One of the best things about a facial is the element of touch. While yes, we are all capable of giving ourselves a relaxing and lifting massage of oils, serums and moisturizers at home, it just doesn’t hit the same. There’s a magic in the movements of effleurage, especially when someone else is doing it for you. The skin experts at Dermalogica know this better than anyone and that’s why they have made human touch a key component of the brand’s latest skincare innovation.
NeuroTouch Symmetry Serum ($199 for 30ml, dermalogica.ca) is a category first in that it’s a facial sculpting oil designed not just to nourish and lift skin, but foster human connection. “This serum is designed to feel professional, indulgent and effective while creating a strong connection between partners, couples, friends or caregivers,” reports Nadia Paglia, director of education at Dermalogica. “The shared experience not only enhances skin benefits, but also strengthens the skin-mind connection through human touch making it ideal for evening rituals and wellness.”
Paglia says at its core, this serum is powered by neurotechnology but is designed with a dual-action approach which merges that with botanical science. “Targeted ingredients and sensorial experiences help engage the skin’s sensory system,” she explains. “This includes a biomimetic botanical blend designed to work in harmony with the skin’s natural processes to lift, sculpt, and firm. The formulation is supported by clinical testing and shows improvements in facial symmetry in just eight weeks of consistent use.”
I incorporated this product into my nighttime skin routine just over a month ago. Within a few days I noticed a marked difference in my skin tone, texture, and brightness. I have created my own personal selfcare moment while using it, being mindful of creating an experience, which is exactly how Paglia says this serum is intended to be used.
Read on for Paglia’s tips for creating a luxurious skin ritual at home.
What makes this serum a unique and indulgent formula?
“Knowing the key ingredients is important to understand what makes this oil-based serum different,” Paglia says. “It features a biometric blend of apoptogenic botanicals and CoQ10 which promotes immediate lifting and fine lines reduction and helps improve skin texture. They also help to reduces glucocorticoid levels which is the stress hormone that can cause anxiety and impact barrier function. This blend also includes a biomimetic peptide composed of six amino acids, to help further reduce fine lines—this ingredient inhibits the release of neurotransmitters. Winged kelp and rosewood extract provide the sculpting and toning effect; and bionuturient oils like squalene, coconut lipids and murumuru and cupuacu butter deliver hydration and nourishment. This is topped with a beautiful aromoachology blend—notes of chamomile, clary sage, eucalyptus, and geranium—designed to calmly uplift and balance emotion.”
If you are using the serum with a partner, how do you create the ultimate at-home, facial experience?
“There are a few key steps. First, set the scene with a dimly lit environment and relaxing music. I suggest using six drops of serum and warmed between your palms before applying. Inhale deeply three times to engage the mood-uplifting aromas then apply using long, sweeping strokes starting from the centre of the face outward, covering cheeks, forehead, jawline and neck. As for massage movements, being with the neck, using pinching motions from behind the ears down toward the collarbone. Sculpt the jawline using circular pinched finger movements from the centre of the chin out to the ears. Lift the cheeks by walking fingers under the cheekbone, back towards the hairline. Work your way to the browns and forehead. then finish by using light pressure to sweep from the centre of the face outward—forehead, cheeks, chin, and finally temples to neck.
How can you create your own mindful selfcare moment with this serum and make application feel like something special?
“The difference is how you frame the experience. Create a mood, focus on mindful breathing, and set an intention by saying something like ‘I am nourishing my skin and mind.’ Add a tool moment by using a gua sha or cold globes to help keep you present and slow down. Ground the ritual with a closing gesture like whispering a gratitude thought or ending with your palms resting over your face or heart for a few seconds.”
