I recently have been on a beauty product obsession and blame it on my style and beauty crush, Trinny Woodall (@trinnywoodall). She V-blogs from her bathroom about all kinds of serums, beauty products and tools. As a result, I've been trying different serums, moisturizers and masks. Serums can address specific skin concerns and should be considered your main line defense products in a anti-aging skin routine. Depending of the specific conditions you want to treat, by choosing specific active ingredients you can brighten, moisturize, eliminate pigmentation and reduces wrinkles.
So, when Optimized Lab contacted me to sample some products, I was all in. I had reviewed their H2O Nutrient water (read here) and found it amazing. Developed by a Stanford scientist, I knew their products had some serious science behind it.
When my package arrived some of the most potent skincare ingredients that science has found were included - Retinol, Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. It was quite a coincidence, too. I had been rotating serums with these specific ingredients into my skincare routine along with micro-needing (see my review here).
The routine is simple.
Morning: Cleanse, spray H2O Nutrient Water on as a toner, apply Vitamin C serum, moisturize with your favorite product and apply the eyelash serum to lashes and brows. Don't forget sunscreen and re-apply throughout the day as needed.
Evening: Cleanse, spray H2O Nutrient Water on face, apply Retinol or Hyaluronic Acid (I rotate every other day), moisturize with your favorite night cream and apply eyelash serum to lashes and brows. Lights out and good night!
I am using Saranghae's cleanser, moisturizer and eye serum (review here). Once a week I mico-needle after applying the serum; all other days I massage the serums for a minute or two with a Foreo cleaning tool (buy similar here). Both these treatments ensure the serums penetrate deeper into the skin.
Why are these products so important to include in your skincare routine? Here is what my research has found and a review of the serums I tried from Optimized Labs
Vitamin C - This powerful antioxidant protects your skin from the environment, evens out skin tone and minimizes the look of fines lines and wrinkles
Optimized Lab's Vitamin C Serum includes Hyaluronic Acid. It has a an airless delivery system which is important because Vitamin C will degrade quickly if exposed to air and light (I keep mine in the cabinet away from sun when not using). A few pumps of product are all you need. The serum is clear, thick and ordorless. It glides on effortlessly and immediately my skin is plumper, fine lines reduced. Buy it here $19.95
Hyaluronic Acid - HA molecule holds 1000 times it's weight in moisture so it acts as a sponge drawing moisture into your skin.
Optimized Lab's Hyaluronic Acid Serum is clear, thick and ordorless. It makes my skin feel silky and dewy. Buy it here $25.95
Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative. It is a powerful tool for skin by increasing cell turnover, reducing age spots, minimizing pores, wrinkles and fine lines. Containing 2.5% retinol, it delivers a potent anti-aging punch. I have used prescription Retin A for years. I knew it should be used at night because sun exposure degrades the product and can cause skin redness. Wow, I am super charging my skin while I sleep!
Retinol Serum 2.5% with Hyaluronic Acid - The product is thick and glides on like all the other serums. Retinol can be quite harsh if over used and will dry out skin if not used judiciously. This product has Natural Glycerin and Vitamin E which all contribute to help hydrate and calm the skin. I never once felt my skin was irritated or red. The addition of Glyerin and Vitamin E helped to sooth and moisture while the Retinol worked it's magic by aiding cellular turnover and rebuilding collegen.
Buy it here $28.95OPTIMIZED Anti Aging Lightweight Hydrating Mist
I had reviewed their H2O Nutrient water previously (read here) and found it was amazing. Made in the USA by a Stanford University Ph.D Doctor. The Hair MULTI-BOND Plus Face Health Recovery Water Mist fights dry, limp, thinning, frizzed out hair, prevents discoloration from hard water, sun exposure and heat dryers from blow dryers and irons. It also strengthens hair and promotes a clean environment for hair growth. It is used as a toner in my skin routine. This product is mutli-faceted. I love it!
Buy it here $18.95
OPTIMIZED BIOTIN PEPTIDE Infused Eyebrow Serum
As we age, eyelashes and brows tend to become sparser. Recently, I started taking 10,000 mg of biotin daily which aids the body in breaking down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for energy production. It has roles in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and nervous system function. The main takeaway is I am hoping for healthier hair and stronger nails.
I was delighted to try the Eyebrow Serum which I apply to my lashes and brows. It has biotin so I am working it from inside out.
Apply the serum to the eyelid like eyeliner and on eyebrows (which I micro needle after application once a week). I noticed an area of my bottom lashes that was quite sparse. But after using the eyelash serum has started filling in slowly. It's working!
Buy here $18.95
Bottom line: As a someone who is active outdoors, lives part-time in the desert and travels often, my skin is under constant attack from environmental factors and the process of aging. These serum's are backed by real science that are proven to be clinically effective. They contain ingredients that will work to combat daily attacks that age skin. With use, my Optimized Labs skin routine has reduced pigmentation spots on my forehead. The lines around my jowls and eyes have reduced. There is less redness around my nose and chin; and pores in my T-zone look smaller. There remain a few spider veins around my nose and cheeks. However, I was not expecting those to go away without treatment at a Med Spa or Dermatologist with lasers.
Yesterday, I went to have a hydra-facial (I do facials quarterly). My aesthetician looked at my skin under the magnifying glass and said: "Your skin looks fabulous. What have you been doing?" OK, it's not just me...now I know Optimized Labs products are really working!
No comments