CeraVe and Skinceuticals products

We’ve enjoyed a run of gorgeous weather this year on the West coast, well into October. A glance at the changing leaves and autumn colours will tell you that chillier days are ahead.

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Now’s the time to ramp up your beauty routine to protect against the cold, dry months of winter. Innovative skincare brands CeraVe and Skinceuticals offer a wide range of products to address these needs and recently sent me two to try out.

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CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

CeraVe is an affordable, cruelty-free, fragrance-free skincare line developed in partnership with dermatologists. Their mantra is to “hydrate, restore and replenish” the skin’s natural barrier through a unique blend of three essential ceramides (ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II), fatty acids, and other lipids.

Studies have shown that 50% of the skin barrier is comprised of ceramides. When ceramide levels are low, moisture escapes, resulting in parched, compromised skin. These conditions can affect both men and women. CeraVe’s products are suitable for both sexes (there’s even a specialized line for babies).

Your face takes a lot of punishment from environmental irritants, daily cosmetics and frigid temperatures. CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser, infused with Ceramides, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, will gently remove makeup and grime without depleting precious moisture or disrupting the skin’s natural protective barrier.

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The thick, clear gel foams into a silky lather that cleans deeply to purge excess oils and other impurities while rebalancing and replenishing skin — all in one step! I was surprised to find it even more effective than the usual eye-makeup remover I use for my stubborn mascara.

I love this as an all-in-one product for travel since I won’t need to bring other solvents. The mild formula did not irritate my sensitive skin and left it feeling fresh, bright and more receptive to any follow-up products, such as toners or lotions.

Retailing at around $15, CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser is an excellent choice for a wintertime swapout of your usual suds.

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Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifer

After the CeraVe cleanse, I pampered my face with Skinceuticals Hyaluronic Acid (H.A.) Intensifier serum to plump up the skin and improve hydration levels.

Hyaluronic acid, a potent humectant, helps regulate moisture levels in skin but its essential production starts decreasing in your 20s. Naturally occurring H.A. also has an extremely short lifespan, with 30%-50% degrading every 24 hours. Over time, aging skin becomes rough, loses firmness and is less plump due to the rapid degradation and decreased production of H.A.

The molecules are too big to penetrate the upper dermis so most lotions containing H.A. only hydrate the most superficial skin layers. Other ingredients are required to prompt skin to both produce and absorb more H.A. 

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Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifier is suffused with 10% Proxylane, 2.0% Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 0.2% Purple Rice Extract and 1.3% Hyaluronic Acid – all harmonizing to preserve and maintain hydration while encouraging H.A. production.

The serum is thick and tacky, with a reddish brown tinge. Once applied, it feels like a moisture blanket on the skin that is gradually and deeply absorbed. At night, I use the serum alone but follow with an SPF lotion during the day. My skin feels bedewed and more plump after only two weeks of usage. This product is worth the splurge!

Skinceuticals H.A. Intensifer

Skinceuticals is a pioneering cosmeceutical company offering a range of products to address every dermalogical concern. Bridging the gap between prescription-based pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter cosmetics, Skinceuticals claims that their active ingredients are backed by science to boost skin efficacy.

The H.A. Intensifier Serum retails for $120 CAD and is available only on the Skinceuticals.ca website or from an authorized skincare professional near you.

Photos by Cora Li.

About Our Contributor Cora Li

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.

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