New skincare brands are constantly launching claiming to be better than the last or containing a new must-have ingredient, making it difficult to cut the BS from real science. If like me, you prefer a jargon-free skincare line, you’ll love SkinSense by Abi Cleeve. When it launched last year I got very excited, because not only is Abi a skincare guru, but she’s also a founder of the suncare brand Ultrasun (one of my go-tos for sun cream). The line doesn’t just focus on its stable high concentration of active ingredients, but crucially also the latest tech advances so that these ingredients can actually be absorbed by the skin. Last month, the SkinSense Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum was added to the collection, and it sold out within a week. I’ve been testing it out, and spoiler alert, I’m obsessed!
You might know Abi from watching QVC, as she’s a regular skin expert on the TV channel. And If you’ve not tried anything from Ultrasun – the brand she’s known for- I urge you to (available in Marks and Spencer). It’s a once-a-day, broad-spectrum range, which means it has high protection from not only UVB rays (the rays that cause burning), but also UVA (the rays that cause premature ageing and cell-damage) – and not all suncare protects you from the latter.
And speaking of QVC, if you love beauty products and you don’t watch it you’re seriously missing out. It’s my guilty pleasure, I have it on in the background instead of the radio sometimes. And it’s also where brands like Elemis and Liz Earle made their name – just like Joy and her clever mop. Not only does it feature some of the best beauty brands, but there’s always some kind of great discount.
Back to the new SkinSense Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum. I’ve been using it for over a month now, and I’m truly impressed. If you still don’t know what a retinol is, it’s one of the few ingredients scientifically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. For more info, and why you should introduce it into your skincare routine gently see my previous post…What is retinol? How to use it and why women 30+ should be
Review: SkinSense Anti-Ageing Retinol Serum, £39
THEY SAY:
The serum combines active encapsulated retinol (Vitamin A). In simple terms, that means it is preserved and has a controlled release, prolonging the presence on the skin. It also contains additional ingredients to support and improve the skin’s texture and hydration – including hyaluronic acid that draws moisture to the skin’s surface for an instant plumping effect.
SABINE SAYS:
If I’ve lost you on the science, know this. The major difference with this and other retinol serums and creams is that it’s super moisturising too. The morning after use, my skin feels beautifully soft and well hydrated. It’s gentle enough for me to use every night, but obviously my skin is used to retinol. If you’re not you should ease it into your routine – starting with using once or twice weekly. Apply to clean skin at night-time, leave to absorb and you can use a night cream on top. I chose not to, as I felt I didn’t need it. A superb multi-tasker!
Just received my skinsense products from QVC and looking forward to using them. Have used Elemis products for years and decided to try Skin Sense products. I sincerely hope that l have made the right decision.