Event spotting + a quick review: The Physiogel Daily Defence Range

I have always loved living in the city. There’s plenty to do and places to see, and practically anything you can think of is within reach. But while progress happens at a rapid-fire pace, there’s also heavy traffic that adds to our stress and exposes us to pollution. Even if I spend most of my time in transit inside a car, there’s just no escaping the pollutants that get mixed in the air we breathe.

Aside from the health risks, city pollution can take a toll even on our skin. Exposure to great amounts of environmental aggressors mean that we are being affected at a cellular level, and the fact is, we are all slowly but surely developing more sensitive skin!

How do we know if we have sensitive skin? I honestly never thought about it before as I’m quite used to my skin not having any reaction. I just say it’s dry and I need more moisturizer. I just think it’s dull and I need to amp up my game with the 10-step Korean skincare routine. And while we have proven here on PV that the 10-step routine works, that dryness or dullness that I thought was “normal” can actually be signs of something more alarming.

Dr. Shiela Chua, dermatologist and medical affairs manager for GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Philippines, reveals that rashes and breakouts are not the only symptoms of sensitive skin. When you start experiencing extra dryness, this develops dullness and heightened irritation. Your skin becomes prone to redness, and feels tighter and less supple. You might even experience burning and stinging all over.

This hypersensitivity comes from exposure to intense pollution on our daily commute. Dr. Chua explains, “When pollution comes into contact with the skin, the particles’ tiny size – which could be up to 20 times smaller than pores – allows them to infiltrate the deeper layers of the epidermis. The breakdown of skin barrier functions at a cellular-level can make skin extra sensitive, and can cause skin irritation, dryness, dehydration, premature aging and dullness.”

To help us properly address our skin’s needs and protect it from the changes in the environment, Physiogel has launched a new skincare line called Daily Defence. Jon Lee, head of Skin Health & Nutrition for GSK Philippines, presented the Daily Defence facial range and how it is a complete day-to-night regimen specifically designed for urbanites. To overcome the challenges we face living in the megacity, Physiogel combined its BioMimic Technology™ (an advanced complex of essential lipids similar to those found naturally in the skin) with broad spectrum UV protection and an Antioxidant Complex. This skincare cocktail helps our skin to retain its moisture so that it won’t become dry and sensitive.

The Physiogel Daily Defence Gentle Facial Cleanser (P850) is a lightweight liquid that you apply using a cotton pad. Just wipe off the excess after - there’s no need to rinse! It’s supposed to be effective at removing makeup, dirt, and impurities while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. I’ve only been using this in the morning though, as I can’t shake off my need to oil cleanse at night. It preps my skin for makeup application and I find that I don’t need to apply as much moisturizer after. This is a must for dry, sensitive skin types because it doesn’t strip the moisture off your face like most soaps do.

After cleansing, follow up with the Physiogel Daily Defence Protective Day Cream with SPF15. Every bit of SPF helps though it is still best to apply a separate sunscreen after. The Light version (P800) is best for normal to combination skin, while the Rich variant (P920) is best for those with dry to very dry, sensitive skin. I currently use the Light one because my skin isn’t overly dry these days. While the cream is relatively weightless on, there’s a slight sticky feeling that remains. My skin feels plumper though because of the added moisture.

At night, the Physiogel Daily Defence Replenishing Night Cream (P960) provides intensive moisture that gets absorbed by the skin as you sleep. It’s best for dry, sensitive skin types, especially if you sleep with the A/C on as it causes the air to dry out and zaps your skin of moisture. This is designed to be a little heavier than the day cream but it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

Physiogel also introduced three new brand ambassadors who epitomize the modern urban woman for the Daily Defence Range. Fay Hokulani, Martine Cajucom, and Liz Uy frequently travel all over the globe, so their skin is constantly subject to pollution, stress and even the extremely drying cabin air inside planes. You wouldn’t have guessed that their skin takes on a lot of abuse though, as each of them looked absolutely glowing!

Liz Uz also gives this advice to her fellow citygirls, who are busy working hard and pursuing their dreams: You should be able to go out there and do what you gotta to do to succeed, without having to worry about it taking a toll on your skin. She says, “The best decision you can make for yourself is to carefully defend your skin. So go out there and let Physiogel Daily Defence take care of your skin!”

Have you noticed the symptoms of sensitivity on your skin? How do you protect your skin from pollution and keep it healthy even when you’re stressed?

Physiogel is available at leading drugstores and supermarkets. For more information, visit http://www.physiogel.com/ph