Vicky Sanderson I used to think that as I aged, skincare would become less important to me. As on so many views, with age came wisdom. At 62, my skin is more in need of attention than ever. My fair skin shows off spots and flaws, and is super dry and highly sensitive. All that made me very ready to lean in to product supplied by La Maison Clayton Shagal, a Canadian skin care company that makes high-end body and face treatments in a production facility in Montreal, from where it’s distributed across a network of spas and salons through North America, and online.
One of the most talked-about items right now is the brand’s Collagen Gel. Collagen is a protein that’s a major component of connective tissue, and which gives skin structure and strength. The company says its 99 per cent pure non-hydrolyzed acid-soluble collagen is the purest form, and that it penetrates the skin without injection, leaving it healthier, firmer, and stronger.
Super-hydrating, they say it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, soothes irritation and inflammation, adding that it accelerates skin recovery to lessen scarring after burns, injuries, and procedures.
Not sure I got all the science in all that, but I do know I loved all the product I tested. After a few weeks’ use, I noticed that my skin looked and felt better, and that dryness was significantly reduced.
There’s a milk cleanser/make-up remover I really liked, until my 20-something daughter decided she liked it too, and I never saw it again. (Ah well, it’s good to see her taking care of her skin.) It’s super creamy and super light, and it rinses off very easily; all boxes I like to tick.
I also tested an exfoliant, a product I tend to be careful with, as I think some can do my dry skin more harm than good. I used Clayton Shagal’s Bamboo and Honey exfoliant, which Ieft my face refreshed and ready for other products. A Cucumber and Avocado mask became a favourite; I’m especially addicted to applying it after a shower, when it just seems to melt into my skin. Terrific for a home facial.
These are just a few of the brand’s 38 skincare products, many of which are fragrance-free, and all guaranteed not to irritate. They are tested by independent laboratories according to Good Clinical Practices, and never on animals.
I found the line a wonderful way to pamper myself, and a relatively affordable luxury that can replicate spa-quality skin care at home. That’s a treat I can recommend for anyone, at any age. You deserve it.
PS: I’d love to know what your favourite skin-care rituals are.
an all-natural, plant-based line from New Zealand that has just launched a probiotic night cream. Which is also also very terrific. Between the two brands, my skin feels like velvet. Well, like 60-year-old velvet does, that is-a little bit worn in spots, but because it’s been fairly well cared for, still serviceable and looking fine!
