Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Verso Super Facial Serum and Super Eye Serum | Review #VersoSkincare

Purchased (Affiliate Links)

I received an email from a longtime reader who remembered that I had purchased a couple of Verso products, and wondered if I might review them so that she could decide whether or not she wanted to purchase them. I have been meaning to review them for quite a while, and she gave me the proper motivation to reflect on the Verso Super Facial Serum and the Verso Super Eye Serum.

I have to preface this by stating that I am very cautious with my skin, and I generally consult my doctor or dermatologist before I begin using active, exfoliating products, and have them take a close look at moles to determine whether there are any that are suspicious looking. To state the obvious, sometimes the things that one might seek to treat with retinol-based products could actually be cancerous, or pre-cancerous, and therefore the worst possible thing to do is apply active products to try to make these skin conditions disappear. It is also incredibly important to be sure to be diligent about using high SPF sunscreens when you are using retinol, or other products that encourage rapid skin cell turnover.

According to Verso,

Verso products contain no dyes, mineral oils, or other harmful substances. In addition to its revolutionary anti-aging effect, Verso Skincare has been developed to minimize the risk of irritated skin, so it is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
According to Verso, here are their research results:

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face study under the supervision of Dr. Margareta Frohm Nilsson at the Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm (Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, Stockholm):
  • Retinyl retinoate universally decreased the appearance of wrinkles
  • Retinyl retinoate was safe to use with no reported side-effects
  • 86% reported improvements in eye wrinkles
  • 100% reported overall improvement
  • 82% reporting more lustrous skin after 12 weeks of use
  • 77% reported overall improvement compared to the first 12 week period
Precautions:
-Do not use Verso Skincare during pregnancy, as it contains a vitamin A derivative.
-It it recommended to try a small amount on your forearm before applying it to your face.
-Even though retinol 8 is stable in sunshine, still be careful and protect your skin from overexposure to the sun.
Verso Super Facial Serum ($130.00 for 1.01 oz. from Verso, Barneys New YorkNet-A-Porter and Cult Beauty): This retinol serum is lightweight, fast absorbing and gentle enough that I didn't experience any redness, peeling, drying or irritation with my sometimes finicky skin. I cannot speak to Verso's claims that it is "eight times more effective than the standard retinol in the same dosage," but I can say that it effectively speeds up skin cell turnover, softens the appearance of fine lines, evens skin tone, and fades hyperpigmentation. My skin is left very soft, smooth and radiant. I should note that I have tried a wide variety of retinols– including those that require a prescription– and this was among the most gentle on my skin. I tend to use this serum at night rather than day and/or night because while one sleeps skin renewal is the most pronounced, and I tend to prefer to use products that accelerate skin cell turnover during this time of the day.

I am close to the end of my bottle, and once I finish up a few of my other retinol-based products, I will purchase another bottle of Verso Super Facial Serum.

According to Verso,

Formulated with a high dose of retinol 8—a stabilized vitamin A complex which is eight times more effective than standard retinol in the same dosage—Verso Super Face Serum supports skin’s natural collagen, reversing the visible signs of aging. Combined with other Verso creams or used on its own, this serum has profound effects on the skin, improving texture and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. It has been developed to minimize the risk of irritated skin, so it is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Directions: To be used morning and/or evening. Apply on cleansed skin all over the face and neck.
Select Ingredients and their attributes:
  • Retinol 8 with Retinyl Retinoate: Combines the highly effective antiaging properties of vitamin A acid and retinol; dramatically decreases the UV sensitivity usually associated with retinol.
  • Niacinamide: Beneficial for treating dry skin, wrinkles, fine lines, spider veins, hyperpigmentation, and blotchiness.
  • Curcuma Longa Root Extract (from Turmeric Root): Enhances antioxidant activity in skin, leading to a more even skintone, reduced appearance of wrinkles, and improved skin hydration.
  • Tetrahydropiperine (Pepper Extract): Improves absorption of active substances into the skin.
Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Palmitic Acid, Glycerin, C12-16 Alcohols, Squalane, Palmitoyl Glycine, Glycine Soja Oil, Palmitoyl Proline, Magnesium Palmitoyl Glutamate, Sodium Palmitoyl Sarcosinate, Retinyl Retinoate,Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ceramide NP, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Tetrahydropiperine, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10 – 30 Alkyl Akrylate Crosspolymer, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Ascorbyl Palmitate, BHT, Fragrance.  Made without: Parabens, Sulfate or Phthalates.
Verso Super Eye Serum ($80.00 for 1.01 oz. from Verso, Barneys New York and Net-A-Porter): There are not very many retinol-based eye creams or serums on the market, and this is definitely an effective one. I have sensitive eyes, and am therefore very careful to avoid getting it in my eyes because I have found that it stings if I do. That said, this has only happened a couple of times when I was careless. When I initially began using this serum, I noted that it tingled the skin under my eyes, but once my skin acclimated to it, that subsided. It effectively increases skin cell turnover without peeling or irritating the skin, but the big surprise was the fact that it diminished the appearance of my dark circles, and it reduced the appearance of puffiness on the days that I don't get enough sleep. Furthermore, it leaves skin soft, smooth, supple and firm. I only tend to use it at night, and I have used it alone, and under an eye cream when added moisture is needed.

According to Verso,

Verso Super Eye Serum diminishes the look of eye puffiness, dark circles, and lines. This light and refreshing serum is formulated with retinol 8, a stabilized vitamin A complex, which is eight times more effective than standard retinol in the same dosage. It supports the skin’s natural collagen while reversing the visible signs of aging.

Directions: Gently pat around the eyes morning and evening. For superior results combine with Verso Super Facial Serum and Verso Day and Night Cream.
Select Ingredients and their attributes:
  • Retinol 8 with Retinyl Retinoate: Combines the highly effective antiaging properties of vitamin A acid and retinol; dramatically decreases the UV sensitivity usually associated with retinol.
  • Niacinamide: Reduces the appearance of dry skin, wrinkles, fine lines, spider veins, hyperpigmentation, and blotchiness.
  • Curcuma Longa Root Extract (from Turmeric Root): Provides antioxidant protection for a more even skintone, reduced appearance of wrinkles, and improved skin hydration.
  • Tetrahydropiperine (Pepper Extract): Improves absorption of active substances into the skin.
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Heptyl Undecylenate, Squalane, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Retinyl Retinoate, Tetrahydrodiferuloylmethane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Glycine Soja Oil, Curcuma Longa Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrahydropiperine, Steareth-20, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Potassium Sorbate, BHT, Fragrance. Made without: Parabens, Sulfate or Phthalates.
Descriptions and Ingredients:
Overall Assessment: I have had great success with Verso's Super Facial Serum and Super Eye Serum, but I would not recommend that you start using a retinol-based product until your doctor says that you have no pre-cancerous or cancerous moles or spots to be concerned about. What might look normal or benign to us, may tell an entirely different story to a doctor. Furthermore, I would never walk outside wearing less than an SPF 30+ when using a retinol-based product. It doesn't matter if the retinol is itself stable, but instead the issue is that one's skin is more vulnerable to the elements when skin-cell turnover is intensified through the use of retinoids, or physical exfoliants for that matter. Therefore, one needs to make sure that their skin is adequately protected. I also think that it is an exercise in good judgment to spot test any retinol-based products before adding them into your skincare routine. Even if your doctor clears you to use them, there is no way to know how your skin will react until you have begun trying it. I realize that I may seem overly cautious, but my doctor is quite accustomed to me coming in with these sorts of inquiries, including lists of ingredients for her perusal. I am simply unwilling to take chances when it comes to topically treating my skin, it is, after all, our largest organ– and it is incumbent upon us to protect it.

Purchased. All views expressed are categorically my own (Affiliate Links).
Copyright © 2017 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.

16 comments:

  1. I love serums and have definitely been curious about retinol-based products, but I'm kind of afraid to use them honestly!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Retinol-based products can be among the most effective and corrective anti-aging types of products. It's just important to have your skin checked out by a doctor and to use a high SPF sunscreen. It's also a great idea to spot test it first to see how your skin responds, and there are varying strengths on the market– so even people with sensitive skin can generally find one well-suited for their skin.

      Delete
  2. These sound like good products. I agree that people should consult their dermatologist on a regular basis, especially for these types of products. With that being said, I'd use these for sure on my aging skin.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They really are quite impressive. Yes, visiting the dermatologist is so important! People often assume that little spots are benign and nothing to worry about, but one can never be too safe! Verso's products are definitely worth trying!

      Delete
  3. That serum sounds amazing but so pricey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The serum is very impressive, but definitely a nice luxury beauty line with a luxury price tag!

      Delete
  4. I currently cannot use products like this, since I'm still nursing, but I'm looking forward to vamping up my routine once my son weans!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You definitely don't want to use this while you are nursing, and pregnant women should avoid it as well! Once he weans, this is definitely a good line to consider if you want to use some retinol-based products!

      Delete
  5. I'm glad to read that you gave these warnings. The question I have is that both products have fragrance - what was the fragrance like? Is it strong? I'm glad this works so well for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I definitely think that it is very important to be very careful when using retinol, and I would never do it without have my doctor go over my skin!! The fragrance is pretty negligible, and it doesn't have any sort of artificial cloying aroma. It definitely fades soon upon application, but I know that you are very sensitive to scented products. You might check to see if your Sephora stocks it in-store, and that way you could give it a sniff. I have been very impressed by these two products. I have a few samples of their face cream that I need to use more often too!

      Delete
  6. Retinols that are sold over the counter are generally mild. I enjoyed using it for years and really noticed difference with my skin texture. One important thing to note is to use sunscreen in the morning because it may cause photosensitivity. I already stopped using it though ever since I started laser skin rejuvenation. Great review as usual twinsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's definitely true, but even those milder variants can be strong on sensitive skin, and for first time retinol users. I couldn't agree more about applying sunscreen in the morning, and of course reapplying it many times throughout the day. Photosensitivity is definitely an important concern. Laser skin rejuvenation sounds like such a great treatment! Thanks, twinsy!

      Delete
  7. Retinol is what I like to call one of my skin's power ingredients and these sound as if my skin would love them. I already use an eye cream with retinol but I've noticed, lately that it is time to ramp it up a little.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I completely agree with your assessment Erika, it is the same for me! Which retinol eye cream are you using? Verso is definitely a very nice line!

      Delete
  8. You know, I haven't incorporated a retinol in my routine yet! I think it may be time...

    ReplyDelete

I love reading all of your comments and interacting with you- so please do not hesitate to share your thoughts, and to ask questions. Remember that what you have to say is of interest to all of us! Always feel free to email me directly as well. SPAM and advertising links will not be published.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...