Who doesn’t want healthy, glowing skin? Radiant skin can help us feel and look confident even without makeup. Let’s face it though- with long work days, running on little sleep and forgetting to drink enough water, it’s easy for our complexions to start looking dull and tired. Before you reach for more concealer and a full-coverage foundation, try to come up with a simple skincare regimen for yourself and do your best to stick to it. I know it’s easier said than done, and there will still be days when your skin decides to rebel, but even a simple, 10- minute routine that you do consistently might help. Here’s what worked for me…
Step 1: Figure out your skin type and make sure you are aware of any ingredients you’re allergic to, so that you can find the right products that will work for your skin type.
Step 2: Keep it simple. If you only have a few minutes in the morning and evening to fit in your skincare regimen, be realistic and find effective products that help you get the job done in the time you have. With all the creams, facial scrubs and serums that are available out there, it’s tempting to stockpile a lot of things. However, I usually find that too many products can be overwhelming, makes the process feel like a chore, and only contributes to me dragging my feet when it comes to skincare. Sorting and organizing your products can be a helpful step.
This year, I’ve been using some products by Vichy that have really helped my skin. I came across this brand a few years ago on a trip to Paris. At the time, I picked up a sunscreen and was impressed with how it didn’t irritate or dry out my skin. Since then, the brand has become more readily available in the US and some products can be found at Ulta as well.
One of the core ingredients in Vichy products is mineralizing thermal water. The brand calls it a “miracle” natural ingredient. Basically, it’s water from the Auvergne region of France and is supposed to contain 15 different minerals that help boost your skin. Another ingredient you might notice is hyaluronic acid, which can apparently hold over 1000x its weight in water, so it helps hydrate and plump your skin (kind of like a sponge). My 3 personal favorite products by Vichy include the Mineral 89 Moisturizer, the Aqualia Thermal Cream and the Micellar Water Makeup Remover Wipes.
Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream
Claims: Moisturizes dry skin, contains Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water & Hyaluronic Acid to help fortify skin and boost hydration. ($31 per jar)
Pros: This is a rich moisturizer that really helps my skin during the dry winter months. Unlike some creams which can feel thick and greasy, this formula feels light on the skin and is easy to apply. It absorbs into the skin after a few minutes and really helps my skin feel soothed and moisturized.
Cons: For those people who are sensitive to scents, this cream does have a light fragrance, but it goes away a few minutes after applying.
Mineral 89 Face Serum with Hyaluronic Acid
Claims: Combines 15 mineral rich water with hyaluronic acid to fortify skin and make it more resistant to visible aging due to pollution, stress and fatigue. ($29.50 per bottle)
Pros: Very lightweight formula. It has a water-gel kind of consistency that feels like nothing on your skin. To be honest, I wasn’t sure that it was going to do much for me, but I decided to buy it and give it a try. After using it for a month, it has really helped my skin feel and look hydrated. I like to apply it at night after removing my makeup and then follow with the Aqualia Thermal Cream. I can’t speak to its ability to prevent skin aging, but I’ve definitely noticed that is soothes my skin, the dry patches on my face have disappeared with continued use and it doesn’t make my skin break out. The product comes in glass bottle with a convenient pump.
Cons: I haven’t had any issues with this product so far.
Purete Thermale 3-in-1 Micellar Wipes
Claims: Cleanse skin and remove makeup (including waterproof makeup). Contains vitamin E to soothe skin. ($7.99 per pack)
Pros: I have a love-hate relationship with makeup wipes. I appreciate the convenience of getting my makeup off quick and easy, but most brands I’ve used tend to dry out or irritate my skin (even the wipes designed for sensitive skin) and honestly, the cold, wet feeling of wipes on my face can be unpleasant at times. However, these wipes are an exception! They get my makeup off without making my skin feel dry or irritated, remove my waterproof mascara, are fragrance free and I’m not sure how to explain this, but they are less “wet” than other brands I’ve tried. I’ve been hooked on these ever since I started using them and I hope Vichy keeps making these wipes. The package also has a good seal on it so the wipes don’t dry out after you open the pack.
Cons: My only complaint is I wish these wipes were more readily available in stores in the US. Since I use them almost every day, I usually just order a few packs online and stock up in advance.
Conclusion
So far, I’m really impressed with these products by Vichy. They are gentle and effective and have really helped my combination/dry skin feel and look healthier. I love that there are no parabens in the ingredients. I do wish that these products were more readily available in stores here, but Ulta does carry the Mineral 89 Serum and the Aqualia Thermal Cream. You get a good amount of product for the price, and even with daily use, the cream and serum have lasted me for some months now. The wipes come in packs of 25, so a pack almost gets you through a whole month.
One suggestion I have is to sign up on the Vichy website and become a member. It’s free and easy to join (just need to give an email and create a password) and they will give you free shipping on orders over $25 and send you promo codes almost every month to get some percentage off the products (which is what I usually wait for : ) I feel like these products have made my skincare routine a cinch and my skin feels and looks hydrated and healthy. If you’re looking for some new products to incorporate in your skincare regimen, I definitely recommend looking into the products Vichy has to offer. These 3 products are my personal favs, but they have a wide array of products to choose from for different skin types and needs. I hope you found this helpful!
Take care,
Saba
