Image Skincare Ageless Total Facial Cleanser

The Ageless Total Facial Cleanser surprised the heck out of me, but  not in a good way.  The first time I used it was in the winter, and within a few days my eyelids started peeling.  I can't say that's ever happened before.  This cleanser is billed as a 3-in1 product in that it cleanses, exfoliates, and tones all in one, and I can vouch for the exfoliation first hand.

Here is the description from the Image Skincare site:

A universal foaming cleanser that rinses away makeup and oil. Balances the PH of your skin and eliminates the need for a toner. A gentle Glycolic Acid blend begins the exfoliating process to reveal smoother skin. Ideal for all skin types. 

So, I thought I'd give it a try again in warmer weather, as my already oily skin becomes even more oily.  No go again, as I can get away with using this maybe 3 times before my skin gets flaky.  So, in my experience, this is a harsh cleanser.  Or it's possible my skin is reacting to something in it.

Ingredients:  ammonium glycolate, peg-120 methyl glucose dioleate, glycol distearate, phenoxyethanol, ammonium laurylth sulfate, glycerin, menthol, dimethyl lauramin oleate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate, glycolic acid, water (aqua), oleifera (greentea) leaf extract, citric acid, cocamidopropyl betaine,

I looked at EWG's Skin Deep Database and see a few potential offenders listed, including:

Cocamidopropyl betaine is a synthetic surfactant; it has been associated with irritation and allergic contact dermatitis, reactions that could be due to the ingredient itself or to impurities present in it, such as 3-dimethylaminopropylamine.

I also wasn't that happy to see a sulfate on the ingredients list as well.  I think I probably just need to cut my losses and toss this one:-(

The Ageless Total Facial Cleanser is supposed to be available only from authorized distributors such as spas, estheticians, and physicians, although I've seen their products on Amazon.  The cleanser retails for about $26.

Disclosure:  I purchased this.

Image Skincare Daily Defense Universal Moisturizer SPF 30

I've got a confession to make.  I hate wearing sunscreen.  And I live in a sub-tropical climate with lots of sun exposure.  Sunscreens make my already oily skin even more shiny and add a slickness that I just do not want.  So, I've deluded myself that the SPF present in my makeup or other skincare products was sufficient.  I know they are not though, so I've been testing out some products with high SPF's and forcing myself to wear them.  It's the equivalent of eating beets for me.

I got the Image Skincare Daily Defense Universal Moisturizer SPF 30 as part of a holiday gift set that included a cleanser and exfoliating masque, but the regular retail for just the sunscreen is around $30.  On the Image web site, Daily Defense is described as lightweight,  ultra-sheer, and providing ultimate protection against the aging effects of the sun and environmental exposures.  In addition to being a broad spectrum sunscreen that is paraben free, it also contains the potent anti-oxidant thiothaine as well as other essential vitamins to prevent free radical damage.  Sounding good!

The smell is wonderful, a light tropical scent that makes me go "yummmm" every time I put it on.  Image also describes this sunscreen as non-greasy and an excellent makeup base.  Sounding even better!  Could this be the one that changes my mind about sunscreens?

Notice the sheen?

Sadly, no.  Daily Defense leaves a marked sheen on my face that does not dissipate, and that worse, I can feel.  Definitely not light weight in my mind.  It also is not an excellent makeup base, as it pills if rubbed.  Sheen and pilling - a double negative whammy in my book.

So, I find myself wearing this on weekend days when I'm going without makeup and taking the dogs for long walks.  I don't want to waste it, especially at that price, but it's usage is limited to only the above for me.  Sad, really.  Image does make a matte sunscreen which might be a good alternative, but I did not know about it at the time I bought the set. 

Image Skincare sells it's products through spas, estheticians, and dermatologists, but I have seen them available on Amazon as well.

Disclosure:  I bought this. 

Image Skincare Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque Review

Founded in 2003, Image Skincare is a relatively new skincare company with products that I was introduced to at my spa.  Only certified dermatologists, plastic surgeons, licensed estheticians and other licensed medical professionals are supposed to act as resellers of Image Skincare products, which could explain why I found zero reviews when I first started using their products several years ago.  According to their web site, Image Skincare is now the fastest growing skincare company in the US, and they have expanded to 27 countries.  I've now used quite a few of the products and have discovered a few favorites, as well as some that did not work for me.

First up is the Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque.  This is an exfoliating and brightening masque for aging, oily/acne prone, and sun damaged skin.  Um, I qualify for all three.  The total Resurfacing Masque uses three different exfoliating agents - lactic, glycolic, and salycylic acids - as well as rounded micro beads to gently exfoliate skin.  It is also supposed to lighten brown spots. 

Other key ingredients are vitamin C for antioxidant benefits, hyaluronic acid for moisture binding properties, papaya as an enzymatic exfoliator, and arnica montana as an anti-inflammatory.  Recommended usage is 1-3 times per week, although I've never used it more than once a week due to the other exfoliators I use.  Instructions say you can also mix this with your cleanser for additional exfoliation or as an overnight blemish treatment, although I've tried neither.

After cleansing skin, you apply about a quarter's worth to skin and massage skin for about a minute.  You can leave on anywhere from 5-30 minutes, and I usually shoot for the 30 minutes.  This masque smells faintly medicinal.  It's not unpleasant and is almost, but not quite, a minty smell.   My skin does tingle/slightly burn after first applying, but that calms down in about 5 minutes.  To remove, use cool water, massage around a bit more, and then rinse.  My skin is soft, smooth and does not feel taut or dry afterwards.  The only con (and it's not really even that) about the masque is that I frequently find the little micro beads in my hairline after rinsing, 

When I purchased this, it was $27 for a 2 oz. tube, which I think is very reasonable.  Exfoliate by Kate Somerville is $85 for the same amount.  I like Exfolikate and use it, but the Total Resurfacing Masque is quite good for a fraction of the price.  I was even able to locate it on Amazon for $27.50 (it looks like the regular retail has gone up to $28), so apparently you can find it outside of a spa or doctor's office. 

All of the Image Skincare lines are paraben, petrochemical, and chemical preservative free.  They do not test on animals, respect the environment, and fragrances are composed with 100% essential oils.