Product Review- Derma Intensive + Q10

Recently I've been entering quite a few online competitions and winning. Nothing big, a cook book here, a block of chocolate there, games for the kids, and a few sample products. A few weeks ago I joined Coles Circle which is an online community of everyday men and women who have the choice to take surveys, write product reviews and participate in recipe forums for Coles (one of two major grocery store chains in Australia).

I have been given the opportunity though this forum, to test and review a range of skin care products- and by God, I'm going to do it right.

In full disclosure, I am not being paid by Coles or any other company to blog about these products, but did receive the products for free.

Background

Derma Intensive + is a range exclusively to Coles, made my Mellor and Russell. It's not tested on Animals (+5 points). It's a range of skin care products that contains Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) which is found naturally in every cell in your body, but it diminishes in skin cells with age. As well as medically beneficial (research into heart conditions (post- heart attack), diabetes, hypertension and gum disease), there are also benefits when used on your skin.


My understanding of CoQ10 is that it is the personal trainer of collagen, elastin and moisture in your skin. We all need that motivation to keep in shape, so do they. CoQ10 is the energy behind these important elements in looking younger. It's also an anti-oxidant and a fighter of free radicals (ie: environmental pollutants). This is a super power for your skin.

Other products that contain CoQ10 are Nivea (Body Firming, Energy and Anti-Aging Ranges), Bielenda, and Avalon Organics. These products range from around $8- $19. While not break your bank expensive, if you're using them everyday, they are a luxury item (in my budget anyway).

As I was reading about the effectiveness of CoQ10 for medicinal purposes, I read that to be effective you need to ingest about 40-170mg per day. I looked at the pack and realised that in the ingredients, I couldn't see anything about how much CoQ10 was actually in there... and then, I came across this.... An "oh no" report from Today Tonight, Perth. I'm not convinced after reading the report that there will be enough CoQ10 to make a difference in the skin. But, we'll see.

My Skin Issues 

I thought I would pop in here that I have Dermatographic Urticaria which is basically a fancy way of saying skin that marks easily when touched. This isn't "sensitive skin" and I usually have no issues with perfumed products or anything like that. Note: If you do have these issues, I'm not sure if the product will be suitable for you. Contact your health professional.

My problem areas in Winter (when this review is taking place) are my T zone, being very dry, my legs, looking not unlike crocodile skin, and my rough dry elbows. These are the areas I will be focusing on.

Products 

I'm very glad that these products came with instructions, because I had no idea what to do with half of them. I use Detol bar soap on my face, followed by the cheapest Oil of Olay moisturiser. I would love to bathe myself in expensive products and take the time to give myself facials and look after my skin... but hey.. I've got my hands full.


Prices are subject to change without warning. 


Product One: Derma Cleansing Milk Intensive + 200mL$4.33 



I've never used a cleansing milk before, so when I used this, I was worried about the "oily" feeling after you wash it off. My skin doesn't feel clean after using it. It feels coated. It did wash off make up though, which is great. I won't continue to purchase this.


2/5

Product Two:Derma Toner Intensive + 200mL$4.33

I think the alcohol in this stung my skin. I used it once, and won't be using it again. This doesn't mean it's not for you, but if you have sensitive skin, I wouldn't try it.

Not for me. 0/5








Product Three: Derma Renew Oil Intensive + 75mL$7.58

This is my favourite product. My afore mentioned rough dry elbows are a thing of the past. The oil soaks in surprisingly quickly, and leaves the skin supple and smooth. The smell, like all of the products is divine. You only need a couple of drops for it to be effective. The bottle is going to last and last. I have also trialled this on my feet. I wouldn't recommend this for cracked heals because it doesn't soak into the dead skin well, making your feet slippery. It's hard to get a good shot of your elbows, but I'm going to get Mum to try it. She'll be amazed. 


5/5

Product Four: Derma Q10 Serum 30mL$5.24

Mum has been using this all over her face, and she said it's great. She loves the way it rubs in, and she also thinks it is working!

Mum, like me, usually uses Olay, and has dry spots on her face, between her brows in Winter. Not this Winter.

5/5

Product Five: Derma Q10 Face Cream SPF 15+ Day Cream 50mL$4.99


This product is SPF15. However, as we all know, you have to reapply sun-cream every four hours, so really, unless you're using this a few times a day, I don't think the addition of sun cream is worthwhile. Also, in the harsh Australian sun, wouldn't a 30+ be better?


In saying that, Mum loves this product. She loves how it rubs in, and has said that it compares well to Olay. Her skin is smooth and clear and feels nice. She's very impressed.

4/5

Product Six: Derma Q10 Night Cream 50mL$5.24

This cream rubs in well, and feels thick and rich. I don't think it's as effective as Oil of Olay. It didn't seem to make the dry bit on my skin go away. I had high expectations of a night cream.


3/5








Product Seven: Derma Q10 Eye Cream 30mL$4.99

I've used this for a few weeks now on my left eye. I don't see any difference.

I guess with eye creams, it would be prevention is better than a cure. Daily use might de-crease the risk of wrinkles. 

The cream rubbed in well.

4/5





Product Eight: Derma Intensive Wipes Fragrance Free 25pack$2.14

I really like these. They are a cleanser and toner in one. Great if you aren't having a shower and want to remove make up. They even removed waterproof mascara. Great value. I will be keeping these in my bathroom from now on! 


5/5

Product Nine: Derma Facial Wipes Fragranced 25 pack$2.17

The fragrance is nice and clean. Like the Fragrance Free ones, they remove make up and leave your skin feeling fresh. Great value for money, and you only need one cloth to remove a face full of make-up.


5/5 

Product Ten: Derma Intensive Nourishing Hand and Nail Cream

No Image Available.

This was the first item I reached for when I opened the parcel. I love hand creams. The thick and creamy consistency of this hand cream shows the quality of the moisturiser. It rubs in well, not leaving your hands feel damp, like some creams can. The best part though, is the smell. It's not a heavy scent, but a nice clean and fresh smell that makes me want to sniff my hands all day. The tube is also the perfect size to fit in your handbag. I often forget to moisturise my hands, or notice that they are dry when I'm out. I've used this cream several times, and I have already noticed the difference. My hyponychium (the quick of the nail) is often peeling and dry. This cream has helped so much with this.

This product has CoQ10 as well as Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5. 


5/5

Product Eleven: Roll on Eye Serum

I like the method of application the best out of all the eye wrinkle creams. Not to boast, but I'm fairly sure at age 26 I don't have too many noticeable eye wrinkles, and didn't see any improvement.

4/5

Summary 

Over the past three weeks, I've spent so much time applying skin care products, that I know the rest of the product will sit in my bathroom, gathering dust until I get sick of them and chuck them out.

If you use a lot of skin care products, and enjoy the daily ritual then I'm sure that these products would be good for you.

Personally, I got a break out of pimples on my chin (something that doesn't happen normally, and perhaps it was just hormones) and the dryness didn't go away. After swapping back to the good old Detol bar soap, and Olay moisturiser, my skin is back to normal, clear and moisturised.

The Renew oil, hand cream and the face wipes are the three stand out products in this range and I would recommend them. However, if you're not happy with your skin care products, then give these a go. Just because they didn't work for me, doesn't mean they won't work for you. The price is great compared to the leading brands, and all products (except for the cleanser and toner) felt nice on your skin.