We’re very privileged to have such beautiful weather conditions in Australia. Over the years, many of us have spent countless days in the sun, on the beach and enjoying the great Australian outdoors.
But with a beautiful climate comes the harsh reality of the damaging effects of the sun on our skin, leaving many of us dealing with pigmentation, sun damaged skin, and fine lines and wrinkles.
To help improve the appearance of damaged skin, NeoStrata have developed the Enlighten skin care range, which is a gentle, three-step system that brightens and evens out skin tone, and helps control pigmentation.
After years of exposure to the sun, beautyheaven team member Yelena’s skin began to show the effects of sun damage, and given the chance to trial the NeoStrata Enlighten range, she jumped at the opportunity.
Over six weeks, Yelena used the Enlighten Ultra Brightening Cleanser, Enlighten Illuminating Serum, and Enlighten Pigment Controller each day, and kept a dairy of her progress, week-by-week. So how did her skin fare over the six weeks? Read on to find out…
WEEK ONE
“Being in the beauty industry, I’ve had the opportunity to try out many skin care products, but I’ve been immediately impressed with the NeoStrata Enlighten range. Despite containing highly active ingredients, the products have a beautiful citrus smell, which makes them a pleasure to apply. I often find that products with lots of actives have a strong, almost alcohol-like smell that can make my eyes water, but that wasn’t the case with the NeoStrata products.
“The first week of trialling the Enlightening range has seen me using the Ultra Brightening Cleanser and the Illuminating Serum twice a day, with the Pigment Controller being applied once a day in the evening. In week two, I’m allowed to step up the Pigment Controller application by using it both in the morning and in the evening.
“The Ultra Brightening Cleanser has a gel-like texture. I normally use a cream-based cleanser, but the gel feels really soft and smooth on my skin and leaves it feeling more refreshed than when using a cream. I follow this with the Illuminating Serum. Unlike other serums that see your skin crying out for moisture after application, this serum makes skin feel soft and tighter. It may seem silly, but I can actually feel the serum working its magic straight after I’ve applied it.
“The last step in the skincare regime is the Pigment Controller. I can be a bit of a fuss-pot when it comes to skin care, and if a product doesn’t manage to impress me in the first few applications, it tends to get the heave-ho. Luckily, the Pigment Controller literally won me over from the very first application. As well as feeling amazing on my skin, this product has my skin looking immediately brighter on application. Light and not sticky, the Pigment Controller has already found a fan in me.”
WEEK TWO
“Before trialling the range, I was warned that the start of the treatment would actually see my pigmentation become more noticeable, before the range started to work its magic. During week two, I did see this occurring for a couple of days. My freckles became highly visible and my face had a slight sunburnt tinge to it. Towards the end of the week, I started witnessing a complete turn around – my freckles were disappearing and my face was looking smoother and more even-toned. It’s true what they say – all good things come to those who wait.”
WEEK THREE
“When I signed up for the NeoStrata six week trial, I forgot that I would be spending one week of it soaking up the sun on an island in Vietnam. NeoStrata warns that sun exposure should be limited during and after using the Enlighten range by applying a sunscreen daily and avoiding sun exposure during peak hours. I was a bit apprehensive of the combination of the NeoStrata range and my sunny holiday, but there have been no issues. I’ve been very careful with my sunscreen application and I’ve been wearing a hat, and while my face is definitely more sensitive to the sun, my skin is in the best condition it has ever been on holiday!”
WEEK FOUR
“Despite a week in the sun and multiple aeroplane trips that always result in my skin looking dry and dull, my skin is looking fantastic (if I do say so myself!). It’s appearing bright and illuminated and I’m really impressed with my even skin tone. In fact, I keep saying to my boyfriend, “Can you see the difference? Look how good my skin looks!” While the range is targeting pigmentation, I’ve also noticed a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes. What can I say – I’ve been totally converted. I honestly feel like I’ve had five years knocked off my looks from when I first started using the range.”
WEEK FIVE
“The results just keep getting better and better! My skin is looking visibly more even, brighter and the fine lines have continued to diminish. My friends have begun asking me what skin products I use (which hasn’t happened in a long time!). Because my skin is looking so much better, I’m feeling a lot more confident to leave the house with minimal make-up. In fact, quite a few times I’ve ditched the foundation altogether. I’m so addicted to the products that this week saw me drive 30 minutes out of the way to go grab them when I had accidentally left the products at home for a weekend away!”
WEEK SIX
“They say that the proof is in the pudding, and I’m happy to say that scans of my face support my convictions that the products have been working. The scan shows that pigmentation has dramatically decreased around my forehead, mouth and eyes. While I still have pigmentation on my nose and cheeks, it is a lot less than before I started using the range. Before and after photographs have also demonstrated that the fine lines around my eyes have improved out of sight. I’m so impressed with the Enlighten range, that I definitely recommend it to anyone wanting visible results. Five stars from me!”
The before and after images from the skin scan results above show an improvement in the reduction of pigmentation and an increase in hydration across the forehead, and around the eye, cheek and chin areas. Not only does this scan show less pigmentation spots, but also more lighter and whiter areas, which indicate good hydration levels.
Do you suffer from sun damaged and ageing skin? What do you think of the results from the NeoStrata Enlighten range trial?
Yelena looks totally gorgeous before and after to me execept for the proof in the blue photographs I can really tell .
I suppose it just gives you the idea of the feel of it and if your skin reacts or not on contact. Maybe try to find some of special somewhere – Chemist Warehoue often has good specials so maybe keep an eye on them. Actually not sure if they sell this brand?!
It is hard to tell from photos. I can imagine in real life she would be able to tell the difference for herself.
I noticed in the blue photo around her lips. So that’s a good sign for dry lips areas like mine.
That’s interesting to know how you focused funds on serums etc and how you now love the cleanser so much and see that as important too. I also have found a cleanser that I just can’t seem to do without – though I try other cleansers I always have to have a particular one on hand as it just works for me so well.
Yes I can see the differenece under the blue photos. That’s interesting!