a match made in heaven!
➤How I use it: I save this serum for nighttime use, as retinol can make skin extra sensitive to sunlight exposure. I layer my creamy serum over my hyaluronic acid serums, and under my heavier moisturizers. On evenings that I am excessively tired, I will skip all my skincare layering steps, and simply apply this and go straight to bed.
And there you have it! An introduction to one of my favorite skincare brands. Have you tried Imagine Dermatology? If not, I hope that you will give them a try - and then let me know how you like it! They sell and ship their product through Amazon, so you may shop with confidence there. I have linked to the products below. I will also be writing my own personal reviews on the products themselves, and will be adding them to my Amazon Shop and recommendations. If you have any questions, as always, never hesitate to reach out - I'll be sure to answer you right away.
