Monday, April 22, 2013

Eucerin Lotions, Anti-Aging Creams, and Moisturizers with Sunscreen Mark a New Era in Affordable and Effective Skincare! Review

Press Samples
I have memories of Eucerin products as far back as I can remember- dating back to my early childhood. My grandmother had their lotion as a household staple, and while the line has exponentially expanded their offerings since my grandmother's day, it is not without considerable nostalgia and excitement that I am discovering their more recent additions to the line.
In fact, Eucerin now offers help in selecting the products that best suit your specific skincare and body care needs through their ingenious Skindicator. You simply answer a series of questions which are evaluated by a Eucerin Dermatologist, and then you are presented with a list of specifically recommended products. Being one invested in preventative maintenance, I responded to the questionnaire with a particular interest in anti-aging products, and those that protect the skin from a multitude of environmental assaults. Therefore, I was sent the six products that you see here. In order to test out these products I used all six of them exclusively for a little longer than two weeks in order to assess the efficacy of each of the products, and must say that I am quite pleased with the results.
According to Eucerin, their Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion (13.5 oz for approximately $7.99) is formulated to "keep skin moisturized all day"  and that this lotion is "specifically formulated to replenish the skin’s natural moisture barrier. This light, everyday formula with nourishing sunflower oil absorbs quickly and provides 24 hour moisturization for healthier-looking, softer skin."

I love this lotion! It is light in texture, yet rich in moisture. It absorbs quickly and leaves the skin soft and supple. While it can be used day or night, I have been opting to use it at night in order to use their Daily Protection Moisturizing Body Lotion SPF 15 Sunscreen during the day. As noted, Daily Replenishing Moisturizing Lotion is fragrance-free, therefore those who are sensitive to fragrance won't be inundated by unwanted scents.
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Deeply moisturizes and replenishes for healthier-looking skin
  • Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula moisturizes for 24 hours
  • Fragrance-free, won’t clog pores
Ingredients: Water, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Petrolatum, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearic Acid, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Lanolin Alcohol, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cholesterol, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben, BHT.
Eucerin posits that their Daily Protection Moisturizing Lotion (16.9 oz. for approximately $11.99) is meant to "help protect skin from daily sun exposure" and that this lotion is "specifically formulated to moisturize and protect. This light, fast-absorbing formula with SPF 15 sunscreen provides 24-hour moisture and helps defend against sunburn."

I have been enjoying the added protection that this lotion affords me- particularly since the weather has warmed up. Often times moisturizer-sunscreen hybrids sacrifice the efficacy of one in favor of the other, but this simply is not the case with Daily Protection Moisturizing Lotion. Instead, this lotion remains emollient and moisturizing while offering an SPF 15. This is a nice way to protect the skin while going about your day. That said, I would not recommend its use in lieu of a much higher SPF factor if you are going to be working or playing in the sun for long periods of time. In those cases a higher SPF dedicated sunscreen is indicated (along with protective eyewear and clothing).
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Fragrance-free
  • Lighter weight formula
  • SPF 15 sunscreen
Active Ingredients (sunscreens): Homosalate 5.0%, Octinoxate 5.0%, Octisalate 4.0%, Titanium Dioxide 1.0%.

Other Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Urea, C18-36 Acid Triglyceride, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Lactate, Arginine HCL, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan), PEG-40 Castor Oil, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Citrate, Lactic Acid, Carbomer, Citric Acid, Trimethoxycaprylysilane, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Potassium Sorbate.
Eucerin's Original Healing Soothing Repair Lotion (8.4 oz. for approximately $7.99) was created in order to "heal very dry, sensitive skin" and this lotion is "specifically formulated to repair and protect. This unique, emollient-rich formula uses simple, trusted ingredients, and no irritating fragrances or dyes, to soothe and help heal even severely dry skin, for noticeably healthier-looking skin that’s moisturized all day long."

This lotion really means business with respect to healing and soothing very dry sensitive skin. Lately I have noticed that my hands have been especially dry. In part, my parched hands are a result of repeated hand washings post cold/flu season, and in part because the weather has warmed up considerably- thereby necessitating additional and richer moisturizing. For the past few weeks this has been my go-to hand lotion, and what a difference it has made in the appearance, and moisture level, of my once parched hands. It seals in moisture so effectively, in fact, that there is little need for reapplication (even after repeated hand washings). I imagine that this lotion would be nothing short of miraculous for people with severely dry skin. It is also fragrance-free and dye free- thus making it an excellent choice for anyone sensitive to fragrance or dye.
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Seals in moisture to heal & protect very dry, sensitive skin
  • Relieves dry skin associated with eczema, psoriasis, or drying medications
  • Free of fragrances and dyes, won't clog pores
Ingredients: Water, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Myristate, PEG-40 Sorbitan Peroleate, Glyceryl Lanolate, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Cetyl Palmitate, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Stearate, Lanolin Alcohol, BHT, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone.
Intensive Repair Extra-Enriched Foot Cream (3 oz. for approximately $5.79) really goes the distance in its ability to "repair dry, rough, cracked heels and feet." This unique cream has a non-greasy formula that "intensively moisturizes, and is enriched with buffered alpha hydroxy to gently exfoliate. Discover noticeably smoother feet in just two weeks."

Sunburn Alert: This product contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which may increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun, and particularly the possibility of sunburn. Use a sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and limit sun exposure while using this product and for a week afterwards.

While I am the first to tell you not to run around barefoot because it can undermines the ability to have petal soft feet, I often do not take my own advice. The end result often isn't pretty, but this über effective foot lotion mitigates many of the unsightly effects of running about unshod! Not only is it deeply moisturizing, but it also contains exfoliants to speed up skin turnover thereby revealing soft and beautiful skin. While using this foot cream- be sure to apply sunscreen to your feet during the day because of the increased photosensitivity caused by the use of AHAs. After using this foot cream exclusively for two weeks, coupled with Eucerin's Daily Protection SPF 15 during the day, my feet have been transformed! This is an amazingly effective foot cream!
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Patented formula combines a natural skin moisturizer with alpha hydroxyl to intensively hydrate and smooth skin
  • Repairs and gently exfoliates dry, rough, cracked skin
  • Clinically proven to help heal dry, rough skin in just two weeks
  • Non-greasy, fast-absorbing
  • Fragrance free, gentle formula
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Urea, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Petrolatum, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Octyldodecanol, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Dimethicone, Sorbitan Stearate, Peg-40 Castor Oil, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Carbomer, Lactic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.
Eucerin Daily Protection Moisturizing Face Lotion (4 oz. for approximately $8.45) was a huge surprise for me given my penchant for mineral sunscreens, but I must confess that there is a very good reason why this product was a winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Award 2012!

This lightweight, gentle broad spectrum SPF 30 formula with UVA/UVB sunscreens including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide helps defend against long-term sun damage and also provides effective moisturization. 

This lightweight facial moisturizer contains a broad-spectrum sun protection factor of 30 (UVA/UVB protection), and it is as pleasant to use as it is effective. It boasts an oil-free formula that is very hydrating, and silky smooth to apply. While it is unscented, one can detect the slightest smell of sunscreen upon application, but that fades very quickly. This lotion absorbs fast and leaves behind no unsightly evidence that you are wearing a sunscreen. It likewise plays well with finishing products, and flawlessly layers beneath foundations, tinted moisturizers, BB Creams, and setting powders. The consistency itself is quite thin, but not watery, and I find that a single pump is ample to cover my face, neck and décolleté. It is important to remember that sunscreens need to be reapplied- therefore it is a good idea to carry this with you along with your finishing products for touch-ups. This is a truly lovely sunscreen for the face!
  • Dermatologist recommended
  • Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
  • Fast-absorbing, non-greasy formula moisturizes for 24 hours
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and clinically proven safe for sensitive skin
  • Active Ingredients (sunscreens): Ensulizole 2.0%, Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 4.5%, Titanium Dioxide 2.38%,  Zinc Oxide 4.85%.
Other Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sodium Lactate, Lactic Acid, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, PEG-40 Castor Oil, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Alumina, Simethicone, Phenoxyethanol, DMDM Hydantoin.
Eucerin Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream (1.7 oz. approximately $11.79) is "a gentle, non-irritating way to visibly reduce wrinkles and the signs of aging within 5 weeks. Many anti-wrinkle treatments aren't recommended for dry, sensitive skin because they contain ingredients that can irritate. Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Creme and Lotion SPF 15 offer a safe, effective alternative."

This is perhaps the greatest surprise from this lovely group of products from Eucerin. In fact, I might better classify this as the product that caused a real paradigm shift for me. As you are surely aware, I have an unmitigated passion for luxury niche skincare- and I didn't even consider the many more pragmatic and affordable counterparts that are far more readily available. Eucerin Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream is proof-positive that one does not have to spend $300.00 on a small jar of cream to get results. Does this mean that I am giving up all of my favorite luxury creams and potions? Of course not, it is merely to say that I now have an easily found drugstore brand in my arsenal of go-to skincare products that are excellent quality and highly effective.

I have been using this at night only, though it is formulated to be used day and night, and in the morning my skin is still soft, supple and beautifully moisturized. While this cream is very moisturizing, it absorbs very quickly so as not to delay or impede the application of sunscreen and finishing products. I have not yet used it for a 5 week period, nor do I have wrinkles to test the theory that they would be visibly reduced within that period of time. However, I do have a few expression lines, and they have most assuredly been softened recently. I suspect that is in large part due to the serums and retinol that I have been using for the last few months, but I definitely think that the Eucerin Anti-Wrinkle Sensitive Skin Cream has contributed to the even nicer condition of my skin in the last few weeks. This cream perfectly complements my evening skincare routine, and undoubtedly is partially responsible for my glowing, rested, smooth, and silky soft skin that greets me the following morning. I will definitely repurchase this cream once I finish this jar- I like it that much!

Furthermore, this cream is quite pleasurable to use. As one who has spent an inordinate amount of money on luxury lotions over the years, I can honestly say that this little inconspicuous jar houses a luxurious cream that stands up against its department store counterparts. This is a lovely cream indeed, and it didn't irritate or break out my combination skin.
  • Formulated with Coenzyme Q10, which occurs naturally in the body to defend against the aging process
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and the look of wrinkles within 5 weeks
  • Firms and moisturizes for softer, smoother skin
  • Can be used alone or under makeup
  • Fragrance-free, oil-free, non-irritating, non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Cocoate, Hydrogenated Coco-Glycerides, Stearyl Alcohol, Butylene Glycol, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Octyldodecanol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ubiquinone, Biotin, Biosaccharide Gum-1, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Beta-Carotine, Tocopherol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Trisodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol.
Helpful skincare tips for getting the most out of your skincare and body care routine at any age:

1) Exfoliate the skin (face and body) periodically in order to bolster the efficacy of your skincare and body care products. Gently removing dead skin cells allows for moisturizers and serums to penetrate deeper into the skin, and thus maximizing their ability to deliver moisture.

2) Be sure to use a daily sunscreen on your face and body along with protective eyewear and clothing. Not only will this prevent unwanted damage to the skin, but it will reduce your chances of developing skin cancer.

3) Always use sunscreen on all parts of the body that you have treated with exfoliants whether physical (body and face scrubs), or those found in AHAs, retinols, etc. These types of products/ingredients quite often increase photosensitivity, thereby exposure to the sun and elements during use will actually accelerate damage to the skin if it is not adequately protected.

4) When using a good foot cream there is a very simple recipe to enhance its efficacy: Soak your feet in a basin infused with a moisturizing wash or a very small amount of oil; use a pumice stone to remove excess dead or calloused skin; apply a moisturizing foot cream (preferably containing exfoliants like AHA, Lactic Acid etc.); and finally put on some fluffy cotton socks to seal in moisture before going to bed. In the morning be sure to apply a lighter lotion to your feet that contains an SPF if your feet will be exposed. In a very short period of time you will have baby soft happy feet.

5) Periodically switch your facial cleanser and moisturizer just as you would your shampoo and conditioner. Whether done in order to accommodate seasonal skincare needs, or particular changing skin conditions brought on by dietary changes, changes in medications, or anything else that causes shifts in the needs of your skin- heed the needs of your skin and alternate what you use.

Overall assessment: After two full weeks of using these 6 Eucerin products I have noted an obvious improvement in the appearance and hydration levels of my face and body. I would go so far as to state that all of my skin had a healthy glow and was more moisturized and supple than before. This two week trial made such a difference that I will continue to use all of these products. This is a fantastic array of products that are simultaneously effective, a pleasure to use, readily available, and affordable. What's not to love?!

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Press Samples. All views expressed are categorically my own.

6 comments:

  1. I can vouch for Eucerin. I had the worst sunburn summer of last year. I saw my doctor, only to recommend an over-the-counter solution- Eucerin. But it did soothe my itchy and burnt skin!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kath! What a ringing endorsement!!! They really do make amazing products! <3

      Delete
  2. I do not care for the unpleasant smell in my last purchase of their Intensive Repair lotion. Have they changed their formula?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mevelyn,

      I don't have their Intensive Repair Lotion– I only had their Intensive Repair Foot Cream, and I used it up a few years ago. I do not know whether or not they have changed the formula, and I do not recall whether it had any particular scent. I wish that I could weigh in, but I don't know. It might be worth emailing the company directly– they have a contact link at the bottom of their website:

      http://www.eucerinus.com/contact-us

      Delete

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