Review | La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Aging Serum & Hyaluronic Acid Cream

It's no secret that La Roche Posay is my favourite skincare brand for a number of reasons - widely available, affordable prices and products that actually work for my skin type!

I have been sharing some snaps on Instagram and Facebook of two new products from La Roche Posay, belonging to the latest range, Hyalu B5, which addresses anti-ageing for sensitive skin. The products are a Hyaluronic Acid Cream and serum, with the serum being already available locally while the cream will be launched at a later date this year.

The Hyalu B5 range features two key ingredients, essential in anti-ageing care - Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B5 which aim at re-plumping the skin, whilst keeping it super hydrated. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is already present in our skin and it has a high affinity for water, thus, using products which contain HA, increases water levels in our skin, making it look plumper and ensuring adequate hydration levels.

HA levels in our skin deplete over time and by the age of 50, it is estimated that we would have lost 50% of the skin's original HA levels. This decrease in HA leads to impairment of the skin's self-repairing mechanisms, of which HA is at the very core.

In fact, the LRP Hyalu B5 range is indicated for correction of wrinkles, loss of volume and elasticity, tired and dull skin as well as post-procedure recovery, even on sensitive skin. It is known that sensitive skin types age faster and take longer to recover due to micro-inflammatory stress within the skin that breaks down the collagen fibres and HA.

The formulas contain two different molecules of HA, one lighter than the other - High Molecular Weight HA and Low Molecular Weight HA. The High Molecular Weight HA is responsible for forming an invisible moisture barrier at the skin's surface, which holds water and consequently fills in fine lines and wrinkles. On the other hand, the Low Molecular Weight HA is able to seep deeper into the top skin layers to stimulate and re-activate the skin's repair mechanisms for a plumper look. These two different HA molecules work in synergy with the Vitamin B5 to replenish the skin's moisture barrier.

Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Care Hyaluronic Acid Cream - Price TBA

First up, Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Cream which is meant to be used as a moisturiser. The cream is available in a 40ml format which is more than enough because you need a minute amount and you can also take it abroad with you.

It has a light consistency with a rapidly-absorbing formula which doesn't feel heavy. In fact, I use it morning and night after cleansing my skin and never had issues with my makeup not lasting during the day or my skin feeling tacky at any time. 

Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum - €34.20

Now, my favourite out of the two! I love serums so I was delighted to try this one out. It has a gel-like consistency and you can either use it with the pipette or without. I personally prefer the pipette as it is more hygienic and easier to control the amount of product that you use. The jar contains 30ml of product, so again, it will last you for a long time.

The verdict

And now for the final verdict - do these products pass the test? Yes, they do! The very fine lines around my eyes have diminished in the last couple of months that I have introduced these two products in my skin care routine. Also, both formulas are nice to work with, hence they both get my seal of approval!

La Roche Posay products can be purchased from all pharmacies.

PR Samples

IMEDEEN Anti-Aging Oral Skin Care | An Update

Last March I was invited to the launch of a revolutionary skin care product, IMEDEEN which is basically an oral anti-aging skin care product which you can read more information about here. 

Following the initial skin care analysis, I was given a month's supply of IMEDEEN Derma One to try which is the best product for my skin as the ultrasound scan revealed I had very good collagen levels and skin density. After I finished my first box of IMEDEEN, I was curious to see if my skin was really improving from the inside as Pfizer, the manufacturers of IMEDEEN claim.

Well, I had another scan appointment last Wednesday morning with Alison, the IMEDEEN advisor from Vivian Corporation at Melita Health & Beauty in St. Julian's. The scan involves the same procedure as the first time were some gel was applied on my wrist and the ultrasound scanner was used to have a look at my skin from within.

The results from my first scan.
There are adequate collagen levels (brown) but moisture (blue) is lacking and the dermal barrier is crooked.

 The results from my second scan after just one month of using IMEDEEN Derma One.
Notice how the collagen and moisture levels have increased greatly and the dermal barrier has straightened

I was immediately surprised at how both the collagen levels in the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) and the dermis (lower layer of the skin) as well as the moisture levels in my skin have improved over just the course of one month! When Alison retrieved the results of the first scan from her client database, we could further compare the differences and it is quite evident that IMEDEEN has really worked on improving my skin from within!

My skin density has gone up to 61 from 57 so it's still in the green area!

Apart from taking care of my skin from the inside, IMEDEEN has also helped with my skin appearing more plump and hydrated all over as even my legs are looking less dry these days. Another thing I like about IMEDEEN is that they are very convenient to travel with, instead of having to carry a ton of anti-aging creams which ultimately, only work on the surface layers of the skin.

I am now on my second box of IMEDEEN and look forward to having another scan in around two months' time to see if the collagen levels have gone further up!

IMEDEEN products available locally - book an appointment to see which one is right for you

Stay tuned for more updates!

IMEDEEN Anti-Aging Oral Skin Care

We are bombarded with countless new products every day with promises that x product will make us look younger, y product will give us plumper skin and so on and so forth. While some of these products still spark my interest, nothing quite makes my curiosity soar as much a totally new concept does.

This is the case with IMEDEEN which is the top brand in oral anti-aging skin care. I was invited to the product's launch which took place in the beginning of the month, by the brand ambassador for IMEDEEN Malta, fellow blogger, Caroline Paris on behalf of Vivian Corporation which is the company that imports the brand.

During the launch, which was held at the grand Palazzo De Piro in Mdina, we were given a presentation, explaining the difference between the products in the range and we just generally got to meet the people behind IMEDEEN and have fun and chat the night away.

With all the bloggers at the launch event

So what is IMEDEEN? Basically, IMEDEEN is a new approach to anti-aging skin care, the next best thing if you will, that comes in the form of pills which obviously you take orally. There are three main products which are currently being marketed locally, namely, Derma One (ages 25+), Time Perfection (40+) and Prime Renewal (50+). The first two can be thought more of as preventive while the latter is more of a corrective solution.

Although it is new to the local market, IMEDEEN is sold in 45 countries world wide and has been the pioneer of internal skin care since 1991. Clinical studies (10 to be exact) show that the products improve skin all over and it is more than just a supplement. In fact, IMEDEEN is the gold standard as far as oral skin care is concerned.

The products promise to nourish the skin from within (the dermis to be exact, where traditional anti-aging creams don't reach) and the first results can be seen after 90 days. Since the formula contains Vitamin C, it aids in neutralizing free radicals, thus protecting skin cells from oxidative stress, Vitamin C also helps in the natural formation and maintenance of collagen. IMEDEEN also contains an exclusive Marine Complex which contains elements that are similar to what naturally occurs in the skin. Furthermore, the Zinc content contributes to normal DNA synthesis. Moreover, IMEDEEN is manufactured under strict conditions at Pfizer, a top pharmaceutical company.

IMEDEEN Clinical Study showing the increased collagen and moisture levels in the skin after 3, 6 and 12 months

Following the launch, I was invited to the Vivian Corporation offices Wednesday afternoon for a free skin analysis to help determine the moisture and collagen levels in my skin, and subsequently determine which IMEDEEN product is the right one for me.

Basically, the skin consultation takes place in roughly 15 minutes and it involves an ultrasound scan of the skin on the top of your hand, thus its really not invasive and doesn't require the patient to take off their makeup or anything.

Allison explaining the results on the ultrasound scan to me during my consultation - pictures taken by Marija

The scan results are shown on the computer connected to the ultrasound machine and Allison, the specially trained advisor, explained the results in extreme detail. I am happy to know that I have adequate collagen levels and my skin is quite hydrated, though it does lack some moisture on the outermost layer. The dehydration is mostly due to me slacking on drinking enough water as well as the colder temperatures and environmental stressors.

The results of my skin scan - very good density overall!!

Following this consultation, Allison concluded that IMEDEEN Derma One is the right product for me and I was kindly offered a month's supply to try out and we will check back to see how the collagen and moisture levels in my skin have increased.

If you follow me on my Facbeook page, you'll know I have started my IMEDEEN journey on Thursday morning by taking 2 IMEDEEN Derma One pills with my breakfast. So far, I haven't experienced any side effects but we'll see how the product measures up in the long run.

In the meantime, if you want to take care of your skin from within, you can book a skin analysis at your nearest pharmacy (check back with Vivian Corporation to find out where) and you can start your IMEDEEN regime right away!

Furthermore, there are plans to market IMEDEEN for men as well as the Advanced Beauty Shots in the near future locally. The prices for IMEDEEN products are as follows:
- Derma One €45 for a month's supply
- Time Perfection €53 for a month's supply
- Prime Renewal €71 for a month's supply

A month's supply of IMEDEEN Derma One was offered to me as  PR Sample. All opinions are my own and are in no influenced by Vivian Corporation.

Review | Eau Thermale Avène YsthèAL Anti-wrinkle emulsion

Now that I am past the age of 25, part of my skin care routine is dedicated to anti-aging and the use of anti-wrinkle products before they start appearing. One such product that is helping my skin maintain its youthfulness, is YsthèAL from Eau Thermale Avène.

The Eau Thermale Avène brand is not new on this blog so by now you should all be familiar with the all white boxes with touches of orange, and in this case, rose gold. The emulsion is then presented in a clean, white, double layered bottle with a pump dispenser and a clear cap that you just pull off. To dispense the product, you have to first turn the dispenser to the right which makes sense as all Eau Thermale Avène products are packaged in sterile containers. When not in use, you can always turn it back to the left and replace the cap to avoid contamination.

The formula itself is a light, orange coloured emulsion which is rapidly absorbed into the skin. The product is intended for use on clean skin at night, thus a rapidly absorbed formula is most definitely a plus, especially when I am too tired to keep massaging a product for so long for it to be completely absorbed. Moreover, the formula is free from perfume and parabens as the brand is specifically committed towards caring for sensitive skin.

Though I have been using YsthèAL for a couple of months now, bear in mid that my skin still hasn't shown any real signs of wrinkles yet (thank God) so I cannot really say if the product has totally worked or not in that regard. One thing is for sure though, I haven't had a single breakout or skin flare up all the while I've been using this product.

I think this is a good product if you're still starting out with anti-aging skin care as you are not only thinking long term in preserving your skin, but you are also keeping your skin's sensitivity in check. 

Eau Thermale Avène YsthèAL and the rest of the products in the range are available from authorised pharmacies. Follow the Eau Thermale Avène Facebook page to keep updated.

PR Sample

Event | Teoxane Cosmeceuticals New Product Launches

Swiss cosmeceutical brand Teoxane has fast become one of my go-to skin care brands after I was introduced to it earlier this year. Thus, I of course accepted an invitation to a seminar which included the launch of new products - all of which happened at the Executive Suite within The Palace Hotel in Sliema last Monday afternoon over Prosecco and a delicious lunch.

Export manager Nicolas and marketing manager Melanie, flew in specifically for the occasion and they delivered an excellent presentation about the brand Teoxane and we even got to know their products better as well as witness the launch of an exciting new product.

Teoxane's range of products including the new RHA Hydrogel Mask

Basically, the brand Teoxane specialises in anti-aging skin care on the level of injections (dermal fillers) and complimenting skin care products, both of which are available at certain aesthetic clinics. All Teoxane product formulations revolve around the principle of hydration is better than moisturization and Teoxane's patented RHA resilient hylauronic acid technology. For more in-depth information about Teoxane, you can check out my introductory post here.

Teoxane's products are mainly aimed at those individuals who are not yet ready to commit to injections and aesthetic procedures but are willing to do something about their skin's situation. In fact, their products can be used either alone or in conjunction with aesthetic treatments both in terms of preparation of the skin prior to treatment and even as after care to prolong the results. An interesting fact is that in Malta, the most commonly used Teoxane product is R[II] Eyes and after using it myself, I can vouch for it! Read my full review here.

During the presentation, we were given the opportunity to try the products ourselves and were also given a live demonstration of the newly launched RHA Hydrogel Mask which promises and actually delivers results in 15 minutes. The mask instantly gives a 50% more plump appearance and the skin is actually hydrated immediately following application. Teoxane RHA Hydrogel Mask can be described as a sheet mask with a gel texture and it covers both your face and neck for a complete treatment. It smells very fresh but the scent is not too overwhelming, since it is a more medically indicated product.

A closer look at the RHA Hydrogel Mask texture

Another product which intrigued me is the RE[Cover] Complexion SPF50 which is neither a makeup product and neither a skin care product but a hybrid of both which is ideal to use after an aesthetic treatment. It aims to soothe, cover redness and bruises and protect the skin from UV rays.

Following my previous experience with Teoxane, I am really curious to try out the RHA Hydrogel Mask and the samples given to us at the end of the event. Will keep you posted with the results!

Teoxane products can only be found at authorised clinics and beauty salons and are distributed by Metropolis Pharma.

Introducing SkinCeuticals New Products for 2016

SkinCeuticals, the authoritative brand in anti-oxidant skin care, has just recently launched its new products for 2016 and a few weeks ago, I was invited to attend the launch event where special guest speaker Ms. Jennifer Bedran, SkinCeuticals’ Skin Education Expert, introduced the said new products.

Product samples
(photos taken by me)

Ms. Jennifer Bedran

SkinCeuticals is not new to this blog and if you have been following for some time, you would know that the brand combines powerful state-of-the-art medical procedures with premium products, to make sure patients achieve optimal skin health and anti-aging benefits from all treatments. During the event we were introduced to three new products and an innovative 'lunch-break' rejuvenating Gel Peel treatment, of which we had a live demonstration by Ms. Bedran herself.

Let's have a look at the new anti-aging innovations from SkinCeuticals, starting with Metacell Renewal B3. Metacell Renewal B3 utilizes a patent-pending aqueous emulsion to deliver a high concentration of vitamin B3 to address early signs of photo-aging (aging due to sunlight). While signs of sun damage appear at different intensities according to skin biology, lifestyle, sun protection behaviour, and skincare regimen, they have a multiplicative effect, creating a prematurely-aged appearance. This comprehensive daily emulsion visibly improves these early signs of photo-aging by increasing cell turnover to resurface skin, help re-clarify and even out the skin tone, and improve the appearance of wrinkles and surface elasticity.

Next is Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. Aging skin is significantly more susceptible to lipid depletion: the loss of natural compounds in skin’s surface, present in the form of ceramides, natural cholesterol, and fatty acids. This lipid loss compromises the skin’s natural protective barrier, resulting in visible signs of accelerated aging, as skin loses its ability to effectively self-repair.

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 is an anti-aging cream formulated with a maximized concentration of lipids. This unique anti-aging lipid correction cream contains the first 2:4:2 cholesterol-dominant ratio to help restore skin's external barrier while potently nourishing aging skin for improvement in signs of accelerated aging, such as dry and rough skin, laxity and loss of fullness.

Lastly for new products, we have Phloretin CF Gel. Phloretin CF Gel is a new, powerful serum-in-a-gel antioxidant featuring a patented combination of 2% Phloretin, 10% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic Acid), and 0.5% Ferulic Acid to neutralize free radicals induced by environmental stressors such as UVA/UVB and pollution which may lead to visible signs of accelerated skin aging. Phloretin CF Gel diminishes hyperpigmentation, accelerates cell-renewal and retexturizes skin. Its comforting gel base makes it ideal for normal to combination skin and non-serum users. I have a few samples of the Phloretin CF anti-oxidant concentrate myself and my skin loves it whenever I treat it to the product so expect excellent results with its new counterpart as well.

Following the new products presentation, we assisted to a live demonstration of a new rejuvenating gel peeling which is being dubbed as the 'lunch break' peeling as it literally does not take more than 30 minutes to complete. The skin is instantly brightened following this treatment and the best part of it all is that contrary to other peeling treatments, there is no redness on the skin whatsoever!

Ms. Jennifer Bedran applying the 'lunch-break' peel on her model for the night
(photos taken by me)

The new SkinCeuticals products and the Gel Peel are now available exclusively from Persona in Ta’ Xbiex, where expert staff await you to help you  tailor your own personalized skincare regimen.

All photos courtesy of Persona Med-Aesthetic Clinic unless otherwise stated.

Event | Declaré & Juvena Beauty Seminars | Part 2 ~ Juvena

The day after the Declaré seminar, it was time to discover Juvena, a more luxurious anti-aging brand, also pertaining to Troll Cosmetics GmbH.

Once again, the seminar took place at Fort St. Angelo and Ms. Elke Praemassing was once again our speaker for the day. She introduced Juvena as the brand with 60 years of anti-aging research for the skin. In fact, Juvena was launched in 1954 with their first product being a light yet nourishing anti-aging cream. The name of the brand is derived from the Latin word 'juvenalis' meaning youthfulness. Juvena is also one of the very first brands to promote protection against the sun's  UV rays and in the 1980's, upon explaining the concept of free-radicals, Juvena came up with a Vitamin E cream. The brand's anti-aging expertise continued to grow and in the next decade, they launched a co-enzyme Q10 cream - establishing itself as a pioneer brand in the business.

Ms. Elke Praemassing

Moreover, Juvena has come up with SkinNova Technology which is basically skin care with a medical background, first developed by Jacqueline D'Amour and it is aimed at helping skin cells to regenerate and protect them whilst doing so. This technology has now evolved to SkinNova SC Technology, SC standing for stem cells. SkinNova SC Technology provides the ideal micro-environment to ensure the skin cells' optimal regeneration. This is the basis of all Juvena products. Juvena brand ambassador, Barbara Shett, an Austrian tennis player really embodies the brand's philosophy - she is sophisticated in her simplicity and naturalness.

The seminar focused on the Phyto De-Tox range which is made up of products that provide special detoxifying care by focusing on the skin's own detox systems. In doing so, Phyto De-Tox renews the skin and restores radiance.

To carry on with the detox theme for the day, we had a fun yoga session thanks to Hot Yoga Malta and food throughout the day was prepared by The Grassy Hopper, a vegan/vegetarian eatery. I must say I really enjoyed the banana and almond muffins, avocado sandwiches and energy balls. Unfortunately though, due to other commitments I had to leave prior to lunch time but I still managed to take a few snaps of the healthy food offerings!

photo courtesy of Paloma Cosmetics Ltd.

For more information about Juvena, you can have a look at their website. Juvena and Declaré are imported in Malta by Paloma Cosmetics Ltd.