Let’s face it— as the calendar turns from December to January and we pack up the jingle bells, snow is just not as cute anymore.
The windburn, chapped lips, dry skin— also, not so cute. Add the stress of dealing with coronavirus holidays and nailing the coffin shut on 2020 (yes, stress really does play a significant role in skin health; ask the last 45 US presidents)— not cute.
What is it about winter, dry weather that’s just so hard on our skin?!
First of all, cold air has far less moisture than warm; adding a wind element can further strip moisture from your skin (add the mask element, and maybe deal with acne, too). Kind of a disaster.
Regardless of season, I am always in search of a good moisturizer for my skin. I’m guilty of leaving “ten minute” hydrating facials on overnight, and of using night creams as day creams, because the formulas as is just don’t cut it for me. Granted, I have rigorous standards after working clinical dermatology. But also, my skin just seems to drink like a dehydrated camel.
There’s a lot of buzz centering around products containing hyaluronic acid. Rightly so; hyaluronin is found abundantly throughout the human body’s connective tissue system but about half is found in the skin. Hyaluronic acid holds a thousand times its weight in water- keeping our skin and tissues hydrated and plump. This amount decreases as we age, though. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant- it draws in water- this is a key difference from a typical moisturizer which works to hold in existing hydration.
Enter DermaE’s new Hydration Line centered on Hyaluronic Acid’s amazing benefits- if you’ve followed me on social media for any amount of time, you already know I’m a fan of this brand. All DermaE products are 100% Vegan, GMO-Free, cruelty free and their ingredient list is clinically sound and free of parabens, sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oils, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates.
I had the opportunity to test drive the line’s Hydrating Day Cream, Hydrating Night Cream, Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Water Eye Gel, Ultra Hydrating Overnight Facial, and Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster.
You may notice the theme of “alkaline” and wonder why pH matters here. Our skin’s pH (potential hydrogen), protects against nastiness like bacteria, pollution, allergens, as well as helps maintain moisture. In other words, optimal skin pH is important for overall skin health. The bad news? Environmental stressors, seasonal change, and anything else that disrupts skin’s natural barrier function (even scrubbing too hard!) can throw off the skin’s pH balance. DermaE is here to help!
Their clinically proven hydrating collection showed a 100% improvement in skin hydration after immediate first application and four weeks of using the line— I have been test driving for about three and will attest to the above with the following notes on the specific products with links below:
Hydrating Day Cream: I’m going to give hyaluronic acid full credit here for giving this luscious cream it’s hydrating power- finally, a day cream that actually feels adequately moisturizing! And don’t fear- it’s lightweight enough to still feel like a day cream and serve as a base for makeup application if it’s one of those days. Bonus; it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and E to both diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles and combat aging moving forward.
Pros: price point, actually hydrates, silky formulation, clean beauty friendly, anti-aging benefits
Cons: very slight plumeria fragrance (all products in this line- could offend- I am very sensitive to fragrance and it’s barely even there to me). Full disclosure; most days I also use a facial oil; but that’s baseline for me.
Hydrating Night Cream: Thick, silky and creamy without feeling heavy, greasy, or leaving a residue. Also packed with green tea, antioxidants, vitamins A, E, and C for anti-aging benefits but in a super-hydrating, super-gentle formulation. This is night cream jackpot. If your skin is sensitive, or you’re curious about DermaE products in general, just give this one a spin. I would rarely call a skincare product one size fits all, but this one just might do it.
Pros: rich, thick formulation; very hydrating; does not clog pores; suitable for combination and sensitive skin types; anti-aging benefits; pregnancy safe (the vitamin A is less than 1%)
Cons: as above... the retinol component is less than 1% so while it’s a super gentle night cream (read, great for all/sensitive skin types) there are are night creams with a more powerful vitamin A component (also more irritating, typically). But in terms of anti-aging, we’re discovering more about the importance of hydration- so maybe the jury is out on this one.
Ultra Hydrating Overnight Facial: I love a good mask (when we’re not talking pandemics, that is)- and believe me, this is a good one. This gel overnight facial works while you sleep to restore your skin’s natural moisture barrier and pH balance; containing fun little alkaline water beads that luxuriously melt into your skin.
Pros: easy application, price point, fun to apply, visible results
Cons: slightly tacky after application right after (my advice, go straight to bed)
Ultra Hydrating Water Eye Gel: cools, soothes, de-puffs tired eyes; moisturizes dull and tired skin. Delightful rollerball application for the super delicate undereye area (I also like putting this in the fridge 2-3 minutes prior to applying. Ahhh!)
I don’t have anything bad to say here. Everyone needs this. Now.
Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster: this is the product I didn’t know that I needed. You can layer this over another moisturizer to pack an extra punch of hydration and support the skin’s pH balance (this can also keep things like breakouts at bay). And hello, hydration. It’s like an extra special spa treatment for your skin, but an affordable and easy one. I’m hooked.
Pros: price point, clean beauty friendly, easy application, feels immediately hydrating
Cons: none (just close the container tightly and don’t tip it over!)
Not reviewed from the Hydration line: Ultra Hydrating Serum, Cleansers (2 available in this particular line), Mist, Micellar wipes. Entire line available at DermaE.com
You can save 25% site wide for a limited time with promotion NY2021 and all orders over $35 ship free.
This post is generously sponsored by #dermae with the above gifted products.