Now Concentrate...

My favourite skincare folk at REN were kind enough to send me a new product that’s just launched so that I could test it out and see what I thought. WEE-HOOOO! Amazing! I love this job . . .

It’s called ‘Bio Retinoid Anti-Ageing Concentrate’ and the idea behind it is to offer a natural, “clean” alternative to synthetic Retinol products. Retinol has long been used in skin care as a powerful treatment. Essentially, it’s an animal form of vitamin A, and it has been proven to help improve certain skin conditions such as pigmentation, wrinkles, acne and other skin imperfections. However, even in creams that you can buy in chemists/salons/etc, it’s quite an intense treatment and can be a bit harsh on some people’s skin.

I was totally intrigued by the press release statements that this product really could be an excellent alternative to these artificially produced Retinol creams and serums (which I have never been able to use). The results sound wonderful: ‘Skin appears smoother and younger. Complexion appears brighter and more even toned. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, age spots and imperfections. Skin looks firmer, plumper and healthier.’ GIMME SOME O’ THAT! Now, I turned 32 years old last week, and although I know I have good skin and no major wrinkles, I do sometimes feel pretty lacklustre. My life is quite stressful at the moment in terms of business, and I often feel like I haven’t had enough sleep or eaten properly.

So, anything that can help with this on the outside is very welcome!

I decided to use the product religiously for at least a month to test the effectiveness on my stressed out skin. I shall report back in due course, but after reading all the information I have very high hopes! I guess no-one wants to look “old”.

I’m of the opinion that wrinkles do not necessarily = “old”.

To me, looking old is a combination of having dull, crap skin and hair; feeling tired in general; and having the “wrong” type of wrinkles (like horrid, premature, smokers wrinkles round the mouth and deeply etched into the cheeks), because to me the joyous lines that form at the corners of the eyes as we get older are a sign that you have laughed and enjoyed life. Surely this is a good thing? For the same reason, I embrace grey hair. I haven’t got any yet but I look forward to the day where I have a flowing silver mane.

Here is a (very badly taken on the laptop) photo of how my face looks without a scrap of make-up (gulp):

As you can see, I have a mega spot on my chin (it appears in the same place every time, weird eh?) and a few blotchy patches. I don’t have any major lines, except on my forehead. I don’t frown much so I don’t really get the central ones between my eyebrows, but I do raise my eyebrows a lot when I talk so there are horizontal lines! Pretty hard to get a picture without looking like a massive dick, but in the name of beauty journalism, I have done my best:

Ace.  So glad this is now on the internet.

So, it would be nice to have this amber, unctuous serum sort these out a little bit. Soften them, you know. I have used it before bed for the past two nights after cleansing my face (which I do religiously – NEVER go to bed in your make-up or without washing your face. It’s gross). I massaged it in as suggested, and then used a moisturiser afterward. I mean, massaging in anything to your face – keep it clean please – is great for your circulation and skintone. Give it a try y’all.

I won’t list all the scientific facts on here, because it’s interesting to know but boring to read, and you can read all about it on the REN website here anyway. But, I think that having this natural alternative to chemical laden products is so reassuring. It makes me feel nice to use these products, to know I am using a gentle alternative and from a company whose ethics are sound and admirable.

LOOK at that gorgeous stuff! Ooh, it’s so silky as well. It’s the colour of golden syrup and feels like it’s doing you loads of good. Soon I’ll know . . .

Remember to check out the other products available at REN. They aren’t paying me to say this, by the way. I truly believe that they are one of the best skincare companies out there. You know, it’s so easy for people to say “to look healthy, you need to get loads of sleep, be happy, suffer no stress, eat well, be in love . . .” Well, it’s not always the case that all of these things are feasible. Yes, you look AMAZING when you’re in love, even after no sleep! But life can be hard and it’s good to have cossetting, wonderful products to help you feel better and more confident. The most beautiful people I know have peaceful, kind faces and this to me is the best way to look and to stay. Just give yourself a little helping hand once in a while! It’s a nice thing to do for your face and body.

And trust me, you could all do with some care and attention. We are special!