Saturday, July 21, 2018

BEAUTY: PCA Skin Product Review


The team over at PCA Skin sent me several rounds of goodies to help me get my skin in tip-top shape this spring/summer. Full disclosure: My skin has changed dramatically over the last two years.  Previously, I didn't wear foundation - I had no need to. I had not one visible facial mark/scar/blemish/pore/nor any acne. I used to wash my face with a mild bar of soap - once a day! How I miss those days! Since my skin has morphed into a new normal, I had been searching for a daily routine that would help to normalize it. Month after month I tried product after product to no avail. Flawless skin continued to evade me. 
When I received products from PCA Skin, I wasn't particularly excited to try them because I figured that they would be just like all the rest...However, I read a few blog posts that changed my mind, and actually made me feel excited to give the products a try. 
I often take new skincare products with me on vacation  (samples I've recently collected, usually a nice clay mask, facial exfoliant, etc.,.), this time was no different.  I began using PCA Skin products just before I went to Costa Rica in June, I continued to use them while I was on vacation, and I am still using them to date. The total time that has elapsed is about two months.
Here's the breakdown of the products that I received and my experience in using them:
PCA Skin Facial Wash
PCA Skin advises that this is:
A gentle cleanser that removes makeup, oil, dirt and environmental impurities.
Hydrates and exfoliates the skin while cleansing
Provides skin soothing properties
Does not leave skin tight or dry after cleansing
It includes the following ingredients: 
Lactic acid – naturally found in milk and sugars, this ingredient moisturizes and smooths the skin.
Aloe vera leaf juice – a purifying ingredient that softens and soothes the skin.
Allantoin – an antioxidant that soothes the skin.
Willow bark extract – calms and soothes the skin.
My experience: I found this to be a very gentle yet efficient facial cleanser. It can remove a full face of makeup, yet is gentle enough to use when I have no makeup on at all. To aid in the removal of a full face of makeup, I use an electronic silicone facial brush. I really like the way this cleanser makes my skin feel - clean - yet not drying at all. After I wash my face in the mornings and at night, my skin feels smooth and supple.

PCA Skin advises that this is:
A serum containing a specialized blend of antioxidants and moisture-binding ingredients to leave skin soft, plump and hydrated. A novel serum containing a specialized blend of antioxidants and moisture-binding ingredients to leave skin soft and ultra-hydrated. Essential for dry skin, yet beneficial for all skin types.
Provides hydration with a weightless finish
Leaves skin soft, plump and hydrated
Boosts moisture while decreasing inflammation
It includes the following ingredients: 
Glycerin – an ingredient that holds moisture in the skin for exceptional hydration.
Sodium hyaluronate – holds 1,000 times its weight in water, playing an important role in skin hydration.
Sodium PCA – holds 250 times its weight in water, playing an important role in skin hydration.
My experience: I use this serum in the mornings, right after I wash my face, and prior to applying moisturizer. I'll be honest, I'm not exactly sure what it does for my skin, but I will say it feels absolutely wonderful when I apply it, almost like silk!

PCA Skin ReBalance Moisturizer
PCA Skin advises that this is:
A nourishing, light moisturizer that hydrates, calms and soothes normal to sensitive skin.
Hydrating formula helps keep skin calm and balanced
Powerful antioxidant protection
Unique, feather-light texture
A nourishing, light moisturizer that hydrates, calms and soothes normal to sensitive skin.
It includes the following ingredients: 
Borage seed oil – calms the skin.
Evening primrose seed oil – calms the skin.
Vitamin E – a powerful antioxidant that strengthens and protects the skin.
Niacinamide – hydrates the skin.
My experience: This is an excellent moisturizer. With consistent use, I notice that I no longer get flare ups of dry patches of skin. I apply this in the mornings, right after I apply the hydrating serum.
PCA Skin Hydrator Plus Broad Spectrum SPF 30
PCA Skin advises that this is:
A nourishing moisturizer and sunscreen specifically formulated with moisturizing key ingredients for dry or dehydrated skin.
Offers hydration and broad spectrum UV protection in one product
Contains the important antioxidants silybin, from milk thistle and caffeine for advanced skin protection
It's also:
Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use
A nourishing moisturizer and sunscreen specifically formulated with moisturizing key ingredients for dry or dehydrated skin.
It includes the following ingredients: 
Octinoxate and octisalate – absorbs and filters UV rays.Zinc oxide – provides broad spectrum UV protection by reflecting, scattering and absorbing UV rays.
Sodium hyaluronate – holds 1,000 times its weight in water, playing an important role in skin hydration.
Silybin and caffeine – important antioxidants that protect the skin against UV damage.
My experience: Previously I did not wear any SPF products. This is the first one that I've used consistently, as in daily. When I got my very first professional facial last month, the esthetician advised that I should wear sunscreen following my treatment. I followed her instructions to the letter, and have not missed a day wearing it ever since. So what is this doing for my skin? Not sure! But, I can say that it goes on in a creamy, almost milky texture, and then appears to dissolve on top of my skin. I apply this immediately after using the moisturizer. Note: If you apply too much, it will dry with a white, somewhat cakey appearance. A little goes a long way! I use less than a dime size amount, it covers my entire face and neck.
Okay Babes, let's info share, have you tried PCA Skin's products? 
What products do you use in your daily routine?
Until next time, 
Xx 

6 comments:

  1. Great post It's true that our skin changes with age and I never leave the house without sunscreen. I try everything that comes on the market to get rid of age spots and previous sun damage to no avail. So I'll try Pca next.

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    1. That's good to know Neti! I understand that I must be vigilant in preventing and more damage :)

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  2. I haven't heard of this brand before. I feel like since having both my girls my skin has changed so much. Well that and age of course. I love a really good serum and moisturizer!

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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    1. I've heard that skin also changes with pregnancy/childbirth! It's amazing to me what a toll hormones can take on your skin!

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  3. This sounds wonderful!! I'm always up for trying new products especially as I get older!!
    XOXO
    Jodie
    www.jtouchofstyle.com

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    1. I'm so glad that you found this helpful Jodie!!
      Xx

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