Hope you’re having a fantastic fall so far- I’m ready for Halloween, but then I want it to go back to summer!
With the drier autumn air, our skin sometimes needs a little extra TLC. This is where the increasingly popular sleeping masks come in handy. These products have been big in Asian beauty for a while, but Exuviance is one of the first American brands to come out with a luxurious overnight mask. It’s been my pleasure to take it for a test drive, or test sleep…lol, and tell you all about it!
If you read the post about my Top 5 Scientifically Proven Skincare Brands, you already know how much I love Exuviance, a brand created by Drs. Van Scott and Yu. These widely recognized leaders in cosmetic dermatology patented the original glycolic peel. Their ground-breaking formulas have kept Exuviance ahead of the anti-aging curve.
Some of my favorite ingredients that are commonly found in Exuviance products are polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) and Bionics, such as gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, which are basically newer types of alphahydroxy acids. The great thing about PHAs is that their molecules are larger than AHAs, so there’s less irritation. This is awesome because those with sensitive skin, like me, can use them and not have to endure as much discomfort.
Not only do extreme temperatures and humidity/dryness cause problems, but UV exposure and pollution also wreak havoc on our skin and accelerate the signs of aging. Exuviance Overnight Recovery Masque is purported to help reduce the damage, allowing us to wake to beautiful, revitalized skin.
The star ingredients are a potent anti-pollution complex, including lilac cell culture extract and PHA/Bionics. These powerful ingredients help neutralize the effects of daily pollution, environmental damage, free radicals and harmful metals, which can break down collagen and cause premature aging.
As you sleep, Prodew refills the skin’s natural moisture reserves, restoring a feeling of comfort and suppleness, while PHA/Bionics along with evening primrose oil help strengthen the skin’s protective barrier. When you wake, you’ll see deeply hydrated, stronger skin, with the damage behind you.
Exuviance Overnight Recovery Masque is housed in a sleek, modern-looking jar that looks great on my vanity. The masque itself is a light greenish color, with a creamy-gel like consistency. It has a very fresh fragrance that kind of makes me think of ocean lily. The fragrance is not overpowering, though, and it dissipates pretty quickly.
The formula was extremely easy to spread. The instructions say to lightly massage your face and neck to allow it to “melt” into the skin. Unlike most other overnight masks, some of it actually seemed to be absorbed into my skin right away, so I knew the nutrients were sinking in.
I have oily/combination skin, so I always worry about products like sleeping masks and heavy moisturizers. After waiting five to ten minutes, my skin felt really smooth, and very hydrated, without feeling oily. Since the formula was almost a gel-like consistency, I never once felt greasy, and it didn’t feel at all heavy. I would compare the texture to the Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, but this has a lot more active ingredients, and is a bit more hydrating.
It’s important to note that the instructions are a little bit different on the Exuviance Overnight Recovery Masque than with many other sleeping masks. With most brands, the mask is the last step prior to going to bed. With the Exuviance mask, you’re supposed to cleanse and tone, then use the mask, wait at least five minutes, and as a last step, use your regular moisturizer to seal in the benefits.
The one negative with the Exuviance Overnight Recovery Masque is the jar packaging. While it looks very nice, there’s the issue of being sanitary, and repeatedly dipping one’s fingers into the jar. The formula packs a great punch with active ingredients, including antioxidants. But, products with antioxidants should be packaged to minimize exposure to air and light to prevent degradation (Kaur, Kapila & Agrawal, 2007).
With Exuviance products being so well-researched and well-formulated, the jar is a bit of a disappointment. But, to their credit, most overnight masks on the market are packaged this way, so the jar makes it easier for consumers to tell what the product is. That being said, it’s such a fantastic formula that the jar should in no way be a deterrent. I simply transferred the product into a travel bottle, but retained the jar for the information (and because it looks nice!). While it won’t prevent air exposure, you can also store it in a dark area, and use a spatula to dip the product out.
I’ve been using the Exuviance Overnight Recovery Masque every other night, on the days I run four miles or do a lot of yard work. Although it’s October, the sun and weather are still wreaking havoc down here in Louisiana. I use my Soniclear Elite and cleanser, then tone, use my serum, then massage the masque in, and apply moisturizer after five or ten minutes.
Since my face doesn’t end up a greasy mess, I don’t have to worry about messing up my pillows. It sinks in pretty quickly, and I could actually get away without using a moisturizer. When I wake up, my skin is SO soft and smooth, that I can’t tell I was outside in the sun the day before! Overall, Exuviance blew me away, yet again, with another superb product! Check it out at Exuviance.com!
Source:
Kaur, I., Kapila, M. & Agrawal, R. (2007). Role of novel delivery systems in developing topical antioxidants as therapeutics to combat photoageing. Aging Research Reviews, 6(4). Retrieved June 16, 2016, from www.sciencedirect.com.
