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If you've never heard of AHAs you must have been living under a rock for the past few decades, but let me quickly summarize their effects on skin: alpha hydroxy acids chemically exfoliate skin, and a multitude of scientific studies have demonstrated that they improve skin texture, making it look smoother and feel softer, stimulate cell renewal, help correct discoloration and sun damage, reduce blemishes and increase collagen production. In other words, glycolic acid, the most commonly used AHA, is the perfect ingredient to fight skin aging as it has a proven effect on the most common signs: loss of elasticity, lines and wrinkles, discoloration.
NeoStrata offers a whole range of products containing AHAs, including sunscreens, and the one product I was offered to test is their Foaming Glycolic Wash. With 20% exfoliating acids (18% glycolic acid and 2% lactobionic acid), this cleanser is recommended for experienced AHA users who want to optimize their anti-aging skincare routine. If you're an AHA user, you know that 20% is a lot - that's why newbies shouldn't jump into AHA using such a potent product, or their skin might not appreciate the sudden change. This cleanser, however, is formulated to minimize the risk of irritation with a technology called "amphoteric system", and is also soap-free, dye-free and PH balanced.
The Foaming Glycolic Wash is meant to be part of an anti-aging skincare regimen, its role is to prepare skin to the following treatments by deep-cleansing and unclogging pores while leaving it perfectly smooth. It can be used up to twice a day, but I started to introduce it into my beauty routine slowly to avoid any reaction (I've been an AHA/BHA user for a while but I never used a product with such a high concentration before). The wash comes in a pump bottle with a large orifice which delivers a generous amount of thick, cushy lather. One pump is usually enough for me to cleanse my face, neck and decollete area.
The product has a slightly medical smell that's made more pleasant by a hint of grapefruit scent, due to the present of grapefruit extract in the formula. Here's the full ingredients list:
Water, Glycolic Acid, Peg-8, Alcohol Denat., Arginine, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Ammonium Hydroxide, Lactobionic Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Polysorbate 20, Propylene Glycol, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract, Methylparaben, Chlorphenesin.
As you can see, glycolic acid is the 1st ingredient after water. Alcohol is also high on the list, and while I usually avoid products that contain too much of it, I've never felt any of the side effects it usually causes on my skin with this cleanser (dryness, burning sensation or tightness), probably because it's a rinse-off. I've never experienced any irritation during or after use, and it doesn't suck the moisture out of my skin like some stronger cleansers do.
In fact, after rinsing, my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth, more than it ever has after a simple wash, and it looks fresh and glowing. I also think that the serums and creams I use afterwards are absorbed better and faster. I particularly enjoy using it after a workout, when my pores are congested by sweat or debris and I feel like having a deep cleanse to refresh my face. This cleanser is in no way meant to remove makeup and you should carefully avoid the eye area when spreading the lather (with such a high AHA content, it would seriously irritate your eyes). As with all AHA products, you should also be very diligent about applying sunscreen every day, as the acids can make your skin more sensitive to the harmful effects of sun exposure.
Overall: with 20% acids, NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is a potent AHA cleanser recommended to experienced users who want to step up their anti-aging game. Despite its high concentration of glycolic acid, I found the formula very gentle and non-drying, and it came as a perfect complement to my developing anti-aging skincare routine.
Where to buy? online on the brand's website. Retail price is $40, but drops to $68 for 2 bottles.
The product featured in this review was sent to me by the brand's PR through Brandbacker for consideration. I received no other compensation than a sample to write this post, which only reflects my personal opinion. This post contains affiliate links.
Sounds like the perfect addition to your routine! Good to hear it's so gentle.
ReplyDeleteYeah it's surprising for a product with so much exfoliating acids in it!
DeleteI always ignored NeoStrata but lately felt more interested in them. Didn't know that about them being the first to utilize AHAs! I prefer high acid concentration in a treatment rather than cleanser but it's nice to have that option as well. I think that when I make my way through the current stash of skin care, I'll take a good long look at NS for options. They frequently go on sale at the drugstore, too, and I've heard nothing but great things.
ReplyDeleteTheir products are not "sexy" or glamorous, but they have really solid formulas based on science. And I seriously don't think anyone does AHA better.
DeleteFoaming and non-drying? Sounds like magic. I prefer creams and milks for cleansing.
ReplyDeleteLindaLibraLoca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking
I usually like creams too, and also gels for the summer.
DeleteOoh I've just started using Neostrata - it's such as awesome brand x
ReplyDeleteBecca | theBeautyInbox
What products are you using Rebecca? Have you reviewed them on your blog?
DeleteFoaming cleansers are my favorite! Sounds like a great addition to your regimen!
ReplyDeletehttp://beautlfull.blogspot.com
Yes, it's really a good complement to my routine!
DeleteHmm, sounds like a nice product. And since I enjoy foaming cleansers it would be a perfect addition to my skincare :) x
ReplyDelete-Leta | The Nerdy Me
Do you already use products containing AHA? If not, I wouldn't start with a product that has such a high concentration. But if you do, then yeah it would work great for you!
DeleteHappy Friday, love! Great review, must try this product!
ReplyDeleteHappy Weekend!
xoxo, Vanessa
www.whatwouldvwear.net
Thanks! Have a great week-end too.
Delete