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Collagen and elastin are to the skin what water is to the body. They fill and lift, provide the volume that combats sagging, and decrease the appearance of wrinkles. As we age, we lose both of these proteins, so we rely on our diets, our lifestyles, and—yes—our products to make upthe difference. Recently, I found a gold-star formula to refill my collagen and elastin cup: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex ($199).
Alastin Restorative Skin Complex — $199.00
This product caught my eye because studies show that regular use leads to lasting results. Its TriHex Technology builds collagen and elastin by stimulating your body’s natural production of the two, so every day you apply it, you’re fortifying your skin for the long term.
Lauren Sawyer, a medical esthetician at SkinSpirit Katy in Texas, loves this product, which she says is popular with clients at her medspa. “It contains 38 different peptides that restore volume and elasticity to the skin. And it contains antioxidants that repair, rejuvenate, and improve damage from free radicals in the environment and help to protect from further sun damage.” If you’re middle age, you’ve had years of that damage behind you, but building up that protective barrier will protect you from any future damage.
“Most derms probably recommend Alastin for older skin, as it has this unique reparative property to it,” says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Pritzker, MD. “The hero product, Alastin Restorative Skin Complex ($199), can really melt away the damaged skin while repairing and growing the collagen and elastic tissue, and it has ingredients to help with inflammation and make skin appear luminous.”
As someone who’s not a fan of slapping a Band-Aid on a problem, I like any product that makes a lasting difference. So I committed to using the Restorative Skin Complex every morning for four weeks, which, trust me, wasn’t a hardship.
The cream is luxuriant—not heavy, not greasy, just smooth and absorbent. I tend to like pump dispensers for their ease of use and the idea that “one pump covers everything.” In this case, I needed way less than one pump. Fortunately, the discharge is easy to control, and over time Idiscovered that a few drops gave me the perfect coverage. The cream has no scent, and hallelujah for that! Coming off of a heavily scented product I could never recommend, I greatly appreciated that factor.
My only complaint was that in studying the bottle, I noticed there was no SPF, something I’ve come to expect in a daily moisturizer. So while the directions suggest using this cream both morning and night, be aware that you will need to add sunscreen to your morning routine.
I used the Restorative Skin Complex after cleansing and applying serum each morning. The most noticeable improvement is an overall radiance to my skin—the dullness and dryness that have come with age have been totally eliminated. I also noticed that my previously uneven skin tone—some redness here, some paleness there— visibly and impressively improved. My complexion is now clear, bright, and even-toned, so I rarely have to use foundation, something I relied on daily before using this product.
Sawyer wasn’t surprised. “Studies show that after 12 weeks, your skin will look 6 years younger,” she says. Um, yes please.
Though it packs a serious punch in the anti-aging department, the formula is A-okay for anyone to use. Even for clients who have undergone procedures such as microneedling and laser treatments, it’s been known to speed up the healing process to help smooth—and soothe—the skin. Plus, it is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
As part of Alastin’s Restore and Renew Line, Restorative Skin Complex is a shining star. It amps up your collagen and elastin for a smoother complexion while contributing to stronger, healthier skin for the future.
For more intel on why derms say peptides are the GOAT for firming up skin, check out the video below.
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