IECSC Product Haul: A Review

Out of the hundreds of products at the Esthetics convention, I only purchased a few of the most exceptional cleansers, creams, and treatments. So, let’s get down to business as promised!

Hydropeptide:

When you visit this company’s website, your immediate impression is that the line belongs in a medical facility based on all the beakers filled with skin saving concoctions and droppers of the most advanced serums. Truth is, this line definitely deserves that type of association and recognition. The first time I was introduced to Hydropeptide was at the LakeAustin Resort and Spa in Texas. (Amazing experience, and you should see Erin if she still works there. She was one of the most in-tune estheticians ever).

Anyways, I was super excited to see Hydropeptide’s booth at the convention and decided to go up and chat with the sales reps. They had some great deals going on so I was able to nab a few products and samples to test out.

5x Power Peel DailyResurfacing Pads: These pre-soaked pads come individually packaged and are meant for use 3-7 times a week. It uses a blend of AHA’s (Alpha hydroxy acids; glycolic and lactic acid) and BHA (salicylic) to exfoliate the skin, and mushroom enzyme to help brighten the complexion and even tone. After cleansing my face, I applied the pad, wiping evenly over the entire face. I was pleased that there was absolutely no burning or tingling sensations- If you’ve ever done a glycolic peel you know what I’m talking about- ouch! That’s because green tea extract helps to buffer the pH and prevent that deep burn. While wiping the pads across my face, it felt mostly like I was wiping water on my skin and had a nice, fresh scent. Afterwards, I had a cooling sensation and if felt very refreshing. This would be great for all skin types but those with extremely dry skin may want to watch out since the retinoic-like action may dry the dermis slightly.

Overall score: 9/10 

Cleansing Gel: This cleanser comes in a sleek aqua colored pump and is designed for more 

combination skin types. The consistency of the gel is really nice – liquid without being too runny and suds up nicely to give you that deep clean feeling. What I love about this cleanser is that it contains Lactic acid- a more hydrating but still deeply exfoliating AHA. Witch hazel and geranium help to tone the skin (it’s advertised as a toner as well!) and give it a fresh, mildly minty or lemony- floral scent. This cleanser didn’t dry me out or irritate my eczema, so I’m pretty happy with it! I’d also recommend using this with your Clarisonic 2-3 times a week for an even deeper cleanse!

Overall score: 10/10

Hydrostem +6: Stem Cell Antioxidant Serum: The serum comes in 1 fl. Oz. blue pump and doles out exactly what you need to apply for the entire face, neck, and even décolletage. The texture is extra smooth and comes out rather runny- almost like a creamy toner, so be prepared that your hand is cupped appropriately. I like that it was very spreadable and acted as a great based to my moisturizer. After about a minute or so, you’ll notice a cooling tingle to your skin, something I find to be very refreshing! My skin is combination oily-dry, and I found that this serum absorbed really well without leaving me feeling greasy. The power of Hyaluronic acid is evident in this serum, as my skin drank up the moisture stat! Other active ingredients include Botanical Stem Cells, peptides (that activate CoQ10) and deliver collagen boosting results. You’ll also receive antioxidant benefits from Green Tea extract, licorice root, and cucumber to help tone, calm, and even your complexion.

Overall score:  8/10 (I’m picky with my serums. While I liked that it did not irritate my skin very much, I find it a little too expensive for the average budget, retailing at $160)

Purifying Mask: I’m so excited to get to this one! I first tried this during my facial at Lake Austin and fell in love with it. It’s by far one of my most favorite Kaolin clay-based mask. This is great for most skin types (very dry or sensitive skin types may find this irritating) because it has a nice balance of oil absorbing clay, lightly exfoliating enzymes, caffeine to tone, peptides to plump, and hyaluronic acid to bind water to cells to reveal a plumper, more youthful complexion. The mask glides on very smoothly and has an instant cool and tingling sensation where applied. I keep this mask on for about 10 minutes after cleansing my skin thoroughly. When done, rinse off with a facial towel- now you’ll really feel the coolness!

Overall score: 10/10 (love this mask and I really can’t say enough great things about it!)

 

Hydropeptide (left to right): Hydrostem 6+, Cleansing Gel, 5x Power Peel, and Purifying Mask

Onward to Hydrafacial MD…

This line is probably not as widely available to the public due to its exclusivity to pairing it with Hydrafacial treatments. If you haven’t had one of these treatments, go get one now! Your skin will thank you (but your pocket book won’t). It’s a treatment that combines a bit of microderm with hydrating “chemical peel” treatments, but without the irritation. It even extracts pesky blackheads! Seriously, it’s one of the best treatments out there and leaves the skin SO smooth and hydrated afterwards.

Antiox +: This serum is one of my favorites I’ve ever tried. Loaded with peptides and Hyaluronic acid, it helps to deeply moisturize the skin. I’ve found that using this with LED therapy treatments drives the product even deeper and leaves skin super soft. I feel as though this product penetrates a little deeper than just the first layer of the dermis because my skin feels extra soft the next morning. I’ve been using this morning and night and I’ve seen great results! Also, love the feeling of the spring pump. 

Overall score: 9/10 (docked a point because I think it may have irritated my eczema a bit)

UV Smart Daily Sunscreen SPF 40: This sunscreen uses zinc oxide, octinoxate, and octisalate to protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. While I really appreciate the combination chemical and physical sunscreen factors, I’m not a huge fan of octinoxate in my sunscreen because of the mixed reviews of it actually causing hormonal disruptions or progression of aging. Otherwise, I really wanted to like this sunscreen because of its rich and creamy texture. It absorbed nicely into my skin and felt great; actually one of the better ones I’ve tried (Skinceuticals still tops my list!).

Overall Score: 7/10 (loved the texture and application, not a fan of the ingredients)