If there's one thing I always like to have as part of my skincare routine, it's a facial scrub of sorts, and for the past while I have consistently been steering towards the St. Ives range when looking for a good 'hearty' scrub!
St. Ives Elements is a range in which each of the products has been formulated to help rejuvenate skin using natural elements. The line is also paraben-free for those that are trying to do right by their skin but aren't ready to completely go all natural.
What is Microdermabrasion?
If like me, you might have heard of Microdermabrasion (either on the TV, in magazines or - most likely, if you're me! - on blogs/YouTube) but aren't entirely sure of what it entails, a definition can be found here.
In basic terms it can be described as a painless and invasive procedure in which the skin undergoes a series of resurfacing treatments. The treatments are meant to thoroughly exfoliate the top layer of the skin diminishing fine lines and wrinkles, fading age spots and acne scars, as well as refining pores, in order to return your skin's natural glow.
Initially only administered by plastic surgeons and then beauticians, microdermabrasion kits and products are now largely available on the highstreet for consumers to try without having to spend hundreds of pounds on professional microdermabrasion sessions.
Enter stage left St. Ives Microdermabrasion!
(I have had this particular bottle for some time, and since then the product designs have changed slightly)
St. Ives Microdermabrasion Scrub
Forget the Clock. Microdermabrasion treatments are known to reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve the texture of the skin. St. Ives Timeless Skin products are dedicated to maintaining your youthful appearance. Daily Microdermabrasion with fine mineral crystals, chamomile & vitamin E. This daily microdermabrasion scrub gently exfoliates to reveal younger looking, refined skin.With fine mineral crystals, chamomile & vitamin E - St Ives
I'll admit, when I first bought this it was a use-it-once-then-bung-it-in-the-cupboard-to-be-forgotten-about number, but I unearthed it one day and decided to make a real effort of using it every day (even just to use it up), and i'm really glad I did as I can see results now after using it consistently for some time.
The consistency of this particular scrub is different to most scubs in that it is like a paste, with fine mineral crystals rather than harsh 'scrubby bits' contained within it, making it perfect for daily use, whilst still giving a good deep clean without harshness or worry of scratching the skin.
It lathers up slightly when massaged into damp skin, although it is not at all sudsy/soapy - but you do have to ensure to rinse it all off thoroughly, as the scrub does start to crystallize (i.e go bright white and crusty!) when left to dry - there have been a few incidents round my nostrils and the bridge of my nose...!
There is also a slight chamomile scent to the scrub, although not obviously so, and not one I would say would contribute to the irritation of sensitive skins.
It claims to minimise fine lines, but right now (touch wood) the only lines I have are round my eyes, so I can't really verify that claim, but it definitely gives my skin a 'glow', makes it soft, and helps get rid of blackheads.
Price
I picked up my bottle when it was first launched and was on special offer at Tesco, but is now retailing for around £5.49 for 125ml (talking of Tesco, they have it on special offer until the 13/03/12 for £3.50).
Compared to the 'traditional' St. Ives scrubs, which are 150ml for around £3.99, you do have to spend a bit more for a bit less (in terms of product amount), but I think this is to be expected given that they are trying to project a fairly 'specialised' product to a niche market.
Packaging
The product comes in a squeezy tube with a flip-top lid, as with the majority of St. Ives products.
I would imagine most people would prefer this to a jar to avoid spread of germs and whatnot.
The only downside i've found to this is that the type of consistency the scrub is, it can start to clog up round the top of the lid, but this is just a minor problem that could be solved by washing off any excess each time you use it.
Where can I buy?
St. Ives as a popular beauty brand, is generally largely available at all the 'usual suspect' highstreet retailers, such as Boots and Superdrug, Supermarkets such as Tesco, and online (at Amazon, for example).
It is also occasionally available at discount stores including B&M and poundland, so keep your eyes peeled!
Have you tried this or any other microdermabrasion products?
Melanie x
Thanks for the review, I've recently made this purchase because I have quite dry skin but unless I really exfoliate I get bad spots really deep down which take an age to go. I had been using proactive which is pretty good but a bit pricey in Ireland. Finding this a good change so far so I'll keep going!
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