Garden of Wisdom (GoW) Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid

Incorporating a vitamin C into your skincare routine can be beneficial for all skin types because not only is it able to hydrate and brighten the complexion, it can also promote collagen production for plumper and firmer skin. Neutralising molecular free radicals by acting as an antioxidant while also having anti-inflammatory properties, the multitasking ingredient is also able to fade hyperpigmentation and improve sun spots, age spots and melasma by inhibiting melanin synthesis by downregulating the activity of an enzyme known as tyrosinase. The Garden of Wisdom (GoW) Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid is alcohol-free, fragrance-free and essential oil-free while the formulation includes pure L-ascorbic acid with another superb antioxidant Ferulic acid. Keep reading to discover the ingredients and benefits of the serum, disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product.

Presented in opaque sealed packaging (ideal for any L-ascorbic acid vitamin C product because it is highly unstable when exposed to air and light) though it is stable in this solution with water because the pH is 3.1-3.4, the pH has to be less than 3.5 to be effective and for the skin to absorb it. The properties the other beneficial ingredients provide are emollient, antioxidant, humectant and moisturising the skin while the full ingredients are as follows:

Distilled Water - Purified and deionized, it acts as a solvent for ingredients to dissolve in. 

L-Ascorbic Acid 23% - Vitamin C that boosts the skin's own collagen production, works great as a antioxidant and UV protection booster, while also being able to brighten the skin. 

Alkyl Benzoate -  Emollient for softer and smoother skin with antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.

Panthenol-D - Soothing moisturiser and humectant that supports the skins barrier function while also having anti-inflammatory and skin protecting properties. 

Carbomer - Helps to change a products texture to the desired state while also stabilising water and oils in a formula so they do not separate.   

Ferulic Acid - Antioxidant with UV protecting abilities while being able to penetrate the skin and also stabilise the unstable vitamin C in a formula. 

Sclerotium Gum -  Sugar molecule that helps stabilize emulsions so water and oil ingredients do not separate while also acting as natural thickener and gelling agent for improved texture.

Optiphen -  A unique liquid preservative formulation which consists of phenoxyethanol with an emollient base which is Caprylyl Glycol. Provides protection against microbial growth from bacteria and yeast while giving the finished product an exceptional feel. 

Hyaluronic acid - Skin identical moisturiser and humectant to improve hydration and hold on to it. 

The pump applicator dispenses the perfect amount which should be 1-2 pumps onto clean skin either in the morning and evening. My preference is to use any vitamin c in the morning to provide antioxidant protection throughout the day while also wearing it under a broad-spectrum SPF boosts its UV protection and with the Ferulic Acid included it doubles the photoprotection effect of Vitamin C. I was impressed on how quickly this absorbs and no pilling or flaking off was experienced because there are no silicones in the formula but you may experience a tingle that is often associated with potent vitamin c products. The tingle soon disappears and with frequent applications your skin will soon become accustomed to this wonderful antioxidant and hydrating serum that works effectively to protect and brighten the skin. Priced at £10.00 and available here: Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid x Neil. 

Trilogy Rosehip Transformation Cleansing Oil

Cleansing the skin is an essential part of your skincare routine by not only removing daily dirt, pollution and impurities effectively but also being gentle with the skin. The Trilogy Rosehip Transformation Cleansing Oil utilises plant oils to breakdown previous applied products that are designed to stick to the skin such as sunscreen and makeup but also nurture the skin with its beneficial content. The multi-purpose face wash is ideal for all skin types and is the ideal first step to use in your cleansing routine because it provides a deeper cleanse as oil-based cleansers remove oil-based dirt and sebum that water based cleansers cant remove. I love cleansing oils, balms, and hot-cloth creams because not only do they work brilliantly to cleanse the skin but more importantly they respect the skins natural barrier function by not being aggressive, harsh, or overly-stripping. Disclaimer: The links used are not affiliated and are placed for you to discover the product. 

The Trilogy rosehip transformation cleansing oil features the following ingredients:

Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil - Emollient plant oil that contains beneficial fatty acids oleic and linoleic while also containing antioxidants vitamin E and B.

Polyglyceryl-2 sesquioleate - Emulsifying that brings water and oil ingredients together so they do not separate in a formulation while also gently cleansing the skin. 

Coco-caprylate - Emollient oil that helps spread-ability of the product on application while also boosting the skins smoothness. 

Polyglyceryl-2 caprate - Multi-functional emulsifier that helps water and oil ingredients mix together while also leaving a nice feeling after cleansing the skin. 

Vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil - Antioxidant and emollient plant oil that supports the barrier function of the skin with fatty acids oleic and linoleic while also containing vitamin E and polyphenols.

Rosa canina (rosehip) seed oil - Emollient plant oil that contains linoleic, linolenic and oleic fatty acids while also containing antioxidants vitamin E and carotenoids pro-vitamin A.

Carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract - Non-Abrasive exfoliant, the enzyme helps to remove dead skin cells which helps improve texture and tone of the complexion. 

Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil - Emollient plant oil that has a high fatty acid content that helps to improve a compromised or damaged skin barrier. 

Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract - Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits because of the active rosmarinic acid it contains while also having anti-bacterial, astringent and toning properties.

Tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) -  Esterified version of the pure form of vitamin E but may or may not have antioxidant benefits. 

Parfum (fragrance), citronellol*, geraniol*, limonene*, linalool*

*Components of natural essential oils

100% of total ingredients are from natural origin.

Presented in a recyclable bottle with pump applicator, it is ideal to gently massage 3-4 pumps into dry skin with light and gentle massaging movements even around the delicate eye area. Wetting your hands and then applying gentle movements over the face, neck, and décolletage you will then notice the oil transforming to a light and delicate milk before either rinsing the skin with your hands or using a face cloth to wipe off. The skin is left perfectly cleansed without feeling stripped of its moisture and you can then follow up with your water-based cleanser to perform a second cleanse if you wish in the evening or apply the Trilogy active enzyme cleansing cream that utilises two fruit enzymes proteins that work together to break down and dissolve dead skin cells by biological action that i have previously blogged about and love to use. A quick but effective cleanse that respects and nurtures the skin, priced at £22.50 and available here: Trilogy cleansing oil x Neil. .

Exfoliate The Skin With Trilogy Skincare

Exfoliating the skin is an essential task in your skincare routine because not only does it improve the texture of the skin but it can also help your other skincare products absorb much better by removing built-up dead skin cells and unclogging the pores. Typically there is more choice of products to choose from such as chemical exfoliants that contain acids, retinol, or enzymes while physical exfoliant products contain compounds that buff the surface of the skin which are typically natural ingredient particles because microbeads are no longer being used. Keep reading to find out more about the two Trilogy products that help exfoliate the skin to encourage cell turnover but still kindly respect it, disclaimer - the links used are not affiliated.

Physical Exfoliant. 

The Trilogy triple action jelly exfoliator combines three natural exfoliators which are jojoba spheres, bamboo stem and super-fine pumice to gently buff to reveal a softer and smoother skin surface. The great thing i like about this physical exfoliant is the jelly texture that helps remove impurities without drying the skin out or making it feel tight. Applying after cleansing, to dry skin for an intensive treatment or to damp skin with gentle massaging movements (making sure to avoid the eye area) the hydrating jelly base combines hydrating Sodium hyaluronate and nourishing Rosa canina (rosehip) seed oil with soothing Mel (honey) and cooling Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice. Rinsing the skin with warm water i loved how my skin felt smoother and softer but more importantly respected! Ideal for guys to use before shaving to gently exfoliate and lift hairs away from the skin to stop ingrowing hairs while also use before any face mask to help boost its effectiveness. Typically you can use either morning or evening and at least 2 times a week to boost and improve the skins radiance and clarity.     

Chemical Exfoliant.

The Trilogy active enzyme cleansing cream utilises two fruit enzymes proteins that work together to break down and dissolve dead skin cells by biological action, rather than physical scrubs that require manual action like the one above. I personally love cream-based cleansers because not only do they effectively cleanse the skin but they also don't over-strip it which means they are quite nourishing while being suitable for all skin types. The nourishing cleanser features vegetable based and vegetable origin surfactant/cleansing ingredients combined with emollients and pure plant oils to give a silky feel and texture to the enjoyable cleansing cream. Papaya gently exfoliates by removing the rough outer layer of the skin but still respects viable cells by not exfoliating them while also helping to refine skin tone by lightening brown spots. The other fruit enzyme pineapple exfoliates but also reduces inflammation, speeds up wound-healing, dissolves cross-linked collagen cells to combat wrinkles and pigmentation while also promoting and boosting elasticity. Complexion brightening for a more uniformed skin tone are helped by the Licorice and Mulberry included which also having anti inflammatory and antioxidant benefits along with the vitamin e included in formula. I like to use this in the morning for a refreshing cleanse by applying to damp skin and leaving it on for a minute before removing with warm water or a face cloth. The cleanser can be used in the evening but i would suggest using an oil-based or your normal cleanser first to effectively remove your SPF, makeup, and any impurities picked up during the day because you want to take advantage of this cleanser working on a clean base of your skin rather than previous products applied. I love how this cleanser effectively cleanses, exfoliates, and brightens but still feels nourished while prepping the skin for your skincare products.  

The Trilogy exfoliators both use different techniques to exfoliate the skin but work exceptionally well in being gentle and are easy to slot into your skincare routine at the cleansing step. Restore your skin's natural vitality and radiance by checking out the full range here: Trilogy x Neil 

Made by Sunday Got It Like That - 2% Bakuchiol Booster (Retinol Alternative)

Exploring the product range of Made by Sunday i came across their Got It Like That - 2% Bakuchiol (Retinol Alternative) that caught my attention. Bakuchiol has certainly become a popular ingredient plant extract because it influences the skin in a similar way as retinol when applied, but chemically has nothing to do with any of the retinoids you may use or have seen in a products formula. It does regulate and influence skin cell behaviour which means producing more collagen such as collagen I, III and IV production while also decreasing the enzyme in the skin MMP which attacks collagen resulting in loss of firmness and the signs of aging. It also helps influence hydration factors within the skin while also being suitable for acne or spot prone sufferers by decreasing a sebum controlling enzyme 5α-reductase while also having anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hinders the oxidative process that begins early in the process of spots/acne. The other interesting benefits are that it has melanin-inhibiting properties while also improving photo damage, but more importantly can help stabilise retinol when used together. Disclaimer: Links used are not affiliated and are used for you to discover the product. 

The Made by Sunday got it like that features 2% bakuchiol which is great because research has shown that amounts between 0.5-2% are ideal to get visible benefits. Only containing four ingredients, all Made by Sunday cruelty-free products are hand-made in small batches while they only use recycled, recyclable, or compostable material and all their containers are glass. The whole range is suitable for vegetarians and vegans but lets take a look at what is inside the Got It Like That booster. 

phytosqualane (olive squalane) - Skin identical ingredient with high emollience benefits to keep the skin nourished without feeling heavy or greasy.  

bakuchiol - Also named Sytenol A or Phyto Retinol, it has cell-communicating, antioxidant, antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits.   

daucus carota Helianthus annuus seed oil (carrot infusion) - Rich content of vitamins A, C, and E which helps rejuvenate and provide moisture to the skin without clogging pores while also having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.   

tanacetum annuum (tansy blue) - Anti-inflammatory with antioxidant and skin-calming/soothing benefits. 

The ideal way to use and apply the Got It Like That is entirely up to you by either applying to the skin as a stand alone product, mix with serums or moisturises, and yes you can even use it with a retinol because research suggests they both work together effectively! Applied in the morning by using 2-3 drops (bakuchiol doesn't cause sun sensitivity) it sinks into the skin really well before following with a moisturiser and broad spectrum SPF, leaving my skin feeling nourished and cared for all day. I have used it on its own in the evening by applying to freshly cleansed skin and have also applied it over a retinol to not only stabilise it but also give my skin a boost with the skin benefiting properties it contains and delivers. Priced at £20.00 and available here: Made by Sunday Got It Like That - 2% Bakuchiol Booster (Retinol Alternative) x Neil.    

Highkind CBD Vape Pen Kit

Explore the natural wonders of CBD by Highkind Cannabis Co who present an organic, premium-quality product range that consists of being 100% natural but does NOT include artificial additives, artificial flavours or artificial terpenes in their CBD formula. All of their CBD products are made from the finest quality, organic flowers in which they specifically use AAA grade female cannabis flowers and then are flushed three weeks before harvest, to ensure they’re completely free of contaminants to ensure natural flavours and the benefits of CBD, not a modified version. Extracting using CO2 to break down the material within the hemp plant which helps to separate the oil ensures a high-concentration of CBD with no toxic or residue leftover. A few CBD companies remove terpenes from their extracts but at Highkind they utilise natural, full-spectrum techniques to extract all of the goodness of terpenes from the plant, which results in twenty different terpene profiles in their product range which enhances the taste and flavour. 

The product ranges available are CBD concentrates, CBD oils, and CBD vaping to suit your specific needs but i have been enjoying using the Highkind CBD vape pen kit that is ideal to use for those who are already vaping and taking CBD separately, but now can do it combined. The vape pen kits consist of a premium-quality vape pen and a pre-filled CBD cartridge while there are some great flavours available to choose from such as Pink Lemonade or Tangerine Dream, but i chose Blueberry Muffins. The CBD vape oil never contains any MCT, PG, or VG as each of their full-spectrum extracts are delicately infused with elite botanical terpenes that deliver the calming effects with exceptionally good flavours but also good vaping clouds are made from a swift 3-4 second draw. 

A slide switch at the bottom of the vape pen gives you the choice between high or low intensity which influences the taste and the volume of vapour while it is suggested to breath in the vapour for a few seconds before keeping it in your lungs for a couple of moments. When you have exhaled, repeat the cycle until you feel satisfied. If, after fifteen minutes, you don’t feel like any different, go through the same process again. The LED indicator will let you know when your vape pen needs a charge and all you do is use a micro-usb charger that typically takes 30 minutes for a fully charged battery for you to enjoy the benefits the Highkind CBD Vape Pen Kit has to offer while also experiencing the beneficial effects with that realistic flavour! Available here: CBD Vape Pen Kit x Neil.