She was one of the first fitness influencers to take Instagram by storm, and now Kayla Itsines isn’t just sharing fitness tips – she’s posted about her personal acne-fighting skincare routine, too.

A post shared by KAYLA ITSINES (@kayla_itsines) on Jul 20, 2018 at 5:46am PDT

What’s Kayla Using?

Like most of us who’ve experienced bad skin bouts, Kayla shared with her 10 million followers how much her breakouts upset her, and exactly what she did to banish them for good.

Her secret? Well, there’s a few. Starting with SkinCeuticals Simply Clean to cleanse, followed by Medik8’s betaMoisturise, Hydr8 Day and Blemish AOX, which have all since been reformulated and renamed (I’ve linked you through to the new versions).

You can’t argue with these results, can you?

Cleansing Is Key:

Cleansing is absolutely essential for all skin types, but in particular for acne-prone skin. Cleansing removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, preventing congestion and breakouts. That’s why I want to talk more about Kayla’s cleanser of choice.

– This skin-refining cleanser is ideal for combination to oily skin types

– It’s a gel formula that features an exfoliating hydroxy acid blend

– Contains botanical extracts of chamomile, comfrey & aloe to soothe & heal

– Gently but thoroughly removes surface impurities & dead skin cells

– Leaves the skin softer, smoother and more even in clarity & texture

– A suitable treatment cleanser for acne-targeted skincare routines

Buy here

The Key Ingredients:

Sulfonic acid: This synthetically derived acid activates natural enzymes in skin to help break the bonds that bind dead skin cells to the surface for even exfoliation.

What’s Everyone Saying?

★★★★★ Enjoy using it – Mandy

“I’ve been using this cleanser for about a year – I received it while taking an aesthetics course. I really like it for my oily/combo skin, it keeps my oils at bay during the day and doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped afterwards.”

★★★★★ Recommend! – Laura

“I recommend this for those with oily skin! It deeply cleans my pores and makes them look less visible. It is a good cleanser, and also exfoliates the skin very gently. Perfect to use with a Foreo!”

★★★★★ Best cleanser – Natte

“I love this cleanser! It’s amazing leaves my skin so smooth and soft. And what makes it even better is how it removes all my eye makeup gently and effectively! This is my #1!”

Buy Skinceuticals Simply Clean Here

Even if you’re only just the slightest bit into Korean skincare, I’m sure you’ll be aware of the bubble mask phenomenon. I challenge you to try and keep a straight face with a bubble mask on. It’s near impossible.

Why Try A Bubble Mask?

The one I’ve been using is Cremorlab’s O2 Couture Oxygenic Peeling Mask, which is perfect for dull, dry winter skin – and of course it’s infused with Cremorlab’s famous T.E.N. Mineral Water, sourced from deep ocean thermal hot springs. So how does it work?

– Revitalises dull skin for an instantly clearer & brighter complexion

– Smooths the skin, removes dirt & oil and gently exfoliates

– Transforms quickly from a spreadable gel texture to a bubbly foam

– The hydrating formula also allows oxygen to penetrate further into the skin

– Formulated with a unique blend of Korean-inspired complexes & natural extracts

Buy here

The Key Ingredients:

T.E.N. Mineral Water: improves skin hydration levels and overall health while boosting radiance & vitality.

Glycolic Acid: a form of AHA that acts as a water-binding agent & exfoliant, speeding up cell turnover for a more youthful, softer & refined complexion.

Neem Leaf Extract: Rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, this extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Wintergreen Extract: A natural source of salicylic acid, it gently exfoliates the skin, treats blemishes & improves skin clarity.

Turmeric Root Extract: boasts antioxidant & anti-inflammatory properties, helping to revitalise, brighten & even skin tone.

Marine Oxygen Plasma Complex: helps oxygen to penetrate further into the skin for deeper hydration and skin free from dirt & impurities.

Buy here

What Does Everyone Think?

★★★★★ First product from this brand, in love! – Mya

“This is the first product I have tried from this brand and I love it! It brightens and smooths your face and I noticed results within a week. It is super mild and not harsh on sensitive skin whilst it exfoliates and smooths the skin. It is light and has foamy bubbles which really help remove dirt from skin and pores and has reduced my breakouts. My skin looks so much clearer and brighter.”

★★★★★ My first “bubble mask – June

“I actually expected it to be a little bit drying as it is a PEELING mask and it is full of bubbles (you know bubbles tend to make skin feel dry too). And it surprised me! When I rubbed my face with my fingers, I felt a layer of gel on my skin and it was so satisfying to rub as I felt like I was massaging the hydrating gel into my skin! Skin feels very refreshed after rinsing! The best thing is, I only need to wait for 3 mins to rinse off, haha yes I am lazy…”

★★★★★ Subtle but pleasant – Katherine

“It’s a quick and easy way to soften skin, and I’ve been using it before events for an instantly brighter complexion, and smooth skin ready for make up application. I wouldn’t use it every day, because I think it would be a little much, but it’s perfect for a few times a week.”

Cremorlab O2 Couture Oxygenic Peeling Mask

Zendaya calls it “the best freakin’ stuff in the world”, while Kate Moss, Oprah and Alexa Chung also claim Kiehl’s Crème de Corps as their go-to body moisturiser. So what makes this cult favourite so damn good, you ask?

Well, let’s piece this together: it’s been a best-seller for over four decades, an average of 1.5 units sells somewhere in the world every minute plus it’s packed full of skin-nurturing ingredients. And we’ve barely even scratched the surface.

A post shared by Kiehl’s Australia (@kiehls.au) on Jul 26, 2018 at 2:00am PDT

Why You Need Crème de Corps:

– Features a high concentration of super moisturising ingredients

– Keeps the skin feeling hydrated & comfortable for 24 hours

– This lotion has a lightweight, non-greasy, easily blendable texture

– Absorbs into skin quickly, leaving it radiant, nourished & soothed

– Rapidly treats dry patches and scaly areas for softer, smoother skin

– The fragrance-free formula is suitable for all skin types

Buy here

The Key Ingredients:

Beta-Carotene: a naturally derived antioxidant which protects the skin from the elements and gives Crème de Corps its signature yellow hue.

Cocoa Butter: a lipid ingredient that softens and lubricates skin.

Sesame Oil: a refined emollient moisturising oil which absorbs easily, softens the skin & is often used as a carrier oil for other ingredients.

Squalane: a botanical lipid similar in molecular structure to natural skin lipids. It’s easily absorbed, helps restore skin’s natural moisture balance and keeps it extra soft and supple.

A post shared by Kiehl’s Australia (@kiehls.au) on Jul 19, 2018 at 2:01am PDT

What’s Everyone Saying?

★★★★★ All true – Denise

“Well, like everyone says, this is a divine moisturiser. It absorbs instantly, leaves your skin feeling like silk, and has a subtle scent that doesn’t compete with your perfume. Instead of moisturising tight itchy skin every day, I now moisturise only when needed. Lovely product.”

★★★★★ LOVE LOVE LOVE – Sharna

“Absolutely love this product, my skin has never felt so soft and silky. Honestly the best body moisturiser I’ve ever had! Highly recommend.”

★★★★★ Best product on the market – Sue

“I have dark skin, so it can dry out quite easily. I have been purchasing moisturiser since I was 15 and this year I was given a sample of Creme de Corps and have never looked back. I use it all over and on my heels to keep them smooth and crack-free. I have never had so many compliments about how smooth and soft my skin looks and feels!”

Buy Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Here

This little trick of mine is almost guaranteed to banish ‘you look tired’ comments from your life. Do other people insist on asking if something’s wrong when you’re bare-faced? Come on people, haven’t you ever seen a pale person before?! Give us a break.

With the help of a single product, I’ve managed to get away with going makeup-free without being questioned. Say hello to Clarins Beauty Flash Balm. This product is so underrated in my opinion.

What’s So Good About Beauty Flash Balm?

– Imparts both immediate & long-lasting radiance to the skin

– Firms & helps minimise the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles

– Helps to smooth & soften textural irregularities like dry patches

– Diminishes signs of fatigue from the skin, evening the complexion

– Gives a slight airbrushed finish to bare skin

– Works excellently as a makeup primer for a flawless finish

– Has a very lightweight, comfortable creamy texture

Buy here

A post shared by Winchmores Hair & Beauty (@winchmores) on Nov 1, 2016 at 12:10am PDT

The Key Ingredients:

Olive Leaf Extract: packed full of protective antioxidants, this ingredient also helps to smooth the surface of the skin.

Bisabolol: this skin-brightening extract is derived from chamomile so it soothes & softens the skin.

Witch Hazel: is a natural astringent with antioxidant qualities that can soothe skin, control redness, help to heal & balance oil production.

Algae Extract: features antioxidants, as well as amino acids, proteins and vitamins, offering hydration, plus protection from environmental damage & premature ageing.

Buy here

A post shared by hana (@rawandsweet) on Oct 31, 2016 at 1:13am PDT

What’s Everyone Saying?

★★★★★ In love already! – Kathryn

“Only been using for a few days and I already love it! Leaves my face feeling so fresh! Perfect primer for my liquid foundation. I was using another popular primer but wasn’t seeing good results after applying the foundation. So glad I read all these positive reviews on this miracle balm to convince me to purchase! Will be buying again!”

★★★★★ Absolute must-have – Amy

“If I was stranded on a desert island and could only have one thing… at least I’d die pretty. This cream just makes you look better. I can’t even pinpoint what it is, but I can tell the difference when I don’t use it before applying my makeup.”

★★★★★ I LOVE this product as a primer – Janaya

“Without it, my foundation looks chalky and my skin seems to lack that glow that it has when I use Beauty Flash Balm underneath. I put on the balm and then the foundation on literally straight after while the skin is still damp. It is an amazing product, if you haven’t tried it- do!”

Buy Clarins Beauty Flash Balm Here

I can’t say I’m surprised that anti-pollution is the skincare buzz word of 2018. Pollution is fast becoming another environmental contributor to poor skin health and accelerated ageing – so what exactly can we do to combat it?

You’re probably familiar with Clinique’s renowned Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+. Already available in a multitude of different formulas, it’s the latest version that ditches the signature yellow packaging for a clear, jelly-like consistency. This hydrating, lightweight moisturiser also boasts pollution-fighting and barrier-building ingredients.

A post shared by Clinique Australia (@clinique_oz) on Aug 5, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

What You Need To Know:

– Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly delivers 24-hour hydration

– Helps to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier & improve resiliency

– It’s an oil-free water-jelly formula that absorbs immediately into the skin

– Leaves the skin feeling smooth & hydrated without any residue

– Features unique patented technology to protect the skin from pollution

– This formula is the most lightweight of the Dramatically Different range

Buy here

How Does It Protect The Skin?

Clinique’s Clean Shield Technology works to lock in moisture and nutrients, while filtering out the nasties like free radicals with a blend of protective ingredients.

Sunflower seedcake: is an emollient plant oil that has anti-inflammatory properties & is rich in barrier-supporting fatty acids.

Barley extract: provides antioxidant protection to defend the skin against harmful free radicals.

Cucumber fruit extract: rich in multiple vitamins and antioxidants, this ingredient not only protects the skin, but softens & hydrates as well.

Hyaluronic acid: a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin & helps to prevent moisture loss.

Algae extract: packed full of antioxidants, as well as amino acids, proteins and vitamins, algae extract offers protection from environmental damage as well as premature ageing.

Buy here

What’s The Verdict?

★★★★★ So light & refreshing – Jo

“It is light, cooling and very refreshing to apply to your skin. It is not sticky, oily or have a heavy feeling like some moisturisers. My skin feels very fresh and healthy. Within 24 hours my skin had bounced back from weeks of not drinking enough water, working, flying and stress! Loved loved loved this product.”

★★★★★ Love it – Leesh

“This is my new favourite moisturiser. It feels great on my congested combination skin, my skin feels refreshed for hours after applying – I still love my other Clinique Moisture Surge so I’m torn between the two!”

★★★★★ My skin felt renewed – Debbie

“After 11 weeks travelling in the outback in 38C, my skin felt very dry. I used the Hydrating Jelly when I got home and within a week felt such a difference. My skin felt much improved and supple.”

Buy Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly Here

Having come from a background in skin clinics and plastic surgery, I’m a big believer in technologies like LED Light Therapy – in fact, this treatment was originally (and still is) used to speed up healing time of post-surgery wounds and scarring. The only negative is that it can be a costly service to have regularly in a clinic.

So I wanted to talk about LightStim for Wrinkles – an at-home device featuring LED light and multi-wave technology designed to target the signs of ageing.

How Does LED Light Therapy Work?

Without going into too much detail, LED Light Therapy essentially works to convert therapeutic wavelengths of light into energy-carrying molecules that drive cells to function at their best. The use of LED Light Therapy works to increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, targeting multiple skin and ageing concerns.

Different wavelengths (or colours) of light, are designed to treat different skin concerns. Red LED lights are traditionally the most popular, addressing fine lines and wrinkles, collagen production, inflammation concerns as well as sun damage.

LED (light emitting diode) treatment is completely safe for all skin types and conditions, and doesn’t involve any form of UV light.

Why Try LightStim?

– LightStim for Wrinkles combines amber, deep red, light red and infrared lights

– It’s an easy-to-use, lightweight, hand-held device for at-home use

– A full face treatment lasts for 30 minutes, changing areas every 3 minutes

– Supports the natural functions of the skin

– Can reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles

– Improve overall skin texture & refine the appearance of enlarged pores

– Stimulate collagen & elastin production for more youthful skin

– Helps to brighten & rejuvenate dull complexions

– Add to your existing skincare routine to enhance your results

Buy here

Who’s Tried It?

★★★★★ Fantastic – Honeygem

“I love my LightStim. I noticed a difference after only a week and my skin only got better with use. I have rosacea on my cheeks and some adult acne, my skin looks so much more youthful and clear. This is one of the best purchases I have made with regards to skin care. I have gone out without makeup and been complimented on my skin, I am 49. Highly recommend!”

★★★★★ Lifesaver – Kat

“I know this is for wrinkles however I purchased due to acne and redness since my last pregnancy and have tried so many products and treatments even medication nothing worked. I have been using this for 2 weeks and my face is less red and dry and is actually clearing my acne my face looks so great now.”

★★★★★ Affordable and effective LED therapy – Matilda

“I bought the LightStim because I was spending $50 per session at a skin clinic. The product has helped my skin from the first use and continues to do so after each session. Immediately after using the LightStim, I notice that my skin is less inflamed. It has helped my eczema and dry skin incredibly. My skin is all round smoother, softer and looks much healthier. I would definitely recommend this product if you are someone who suffers from skin conditions like eczema or irritable skin conditions.”

Buy LightStim For Wrinkles Here

Most of us don’t have the luxury of having a professional facial as often as we’d like – so when we do get a chance for a little me time, you want those post-facial results to last.

I was lucky enough to have a beautiful Aveda treatment at Rhodes Spa recently, and my facialist Liz talked me through exactly what I’d need to recreate my treatment at home.

What’s Different About An Aveda Treatment?

Aveda’s spa treatments completely embody their mind-body balance philosophy backed by Ayurvedic principles, focusing on the well-being of the mind and spirit throughout your treatment.

That might sound completely made up, but I can assure you, you’ll walk out of your treatment feeling like you’ve slept for 2 weeks straight – Aveda’s treatments are truly restorative. But if you can’t spend the time on a spa treatment, let’s create your own escape at home.

Cleanse:

It might seem a little boujee to do a triple-cleanse at home, so you don’t have to do these three steps, but it is worth it to get that glow. Liz used the Tulasāra Radiant Oleation Oil with the Radiant Facial Dry Brush, then the Botanical Kinetics Purifying Creme Cleanser, followed by the Botanical Kinetics Skin Refiner.

Cleansing is a big part of this treatment, as this three-step action aims to:

– Awaken microcirculation & nourishes to reveal smooth, glowing skin

– Gently exfoliates dry, dull cells from skin’s surface

– Helps to prepare the skin for subsequent treatments

– Removes surface impurities including makeup, dirt & excess oil

★★★★★ Healthy & moisturised – Brittany

“Since being introduced to the Botanical Kinetics Purifying Creme Cleanser a few years ago I haven’t been able to even think about using anything else. I find a lot of other cleansers to be too harsh for my skin but this cleanser is perfect. It’s got a smooth finish and goes on easily. Unlike a lot of other brands that leave my skin feeling dry and flaky, this cleanser leaves my skin feel healthy and moisturised.”

Shop all Aveda cleansers

Treat:

I’ve heard so many people rave about Aveda’s Tulasāra Wedding Masque, so I was really excited to try it. Spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed. Liz used both the face and eye variations of the Wedding Masque on me, gently massaging the ultra-rich creme formulas into my skin (basically what I imagine heaven to feel like). So what does this masque do?

– Brightens skin overnight for a luminous complexion the next day

– Supports the skin’s natural repair process & protective barrier over time

– Helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles for a firmer appearance

– Works to even the skin tone, plus reduce pigmentation & dullness

– Hydrates the skin & seals in moisture

★★★★★ I love this overnight masque the most of all! – Raminta

“I apply a bit (a bit goes a long way!) to a clean face before bed and I wake up to a dreamy, supple and soft face in the morning. It makes my skin glow! I like that the ingredients are natural and it smells like I’m laying at the spa! I have nothing but good things to say about this product and I have been recommending it to anyone who will listen!”

Shop here

Calm:

I’ve got sensitive skin at the moment, so Liz recommended the Tulasāra Calm Concentrate to finish off with. This instantly soothing serum helps the skin to become more resilient to irritation over time, so it’s the perfect addition to my usual skincare routine right now. There are other concentrates available, including Firm and Bright.

– Helps restore calm with antioxidant-rich raspberry stem cells

– Instantly calm skin with soothing pomegranate fruit extract

– Algae extract helps diminish visible redness & irritation over time

– Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin, prone to redness & irritation

– Made from 97% naturally-derived ingredients

★★★★★ Magic! – Francesca

“Favourite skincare product in the whole wide world. Nothing calms my red, pigmented skin like this product. It is not a product that changes your skin dramatically over time, rather works quickly to reduce the appearance of discolouration, redness, pimples and pigmentation. It does what is says – it calms the skin right down. Trustworthy little bottle of love!”

Shop here

Shop Aveda Here

Thank you to Liz at Rhodes Spa in Hawthorn.

rhodeshawthorn.com.au