Canada may not be the first country that comes to mind when thinking about luxury skincare, so I was surprised to learn that Reversa products are not only home-grown but that their parent company, Dermtek Pharma, is a pioneer in the dermocosmetic field.
Founded in 1986 by Robert Lavoie, the head office is still based in Pointe-Claire, QC. Dermtek firmly established its scientific credentials by developing the groundbreaking sun protection brand Ombrelle, which was later scooped up by cosmetics titan L’Oreal.
Dermtek was among the first of the cosmeceutical companies to embrace the use of glycolic acid, a cane sugar-derived AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), in anti-aging skincare products. The smallest of all AHAs, glycolic acid easily penetrates the dermis to promote cell turnover and stimulate exfoliation.
A fresher, rejuvenated complexion is achieved as healthier cells are allowed to rise to the skin surface more quickly. Sensitive skin may be irritated by the rapid penetrative effect of glycolic acid but Dermtek has a unique Time-Release Glyco-Comfort System™ that pairs optimal benefits with desired effectiveness.
The Reversa line of anti-aging formulations are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and free from fragrance, parabens and volatile silicone. In 2018 the company took a step further and announced the brand has gone entirely vegan and cruelty-free – no animal testing or animal-derived products. A very Canadian attitude!
We recently got our hands on a jar of their latest innovation: Collagenique Cream. This product is set to hit stores next month so it’s not yet commercially available. A simple label was stickered onto the sample jar that I received.
The official jar is said to be made from 70% recycled material and both the disc and cap are also recyclable. The active ingredients listed from the press release (bottom of this article) pack quite the punch – and big words!
Healthy, young skin has abundant collage to maintain firmness, elasticity and cohesion of connective tissue. Starting in our mid-twenties, collagen synthesis decreases and we lose about 1% per year, eventually resulting in wrinkles, sagginess and loss of tonacity.
Environmental stressors – sun, pollution, poor diet and constant head-tilting to look at smartphones – don’t help either. The coveted combination of ingredients in Reversa’s Collagenique Cream promises to promote collagen regeneration, improve firmness, deeply hydrate and plump out fine lines and sagging.
The product has the texture of whipped cream and is absolutely odourless. It feels very rich but absorbs effortlessly with a feather-light, matte finish. I love the blurred luster it gives my skin, creating a smooth canvas for makeup application.
I’ve only been using the product for a week so have not noticed any significant boost in skin tonacity. My face does feel tighter after application however I’m not sure whether the formula is not hydrating enough or if it’s really doing its job! To boost efficacy, I’ve been layering the cream over a marine hyaluronic serum.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
MATRIXYL®SYNTHE’6TM PEPTIDE
A state-of-the art anti-aging peptide which helps smooth wrinkles by filling them from within, enhancing the production of 6 skin-rebuilding essentials, including collagens I, III and IV.
AGEFINITYTM, A MANNOSE-6-PHOSPHATE COMPLEX
A real biomimetic, green and naturally sourced complex used to generate energy in the skin cells and help reorganize the dermal matrix, resulting in a reduction of the appearance of face, eye contour, neck and décolleté wrinkles as well as visible dark spots.
FRAGMENTED HYALURONIC ACID
This glycosaminoglycan (GAG) of small molecular weight penetrates deeply to hydrate and plump the skin.
GOJI STEM CELL EXTRACT
By helping to overcome the lack of collagen and elastin in the skin, the goji stem cell extract leads to a reduction of the appearance of wrinkles and cutaneous sagging. The oval of the face looks better defined and rejuvenated.
Reversa’s Collagenique Cream is suitable for all skin types and age groups (it’s never too early to protect collagen reserves or too late to fight creeping crow lines). The suggested retail price will be $60 for a 50mL jar.
Reversa products can be found at your local Shopper’s Drug Mart, London Drugs, independent drug stores or online at reversa.ca. Reversa has a sterling 34-year reputation, contributing significantly to the field of dermatology while building a superb line of cruelty-free products that we can laud as proudly Canadian.
About Our Contributor Cora Li
Cora dabbles in arts, technology, food, and travel. She loves that Vancouver offers a vast playground for exploring all of her passions. Cora’s most memorable job to date was working with VANOC during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
