Happy New Year! I cannot believe how 2017 has gone by! It seems like only yesterday that I was just saying the same thing about 2016…
We spent the holidays with my family in Iowa, where it was cold and snowy. On the 22nd here in Louisiana, I did my ten mile run in 80 degree weather. Well, we were in for quite the change when we landed in Iowa, and it was below freezing. It got down to about 12 below zero while we were there, so it was slightly colder…lol.
The good thing about it being so cold in Iowa is that when we got back to Louisiana, the 40 degree weather late at night at the airport didn’t seem so bad! The cold weather in Iowa made the environment drier; even here at home, since we don’t have functioning central heat, we have to use space heaters. So, the normally humid environment becomes very arid. This in turn wreaks havoc on my skin.
Cold, dry air not only results in dried out itchy skin, but it also tends to make my complexion look dull. In addition to the dullness, UV rays from the sun are still abundant even in the cold, which can result in hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, and all the signs of aging. So, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to test out NeoStrata’s Foaming Glycolic Wash.
If you’ve kept up with us, you probably know that glycolic acid is one of my fave skincare ingredients. You likely also know that I have much respect for NeoStrata, as the brand’s founders, Drs. Van Scot and Yu, were the original creators and patent-holders of the glycolic (“lunchtime”) peel.
Glycolic acid is one of a few, relatively speaking, anti-aging ingredients that are actually proven to be effective. Glycolic acid is a mild exfoliant that helps boost collagen production, and in turn addresses hyperpigmentation, dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging and sun damage.
Before I go on, I need to mention that glycolic acid is one of those ingredients that your skin needs to become accustomed to, or it can be irritating. Think of how sore your body is when you’re out of shape and starting a new fitness routine. If you don’t ease into it gradually, you’ll end up regretting it and get discouraged much more easily. Well, your skin is the same way when it comes to certain ingredients.
With glycolic acid, although it’s a stellar ingredient, you need to start out with formulas that aren’t as concentrated. NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is formulated for those who are experienced with glycolic acid as an ingredient- it’s quite potent at 18%. (If you’re not accustomed to glycolic products, NeoStrata has other great cleansers and exfoliators that are very effective.)
The high-strength formula is not only pH balanced (4.5) and soap-free, but also contains lactobionic acid to enhance exfoliation. As NeoStrata’s most potent cleanser, it’s formulated to capture the benefits of both glycolic and lactobionic acids while minimizing irritation. Along with the 18% glycolic acid, 2% lactobionic acid helps to gently exfoliate and unclog congested skin. This means you get thoroughly cleaned skin; and it’s great prep for your following skincare products (NeoStrata, 2017).
NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash is housed in a convenient pump bottle, with a pump that turns the product into foam as soon as it’s dispensed. Since it’s already a foam before you even put it onto your face, and it’s soap-free, there’s no need to worry about it stripping moisture, like many other foaming cleansers tend to do.
The formula is fragrance free, so no worries if you’re sensitive to scented products. NeoStrata recommends using the wash twice per day, so that’s what I’ve been doing. I’ve used it both alone, and with my Soniclear, with great results. One pump is enough for me, either way, and does a great job of getting my skin clean without leaving it feeling stripped and tight.
As I’ve been using glycolic acid products for several years, including 70% glycolic peels, I’ve experienced absolutely zero irritation with this cleanser. My skin feels soft and smooth, and it really glows! If you want a great cleanser that addresses the signs of aging, check out NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash and enjoy the glow! Available at NeoStrata.com.
Source:
NeoStrata (2017). Foaming Glycolic Wash. NeoStrata Company, Inc. Retrieved December 29, 2017, from www.NeoStrata.com.
*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.
