Recently my somewhat clear skin decided to do a 180 and go into full-on breakout mode. Nothing can slam a hot mom's self-esteem more than a face full of zits--wasn't I too old for this? With a slew of parties, socializing, and of course, shopping, coming up, we all want to look our best. What to do?
Feeling like I was sixteen again was the complete opposite of my idea of fun and using my normal arsenal of skincare tricks (Ziana, my topical Vitamin A), masks (Dermalogica, a dependable favorite), and zit-dryer-uppers (salicylic acid/benzoyl peroxide product, also by Dermalogica) were not helping at all. In fact, whatever I was doing seemed to be making matters even worse. Ach!
Now, being fully aware that the "drying your skin out too much can make your acne worse" syndrome was something I wanted to avoid, I decided to do a bit of research and try something new (this IS me, after all). Consulting the skincare bible--Allure's Best Of List, of course--I found something that sounded interesting...and then I hightailed it to my local CVS drugstore.
I ended up trying Vichy's NormadermSkincare line for acne-prone skin. I only purchased two products--the Normaderm Pro Mat Ultra Mattifying Oil-Free Lotion SPF 15 $21 (Allure October 2009 Beauty Award Winner: Best Facial Moisturizer Oily Skin) and the Normaderm Night Daily Corrective Care for Oily Skin $24. I used the Night product that very evening and by morning my blemishes had calmed down and were already clearing up. I'm on day three and most are gone. Call me sold.
The Night Daily Corrective Care contains Zincadone A (whatever that is)...they say it tightens your pores over time. Not sure if that's true but my skin looks really good so hey, it's worth the 24 bucks to me. The daytime Pro Mat gives you a matte effect and shine control with an SPF built in. Kind of a no-brainer. Both products are oil-free.
I chose this line for several reasons: Vichy is the number one selling skincare brand in Europe; the company is owned by L'oreal, a well-known and respected brand here in the United States and worldwide; and the products are really affordable,clearly an important consideration right now. While I would love to be able to purchase luxury skincare right now, I just can't justify the cost. And really, why should we have to pay exorbitant prices if this stuff works just as well?
If you are interested in purchasing Vichy products, visit their website www.vichy.com . You can order online or visit your local CVS pharmacy. If you order online in November (only two days left though!), they will send you two free Normaderm samples wtih your full size Normaderm purchase. They also offer an Acne Control kit that includes travel sizes of their Normaderm cleansing gel, toner, and the above mentioned full sized day cream and night cream--all for just $36.
Sign me up!
Comments
I'm so sad now. I just did some purging of some of my bedroom drawers. I was given a handful of Vichy Samples sometime back, but chose to throw them away, as a way of disciplining myself and organizing. :(
Dawn that IS a bummer! Maybe you can visit their site & get some travel sizes...not sure if CVS gets samples from the company. Worth asking next time you go...I know I will!
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