I've been using the Clarins Extra-Firming Day Cream for a while now, and I am so glad that I had it for the end of winter! This is a medium to heavy cream, and it really did a great job of keeping moisture where it should be, which is in my skin, rather than leaving it. Somehow, it did this without feeling heavy or greasy at all, which is even better! The cream has a light pinky-beige color and has a faint floral perfumed scent, which I couldn't smell once I applied it. The cream sinks in quickly and left no residue behind on my combination skin. I found that I could easily apply makeup over it without any issues.
So, what is in this stuff? Well, Clarins lists a ton of botanicals with anti-aging properties. Note that a lot of these claims are made by many skin care companies, though I can't verify all of it in PubMed. That doesn't mean it isn't true, it just means that no one has bothered to publish it in the American Medical Literature.
Green Bananas
Encourages collagen synthesis and helps keep the dermis strong and well organized. I found evidence in the literature for ulcer and wound healing as well.
Lemon Thyme
Helps to keep the skin firm.
Oats
You've seen this one used by many skin care companies, but Avena sativa has been in use for over 2000 years for a reason! It has anti-oxidant capacities, acts as a protectant, helps decrease inflammation and even helps to cleanse the skin. The sugars in the oats help to have a temporary tightening effect as well.
Bocoa
Encourages collagen synthesis and helps prevent it from breaking down.
Hops
Helps to stimulate fibroblasts (which I assume in turn make more collagen).
Lotus Zymbiosome
Helps to brighten the skin.
So, how did it work for me? I really liked it. It was enough moisture for me without being too much, it made my skin glowy and the added moisture definitely helped my makeup go on more smoothly. I can't really comment on any anti-aging effects since I don't really have wrinkles, but the added moisture and glowiness definitely would help there.
To get your own pack, you can head to the Clarins Facebook page today, or from April 13-15 head to any Clarins counter throughout the US.
Also, Clarins is about to start an amazing Facebook giveaway with 5 winners each week for a month from April 11 to May 11. Each winner will receive a full sized Extra-Firming day, night and foundation ($202 value), so make sure you enter!
Clarins USA
Hmmm i must investigate how we can take advantage of this offer internationally. I'm in Australia and would love to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.
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