Each of us has a different type of skin. But the general principle of Cleanse, Treat, Hydrate and Protect remains the same. Here are some products by iS Clinical, Palmer’s, Avène, Algotherm, Moroccanoil, Olay and Nivea

1. PURE CLARITY COLLECTION by iS Clinical

This US-based clinical beauty care firm was started by Bryan Johns and Alec R. Call. All the products are clinically tested and are available at select dermatologists and cosmetologists. While most of the products are given under the supervision of a doctor, there is a home care range too. I tried the PURE CLARITY COLLECTION and my regime started just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020.

This collection comprises a face cleaning gel, an active serum to repair, a hydra cool serum and a SPF 50+ sunscreen. The American brand has pure botanical ingredients and is available at derma clinics. The gel is mild and suits all skin types. It does not dry the skin at all. So, after washing, I use a toner and then the active serum for repair. This has helped rejuvenate my skin and lighten the blemishes. Sometimes, I use the hydra cool serum in the day as it acts as an instant rejuvenator. It also helps when the skin begins to heat up or needs hydration. Morever, my routine ends with the sunscreen, which I use at home too. The skin is always subject to radiation and pollutants, as the city air is not clean.

What I would like to try: Fire ‘n’ Ice facial which gives instant rejuvenation but this is only available at select clinics. 

2. Algotherm is aFrance-basedfirm with products based on marine plants and algae. Born in 1962 in Brittany,the story of Algotherm began at the Iroise Sea, classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Their Research & Development laboratory has listed and selected 29 marine active ingredients to meet the skin’s needs. They have developed 6 innovative complexes, including 1 exclusive patent. The in-depth study of ingenious plant has made them pioneers in Algotherapy.

With India being among the Top 5 wellness markets, the range has been brought under the banner of #GilbertJain. It is available in select salons and spas. I have used the micellar water, serum and night cream. And all the products are worth a buy.

3. Avène comes highly recommended by doctors for people with sensitive skin. I have used the sunscreen as I am prone to rashes and freckles. The acclaimed brand by the French group Pierre Fabre, it has a specialised sun care range made with thermal spring waters.

Interestingly the brand is named after the small village of Avène in southern France. And it all goes back to the healing of a horse. In 1736, Marquis de Rocozel’s horse was suffering from stubborn pruritus and was healed after a few swims in the Orb River. And the soothing, anti-irritating properties of Avène Thermal Spring Water were discovered. Since then there have been many milestones and now the brand is available across the world.

As for the sunscreen, they call it French formulation, Brazilian inspiration, Indian application. The promise for Emulsion Dry Touch for the face is high protection with SPF 50+. The sun block comes in an air-free tube and is not sticky at all. The emulsion is said to have minerals and organic filters as the water comes from thermal springs but the effects of that would be visible on a long term basis only. The promise is also a skin free of acne and blemishes but that too will show after few weeks of use. It is parabens-free and water-resistant and also moisturizes the skin. Price: for normal to combination skin, 50 ml tube @INR 1,250; Cream for dry skin: 50 ml tube @INR 1,250  

4. Palmer’s skincare range is pretty effective. A family-owned business, the E.T. Browne Drug Company’s roots go to the middle of the 19th century (1840 to be precise). It has been headquartered in New Jersey for over 50 years. Under the current ownership, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula was created. Palmer’s has developed brand ranges such as Skin Success, Shea Butter Formula, Olive Butter Formula, Coconut Oil Formula, Olive Oil Formula and Hair Success.

I can vouch for Palmer’s Cocoa Butter moisturizer, skin therapy oil and lip balm.

With the cocoa butter moisturizer, the result was instantaneous. And I didn’t need to put another hand cream for almost five hours. The best part of using cocoa butter-based products is that they are effective in all conditions. They don’t have a sticky feel. They leave a protective layer for a longer period. Cocoa butter is said to help in preventing or removing stretch marks that can come with pregnancy or weight gain. Well, the good part is that it has enough fatty acid to keep the skin moist.

The skin therapy oil is light and doesn’t freeze and become a lump in winter. It has rose hip fragrance and can be used on the face as well. Rose hip, the fruit is said to have vitamin C and the seed oil is high in essential fatty acids: linoleic acid or omega 6 and linolenic acid or omega 3. This oil can even be used during the hot and sultry weather, does not ruin any skin type and there are no side effects. It contains a mix of nine anti-ageing oils–argan, macadamia nut, maracuja, apricot, sunflower seeds, coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed, sesame, vitamin C and vitamin E–and has Retinol (Vitamin A).

It helps in prevention of fine lines, wards off breakouts, banishes pigmentation, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. Price: INR 525 for 30 ml

The lip balm is a carry in your daily kit kind of thing. Price: INR Rs 240

5. Morocconoil

This US-based firm offers hair and body care products. It provides hair treatment and moisture repair packets, shampoos, conditioners, body oil, hand creams, and cleansing bars. While I have not tried the bodycare products, this hair styling cream has proven to be divine for frizzy and unruly hair. It gives a protective layer and can be easily kept till the next wash. I don’t use it daily, just straight after a wash, before the hair dries out completely as then it spreads evenly.

6. Olay

 Not only is the most popular brand around, it is also good for ageing skin. I have been using it for close to two years now with wonderful effects. The only catch: be regular and diligent in use.

Olay was previously named Oil of Olay or Oil of Ulan. This American skin care brand is owned by Procter & Gamble. The brand originated in South Africa as Oil of Olay. Graham Wulff (1916–2008), a former Unilever chemist from Durban started it in 1952. He chose the name ‘Oil of Olay’ as a spin on the word ‘lanolin’—the key ingredient.

I have been using the anti-ageing serums and they work!

7. Nivea

 Do I even need to go further to talk about the product range? It’s perhaps the most popular body care beauty brand. I use the moisturizers, sunscreen, body washes, soaps.

Nivea comes from the Latin adjective niveus, nivea, niveum, meaning ‘snow-white’. This   German personal care brand is owned by the Hamburg-based company Beiersdorf Global AG. It was founded on March 28, 1882, by Paul Carl Beiersdorf. In 1890, it was sold to Oscar Troplowitz who worked with Beiersdorf’s associate, Dr Paul Gerson Unna, and the German chemist Isaac Lifschütz.