You only have to listen to skincare adverts on the telly or flip through a magazine to come across ‘retinol’ these days, but what is it? Put simply it’s a form of vitamin A which is essential for healthy skin. It reduces pore size, helps with acne and makes skin appear more youthful by supporting cell structure and evening out dark patches. This is why it’s so widely recommended by dermatologists. So when Insta Natural asked me to test their Advanced Action Retinol Moisturiser ( $24.75 or £19.95 for 100ml) I jumped at the chance.
Key ingredients
2.5% Retinol (supports the skin)
Vitamin C (supports the skin and adds radiance)
Hyaluronic Acid (draws moisture to the skin)
Jojoba Oil (moisturises)
Shea Butter (moisturises)
Green Tea (sooths)
Information
Dermatologists advise people to always use sunscreen along with products containing retinol. People with sensitive skin should only use this product at night. The skin repairs it’s self mostly at night anyway, so I’ve been using this as my night cream. Only a pea sized amount patted onto skin is needed.
All ingrediants:
Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Sunflower Oil, Retinol, Palm Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate), Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Jojoba Oil, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Shea Butter, Wildcrafted Green Tea, Wildcrafted Propolis, Vitamin E (d-Alpha Tocopheryl Acetate), Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Glycerin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid
First impressions
Retinol is sensitive to light and air so I was pleased to see the packaging is dense plastic with a pump, which delivers the perfect amount with each press. As this moisturiser contains Jojoba Oil and Shea Butter I was expecting it to be really thick and oily but my skin drank it up immediately. I was able to apply my usual foundation over the top (along with a light sunscreen on a bright winters day) and it stayed put without looking cakey or sliding off throughout the day.
My skin type
Combination: Oily, blemished, redness on Tzone but dull and slightly dry on cheeks and chin.
Long term effects
I can’t comment on the effect this product has on fine lines as I don’t have any, just deep expression, er furrows. I’ve been using this product every night for 9 days but already the surface of my skin looks more even (ha, take that acne scarring!), my nose and cheeks don’t look as flushed in the mornings and I haven’t had my usual evening oilyness on my Tzone, so no spots appearing overnight. My skin looks so healthy, I’ve not used any foundation for six days. This is the perfect night cream I’ve been searching for, for many months! If you have dry skin however, I’m not sure if this would be moisturising enough to use in the evening.
Dries out oil while moisturising the skin perfectly. Evens skin tone. Boosts radiance.
Note: Applying large amounts of creams containing retinol to the body (to reduce stretch marks etc) is not recommended for pregnant or breast feeding women by Dr’s.
This product was sent to me free for review purposes. This does not affect my opinion of the product.
Chrissie xx
Vamp It Up 