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Manuka Doctor Apiclear – Anti-ageing & Blemish-Calming
for Sensitive Skin
There are more than seven million women in the UK who suffer
from the burden of sensitive skin. If you are one of them, then you will know
how difficult it is to find effective everyday skincare and cosmetics that
don’t cause irritation, but if you happen to be looking for anti-ageing items
or products for blemish-prone skin, then your search becomes nigh on
impossible. Commonly used exfoliants, such as Alpha- and Beta- Hydroxy Acids,
acne- and wrinkle- busting retinoids, artificial colourants and fragrances and
other chemical ingredients can prove too much for troubled skin, yet the vast
majority of anti-ageing products are packed to the gills with them. So, what to
do if you want to try to retain your youthful complexion without upsetting your
epidermis? I would hazard that the use of bee venom probably wouldn’t be the
first thing to spring to mind for most people...
When the Manuka Doctor Apiclear range landed on my desk one
cold, wet January morning it didn’t precisely gladden my heart. While honey has
long been known for its beneficial properties, the idea of using a product
built around bee venom is somewhat counter-intuitive; after all, venom and
anti-inflammatory are usually only found in the same sentence when the latter
is being used to counteract the effects of the former. Bee venom, it would
seem, is the exception to that rule – stringent testing has shown it to improve cell regeneration, boost collagen production and
reduce the signs of ageing and the appearance of scars, not to mention having antibacterial
and anti-inflammatory properties, which does seem somewhat ironic, given the
original purpose of the stuff!
The products are created by blending purified bee venom
(miraculously harvested without injuring the bees in any way) with a range of
top quality natural ingredients, including Manuka Honey, Avocado and Olive
Oils, Shea Butter and Vitamin E, all of which are known for possessing either
antibacterial, hydrating, soothing and/or nourishing properties. The products
are also free from ‘harsh chemicals’ and GM ingredients. They work by creating
a reaction in the body similar to that formed in response to a sting;
increasing blood flow, which in turn accelerates collagen formation and cell
renewal.
Having read thus much and been sent the Manuka Doctor Apiclear Foaming Cleanser (150ml £16.99), Facial Toner (150ml £16.99) and Skin Treatment Serum (30ml £18.99) I
thought that I may as well give them a try. Although I consider myself to have
fairly sensitive skin, I am lucky enough not to suffer from anything serious
such as eczema or psoriasis, so while my testing goes so far, you would be well
advised to carry out a patch test before extensive use.
As close to fragrance-free as these things ever get, the
products are light and pleasant to use, leaving the skin feeling clean without
feeling stripped or tight. The effects of bee venom are cumulative, so although
not disagreeable in the first instance, astonishing results can not be seen
immediately. However, after a few weeks use I have noticed a few pleasing points.
Although by no means acne-prone, like most people I do endure the occasional
blemish and I have noticed a distinct lack of them during the last few weeks
(this could be coincidental, I would have to use the products for far longer to
ascertain a definite correlation); my pores seem smaller and my over all skin
tone seems improved, the same could be said for those irritating little fine
lines that started appearing not so long ago. I also have an old chickenpox
scar which is surprisingly less obvious at present than it ever has been
before. Interesting. Very interesting!
Bee venom has become a hit with the celebrities in recent
months, with the likes of Victoria
Beckham and Kylie Minogue embracing it to banish blemishes and fight the signs
of ageing. I have to say, that after a few weeks of use, I am really beginning
to see why.
You can find the Manuka
Doctor range at Holland & Barrett stores nationwide. For more
information visit http://www.manukadr.co.uk.
© Purple Peccadilloes
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