VICHY/NEUTROGENA

It is common knowledge that a dehydrated skin secretes oil or rather  an oily skin is a sign of a dehydrated skin as the surface skin is lacking in moisture. So, if you want a matte complexion, there is no better way than getting your skin properly hydrated, oh wait, did I mean  moisturized? What is the difference really? Well recently, I met Dr Alan Khaiat, key researcher and consultant to Neutrogena’s newly launched moisturiser and the question  was asked  and answered. Apparently, there is no difference except in the minds of the consumers, no doubt perpetuated by some awesome marketing by many a brand. It is very simple, in the English language  “de-moisturised”  skin does not exist but a “ dehydrated” skin does exist. Therefore any  action that you take to replenish moisture is an act of hydration.  In a lot of marketing strategies, hydration is a term usually used in gel based product while the richer creamier versions will be called moisturiser.. . so there you have  it. 

How does skin lose its hydration? Well, from the environment like air con rooms and the state  of your skin. The skin has a structure which keeps water locked in when this structure is loosened think brick and mortar through oxidisation of the lipids. Oxidisation mostly occurs through stress and pollution which is caused  by free radicals and the simple process of aging.

 The best way to moisturise according  to Dr Khaiat is to drink a lot of water up to 3-4 litres is consider alright. Your hydration source does not have to be just plain water, even tea and coffee traditionally known as diuretic, is counted in the total consumption. 

So then where does one start? Well, lets start with something that can be considered a quick fix,something that allows the skin to retain that matt effect and then a second one, the latest  moisturiser in  town by the body oil moisturiser themselves, Neutrogena for a longer term effect.

Vichy Laboratoires’s answer to helping protect hydration  and the unclogging of pores must surely be it’s Vichy Normaderm  Pro-Mat. This product with its “Dry Touch”  technology .With its active ingredient Vitamin CGis meant to redue oiliness in skin and it has been clinically tested that oiliness does reduce in 99% of women. The results after 4  weeks is skin’s matt appearance  lasts 6 hours -98%, complexion looks purified and even 81% and pores less visible 76%. What it does the kaolin plus  polymer and nylon (Dry Touch Technology) absorbs  excess sebum and the Vitamin CG acts as Intrapore Regulation regulating the  production of sebum at the source  and  control shininess through the Vitamin E and LHA (Lipo Hydroxy Acid) .

Verdict: I have been using it almost everyday and I must say the matt effect is definitely lasting up to  6 hours deepending on how much time I spent outdoors. It is light  and easy to apply and do pores look more refine?Probably, yes although it is not my major concern. But if my skin is less oily chances of open pores will be  reduced  and  in all  likelihood it is happening as we speak.  I use it as  a  make up base before my sunblock and I love that there is an additional SPF15PA++ which in my mind acts as second base on top of my regularSPF 50 sunblock. Priced at RM89.

Other products in this range includes Vichy Normaderm Deep Cleansing gel (RM65), Daily Exfoliating Clenasing Gel (RM65), Purifying Astringent Toner RM65, Imperfection Prone Skin Lotion (RM70), The Refine Total Pore Resurfacing Essence , a star product RM110,  Anti Perfection Hydrating Care (RM100) best seller in Asia.

 

Neutrogena

 

Neutrogena has been around since the 1950s  when is develop the neutral soap. This brand is traditionally, well known for hydrating the body by applying  oil on damp skin without oily residue way back in the 90s and earlier. So always being in the forefront and radical, it is only natural I guess that they should eventually also be coming out with a radical moisturising  line like the Hydro Boost™ line . Formulated for Asian skin in this region for all age groups, it uses very simple natural ingredients like olive oil extract and hyaluronic acid which retains up till 1000 times water and glycerin. What it aims to do is attempt to replenish moisture and rebuild the skin’s natural moisture shield  from the inside out. The “Progressive Release System” ensures that the skin cells are hydrated over  a 12 hour period.

This product is meant to fill the gap for  the market for skin hydration  range. Most hydartion in the  market lasts between 3-5 hours .

Verdict: The gel cream is slightly heavier as Hyaluronic Acid molecules are bigger and does not absob into the skin, when applied it  forms a  thin layer. This is when the Progressive Release comes in, the olive oil  acts a protective film that crystaliizes to hold water and the glycerin as a humectant and the enzyme in our skin slowly breaks this compound so that it is easier to be absorbed. I like it  although I do feel that it is slightly over perfumed. But is easy to use and do I see an instantaneous results, why yes, skin is plumper. And will it last forever after I stopped, dumb question because like Dr Khaiat said, what would be the fun in that. But skin will retain some moisturized effect even if you stop for a week, but like  a bank account, to keep it rich you need to keep banking in some….

 

Pix: stockexchange

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