Researched and developed by The International Dermal Institute, Dermalogica shocked the market by refusing to use artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, S.D. alcohol, lanolin or mineral oil – all of which were industry favourites due to their low cost, despite links to numerous skin problems that were well understood. The brand also went a step further, insisting that all Dermalogica skin care professionals had to meet the highest level of training and expertise, ensuring that consumers could get reliable consultations about their skin concerns without falling prey to the hype and faddism that dominates the skin care industry.
Dermalogica’s commitment to professional skin care continues today with its no-nonsense packaging, emphasis on skin care education and dedication to formulating products that deliver results, not ridiculous claims. Since the beginning, Dermalogica addressed consumers’ demand for results, not frilly packaging or overblown hype. All Dermalogica products have the highest possible levels of purity, and are contained in contaminant-free packaging. As skin health is the brand’s priority, we don’t claim Dermalogica as ‘natural’ or ‘organic’ although we use these ingredients in products as needed to ensure optimal skin health.
Face Mapping® offers the consumer a systematic analysis of current skin conditions and to gain insight for proactive preventive care. Consumers receive their Face Mapping® skin analysis at no charge by a professional skin therapist as the first step in any consultation or treatment. The process, which can take just a few minutes, divides the skin into 14 zones.
The therapist not only examines the skin visually, but also touches the skin of the face and neck in all of the zones, identifying subtle skin conditions through nuances of texture, temperature and tension. This information is recorded on a graphic “map” of the client’s skin, offers guidance for appropriate product prescriptions and is kept in file as a basis for comparison for future visits.
The technique is essential to Dermalogica’s belief that fixed skin “types” are a myth, and that in fact everyone’s skin condition is always changing, requiring adjustments in both home care and professional treatments. Skin condition is affected by multiple factors ranging from shifts in hormonal levels and changes in diet to changes in weather and environment.