Lamelle Correctives Recharge CE
Product overview: This is a high-potency vitamin C serum which contains 20% L-Ascorbic Acid; the purest and most active form of vitamin C. This is combined with 1% alpha-tocopherol (Vitamin E) in a stabilised, anhydrous (water-free) base. Read this to learn more about the importance of antioxidants like vitamin C in your skincare.
My experience: As someone with pigmentation, you know I love a vitamin C serum and as a huge fan of the Lamelle range, I was excited to put this through its paces. In terms of texture, it’s unlike most of the other vit cs I’ve tried in that it’s a (fairly thin) white lotion which makes it a little bit challenging to fit into my personal skincare routine. Having tried it layered with a few different things, I can say that it definitely works best on clean skin or skin that has only had a hydrating essence applied and allowed to dry down. You also need to ideally let it sink in for a couple of minutes before going in with the next layer, which in my case is hydrating serums, moisturiser and SPF, otherwise it can clump up slightly on the skin. The texture is also a little bit grainy (like most high-concentration vitamin C products) but I find this disappears on application so not an issue for me.
Despite the challenges with application, I have noticed that my pigmentation seems a bit lighter and my skin tone more even in the five weeks I’ve been testing it, although in fairness my pigmentation is mainly hormonal so it can fluctuate despite avoiding the sun and using strong SPF and antioxidant products on the daily. It caused a very slight tingle the first few times I used it (another very common result with strong vitamin C serums) but that went away quickly and now I have no reaction at all. I also really love the packaging – I wish more skincare products came in convenient, travel-friendly, plastic squeezy tubes.
This product sits in the middle of the Lamelle vitamin C range at 20% L-Ascorbic Acid so it’s better suited for those with a good tolerance of the ingredient. One step up, the Vita C 30 Cream contains 30% L-Ascorbic Acid for more advanced users, while the Vita-C Lipid Serum with 20% Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate in a squalane base is better for more sensitive or intolerant skin, or as a “starter” vitamin C product.
UPDATE (May 2019): I’ve just finished my bottle of Recharge CE and now, having used it every day for three months, I have to say that I am thrilled with the results. Although it’s difficult to say that this product is alone responsible for a significant improvement in my skin radiance and reduction in visible pigmentation because I have regular peels and Dermapen to tackle these issues, it can’t be a coincidence that recently my skin has been better than ever. It really is a brilliant addition to my skincare routine and I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a good antioxidant serum.
Price: R830/30ml
Available from Dermastore
Huxley Good Night Sleep Mask
Product overview: Described by the brand as “an intensely hydrating overnight sleep mask that results in a healthy and dewy-looking skin radiance by morning” that is “suitable for all skin types”. It’s a lightweight gel mask that contains Huxley’s key ingredient, Sahara Prickly Pear Seed Oil, which is derived from a desert cactus which provides intensive moisturisation due to its excellent ability to retain water.
My experience: The texture of this overnight hydrating mask is very light so it feels more like a refreshing gel moisturiser than a mask. In all honestly, it pretty much performed like a gel moisturiser too – I can’t say that it struck me as more hydrating than something like the Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator which makes it a bit redundant in my collection. I also think that, although it claims to be suitable for all skin types, I don’t think it would be enough for dry skin as there’s nothing in the formula to compensate for a loss of oil. On the other hand, if you have combination to oily skin and don’t already have or use a gel moisturiser then it would make a great overnight treatment to boost water levels in the skin and help keep it balanced.
Price: R510/120g
Available from Dermastore
REN Evercalm Overnight Recovery Balm
Product overview: A nighttime rescue balm that uses “enzymatically activated oils” (I have no idea what that means either) to feed and moisturise the skin, strengthen the skin barrier and relieve irritation. The lightweight, non-greasy balm-to-oil texture absorbs quickly to replenish the skin’s lipid barrier and provide deep moisturisation.
My experience: Besides my cleansers, I don’t generally use oils on my skin as they just don’t work for me but I enjoyed using this one as it didn’t cause any irritation or sensitivity (probably because it’s actually designed to treat those issues!) and was light enough that it properly sinks in without leaving a greasy residue on your face. I took this with me when I went skiing recently and used it most nights to keep my skin barrier in check and it did exactly what it claimed to do. A little goes a long way so although the pot is fairly small, I think it would last a really long time (way longer than a regular “night cream”) and while it won’t replace my beloved Skoon Ruby Marine Overnight Hydrating Mask – which is my opinion does the same thing – I enjoyed testing it and can happily recommend it.
Price: R850/30ml
Available from renskincare.co.za
All products supplied as PR samples