In fact, a survey conducted by the Australian Society of Cosmetic Physicians found that 87% of Australian women believe it’s acceptable to have those non-surgical cosmetic procedures (such as microdermabrasion, peels and injectables) to try and stop the clock. However, interestingly, only 10% of the survey respondents had actually taken the leap and had something done themselves. Of those who had, microdermabrasion and laser were the weapons of choice – with very few venturing down the injectable path.
This shows that we have an open-minded approach to the science – and its promise to turn back time – but for many women, there is still (understandable) fear surrounding the use of injectables. Will they hurt? Will it be obvious? Will my friends tell me when I start looking like Tori Spelling?
Most dermatologists I know will always recommend starting with skincare first – making sure you’ve got your routine right and tweaking the active ingredients before brandishing a needle over your forehead.
In a bid to give this growing sector of cosmetic-curious consumers what they want, skincare companies are coming up with innovative formulations that deploy the active ingredients and technologies found in non-surgical procedures, minus the downtime and the ‘ouch’ factor.
Following on from the sell out success of their Revitalift Laser cream (it won oodles of awards when it was tested against a real session of laser – and found to have comparable results), L’Oréal have added another anti-aging duo to their cosmetic-inspired arsenal.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler [HA] was inspired by – yep, you guessed it – cosmetic filler injections, which are the second most popular injectable after Botox. Designed to plump out areas of the face which have lost volume (which sadly happens as we age and collagen and elastin decrease), filler injections contain hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found within our skin, which can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. Read: it’s super hydrating. And, as we know, one of the main culprits of ageing is dehydration.
Hyaluronic acid is one of my favourite anti-aging ingredients. Unlike more aggressive retinol or AHA’s, it’s the big softy of the cosmetic world: gentle, loving and super hydrating. Kind of like a big sloppy kiss for the skin. And the new L’Oréal Revitalift Filler Serum and Cream contain record amounts of the stuff – so I was more than happy to give the duo a go on my pregnant, stressed out skin.
The Revolumising Serum comes in a very clever needle-inspired applicator, that allows you to measure out a single, precise drop – perfect to address problem areas. I placed a drop on each cheek and one on my forehead and spread it up to my crows feet and frown lines. The creamy gel spreads easily and is lightly fragranced but not overpowering. It feels tacky for a minute or two as it sinks in – this is the hyaluronic acid (it has 10 times the amount in this product) working its magic.
Next up is the Anti-Ageing Revolumising Moisturiser, which has a dreamy thick, unctuous texture, without being greasy. L’Oréal call it a ‘cushion formula’ – which means that the ingredients are highly concentrated but with a low molecular weight, designed to sink into the skin and hydrate the deeper layers. While I don’t have a microscope to check, I have to say my skin did feel quenched and spongy for longer than usual.
After a few weeks of use the one thing I really noticed is that my makeup is sitting more happily on my skin come afternoon time. Normally I notice a bit of dryness and tightness in my cheeks and when I do the ‘pinch test’ – where you pincer the skin on your cheekbones together (a quick test for dehydration) – it bounces back much more readily than the past. I also notice my skin still feels hydrated when I wake up in the morning, so much so that I occasionally feel compelled to cleanse when I wake up – something I don’t normally do as my skin never feels like it needs it. As to whether I’ll be willing to nix the needle in exchange for some super hydrating skincare, it may be more a case of timing. I’m not allowed to have any injectables while I’m pregnant or breast-feeding, so this might be just the thing to tide me over! It’s certainly cheaper.
Have you tried any of the L’Oréal Revitalift Range? What did you think?
Alana
I tried the laser cream and I thought it was lovely- I bought it twice.
sigourney
That’s great feedback – thanks!x
Diana85
Looking forward to trying these sigourney. Thanks for the review, can always trust your words.
sigourney
Pleasure! Let us know what you think! x
Brigit-B
Can’t wait to get my hands on these products. Would love to skip right to the Botox but don’t see myself doing that for a very long time (you could say I’m slightly shaken by some horrid stories I’ve heard). Until then…
sigourney
They have a lovely texture – let us know what you thought!
Bec
Sigourney, your comment about no injectables while breastfeeding suggests you have them otherwise. Is this the case and if so what (if you don’t mind me asking). You always look so natural xo
sigourney
Hi Bec, I have tried some injectables in the past – I’ll do a post down the track about my experiences, so stay tuned. xS