A few seasons ago, I was introduced to Skinceuticals, an innovative cosmeceutical brand. They lead the way when it comes to bridging the gap between prescription-based pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter cosmetics and offer a multitude of products to address every dermalogical concern. Skinceutical products boost skin efficacy by harnessing active ingredients that are backed by science.
This time around they offered up their highly coveted Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 treatment. With this year’s unusually cold winter, this product seemed like an ideal ally to get through the season of harsh elements.
Recent medical research has clarified that not all body cholesterol is bad, but did you know there’s also cholesterol contained in your skin? They’re part of a family of hydrocarbon molecules called lipids that are the building blocks of living cells.
Ceramides and fatty acids are also lipids essential for protecting our skin’s natural barrier function and ability to self-repair.
Ceramides help maintain moisture levels and bind surface dermal cells together. Conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may arise due to ceramide deficiency. Unlike bad body cholesterol that can clog arteries, these good fats are desired in the skin to accelerate barrier recovery, improve the appearance of elasticity and reduce the visible signs of aging. Lipid balance is regulated by fatty acids in the dermis.
Skinceuticals has found that healthy, young skin shows a ratio of 2% ceramides, 4% cholesterol and 2% fatty acids in the outer layers, however lipid production declines with age. Over time, unprotected skin can go from dewy to dehydrated.
As its name implies, the Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 replicates this ratio as an anti-aging replenishment treatment to encourage the skin’s own self-repair sequence.
This product is thick and luxuriant. It comes with a spatula to help limit contamination. The instructions advise to warm and melt the cream between fingertips, then apply in circular motions twice a day.
Some users have reported that it might be too rich for oily skin so you may want to start with one application to gauge its suitability.
The cream has a faint hint of lavender that is both fresh and relaxing. My face feels amazingly pampered after application at night and I wake up with a soft and silky visage. I began with twice daily but found I preferred a lighter moisturizer with SPF during the day.
The product is a bit pricey at $150 so using it as part of my nightly ritual helps to stretch the treatment duration.
Interestingly, some high reviews have come from gentlemen who report improved clarify and smaller pores. Hello, new decade of shared unisex products! This can also be a miracle concoction after dehydrating activities such as long flights or swimming. With such a host of benefits, I found Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 worth the splurge.
SkinCeuticals is available at select professional skincare clinics, on their website and through Sephora. 48ml; CAD $150