OSMOSIS a new religion for skin
Have you noticed a few slightly orange-tinged women lately? They’re probably using Osmosis serums: Catalyst and Correct and possibly didn’t rub it in enough. The other day, at the gym, a friend asked me what that orange streak on my neck was, “oh that’s my Osmosis Catalyst, I mustn’t have rubbed it in properly,” I replied, to which she gave me a funny look. Osmosis is only a year old but it’s already taken a firm grip at most of the beauty therapy clinics and cosmetic appearance clinics in Auckland. It’s become a favourite with many of my friends who have been seeking something to battle pigmentation and fine lines.
Created by Dr Ben Johnson, who previously created Cosmedix, Osmosis uses Retinaldehyde – a more potent form of Vitamin A (Retinol) that is absorbed deeper into the dermis. He combines this with various antio-oxidents, amino acids, lyposomes, peptides and what he calls his zinc-finger technology to really infuse these key ingredients where they are most needed – deep in the skin.
The range has two star products: Catalyst, a yellow serum that improves wound healing, acne, pigmentation scars and stimulates collagen and elastin production; and StemFactor a super serum with over 150 growth factors to build collagen and elastin, minimize pigmentation and reverse the signs of ageing.
These are to be used alongside one or two treatment serums depending on your skin’s needs. There are eight treatment serums to choose from and some have been especially blended for those who have sensitive, rosacea or acne skin concerns. I’ve been using them with Replenish and Correct (also orange hence the oompa loompa effect I get when I’m in a rush), which are pretty much the entry-level serums with the lowest amount of Retinaldehyde. As I feel like I have plateau’d, it must be time for me to progress to Renew and maybe Enlighten. I’m going to have to go back to The Face Place to see what they suggest.
The thing about this skincare range is that it actually works. So many of my friends are using it and ALL of them have commented on how much better they think their skin is for it. It reminds me of when Environ was first launched and everyone used that and would compare which level of Vitamin A they had achieved.
It doesn’t contain parabens, artificial fragrances, SLS’s or additives AND it can be used during pregnancy.
I have noticed acne scarring on my chin improve to the point where I feel like it is nearly fading away, I have fewer fine lines on the lower half of my face and a couple of over-indulging acne spots that dared to arrive after all the Rugby World Cup festivities were quickly reduced. Like overnight. I kid you not – I don’t know what is in that Catalyst but it is MAGIC.
This skincare regime has also reduced some skin tags that I got on my neck after my last pregnancy. I thought that maybe I’d made them worse by wearing necklaces to bed and was considering getting them removed by a dermatologist. But persistent use of Catalyst and Stem Factor serums ( I rub them over my face and my neck) and they are reducing. One even bled a bit and died off. Somehow, this truly does heal.
There are no formula ‘fillers’ so sometimes my skin feels a bit dry and I need to add Quench to my routine during the day (was recommended for night). You are also supposed to use Clear, a frequency enhanced water to help the serums penetrate deeper and dissolve the excess further into the skin (basically to get rid of the Oompa Loompa effect). Since I’ve started doing this, I’ve reduced the amount of orange moments.
Because there is so much to this range and each person’s routine will be different, it is best to go and see a beauty therapist or Skin Care specialists for a full skin analysis and diagnosis. Have a look on the Osmosis website for a full list of stockists. I recommend the girls at Clinic 42, The Face Place and Lucy and the Powder Room. While you’re there, book in for a facial. I’ve yet to do it but I’ve heard it’s amazing.
