Latest news with #FlawlessCleanser
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Dr Sam Bunting: ‘By 40, your skin has half the energy it had at 20. It can't respond the same way'
Two things put Dr Sam Bunting, and her namesake skincare brand, on my radar a few years ago: her love for azelaic acid (an unsung hero skincare ingredient for tackling everything from pigmentation and redness to breakouts and bumpy texture), and her unapologetic stance against double cleansing at night. 'I've always been firmly in the single cleanse camp. I just think double cleansing takes too much from the skin barrier. At night, yes, I might spend a bit longer massaging it in, but it's still just one cleanse,' says the dermatologist and in-demand skin expert, originally from Co Down. She moved away from double cleansing after years of seeing what she calls 'London skin' at her practice on Harley Street – dull, bumpy, congested complexions that weren't responding to expensive skincare. 'So many people were overloading on longwear make-up, setting sprays, oil cleansers, foam cleansers – it was too much. Their skin was overwhelmed.' So, she started stripping things back. 'We'd take away the make-up, the sprays, the heavy layers. We'd swap in a simple cleanser, a lightweight moisturiser, a non-comedogenic sunscreen – and within two weeks, their skin would be better. That happened again and again.' READ MORE This 'less is more' philosophy underpins her brand, Dr Sam's, which launched in 2018 with just one product, Flawless Cleanser (€23 from ). 'The less you degrade your barrier, the more room there is for the actives to work, and the more naturally beautiful your skin becomes. Then make-up becomes optional – not something you rely on to hide behind,' she says. 'It all happened from my livingroom,' she recalls of the launch. 'We were bootstrapped, super lean. I invested my own money. But we were profitable from the first month, which gave us confidence that we were on to something.' The decision to launch her own brand was personal, rooted in her own skin struggles as a junior doctor. 'The clinic had become really popular, just through word of mouth, because of the results I was achieving with people dealing with breakouts,' she says. 'At the same time, many of them were also trying to build routines that addressed ageing. But at that point, there wasn't really a brand that straddled those two very common scenarios.' At her clinic, Bunting's patients weren't just handed a prescription – they were given a complete toolkit. That meant a foundational skincare routine paired with explicit guidance on how to use it, cutting through the confusion and overwhelm that so often comes with skincare. The Dr Sam's brand launched in 2018 with just one product: the Flawless Cleanser 'It really was that complete approach that led to such great results, but not everyone could access it. There was only so much I could do from one room in London, and dermatology appointments are expensive. I wanted to offer this kind of service to everyone, so that was the mission with the brand. I felt very strongly that we could do something different.' Visitors to Dr Sam's website are guided to create a personalised skincare plan. 'Most people have more than one concern,' she says. 'We give step-by-step instructions. No ambiguity. No guesswork.' That clarity, she believes, is what keeps people consistent. 'Skincare often derails when things get confusing.' And confusion, she says, often stems from trends – something she consciously avoids. 'We're an anti-trend brand. If I haven't needed it in over two decades of clinical practice, why would we need it now?' [ The six skincare products I always return to after trying everything else Opens in new window ] What she does want, however, is meaningful innovation, especially when it solves product-related problems. Take vitamin C, for example, an ingredient that never worked for her own redness-prone skin. 'I'm Irish. I just couldn't use L-ascorbic acid any more,' she explains. 'And I kept seeing it in patients too – barrier issues, dermatitis, general skin unhappiness.' So, she developed a gentler option - with a twist, Flawless Vitamin C NAD+ Serum (€75). Her formula includes NAD+, a molecule linked to skin energy and longevity. 'By 40, your skin has half the energy it had at 20. It can't respond the same way. NAD+ helps activate youthful pathways. I feel really proud of that formula,' she says. Of course, it's impossible to talk about Bunting without talking about azelaic acid. It's everywhere now – on TikTok, in dermatology circles, in your friend's bathroom cabinet – and Bunting's name is often mentioned in the same breath. 'I think we might be responsible for starting that conversation,' she says. 'It was maybe seven or eight years ago. I've had a long-standing love affair with azelaic acid – both for my own skin, and for the patients I treat.' Bunting says deciding to launch her own brand was personal, rooted in her own skin struggles as a junior doctor Azelaic acid is effective for acne, pigmentation and redness, safe to use during pregnancy and unusually gentle. 'It's safe, multitasking, non-irritating. The challenge has always been formulation. It's tricky to work with. It's kept me up at night,' she says. 'But when you get it right, it's incredibly satisfying.' The brand's retail expansion has been slow, considered. It just launched in Sephora in the UK and is now coming to Ireland. 'Ireland has always been really close to my heart, emotionally,' she says. 'It just felt like the right time – not just to launch physically, but to actually come over and meet people, have conversations, shine a spotlight on what we do.' This week I'm loving ... Trinny London Miracle Halo Complexion Illuminator Trinny London Miracle Halo Complexion Illuminator (€38 from Brown Thomas) An excellent multitasking, glow-giving product (€38, from Brown Thomas) designed to be worn alone for instant luminosity, mixed with moisturiser or foundation for added radiance, or tapped on to the high points of the face to catch the light. Available in four shades.
Wales Online
12-06-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Skincare fans praise 'gentle' face gel that targets blemishes 'overnight'
Skincare fans praise 'gentle' face gel that targets blemishes 'overnight' The gel has numerous benefits, including clearing clogged pores, calming redness and addressing early signs of ageing Shoppers are full of praise for the blemish-clearing gel (Image: Dr Sam's ) For those grappling with breakouts, blackheads and post-acne marks, the dream of clear skin can often seem unattainable. However, skincare enthusiasts and beauty editors alike have been lavishing praise on a popular spot-busting product that promises to reduce blemishes in 24 hours. Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel costs £30 for a 30ml tube and is a clinically formulated and dermatologist-developed skincare product renowned for its ability to soothe blemishes, tackle pigmentation, and diminish redness. It boasts a trio of powerhouse active ingredients, each designed to help users achieve a clearer complexion. For a limited time only, new customers keen to try out the TikTok viral product can receive a free Flawless Cleanser when purchasing the Flawless Neutralising Gel. Simply add the travel-sized cleanser (worth £9) to your basket and use code REACHFNG at checkout. READ MORE: Dog owner hails 89p-a-day food that 'improved condition' after vet says 'expect the worst' READ MORE: Straighteners that are 'just as good GHD' are now less than £30 Fuelled by a potent mix of Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Bakuchiol, this targeted formula eases redness, reduces spot size, and helps ward off future outbreaks. Azelaic Acid is a hero ingredient that clears blocked pores, fades pigmentation, and soothes redness, while bakuchiol - also known as nature's retinol - helps calm blemish-prone skin and even tackles early signs of ageing. Salicylic Acid, a BHA exfoliant, is excellent for removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation, but may not be suitable for those allergic to aspirin. For anyone seeking an aspirin-free option, Dr Barbara Sturm's Ultimate Stinky Pimple Treatment, priced at £30, stands out as a viable alternative, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. This treatment specifically targets pimples and blemishes, helping to diminish their appearance quickly from the initial application. Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel £30 Dr Sam's Buy here Product Description Shoppers can get a free cleanser with the Flawless Neutralising Gel by entering the code REACHFNG. What sets the Flawless Neutralising Gel apart from typical spot treatments is its non-drying, gentle formula enriched with squalane to enhance hydration. Customers who've tried it have noticed rapid improvements in clarity, tone, and moisture levels of the skin. An impressive 83% of users reported seeing their blemishes visibly reduced after just one overnight use according to a survey. Already earning a stellar 4.62-star average from over 1,000 reviews, the skincare product has been hailed as a game-changer. A satisfied customer praised: "The Neutralising Gel is my favourite, as a lot of spot treatments tend to be irritating and harsh on my skin. This one is gentle, yet delivers results. Thank you so much Dr Sam." Another buyer shared their experience: "I've always struggled with breakouts but since using this, they are less frequent and it prevents them getting to the pimple stage as well as becoming inflamed. It immediately takes the redness down after one application and I couldn't be without this gel now." Like all skincare products, it won't suit everyone, and one user left a two-star review, stating: "Unfortunately, the Neutralising Gel did not work for my skin. My skin became very dry and flaky. I tried using it in the mornings and slowly introducing it into my routine, but I think my skin is too sensitive for it to be used along with my night-time GP-prescribed retinoid. I can see this working for others, but it just wasn't the match for me." In contrast, another customer raved: "The change in my skin since using the Neutralising Gel is amazing. My skin looks less red, feels great to use, and any breakouts are so much easier to control - highly recommend." Before and after using Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel (Image: Dr Sam's ) The product has even garnered praise from beauty editors, with ELLE describing it as 'remarkably effective'. They further commented: "It's a wise investment for everyone, but especially those with rosacea, acne and sensitive skin." Stylist magazine also gave it a thumbs up, saying: "Unlike most other similar targeted spot treatments, this one doesn't ever dry skin out. It's perfect for applying make-up on top of too. A true revelation." Dr Sam Bunting developed the innovative formula for the 40% of adults who suffer from blemish-prone skin, as many acne treatments on the market are primarily aimed at teenage skin. It took an impressive 39 iterations and a full four years to perfect the formula, and according to Harley Street dermatologist and brand founder Dr Sam, the Flawless Neutralising Gel is most effective with consistent use. Speaking about her product, she revealed: "Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel is a versatile treatment. While it's commonly applied directly to blemishes to target breakouts, it can also be used as an all-over serum to help prevent them. Additionally, it can be applied to areas prone to breakouts, such as the chin or cheeks. For hormonal acne, it's most effective when used consistently on problem areas like the chin or jawline to reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts." Article continues below Other treatments are available, including the £25 Blemish SOS by Medik8 that boasts maximum strength salicylic acid (2%) for rapid reduction of blemishes, while calming redness to restore a clear and healthy-looking complexion. Those seeking a budget-friendly alternative can look to the £15 La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I. Breakout Corrector 15ml that's tailored for oily and blemish-prone skin, targeting imperfections and bolstering the skin's repair mechanism. Those eager to give Dr Sam Bunting's Flawless Neutralising Gel a go can find it here. Get a complimentary cleanser using promo code REACHFNG before June 13 at 23.59pm.
Daily Record
09-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Skincare buffs swear by 'remarkably effective' gel that treats blemishes overnight
Skincare fans are praising Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel, a clinically formulated, dermatologist-developed skincare hero, for its ability to calm blemishes, tackle pigmentation, and reduce redness There is nothing worse than a zit springing up the day before an important event. However, skincare enthusiasts and beauty editors alike are lauding a popular spot-busting product that promises to reduce blemishes in 24 hours, ideal for those times when fast action is imperative. Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel is a clinically formulated and dermatologist-developed skincare marvel, celebrated for its ability to soothe spots, address pigmentation, and diminish redness. It boasts a trio of potent active ingredients, each designed to assist users in achieving a clearer complexion. And for a limited time, new customers keen to try out the TikTok viral product can receive a complimentary 9ml Flawless Cleanser when purchasing the Flawless Neutralising Gel. Simply add the travel-sized cleanser (worth £9) to your basket and use code REACHFNG at checkout, and with the code, the cleanser will change to free of charge. Fuelled by a powerful combination of Azelaic Acid, Salicylic Acid, and Bakuchiol, this targeted formula alleviates redness, reduces spot size, and aids in preventing future outbreaks. Azelaic Acid is a hero ingredient that unclogs pores, fades pigmentation, and soothes redness, while bakuchiol - also known as nature's retinol - helps calm blemish-prone skin and even tackles early signs of ageing. Salicylic Acid is a BHA exfoliant known for removing dead skin cells and reducing inflammation. However, it is crucial to remember that individuals allergic to aspirin should avoid using products containing this ingredient, reports the Manchester Evening News. Flawless Neutralising Gel £30.00 Dr Sam's Buy Now on Dr Sam's Product Description A suitable alternative could be Dr Barbara Sturm's Ultimate Stinky Pimple Treatment, priced at £30, which is free from Salicylic Acid. This anti-pimple ointment is designed to alleviate pimples and blemishes, helping them subside more quickly from the first application. Unlike conventional spot treatments that can be drying and irritating, the Flawless Neutralising Gel contains skin-nourishing squalane, providing an added boost of hydration to the formula. These ingredients work in harmony to promote clear, even-toned, and hydrated skin – and customers are witnessing rapid results. Notably, in a customer survey, 83% of users observed a visible reduction in blemishes overnight. This skincare solution has garnered an impressive 4.62-star rating based on over 1,000 reviews. One customer commented: "The Neutralising Gel is my favorite, as a lot of spot treatments tend to be irritating and harsh on my skin. This one is gentle, yet delivers results. Thank you so much Dr Sam." Another customer shared: "I've always struggled with breakouts but since using this, they are less frequent and it prevents them getting to the pimple stage as well as becoming inflamed," said another. "It immediately takes the redness down after one application and I couldn't be without this gel now." Like all skincare products, it won't suit everyone, and one user left a two-star review, stating: "Unfortunately, neutralising gel did not work for my skin. My skin became very dry and flaky. I tried using it in the mornings and slowly introducing it into my routine, but I think my skin is too sensitive for it to be used along with my nighttime GP-prescribed retinoid. I can see this working for others but just wasn't the match for me!". In contrast, another user added: "The change in my skin since using the Neutralising Gel is amazing. My skin looks less red, feels great to use and any breakouts are so much easier to control - highly recommend!". The product has also garnered praise from beauty editors, with ELLE describing it as 'remarkably effective'. They further endorsed it as "a wise investment for everyone, but especially those with rosacea, acne and sensitive skin." Stylist magazine chimed in: "Unlike most other similar targeted spot treatments, this one doesn't ever dry skin out. It's perfect for applying make-up on top of too. A true revelation." Dr Sam Bunting developed this innovative formula catering to the 40% of adults who struggle with blemish-prone skin, addressing a gap in the market where many acne treatments primarily target teenage skin. It took 39 attempts and four years to perfect the formula, and Harley Street dermatologist and creator Dr Bunting insists on its efficacy with regular use. She explained: "Dr Sam's Flawless Neutralising Gel is a versatile treatment. While it's commonly applied directly to blemishes to target breakouts, it can also be used as an all-over serum to help prevent them. Additionally, it can be applied to areas prone to breakouts, such as the chin or cheeks. For hormonal acne, it's most effective when used consistently on problem areas like the chin or jawline to reduce inflammation and prevent future breakouts." There are comparable treatments available in the market as well. Medik8's £25 Blemish SOS boasts a potent salicylic acid concentration (2%) for rapid blemish reduction, redness alleviation, and a clearer, healthier-looking complexion. Meanwhile, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar A.I. Breakout Corrector 15ml offers a budget-friendly choice at £15, targeting oily, blemish-prone skin by combating imperfections and stimulating the skin's healing process. For those interested, Dr Sam Bunting's Flawless Neutralising Gel is available for purchase here, with a complimentary cleanser included if you use the code REACHFNG. The promotion ends on June 13 at 23.59pm.
