Beauty, Pro-Ageing, Skincare
Sun damage is one of the fastest aggressors to skin ageing and there are very few proven skincare ingredients that can successfully reverse the damage. One of the most effective ingredients is Retinol, a derivative of Vitamin A. Retinol has the power to unclog pores, boost collagen production, reduce lines and wrinkles, speed cell turnover and even skin tone. Which is pretty impressive but, like all good things there is a draw back; Retinol can cause irritation to sensitive skin, leaving it dry and flaky.
To overcome these drawbacks and to effectively deliver Retinol deep into the layers of the epidermis, StriVectin have used a patented molecule NIA-114.
NIA-114 was developed by scientists Myron and Elaine Jacobson who for the past 35 years have been studying skin cancer prevention at the University of Arizona. The molecule is delivered from Niacin or Vitamin B3, a hormone that promotes healing and reduces hyperpigmentation. NIA-114 also helps to thicken the top layer of skin and improves the skin barrier’s ability to retain moisture. This in turn reduces sensitivity and helps the ingredients go beyond the topical application delivering them deeper into the epidermis. Niacin boosts Retinol’s age fighting benefits and when NIA-114 is combined with Retinol its efficacy is increased by 12.8 times. This potent formulation energises cells to maximise skin health and increases cell turnover giving your skin a younger fresher appearance.
StriVectin–AR offers a turbo boosted night cream which is gentle yet highly effective; combining Retinol and NIA-114 with a host of calming, soothing and moisturising ingredients such as Aloe and Shea Butter, StriVectin-AR fights the signs of ageing, reverses sun damage and helps to rejuvenate skin overnight.
Ten years ago StriVectin hit the headlines when their cream formulated to heal stretch marks was found to rejuvenate facial skin and reduce lines and wrinkles. At the time StriVectin-SD was only available in the States so I purchased my first tube from Sephora in Times Square, New York. I really liked the almost immediate results and have continued to have StriVectin in my routine ever since. I prefer to have a skincare wardrobe and tend to use products according to what my skin needs at the time. When it really needs a boost I pull out this Retinol multitasker, especially at the end of the summer as it helps with hyperpigmentation and evens skin tone.
I was delighted to be offered the opportunity of testing the StriVectin-AR which is a much richer product than the SD and offers deep moisturisation. I never had any adverse reactions to the original formula, but I can imagine that this product is very much less likely to cause any irritation, but I would still advise using a different product if you have very sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema.
The cream is rich and very easily absorbed by the skin, there is very little fragrance and it’s comfortable to wear at night, you won’t find it slicked across your pillow. One of the biggest benefits for me of a Retinol product is that you quickly see a noticeable difference in your skin, waking up with clearer brighter skin from the first night. With prolonged use skin becomes firmer, looks smoother, lines soften and skin has a more even tone making it look more radiant. I am really impressed with how effective this product is at making your skin appear fresher and younger looking, it’s a much nicer formula to use than the original SD which has a strong fragrance and isn’t as rich or moisturising. I will definitely be keeping StriVectin in my skincare wardrobe in the future. StriVectin-AR comes in an opaque tube protecting it from light and air and a little goes a long way, so the 50ml tube should give you several months use.
It’s important to wear an SPF sunscreen after using any Retinol product. Avoid this product if you have very sensitive skin, rosacea or eczema, carry out a patch test behind one ear 24 hours before using the product and initially use every other night until your skin adapts to the Retinol.
StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Night Cream* 50ml £89.00 available from Beauty Expert
*Affiliate link
