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SKIN & ME | THE DRUGSTORE COLLECTION

 


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You’re probably familiar with Skin & Me as a prescription retinoid service, but maybe you didn’t know that they also have a collection of cosmetic formulas available in your local Boots! I recently discovered this as part of the recent revamp of the Boots beauty aisles and decided to try a few things from the collection…

Let’s start at the start with the Cream Cleanser* | £9. This is simple and functional, which is exactly what you'd expect for a cleanser designed with sensitive skin in mind and that's intended to compliment something like their stronger prescription actives. It's a kind of creamy-gel, so it's not rich or heavy and has both water-based and creamier qualities to it in terms of texture. This product is formulated with skin-friendly ingredients such as glycerin (an effective humectant, drawing moisture into the skin), emollients to make the skin feel soft and moisturised, gentle cleansing surfactants and fatty alcohol to replenish lost moisture. It's non-foaming and doesn't leave behind any sort of excess on my skin. Whilst it's not what I'd reach for when I'm getting home after a run, for my winter skin right now; it's ideal (especially as a morning cleanse so my skin isn't stripped of moisture). It's simple, functional and keeps dry skin balanced throughout the cleansing process. Whilst there's nothing exciting about this cleanser, it must be doing something right because I've been reaching for it every morning for the past month!

Next, we have one of their active serums: the Daily Doser Serum for Fine Lines + Elasticity* | £25. This serum was developed with normal and dry skin in mind, but since it's a treatment, whether or not this serum is right for you will depend on the skin concerns you're dealing with. This is really a well-ageing formula, so if you're over 30 and you're not pregnant or breastfeeding: you're a candidate! This product is formulated with granactive retinoid, which is - for me - the best retinoid other than retinal, and probably the best option for newcomers to retinoids and for sensitive skin. Retinoids are the only class of skincare ingredient that have solid science behind them, not only when it comes to preventing premature ageing (by increasing collagen production), but also to reverse existing signs of ageing such as fine lines and discolouration. This serum is also formulated with collagen; whilst we can't topically boost our collagen, since the molecular size is too large, but it's a really great moisturiser. We also have glycerin and hyaluronic acid in the mix for hydration. This is an emulsion serum, as is typical with retinoids, and it sinks in without any excess (so would suit any skin type). Honestly, I was really impressed with this serum! Yes, it's pretty up there in terms of drugstore prices, but I think you're getting a highly effective formula, so if prescription retinoid just aren't for you or seem a bit too scary: I highly recommend this option. My skin is used to a more direct form of retinoid (retinal vs. a retinoic acid ester like this) but I still noticed things were looking smoother, more radiant and nice and even. I know my skin is quite used to retinoids so perhaps take this with a pinch of salt, but I got really great results with no irritation!

Finally, we have the Rich Moisturiser* | £22. This is a creamy and nourishing moisturiser that's still fairly fluid with a lotion-like consistency. It's unsurprisingly geared towards dry and normal skin types, and my skin is pretty dry at this time of year, so I thought the combination of this products texture and ingredients would make it a great day cream option. It's formulated with a ceramide complex, which is a big tick in the box for me because ceramides are a fundamental component of the skin barrier. This natural element of your skin can actually be topped up using skincare products, and doing so ensures the skin stays moisturised, balanced and free from any irritation. There's also urea in here, which is a natural moisturising factor; at the 5% concentration in this formula, it's not going to have an exfoliating property to it, but it will help to treat dry patches. We also have our friend glycerin, alongside shea butter as the key moisturising ingredients; shea butter is a great option for dry skin because it's intensely nourishing. This moisturiser is also formulated with squalane, a plant-derived oil that mimics the natural oils our skin produces, therefore helping to replenish it when it's a little on the dry side. Again, it's not a product I'm going to make a big song and dance about, but it works really well alongside stronger actives, for day and night and provides a comforting, skin-softening feel whilst helping to strengthen my skin barrier. It's simple and like the serum and cleanser, it's free from fragrance, essential oils and any potentially-irritating plant extracts, so is going to be a great option for sensitive skin types this winter.  


Have you tried Skin & Me's prescription or drugstore skincare?



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