Ever wondered who you have to thank for those pesky wrinkles?
It’s all the Exposome’s fault.
Huh?
Exposome is a fancy name for environmental factors. You know, pollution, sun exposure, stress… the usual culprits.
You fight it with antioxidants. Sunscreen. Probiotics, even.
At least, that’s Vichy Slow Age Fluid Moisturiser does it. Here’s everything you need to know about it:
What’s In Vichy Slow Age Fluid Moisturiser?
UV FILTERS TO PROTECT SKIN FROM UV HARM
This moisturiser uses a combination of chemical UV filters to keep you safe from the sun without that ugly white cast:
- Homosalate: A weak UVB filter. If it were used alone, the sunscreen would be useless!
- Octocrylene: An UV filter that protects from ALL UVB but only short UVA rays. It also makes sunscreens water-resistant and boosts the effectiveness of other UV filters (like avobenzone).
- Ethylhexyl Salicylate: A.k.a. Octyl Salicylate, an UVB filter with a slightly oily consistency and a mild floral scent.
- Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: A.k.a. avobenzone, an UVA filter that’s very unstable (i.e. stops working quickly when exposed to light) on its own. It’s absorbed by the body (and expelled quickly through urine), so it’s not recommended during pregnancy.
WARNING! You need to apply 1/3 of a tablespoon to the face to the get SPF 25. If you ain’t gonna do it, stick to sunscreen.
Related: Do Moisturisers With SPF Provide Adequate Sun Protection?
BIFIDA FERMENT LYSATE TO SOOTHE IRRITATIONS
Probiotics are all the rage now. This moisturiser has its own share of good bacteria, too. Bifida Ferment Lysate, to be exact. It’s a multitasker that:
- Soothes inflammation
- Reduces redness
- Increases “skin resistance against physical and chemical aggression“
You’ve guessed it, it’s especially beneficial for sensitive and easily irritated skin.
Related: The Truth About Probiotics In Skincare: Do They Really Work?
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ANTIOXIDANTS TO FIGHT WRINKLES
Think of antioxidants as the skin’s police. These little molecules patrol the body looking for free radicals, the rascals that give you wrinkles and dark spots.
Dark spots, pollutants, and anything that causes inflammation gives you free radicals. The more antioxidants your skin has, the more free radicals they can neutralise before they wreak their damage.
Unfortunately, this cream only has sprinkles of baicalin and vitamins C and E. Not enough to get the job done. 🙁
Related: How Do Antioxidants In Skincare Work?
ALCOHOL DENAT TO ENHANCE PENETRATION
Alcohol Denat is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in skincare. Word on the street is that it’s terribly drying and irritating.
To an extent, that’s true. The reason you feel so bad after you gulp down one too many cocktails is that alcohol is drying out every cell in your body, giving you a bad case of dehydration.
Does the same thing apply to skin when you slather alcohol on it? It depends. If alcohol’s all you’re slathering on, then yes, it will dry out your skin.
But if you use alcohol together with moisturizing ingredients, they’ll counteract its drying effects. Science confirms this. Recent studies show that alcohol isn’t as drying as we once thought.
Having said this, everyone’s skin is different. If your skin is particularly sensitive to alcohol denat and doesn’t tolerate it well, this cream isn’t for you.
But what’s alcohol doing here, anyway? Alcohol thins the texture of skincare products and enhance the penetration of active ingredients. It’s the cheapest way to do the job.
Related: What Does Alcohol-Free In Skincare Really Mean?
Texture
Lightweight and sinks into the skin quickly without leaving a greasy residue behind.
Fragrance
Clean and subtle.
How To Use It
In the AM, in between serum and sunscreen (unless you apply enough to be able to use it as sunscreen).
Performance & Personal Opinion
Vichy Slow Age Fluid Moisturiser gives combo and oily skin all the moisture it needs to stay soft and hydrated all day. (If you have dry skin, you’ll be better off with the Cream Moisturizer. From what I hear, it has a richer texture).
I can’t say that I’ve seen any dramatic results since I’ve started using it a few weeks ago. It just does all the usual things a good moisturizer should do.
You know, making your skin look plumper. Reducing the look (not the size) of fine lines and wrinkles. Keeping your skin soft and hydrated for hours. It even doubles up as a good base for makeup.
But, you can’t use it alone. You need a separate antioxidant serum to up your antiaging game against the Exposome. I’m cool with that. I use a separate one anyway (the more antioxidants, the better, remember?).
Who Is This For?
- Oily skin
- Combination skin
Who Is This NOT For?
Dry skin.
Packaging
A white-to-green gradient-coloured bottle with a pump applicator. It looks pretty and is practical.
Does Vichy Slow Age Fluid Moisturiser Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Slow Âge is our most powerful probiotic skincare range with SPF protection clinically proven to slow down the appearance of ageing signs. | True. Anything with SPF, if applied generously, can slow down the appearance of aging signs. |
| Helps to prevent and correct the damage caused by environmental exposure. | True, but only if you apply enough. |
| Fine lines appear reduced. | True. Anything that moisturises skin makes fine lines look smaller. |
| Complexion looks fresh, even and more radiant. | True. |
| Skin feels firmer and hydrated. | Note how they didn’t say that skin is firmer, but only that it feels firmer. True. |
Price & Availability
£30.00 at Escentual, Feel Unique, and Look Fantastic
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a moisturiser with SPF for combination skin, this is a good option to consider.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
I don’t know of any dupes for this product.
Ingredients
Aqua / Water – Homosalate – Octocrylene – Glycerin – Ethylhexyl Salicylate – Bifida Ferment Lysate – Silica – Alcohol Denat. – Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane – Dimethicone – Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate – Styrene/acrylates Copolymer – Peg-100 Stearate – Glyceryl Stearate – Tocopherol – Synthetic Wax – Peg-8 Laurate – Ci 14700 / Red 4 – Stearic Acid – Dicaprylyl Carbonate – Stearyl Alcohol – Dimethicone/vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer – Triethanolamine – Myristic Acid – Myristyl Alcohol – Sodium Benzoate – Palmitic Acid – Phenoxyethanol – Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate – Ascorbyl Glucoside – Disodium Edta – Capryloyl Salicylic Acid – Caprylyl Glycol – Xanthan Gum – Scutellaria Baicalensis Extract / Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract – T-butyl Alcohol – Cetyl Alcohol – Parfum / Fragrance
