REVIEW: NeoStrata Sensitive Rosacea Prone Protocol & Exuviance Hydrating Eye Complex

It's a New Year and I am committed to taking a proactive approach to really get my skin into healthy shape. I suffer from a mild case of Rosacea and over the past year it has really been a challenge for me to discover facial skin care products that work well with my skin to keep it looking clear and red free and at the same time work to decrease the signs of aging. It has been a consistent hunt on my part to find enough confidence in one particular product enough to say "this is it and I want to stay with this one for a very long time". So when NeoStrata approached me about reviewing some of their products, it was a welcome opportunity and one that I had a lot of enthusiasm and optimism about. And, I am thrilled to be able to include them in my New Year, New You 2011 Guide! Before I share my experiences with their products, let me introduce this exceptional company to you:

{Adapted from the NeoStrata Website}

Meet NeoStrata

Discover the dermatology developed skin care collections recommended and highly regarded by skin care experts around the world.

Our Revolutionary Technology

The creators of NeoStrata Company, Inc., Drs. Van Scott and Yu are internationally recognized for making the groundbreaking discovery that Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) have profound beneficial effect on human skin. Their passion and vision led to their subsequent research which established AHAs are not only beneficial in the treatment of dermatological conditions, but are also effective in stimulating prematurely aged or damaged skin to actually rejuvenate itself, thereby revolutionizing the treatment of aging skin.

Unprecedented and unsurpassed in the field, with continuous advancements, scientific innovations, published articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, and over 100 patents.



Science & Beauty

NeoStrata Company, Inc. is located in Princeton, NJ and develops and markets a comprehensive range of clinically-proven skin care brands including NeoStrata, Exuviance, CoverBlend, NeoCeuticals and NeoStrata Therapeutics. Our advanced therapeutic and cosmetic dermatological products feature unsurpassed Polyhydroxy Acid technology to meet the needs of every skin type and are available worldwide throughout consumer outlets, physician’s offices and spas.

MY REVIEW

The folks over at NeoStrata are extremely knowledgeable about skin care and always very willing to provide you with assistance in order to insure that you are using the absolute most appropriate products for your skin type. They go out of their way to help you and honestly want you to achieve the best possible results. They are enthusiastic about their brands and most gracious to interact with! They bent over backwards to provide me with the products that were going to help heal my skin and as first impressions go, I am very impressed!

I explained to my contact from NeoStrata that I have mild Rosacea. In addition to that, I have had some issues with my eyes, I get chalazions on them, which may be related to my Rosacea. This past year I had to have 2 of them surgically removed which was not a pleasant experience. So I told my contact I'd love to find an eye cream that was not going to irritate around my eyes and possibly result in more chalazions forming.

So without further ado, these are the products that were recommended for me to use and that I was sent to review:

Exuviance Hydrating Eye Complex
Item #3710 Size: 0.5 oz jar
Price: $35.00



This ultra-light, hydrating eye cream smoothes and brightens the eye area and discourages signs of aging with a powerful complex of Polyhydroxy Acids.

- Formulated with Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid (PHAs)
- Provides antioxidant protection
- Contains Pro-Vitamins A, C, and E
- Hydrates with a soothing blend of botanicals

Description:

Exuviance Hydrating Eye Complex is an intensely hydrating and soothing cream designed to discourage the signs of aging around the delicate eye area. This ultra-light essential complex is specially formulated to smooth and brighten the eye area, and help to visibly reduce fine lines with potent anti-aging Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs) Gluconolactone and Lactobionic Acid. Essential lipids reinforce the skin's barrier, improving surface tone and texture, while Pro-Vitamins A, C and E soothe, moisturize and provide antioxidant protection. The result is heightened hydration and, over time, a visible reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Soothing extracts including chamomile, calendula, licorice and algae work together to condition and soften the skin, making it an ideal treat for the eyes. Works well under makeup and is perfect for contact lens wearers. Fragrance-Free.

Directions: Gently pat a small amount around eye area in the morning and evening.

MY THOUGHTS: I am a bit of a fanatic when it comes to eye creams, they must be hydrating but not too emollient that it interferes with my eye makeup! So in the past I have tended to use eye gels as opposed to eye creams because I found them to be less "greasy" around the eyes and therefore didn't affect the look of my eyeshadow and concealer around my eyes. It wasn't until the past few years that I have been actively using eye creams because my eye area has needed more moisture than gels are able to provide. But it is a trial and error journey on my part to find eye creams that are the correct match to my skin and the level of hydration I am looking for.

On top of that, I have been dealing with the chalazion issues and so I have really been hesitant to try new eye creams for fear they will somehow contribute to that problem, so my eyes desperately needed some TLC to bring them back to a healthy, alive, youthful state! When I told the folks over at NeoStrata about my situation, my contact consulted with one of the skin professionals and they recommended the Exuviance Hydrating Eye Complex for me.

This eye cream has been working exceptionally well for me! Right from the "get-go" I loved the consistency of the cream. It is smooth and silky feeling to the touch, rich and luxurious feeling as I applied it to the areas around my eyes. It absorbed almost immediately into my skin and did not leave any kind of greasy or sticky feeling to my skin. Within seconds I could actually see the hydration on my skin, and how beneficial this product was going to be in bring the skin around my eyes back to life.

I've been using this product for well over a month now, both morning and night. I have noticed a big difference in the texture of my skin, it is much smoother both to the touch and the slight signs of aging and fine lines that were starting to form are barely discernible. I am thrilled with the results I am having with this glorious product!

The second item I was sent to review is:

NeoStrata Sensitive Rosacea Prone Protocol
Price: $121.00



Features non-irritating, naturally humectant Polyhydroxy Acids that bind water to the skin and increase moisturization on sensitive, rosacea prone skin.

- Soap-free facial cleanser with PHAs gently cleanses and removes makeup without drying
Intensive treatment serum with Lactobionic Acid and Vitamins A, C and E helps reduce uneven pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles

- Multiple-antioxidant anti-aging day cream (ideal for sensitive skin types) hydrates and visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Broad spectrum sunscreens plus vitamin E provide protection from the sun
- Dual antioxidant night cream helps calm and strengthen the skin's protective barrier, reduce redness and even skin tone
Special Savings: A $161 value for only $121!

Description:

NeoStrata Sensitive Rosacea Prone Protocol formulated with PolyHydroxy Acids (PHAs gluconolactone and lactobionic acid) which are non-irritating and natural humectants that bind water and increase moisturization of the skin. PHAs also strengthen the vulnerable protective barrier of skin, helping skin to become less sensitive to irritants. As a potent anti-oxidant, PHAs help prevent environmental and oxidative damage. Lactobionic Acid also helps support collagen and GAGs, so skin has a more youthful fullness and elasticity. In clinical studies, PHA regimens have been proven to reduce redness and provide powerful anti-aging benefits without irritation, even in patients with atopic dermatitis and rosacea.

Directions:

STEP 1 Cleanse - Facial Cleanser

This soap-free, fragrance free facial cleanser is formulated with 4% PHA to gently yet effectively cleanse and remove makeup without drying. Ideal for use on dry or sensitive skin, in conjunction with therapeutic skin regimens, pre-/post-procedures such as superficial peels, microdermabrasion and non-ablative lasers.

STEP 2 Treat - Bionic Face Serum

This intensive treatment product is formulated with 10% lactobionic acid, a polyhydroxy acid, in addition to Vitamins A, C and E to boost the benefits of anti-aging treatments. Helps reduce the visible signs of aging such as uneven pigmentation and fine lines and wrinkles, and restore skin's youthful radiance.

STEP 3 Day - Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15

This multiple-antioxidant anti-aging cream is ideal for all skin types (including sensitive skin) and following cosmetic procedures. Formulated with 10% polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), gluconolactone and lactobionic acid, to hydrate skin and visibly reduce uneven pigment and fine lines and wrinkles, for a more youthful appearance. Broad spectrum sunscreens plus vitamin E provide protection against the harmful effects of the sun which contribute to future damage and premature aging.

STEP 3 Night - Ultra Moisturizing Face Cream

This cream was developed to help calm and strengthen the protective barrier of dry, stressed and especially sensitive skin that is easily irritated. Helps reduce redness and even skin tone. Dual antioxidant formula helps fight future damage. Formulated with 10% gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), and vitamin E to provide gentle exfoliation and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, revealing a younger, healthier looking complexion

MY THOUGHTS: I have been using this NeoStrata Sensitive Rosacea Prone Protocol for well over a month now. Before I tell you about my experiences with these products, I want to say that dealing with Rosacea is not fun. For me, I struggle with confidence issues on a daily basis. I hate the flushing and redness of my skin. I get upset because I work so hard at maintaining a consistent AM & PM skin care regime and yet my skin is far from perfect. And from day to day I never know what my skin is going to look like. So with having said all that, my experiences using these products may vary vastly from what someone else may encounter when using them.

At the time I began using these products my skin was in pretty good condition. It was slightly red, with no obvious breakouts or pimples. It was the perfect canvas for trying out this system.

There may be 4 powerful products in this collection, but believe me the entire morning and evening beauty ritual takes less than 5 minutes. The products pack a beneficial punch and are quick and easy to use. The cleanser is effective in not only cleansing my face in the mildest of manners, but it also was effective in removing all of my makeup at night including my mascara. This was a pleasant surprise and saved me from having to find an alternative cleanser to use for my makeup. This gentle lightweight gel-like cleanser left my skin feeling soft, cleansed and not at all dry or irritated. I also like the barely discernible light fresh clean scent.

The serum is the next quick step. A little pump of serum is all you need, a little of it goes a long way and is quickly absorbed into the skin. It did not leave any visible residue on my skin and it also did not leave any sticky feeling to it. I only had to wait about a minute before I completed my routine with either the day cream or the ultra moisturizing face cream. To be honest, I used the ultra moisturizing face cream day and night because my skin tends to be naturally dry and because of the cold weather we have been having along with the heat blasting in our home, my skin is even drier than normal and it needed the ultra hydration. Both moisturizers are thick and creamy and have a silky luxurious texture to them. They are a beautiful consistency that quickly absorb into your skin. You can sense the quality as you glide them over your skin.

The results I experienced with using this system for well over a month was very satisfying. They definitely set out to achieve what I had hoped they would do. My skin is visibly less red, it seems to have calmed down considerably from when I began using these products. The skin appears more even toned and less "bumpy". While the visible signs of my rosacea are still apparent, there is a noticeable improvement to my skin that would not have occurred had I not began using these products.

I had a dermatologist appointment right before Christmas. I told my doctor about the products I was using, and he was not only aware of the the brand and this particular protocol, but he was pleased to hear I was using it and encouraged me to continue with it. At the time of my appointment he did require that I go back to using the 1% metrogel because he said it would work well in conjunction with this NeoStrata Sensitive Rosacea system, so that is now my entire skin care routine. I now Cleanse, metrogel, serum, moisturize with this protocol both morning and night. My skin is in the best shape it has been in for a very VERY long time.

This concludes my review. NeoStrata offers an extensive selection of products targeted for any kind of skin type there is. It is definitely going to be worth your while and time well spent for you to visit the NeoStrata website and browse through their wide variety of exceptional products. You can visit there directly from here by CLICKING IN THIS LINK!! Have fun learning about all their fabulous products, some of them may change your entire life!!

A very special thank you to the gracious folks at NeoStrata for providing me with the products to use for this review.

Disclosure: I received the products outlined in my review from NeoStrata for the purposes of this Review . This has no bearing on my completely honest review above and was not influenced by any type of monetary compensation. The opinions and experiences I’ve shared with this product are my own and yours may differ. I am not employed nor affiliated with NeoStrata in any manner.