By Tami Yu
As a woman with skin sensitivities, I’ve tried everything from popular drugstore brands to exclusive and pricey lines. What I discovered over the years is that many products in the mainstream market contain abrasive chemicals and preservatives that can be “evil” to one’s delicate skin.
Being a stubborn gal, I have embarked on the never-ending quest for products that use the most “natural” ingredients. Yet, I have finally found one that works for my temperamental skin personality: ChiaraPelle Skincare.
Italian for “clear skin,” ChiaraPelle’s comprehensive line is the latest answer to combating all types of problems, including acne, aging, hyper-pigmentation, and sun damage. Their philosophy results in a no-nonsense, effective, product line. Created by Shelley Costantini, a lifelong skin professional, ChiaraPelle is her solution for a healthy skin regimen. “We haven’t come across any one product line that had everything for our diverse clientele,” Costantini explains.
Costantini, who owns the successful BellaPelle skincare studio in San Francisco (with a celebrity cult following), was determined to create a unique line after years of trying multiple lines.
“We asked ourselves, “˜Do we continue mixing product lines, or make a line that does exactly what we need?’ We chose the latter,” Costantini said.
The ChiaraPelle line contains only chirally-correct ingredients. What is “chiral,” and why is it important? Every molecule in each ingredient is “chiral,” meaning that they have a “left” and a “right” chemical orientation, like our hands. Basically, the molecules are mirror images of each other. While one image may fit into the skin’s receptors, the opposite image might not. Typically only one of the mirror images is beneficial to your skin, so it is crucial to use only the effective ones. Chirally-correct ingredients ensure the highest degree of formula potency and ingredient integrity.
So many products to try, so little time:
The following products are geared towards normal skin types, so check out ChiaraPelle’s online store at http://chiarapelle.com/products/products_main.php for more info.
- The Gentle Wash ($22) is great cleanser for all skin types, but is especially good for sensitive skin. Made with shea butter, it leaves my face baby soft. Cranberry extracts provide bacteria fighting and antioxidant properties, while Yucca Saponin extract serves as an anti-irritant.
- Lighten Up Bar ($28) is a gentle glycerin cleanser with the mild pigment inhibitors, Kojic and Azelaic acids. A bestseller in the line, this bar features gentle lighteners that brighten your skin, while hyper-pigmented areas improve considerably.
- Highly absorbent and non-greasy, I use the Plush Cream ($34) as my moisturizer. Packed with hyaluronate acid, it delivers a high level of moisture without clogging the pores, leaving skin feeling soft, moist and comfortable.
- For the hyper-pigmentation- prone, the Super Bright Complex ($50) is a key product. My skin tends to produce more melanin, so I scar easily whenever I break out. The Super Bright Complex helped even out the discoloration, while it also helps curb mild acne.
- For pimples, the Spot Treat ($32) really works. Containing antibacterial components like propolis, it’s the ultimate breakout weapon. Apply it at the first sign of a pimple, and by the end of the day, that pimple should be pretty much gone!
- I can’t live without the Chiara Polish (Super Powered Body Scrub) ($50). The salicylic acid formula works on everything from rough spots to eliminating ingrown hairs. A little goes a long way, so don’t slap it all over – your body will be happily glowing.
- A great body wash is the Shea-m On You Body Wash ($34). Packed with shea butter and exfoliating fruit enzymes, this is sodium laureth sulfate-free, resulting in softer, less irritated skin. One huge plus – it smells yummy!
- If you tend to be lacking sleep, like me, the I Care line offers an amazing array of eye creams and serums. Additional special treatments for aging skin, exfoliants, tonics and masks are also available on the webshop.
- Not sure what to get? Try the Starter Kit ($100). The sample sizes of various essentials, like cleanser, tonic, hydrator, exfoliant, and more, will allow you to test drive products. If you’re still confused, call or email their knowledgeable skin specialists for recommendations on creating your best regimen.
As Costantini likes to say, “There is a difference.” I couldn’t agree more.
For more information on ChiaraPelle products, go to: http://www.chiarapelle.com or email: shop@bellapelle.com. Phone orders may also be placed at (415) 362-6384.
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