Hypoallergenics' modern face
When you think of hypoallergenics, you might envision the more wan cousin of the millions of “exciting” products that smell like frangipani or chocolate brownies. Not every-one has the luxury to wash his or her face with banana coconut cleansing cream or moisturize with Bulgarian rose milk.
Sometimes, the simplest things deliver the most outstanding results. VMV, now an international phenomenon in boutique skin care, is one of the best things to be born in our country. We all grew up with something VMV in our bathrooms. My mother, for example, was a devout follower of the sun care line. Created in Vermin Verallo’s dermatological office, the skin visionary saw the need for extreme antibacterial and hypoallergenic products.
Using the VH-Rating system — created almost 20 years ago — VMV rates how hypoallergenic each product is. The VH-Number is like an SPF for hypoallergenicity: “SPF” shows how protective a product is against UVB light; similarly, “VH” tells you that a product is validated — proven to be, via patch tests and allergen omission, hypoallergenic.
Most VMV products are rated VH-27: all 27 known allergens are absent. While a VH-26 works for most people, you can choose products with higher VH numbers if you have a history of allergies or hypersensitivity. This is the beauty of the VH-Rating System: you can choose what you can use.
Packaged in simple and no-nonsense tubes and bottles, the products reflect confidence in their ingredients and a concentration of superior skin care. It’s clinical provenance is indelibly imprinted in each products, making sure its not a brownie-scented fad product but something that you will be using for a long time.
Lastly, the Armada Sun range is probably the most potent in skin-saving formulations out there. With a smooth consistency that glides on to skin, sun care just got addictive.
No other sunscreen has measured protection factors against both outdoor and indoor UVA, UVB, Visible and Infrared Light — with some of the highest protection factors like SPFs up to 70 to 90 and ultra-high PFAs (Protection Factor UVA). Each Armada Sun + Light Screen is lightweight and comfortable even in hot, humid weather, and is non-comedogenic, so your pores stay clear. Armadas are loaded with antioxidants for extra care and repair, and are very hypoallergenic. Rain or shine, we all know that the world is having a major tantrum. So everyday use of high SPF is rudimentary for any skin care diet. It protects skin from cancer, pigmentation and aging. A useful tip is to apply a teaspoon to the face and three tablespoons on the body. (No tentative little pats when it comes to sunscreens.)
VMV also has an innovative line of products called ID. The monolaurin-based products deliver intense anti-bacterial protection and smoothing beta-hydroxy acid. Monolaurin is a powerful but gentle antibacterial, anti-viral ingredient that is derived from coconut oil. It is used to boost the immune system when taken orally, but translated to skin care it pretty much takes care of any skin ailment, from pimples to rashes to boils.
This is Vermin Verallo’s “hero” product and anyone who comes across the ID range won’t use anything else. There is ID — an adult range in cobalt blue bottles that looks like they belong in an old world apothecary — and the more gentle baby range that can be used by infants and adults alike. The boo-boo balm, for example, is an amazing cure-all ointment that’s lauded for its skin-healing properties. Men can benefit from the ID aftershave as it gently unfurls ingrown skin. A great thing for bikini waxing enthusiasts as well. The Sweat Acne and Overall Anti-Bacterial Gel is great as a hand gel and as a pimple cream as well. Despite its powerful attributes the line remains gentle on almost all skin types; its purity is key to its effectiveness.
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To discover VMV, visit H12 Bonifacio High Street, 3/F Trinoma Mall, 2/F PowerPlant Mall, 3/F West Wing, Robinsons Galleria, Alabang Town Center, and Ayala Center Cebu.
