When it comes to a nighttime skincare routine, Environ's Focus Care Youth+ Seriènce Night Serum might do it all says Editor Trudi Brewer. But before you roll your eyes, let me share why.
I live with dry skin, a dull complexion, and brown spots I have battled to get rid of for years. Age is a contributing factor, along with stress and restlessness at night. As a result, some mornings, my skin looks awful. However, no amount of water I guzzle or sunscreen I apply works to combat that dullness. Honestly, without slathering on my usual amount of primer, foundation and highlighter, to get that 'lit from within glow,' there are days when the look of my complexion gets me down. So when I read that a cosmeceutical night serum that works to combat the 'overload that life throws at our skin', was about to launch, I wanted it. Environ Focus Care Youth+ Seriènce Night Serum claims to improve the look of dull, tired skin, and help blur wrinkles, thanks to the advances in neuroscience and cosmetic research on how our brains and skin are linked.
Read on to learn more.
What's in it?
Formulated with what Environ call an 'Intelligent Malachite-Neurophroline.' Here's a quick science lesson on the ingredient line-up:
Malachite is a green gemstone that forms copper deposits deep in the earth; as an extract used in skincare, it's a potent antioxidant with brilliant healing properties.
Neurophroline extract from wild indigo seed boosts radiance, while 'Argireline amplified' has a relaxing effect on the lines and wrinkles on the skin.
Matrixyl morphomics is a hard-working protein-peptide that helps to stimulate your natural collagen production.
Together these ingredients stack up to Environ's claims. Throw in the expertise from the skincare pioneer and Environ founder Dr Des Fernandes, along with some fascinating research into the connection between the brain, skin and hormones such as cortisol, and you have a serum that will revive dull, tired-looking skin overnight.
Why do I like it?
First, this serum hero's some of my favourite ingredients in one overnight formula. While it might sound confusing and science-y, you need to know that when you are stressed, the brain and skin releases hormones called cortisol. That cortisol can damage your skin's barrier, which leaves the skin open to moisture loss and irritation. The result, a dry, dull-looking complexion, precisely what I am battling. So to how it feels. The gel-like formula melts into the skin within seconds and being fragrance-free, I can layer it under any other cream. I apply it all over my face and down my neck, and surprisingly a little goes a long way. I can't say it's raised my self-esteem, but I can tell you my skin has been looking brighter and feeling much smoother. It's lovely to use after a long day; it feels super fresh, sinks in quickly, and gives results in as little as a week. My only complaint is you can't buy it by the litre.
How to use it?
Make sure your skin is spotless - a double cleanse will sort that. If you want to enhance results, use the Cosmetic Roll-Cit first and apply the night serum. Do spend a few minutes massaging it into the skin, wait until your skin feels dry to touch, and then use a night cream or vitamin A enriched moisturiser.
Skin needling with the Environ Cosmetic Roll-CIT, $225.
It's not just an in-salon service; micro-needling can be a DIY beauty duty. It's the gold standard for boosting the skin with active ingredients and boosting your collagen production. For example, the Environ Cosmetic Roll-Cit is a roller with 'micro-needles that create tiny micro-channels in the upper layers of the skin, allowing the vitamins and peptides to penetrate deeper while creating tiny wounds that help boost your collagen production naturally. Skin needling daily, with or without skincare, this roller restores skin tightness, helps reduce the look of brown spots, thickens thin, crepey skin, and acne scarring.
To use: Gently roll the needles over the face and neck in a grid pattern. Don't apply pressure; it should not be painful. Once you get used to it, it's fast and takes seconds. Skin needling doesn't damage the skin; it's ideal for the face, neck and the rest of the body.