skincare – moisturizing/others

(Amatokin Emulsion for the Face)
(image from Amatokin)

Amatokin has managed to create global hype. It claims to “activate the potential of our inherent, adult stem-cell reservoirs in skin to help rejuvenate the skin”. When it was launched in the UK earlier this year (only in one department store, Harvey Nichols London), it was sold out and there used to be a waiting list. When I was offered to review this product, I was intrigued.

The supposed key ingredient in Amatokin is polypeptide 153, which is a synthetic peptide and is the only ingredient in this product that has any remote potential to work at a cellular level. (Most of the other ingredients are emollients, PH balancers, and preservatives. The product is fragrance-free.)

The peptide entry on Paula Begoun’s Ingredient Dictionary is a must-read. It gives a definition of what peptides are as well as their potential and limitation in skincare products. (In summary, peptide is a chain of amino acids, which constitute proteins. The problem with peptides in skincare products is that they are hydrophilic (water-loving) and are unstable.)

Under cell-communicating ingredients, peptides are listed as “possible” cell-communicating ingredients (reflected by the extremely early stage of research in this area). Theoretically, a synthetic peptide with a fatty acid attached might help the peptide perform at the right level in the skin. But much more research is needed on this.

Simply as a moisturizer, Amatokin is a fair one. It doesn’t irritate my skin but I would like something more moisturizing. It leaves my skin smooth, thanks to the abundant silica. It is possible that this product can temporarily reduce the appearance of mild wrinkles. But so can foundation primers.

Overall, Amatokin is a satisfactory, but not outstanding, moisturizer that has an ingredient that, with some further improvement of the internal structure, might have potential to be a cell-communicating ingredient.

Other ingredients, like niacinamide (a vitamin B3 comlex) and retinol (vitamin A) (Amatokin has neither), among others, have been shown to perform more effectively at a cellular level (with the right amount and in the right formulation). So, I can’t see the reason for paying 173 USD in the US (and 137 pounds (about 274 USD) in the UK) for this. Several products from Olay have niacinamide while many more (from other brands) include retinol. Chances are that these products will have more potential in improving the condition of your skin.

Related posts:

The Best 10 Minutes You Could Ever Spend
(…to help yourself choose the best moisturizer)

Olay Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Fluid SPF 15
(This budget-friendly goodie has niacinamide.)

(I would like to thank one of my very best friends, Grace, who is currently conducting research in genetic science, for making sure that I have sufficient basic background information and knowledge for this review.)

{ 0 comments }

Zensation’s Brightening Mask works better for me, as a moisturizing mask. It includes sweet almond oil, which is a good natural moisturizing ingredient. The product’s claim of “preventing and reducing unwanted and excessive pigmentation” comes from mulberry extract, which may have the merit in preventing melanin production.

Regardless of whether it can achieve any visible result of reducing skin pigmentation, I find it to be a fairly good moisturizing mask which suits my sensitive skin. It will be a nice addition to my bathroom line-up, as summer has come to an (early) end in the UK…

More skincare posts:

Olay Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Fluid SPF 15

Estee Lauder DayWear Plus SPF 15

(my two favorite daytime moisturizers)

A New Way to Look at Skin Types

(which might be different from what beauty salespeople try to tell you…)

{ 0 comments }

(pictured: Watersall’s Splash Cool)

If you are someone that carries a water spray everywhere you go, then you might be interested in the purified water atomizer by Watersall.

The mist is exceptionally fine, which gives a nice and relaxing sensation.

But do remember not to spray it and just let it dry. Your skin will become even dryer. Pat the skin dry and apply a body lotion to seal in the moisture.

For me, I find it particularly useful for changing or modifying my hairstyle. The mist is fine, light, and even, so it moists the hair without weighing it down, making it easy to re-style. I know a normal water pump-spray can basically do the trick, but this is several notches better…

I am sure you can probably find another (very idiosyncratic) way it can work for you…

{ 8 comments }

I received some samples of Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion some time ago and have been using it for several weeks.

It is billed as a “shielding lotion”, which, according to their website, “keeps moisture-robbing irritants away from the skin while the proprietary ‘super’ humectants hydrate the skin throughout the day“. It can be used for face, hand, and body.

It is very light and non-greasy, and it absorbs well. Also, it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, which is great. (It doesn’t have alcohol, which is a huge plus for me.) Occasionally, when the weather was really cold, its texture and consistency was not rich enough and I would still put on a thin layer of my usual moisturizer.

So currently, when the weather can still get chilly (when the drying indoor heating is still needed), I use it as a serum before my usual moisturizer. I find that the product works the best for me like this in this time of year. I look forward to using it alone in summer and see how it goes.

As a hand lotion, it has been working nicely. It dries up to a satiny finish while keeping my hands moisturized. It is particularly great for daytime (no greasy fingers), while I would go for something slightly richer and more emollient right before bed.

If you have dry and sensitive skin and want to bring a bit of an enforcement to your existing skincare routine, I think this product is well worth some consideration.

{ 0 comments }