Get to Know Our New Protéger Bioactive Face Oil: Your Top Questions Answered

At Selkia, we believe skincare is more than just products—it's a journey we share with our valued customers. We're thrilled to introduce our latest innovation, Protéger Bioactive Face Oil, a powerful yet gentle solution developed from your valuable insights and feedback. It is a potent pre-ageing serum designed and formulated for Australians and the Australian environment.

Our journey to Protéger wasn't straightforward, but the final product exceeded our expectations—and yours!—with glowing feedback affirming its luxurious texture and impressive efficacy.

We invite you to join us for this exciting new chapter as we explore our face oils, Protéger Bioactive Face Oil and Luminosité Dry Face Oil, and how they can enhance your skincare routine.

1. Why did Selkia create the Protéger Bioactive Face Oil? 

The Protéger Bioactive Face Oil is a little unique because it's a serum in the form of an oil. It was developed in direct response to customer feedback, specifically requests for a more potent, serum-strength formula targeting fine lines, early signs of ageing, and barrier repair—yet gentle enough even for sensitive skin. It is also essential that the oil absorbs quickly, as to not leave the skin greasy; this was why Luminosite was so successful. Our journey involved numerous iterations, user feedback rounds, extensive ingredient trials, and in-depth formulation testing. 

Initially, we began with a traditional serum but found it wasn't delivering the deeply nourishing and reparative results we wanted. We refined the formula significantly through persistent experimentation, adjusting ingredients, textures, and even scents. By the way the cucumber scent we landed on is absolutely divine! We carefully tested ingredient strengths, especially Bakuchiol, and selected a potent 1.5% concentration that showed visible results without irritation. Today, we're thrilled with the outcome—Protéger has become a standout product, praised widely by our community for its efficacy and luxurious feel.

2. Why do we call Protéger a "bioactive" oil?

The term "bioactive" refers to ingredients that actively interact with your skin at a cellular level, providing measurable benefits. These powerful, active components—like Bakuchiol—promote cellular renewal, enhance skin vitality, and visibly improve the appearance and texture of the skin. Protéger Bioactive Face Oil harnesses these active ingredients to effectively support your skin's health and resilience.

3. What exactly does "pre-ageing" mean? Why is it different to "anti-ageing"?

Ageing is a journey that many embrace with confidence and grace. However, a recent survey revealed that almost half of women (47%) feel stressed about ageing, with younger generations like Gen Z (56%) and millennials (57%) expressing higher levels of concern (source: New York Post, 2024). The term' anti-ageing can perpetuate this stress, suggesting that ageing is something to combat. In contrast, 'pre-ageing' focuses on proactive skincare—nourishing and protecting the skin to maintain its health and vitality over time. This approach aligns with a positive mindset, slow beauty, and skincare, which embraces the ageing process while taking steps to support our skin's well-being. Our Protéger oil, meaning 'to protect,' embodies this philosophy by offering a nurturing blend that supports the skin's natural resilience.

4. Scientifically, what is the difference between Retinol and Bakuchiol?

Retinol is a synthetic derivative of Vitamin A, typically manufactured through chemical synthesis processes involving laboratory methods. It is widely recognised for stimulating collagen production, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin texture. However, retinol can often cause skin irritation, redness, peeling, and heightened sun sensitivity. Not good for Australia's harsh UV rays! 

Bakuchiol is a natural ingredient sustainably extracted from the Babchi plant (Psoralea Corylifolia) seeds, primarily grown in India. It offers similar skincare benefits—reducing fine lines, enhancing skin firmness, and addressing pigmentation—without causing the irritation commonly associated with retinol. Selkia prefers Bakuchiol for its ethical sourcing, sustainability, and gentleness on sensitive skin. While both can be incorporated into skincare routines, Bakuchiol alone effectively meets sensitive skin needs.

5. Ok, so how does Proteger fit in with a typical skincare routine and other Selkia products?

Start incorporating Protéger slowly, beginning once to twice a week, gradually increasing to three nights weekly, then morning and night as your skin adapts. Apply it after cleansing and optionally applying the Apaiser Face Tonic; Proteger can go under the Reparation Face Balm to lock in moisture overnight or on its own.

Recommended Routines:

AM Minimal: Cleanser → Eye Serum → Luminosité Dry Face Oil or Reparation Balm → SPF

AM Full: Cleanser → Eye Serum → Tonic → Reparation Balm → Luminosité Dry Face Oil → SPF

PM Minimal: Cleanser → Eye Serum → Protéger Bioactive Face Oil alternating nights with Luminosité Dry Face Oil

PM Full: Cleanser → Eye Serum → Tonic → Protéger Bioactive Face Oil → Reparation Face Balm

6. Can both oils be used with Gua Sha or Reusable Eye Masks?

Yes, both oils are excellent companions for Gua Sha, providing perfect glide to enhance the massage's benefits. The Gua Sha helps to accelerate both oils. Luminosité acts as an everyday layer-friendly antioxidant oil and can be used morning or night due to its lightweight texture, while Protéger is ideal for deeper, relaxing evening sessions. Pairing these oils with our reusable eye masks also helps maximise ingredient penetration and hydration around the delicate eye area.

7. How should Protéger Bioactive Face Oil be applied, and when should you see results?

Apply Protéger gently by pressing a few drops onto clean skin per your skincare routine. Remember, this is your serum, so don't double up with others; use an alternative if needed. Start using it once to twice a week, slowly increasing frequency as your skin adjusts. Initial visible improvements in hydration, texture, and fine lines typically appear within 4-6 weeks, with optimal results visible after approximately 12 weeks of consistent, regular use. Being consistent and patient will deliver the best outcomes.

8. What skin types and concerns best suit each oil?

Protéger Bioactive Face Oil:

• Skin types: All, especially sensitive, dry, mature skin.
• Concerns: Fine lines, sensitivity, dryness, inflammation, and barrier-compromised.
• Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol (pre-aging without irritation), Hemp Seed Oil (soothes inflammation), Sea Buckthorn (barrier repair).

Luminosité Dry Face Oil:

• Skin types: All skin types.
• Concerns: Dull (lack of brightness), dehydrated, uneven texture.
• Key Ingredients: Kakadu Plum (brightening vitamin C), Meadowfoam Seed Oil (lightweight hydration), Arnica (soothes skin).

Both oils contain antioxidants that protect against environmental stressors, supporting overall skin health across various concerns and types.

Have more questions?

We hope you found this helpful, but if not, we are here to help! Share your thoughts, experiences, or additional questions about Protéger Bioactive Face Oil in the comments below or via hello@selkiaskin.com.