ARCONA The Basic Five Regimen | Details & Review

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As you may remember, I experienced the truly amazing ARCONA Studio Signature Facial Contouring from Brandi Brown some months ago (reviewed here), and have been using The Basic Five Regimen for quite some time. It is an easy-to-use regimen that is tailored to the particular needs of your skin. Rather than selecting the products myself, Brandi chose for me since she, as an expert esthetician, was able to carefully assess the needs of my skin. I only offered the added information that I have normal to combination skin, that I loved to exfoliate, and that I always sought out antioxidant rich anti-aging products. It was from this point that my extraordinary ARCONA journey began.

According to ARCONA,

ARCONA’s Basic Five skin care regimen begins with products chosen to address your particular skin concerns. The purpose of the Basic Five is to help speed up, strengthen and enhance the skin’s own renewal process. The products you use in the morning nourish, strengthen and protect your skin by day. The products you use at night heal, repair and regenerate your skin as you rest. You’re likely to see an immediate difference in the way your skin looks and feels, and with faithful continuous use, the Basic Five will bring your skin into balance for cumulative long-term change.

All ARCONA products are free of: petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, or any other caustic, toxic ingredients.

Below you find all of the specifics about each of the products in The Basic Five Regimen tailored to my skin type. Here, however, is my specific morning and evening routine.

Mornings:
1. EXFOLIATE: Cleanse with the Toner Tea Bar or Brightening Gommage*
2. HYDRATE: Apply Magic Dry Ice
3. PROTECT: Apply Desert Mist
(Of course I also apply a high SPF Sunscreen daily)

Evenings:
4. CLEANSE / TONE: Cleanse with the Toner Tea Bar
5. REGENERATE: Apply the Gentle Solution 2-3 nights a week. Apply Magic Dry Ice on top of it and use the Magic Dry Ice alone the other nights.

*When I use Gentle Solution at night, I always wake up and cleanse with the Brightening Gommage the following mornings. Therefore, 2-3 mornings a week I cleanse with the Brightening Gommage instead of Toner Tea Bar. I massage the Gommage on damp skin and then leave on for a few minutes before rinsing off.

*I cleanse with the Brightening Gommage the mornings after using the Gentle Solution in order to effectively exfoliate the skin. It is a simple and extremely effective method of exfoliation that is started at night with Gentle Solution, when the body naturally engages with skin turnover, and then is completed the following morning with the Brightening Gommage to exfoliate the remaining dead skin cells.

1) ARCONA Toner Tea Bar is a beautiful cleansing bar for aging, normal, oily or problem skin. It has a delectable smell that is reminiscent of steeping tea, and it feels absolutely amazing on the skin. It leaves the face soft, supple and hydrated, but never stripped or dry. It can be used alone, or with a cleansing device like the FOREO LUNA or the Clarisonic, and the results are always fantastic.

According to ARCONA,

Antioxidant facial cleanser soothes and strengthens your skin as it tones and minimizes pores. Neutralize free radicals, calm and help protect skin with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory green and black teas. Nourish, oxygenate and clarify your skin with antibacterial enzyme-rich manuka honey. Helps maintain your skin’s natural ph balance with soothing coconut, palm and aloe extracts.

Key Benefits:

• Especially effective for combination and/or congested skin.
• Black and green tea infuse skin with antioxidants leaving it strengthened and renewed.
• Pure enzymatic cleanser containing natural surfactants.
• Honey enzymes help to dissolve dead skin.
• Witch Hazel leaves skin cleansed and tone.
• This cleansing bar is not a soap.
• Contains no sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulfates. Free of chemical detergents.
• Won’t strip, dry or irritate skin.

Use daily: Apply to wet face with light, upward and outward circles. Rinse well.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Glycerin*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Sodium Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Sorbitan Oleate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Protein, Alcohol Denat., Camellia Sinensis (Black Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Senesis (Green Tea) Extract, Myroxylon Pereirae (Balsam Peru) Oil, Fructooligosaccharides (D-beta), Honey, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glucosamine HCI (D), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Oil (* Denotes Organically Sourced).

$42.00 for 4 oz. & soap dish container from ARCONA, Nordstrom,  SkinCareRX and b-glowing.

The container itself doubles as a soap dish with the spiked bottom. One can also buy the refill soap alone.

Closeup view of Toner Tea Bar

2) ARCONA Brightening Gommage is a wonderful facial exfoliator that is good for all skin types. This is, without question, one of the very best exfoliators that I have ever used. The exfoliating beads are small and in abundant supply, and they effectively remove dead skin cells revealing radiant skin with pronounced clarity and improved tone. It smells and feels amazing, and is an absolute game-changer for me.

According to ARCONA,

Two-in-one brightening gommage synergistically promotes deep exfoliation while visibly improving skin’s balance, tone and clarity. Reduce the appearance of uneven pigmentation and scarring with ascorbic acid and skin-lightening daisy extract. Exfoliate and purify skin with naturally occurring diatomite, jojoba beads and zeolite. Helps protect skin with antioxidant-rich cranberry and blueberry extracts. Leaves skin toned, vibrant and more luminous.

Key Benefits:

• All natural clay-like diatomite derived from water plants provide excellent exfoliating and oil absorbing properties.
• Contains jojoba beads and zeolite to exfoliate, cleanse and to stimulate circulation.
• Helps to decongest pores leaving skin polished and luminous.
• Powerful antioxidant-rich L-ascorbic Acid and daisy extracts provide safe and effective skin-brightening agents that alter melatonin production.

Use 2–4 times a week: Apply 1 teaspoon to damp face, neck and décolleté in light upward and outward circles. Leave on skin for 3-5 minutes for optimal brightening benefits. Avoid eye area. Rinse well.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Diatomaceous Earth (diatomite), Vaccinium Corymbosum (Blueberry) Fruit, Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract, Glycerin, Behenyl Alcohol, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit, Jojoba Esters (Beads), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ascorbic Acid (L), Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Juice, Zeolite, Sucrose Stearate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil*, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Acacia Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Maltodextrin (*Denotes Organically Sourced).

$56.00 for 3.4 oz. from ARCONA and Nordstrom.

3) ARCONA Magic Dry Ice Ultra Daily Hydrator, while formulated for dry skin, is a remarkably effective and lightweight hydrator that works wonders on my normal to combination skin. ARCONA believes in highly effective fast absorbing hydrators rather than thick and rich creams that don't penetrate the skin with the same efficacy as their lighter counterparts. To that end, Magic Dry Ice Ultra Daily Hydrator is a thin fast absorbing hydrator that sinks into the skin immediately, and it offers the skin deep hydration. Additionally, it leaves skin soft, supple, radiant, brightened and calmed.

According to ARCONA,

This ultra hydrating, anti-aging lotion moisturizes dry skin and helps protect from environmental damage. Olive fruit, squalane and raspberry seed oils replenish moisture and improve elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Cassia alta leaf extract (DN-AGE®) helps to inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce free radical damage. Lipobrite®HCA, derieved from plants, helps to brighten skin and provides antioxidant protection. A synergistic blend of Clari-NET (sea daffodil) and KombuchkaTM, derived from black tea, has anti-glycation benefits and enhances smoothness, leaving skin smooth, radiant and ultra hydrated.

Key Benefits:

• Powerful formula provides deep hydration.
• Perfect for chronically dehydrated skin types.
• Brightens and restores skin.
• Soothes irritation and redness.
• Helps protect skin from free radical damage.
• Leaves skin radiant, dewy and ultra hydrated.

Use daily: Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin in AM and/or PM.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Plant Source), Glycerin*, Cetearyl Olivate, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment (KombuchkaTM ), Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Ethoxydiglycol/Hydroxycinnamic Acid (Lipobrite®HCA), Sorbitan Olivate, Squalane, Cassia Alata Leaf Extract (DN-AGE®), Pancratium Maritimum Extract (Clari-NET), Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Diacetyl- Boldine (LumiskinTM), Tocopherol (D-alpha), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Caprylyl Glycol (Plant Source), Acacia Gum, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Phytic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Sorbic Acid (*Denotes Organically Sourced).

$55.00 for 1.17 oz. from ARCONA, Nordstrom, SkinCareRX and b-glowing.

4) ARCONA Desert Mist is a skin protector for all skin types. This is one of those products for which there is truly no equivalent on the market. It is a bit like a serum and a bit like a beauty oil, but it functions to create a protective barrier between the skin and the environment. It is a thin noncomedogenic liquid that is packed with humectants and antioxidants. Furthermore, you can toss out your primer because this is a great base for makeup, and unlike most primers it contains no silicone.

According to ARCONA,

Unique protective barrier for skin defends against environmental damage and free radicals and reinforces daily hydration. Seal skin against pollution, weather, chemicals and free radicals with antioxidant glutathione, vitamins C and E. Hydrate with sodium PCA and mucin, natural humectants that pull moisture from the air to alleviate skin dryness. Repair and strengthen skin’s collagen and elastin to see real changes in dry or aging skin.

Key Benefits:

• L-Ascorbic Acid, Sodium PCA, Vitamin E help to hydrate, bind moisture, protect skin from free radicals.
• Mucin protects and shields skin from pollution and dehydration.
• Tocopherols from Vitamin E assist with skin regeneration and provide smoothing benefits.
• Protective barrier defends skin from the environment.
• Hydrates without clogging skin.
• Excellent makeup base allowing for makeup to stay on skin longer.

Use in AM as needed: Shake well and apply one pump into palm of hand. Evenly distribute over face, including eye area, lips, neck and décolleté.
(Note: Following application, allow product to dry on skin for approximately 3 minutes. Do not use too much product.)

Ingredients: Agua (Distilled Water), Hamamelis Virginiana Extract (Witch Hazel), Glycerine, Mucin, Na PCA, Tocotrienols (Vitamin E), Glutathione, L Ascorbic Acid, Selenium, Acetyl Cysteine, Wild Marjoram Extract (Origanum Vulgare).

$38.00 for 1.17 oz. from ARCONA, Nordstrom, SkinCareRX and b-glowing.

5) ARCONA Gentle Solution is a highly effective nighttime serum for dry, normal or sensitive skin types. It is a wonderful deep exfoliator that stimulates rapid cell turnover while you sleep. When you wake up there is a very noticeable difference, but it is once you use one of ARCONA'S Brightening Gommage that its miraculous efficacy is the most evident. Skin is renewed, rejuvenated, brightened, luminous and youthful.

According to ARCONA,

Gentle nighttime treatment for dry and sensitive skin repairs sun damage and resurfaces skin as you sleep. Stimulate rapid cell renewal and deep exfoliation with our gentle-acting Glycolactolymer Complex. Strengthen skin’s immune system and combat free radical damage with our highpowered antioxidant complex. Decongest microcomedones to refine pores, smooth and clear skin. Nourish with algae, amino acids and chlorophyll for healthy, glowing skin.

Key Benefits:

• 4% Glycolymer and 3% Lactolymer
• Especially effective for sensitive skin types.
• Repairs sun damage and resurfaces skin, while increasing cell turnover.
• Decongests microcomedones to refine pores while leaving skin smooth and clear.
• Powerful antioxidants combat free radical damage.
• Algae, amino acids and chlorophyll nourish skin.
• Glycolactolymer Complex stimulates rapid cell renewal and gentle

Use 2–4 times a week: Apply 1–2 pumps after cleansing to face, neck and décolleté with upward and outward circular motions. Avoid eye area.

Ingredients: Agua (Distilled Water), Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract, Hydrolized Soy Extract, Glycerine, Glycolic Acid Polymer, Lactic Acid Polymer, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernal Oil, Glycogen, Beta-fructan, Glucosamine HCI, Chlorophyll, Guava (Psidium Guajava) Extract, Grapefruit (Citrus Gandis) Seed Extract.

$53.00 for 1.17 oz. from ARCONA, Nordstrom, SkinCareRX and b-glowing.

The only thing that would make The Basic Five Regimen even better is adding a luxury beauty oil, and as luck would have it ARCONA has recently created their Wine Oil, and my love of beauty oils means that I really need to try it!

ARCONA Wine Oil is a day and night antioxidant rich beauty oil that was created for all skin types. While I have not yet tried this, there is no beauty oil that I want to try more than this one. Resveratrol is a highly effective antioxidant found in red grapes that has become a popular skincare ingredient, and that it is being used in a luxury beauty oil by ARCONA is all I need to know to want it!

Harnessing the anti-aging power of resveratrol – an antioxidant molecule found in the skin of red grapes – ARCONA Wine Oil reverses signs of skin damage and rejuvenates dry skin, nourishing it to increase radiance and improve elasticity. Wine Oil’s grape seed oil base with linoleic and oleic acids provides anti-inflammatory, moisturizing support to the skin. Use daily before your regular hydrator. Suitable for all skin types, ideal in dry climates.

Key Benefits:

• Defends against environmental damage with resveratrol.
• Repairs skin damage and hydrate dry skin with grape seed oil.
• Stimulates and tones skin with cinnamon leaf oil.
• Supports and nourishes skin with linoleic and oleic acids.

How to use: Apply 3-7 drops to your face, neck and décolleté morning or night. Use it alone or blend with a hydrator for additional moisture. Avoid the eye area.

Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Resveratrol, Tsuga Canadensis Leaf Oil, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Leaf Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract (* Denotes organically sourced).

The ARCONA Philosophy

Arcona always said, 'Color, fragrance and consistency don’t change your skin—live, active ingredients do.' We believe lasting beauty comes from within—whatever you put on your skin goes into your body. We use only the finest quality, pure and powerful ingredients in products that penetrate deep into the cellular layers of the skin to effect real change, resulting in glowing, healthy skin at any age.

Dedicated to creating the most effective skin care for both home and professional use, we infuse ARCONA products with enzymatic-based ingredients such as high concentrations of antioxidants, plant lipids and extracts, sea vegetables, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. Active ingredients are processed and our products are manufactured according to scientifically tested, state-of-the-art, chirally correct technology, to produce products that link up effectively with skin cell receptors for better absorption and more visible results.

Because what’s NOT in a product can be vital, ARCONA products contain no petrochemicals, binders or fillers, chemical stabilizers, parabens, sodium lauryl sulphates, perfumes, dyes, or any other caustic, toxic ingredients. Common additives such as these support no more than a brief, cosmetic change in the skin, while clogging the pores and ultimately blocking the restoration of healthy, balanced skin.

To experience ARCONA for yourself, discover your BASIC FIVE and begin to achieve balance and renewal for your skin today.

Overall Assessment: ARCONA is a remarkably effective skincare line that believes in healthy ingredients that are effective and potent, and that deliver real results. The Basic Five Regimen, particularly when carefully tailored to the specific needs of your skin, offers everything that you need for healthy skin, and nothing that you don't. Of course you can add products for targeted concerns, and a sunscreen is imperative, but The Basic Five Regimen features the core products for your skincare routine. ARCONA products boast superior quality, exceptional efficacy, and they are a joy to use. A+

$58.00 for 0.5 oz from ARCONA, Nordstrom and b-glowing (Affiliate Links).
Press Sample. All views expressed are categorically my own.
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