A Skincare Journey with Optiphi [Part 2: Complexion Control, Refine Foliant, Active Eyesigns, Moisture Control Light and Hydra Derm Masque]

Back in March, I shared my initial review of Optiphi Skincare, namely, their classic cleanser and moisturiser. Just before posting that review, I had an Optiphi Repair and Hydrate Facial at Life Day Spa. Based on the analysis that was done on my skin during the facial, I was given 5 new products to try out and add to my simple skincare routine of cleanser and moisturiser.

Initially, the goal of my skincare routine was to reset my skin, now it was to tackle certain skin issues. The skin issues we decided to tackle were;

1. Continue hydrating my skin (Joburg winters are notoriously dry),
2. Treat pigmentation, and
3. Treat the fine lines that are slowly creeping next to my eyes.

It has been just over 3 months since I incorporated the new products, which according to popular opinion is enough time to see results and notice irritations. Below are my reviews on the products I’ve been using.

Note: I am still using The Optiphi Pure Cleansing Wash.

Optiphi Active Complexion Control

What is it?

The Optiphi Active Complexion Control is a skin brightening cream designed for the treatment of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It is said to help brighten dull skin and fight free radical stress. It has a slight beige tint that goes on smoothly.

Notable ingredients

Retinol – Retinol is a fat-soluble derivative of Vitamin A which is easily absorbed by the body. It’s a popular anti-aging ingredient as it exfoliates, aids in the production of collagen, and fights free radicals. In this cream, it acts as a powerful brightening agent, targets age spots and pigmentation, addresses UV damage and controls oil production, mattifying the skin.

Vitamins C & B3 – they improve radiance, combat free radicals and rebuild the skin structure.

Usage

I used it once in the evening, after washing my face and before putting on moisturiser and eye cream. I used it on my face, neck and chest.

Review and Results

Texture-wise it’s nice – it feels like it’s hydrating your skin and doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. It also absorbs quite fast. It has no noticeable scent (which I liked). In terms of results, my skin does look bright and the tone is even. However, I do still have sunspots (which I don’t mind, but this is said to help pigmentation), so I didn’t get the reduced pigmentation/ age spot benefits it claims. I also have very light acne marks on my chin. It’s an area in which I have a break-out, every now and then, but those spots do not appear any lighter than before using the cream. It is possible that with prolonged use these marks would lighten.

Optiphi Classic Refine Foliant

What is it?

The Optiphi Classic Refine Foliant is a home peel / chemical exfoliant that effectively smooths rough skin texture. This powerful exfoliating action refines rough skin, allows for better product penetration and improves skin tone.

Notable Ingredients

Ascorbic, Lactic and Salicylic Acids – Ascorbic acid is a potent antioxidant and skin-soothing agent that can improve the appearance of signs of aging. Lactic acid is used to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and pores. Salicylic Acid is the most common ingredient used to prevent and treat breakouts. It is a beta hydroxy acid that is oil-soluble allowing it to work deeper and penetrate your pores to unblock them. Together they brighten the complexion, soften and moisturize the skin.

Usage

I used this once a week, after washing my face. I used about two pumps, applied it to my face, neck and chest and left it on for 5 minutes, before rinsing and following up with the masque.

Review and Results

It has a silky liquid feel, and almost shines. It comes on clear in a thin layer so I am still not through my 30ml bottle after weekly treatments for 3 months. I felt slight tingles on the odd occasion that I left it on for over 5 minutes (they say you can leave it on for up to 20). After rinsing, my skin always feels noticeably tighter and a little thirsty/dry. Overall, my skin has felt very smooth and bright. I’ve also only had two minor breakouts on my chin. In terms of brightness, smoothness and acne, it certainly helps. However, any pigmentation or anti-aging benefits haven’t been noticeable.

Note: If you are on Roaccutane or Cortisone you cannot use this.

Optiphi Classic Hydra-Derm HA Masque

What is it?

The Optiphi Classic Hydra-derm HA Masque is a creamy leave-on masque that soothes dehydration; fights the signs of fatigue and delivers an intense long-lasting moisturisation.

Notable Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid and Imperata Cylindrica Extract – Hyaluronic acid has the ability to draw and hold water and is used to hydrate and soothe the skin. Imperata Cylindrica Extract is natural moisturizer. They provide up to 24 hours of hydration.

Peptides – which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves the skin’s firmness and elasticity and protects the collagen and elastin that support the skin’s structure.

Usage

I used this once a week, after the exfoliant. As I was doing the exfoliant at night, I left this on overnight.

Review and Results

This is a super thick and rich creamy masque. It doesn’t have a noticeable scent (again I liked this, especially as I was keeping it on for hours). It is incredibly hydrating and felt soothing directly after the exfoliant. You can use it instead of moisturiser, especially if your skin is very dry. The biggest benefit I’ve noticed is in my skin’s hydration level – it’s felt incredibly soft and moisturised and I haven’t experienced any of that skin dryness on my face, neck and chest that winter tends to bring. Personally, I find it hard to notice any difference in my skin’s firmness (it feels firm, but it’s never felt loose) and fine lines (they still appear to be there). This may be more of a preventative measure than a cure, ie. it will help reduce the onset of fine lines, but it won’t do a lot for lines that already visible.

Optiphi Active Moisture Control Light

What is it?

The Optiphi Active Moisture Control Light is a light, silky moisturizer that provides long-lasting skin hydration.

Notable Ingredients

Hyaluronic acid, Lactic Acid and Imperata Cylindrica Extract – Hyaluronic acid has the ability to draw and hold water and is used to hydrate and soothe the skin. Imperata Cylindrica Extract is a natural moisturizer. Lactic acid is used to treat hyperpigmentation, age spots, and pores. They provide up to 24 hours of hydration.

Antioxidants – hinder damaging reactions from free radicals which lead to premature aging and supports balance in the skin.

Vitamin B3 and Ceramides supports the barrier function of the skin; restores moisture and brightens dull skin.

Usage

I was given this to use as a daytime moisturiser, as it is a lot lighter than the Hydration Therapy (better for night-time). However, I prefer it to the Hydration Therapy and have been using it twice a day.

Review and Results

This is a really nice and light moisturiser. At the same time, it is very hydrating and leaves your skin feeling soft. I’ve mentioned that my skin has felt really nice and moisturised, so this definitely does give you hours of hydration and makes your skin feel good.

Optiphi Eyesigns Active Gel

What is it?

The Optiphi Eyesigns Active Gel is a fast-absorbing eye serum that targets the three major visual aspects of aging around the eye area – fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness.

Notable Ingredients

A blend of peptides and proteins – They rebuild collagen and elastin, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, crow’s feet and puffy eye bags.

Usage

Once a day, after moisturising. A few pats around my eyes using my ring finger.

Review and Results

This has a gel-like feel and a cooling sensation when you put it on. At times, it felt like it was slightly stinging my skin. As mentioned before, those fine lines around my eyes appear to still be there, no worse no better. I don’t have any puffiness, so it may assist with that.

Overall Skin Review + Results

Overall, my skin has been looking and feeling good. The only other products I’ve used alongside them has been a sunscreen. I’ve had just two small breakouts, which were hormonal and went away within a week. The most noticeable benefits have been my skin tone and hydration. My skin looks bright, mostly clear and feels super hydrated. I haven’t noticed any major changes with pigmentation or fine lines. I don’t have more pigmentation, but the sun spots and freckles I had before are still there. To be honest, I’m unbothered by them. I would like the light acne marks to go, but that may take longer to fade. I don’t seem to have more lines around my eyes, but the ones I did have are still there. As I said before, it could be more preventive than a treatment.

The biggest downside of Optiphi is the price point, which makes them an expensive purchase. That being said, they have been enjoyable to use and I’ve been happy with my skin while using them.

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All products were gifted to us by Optiphi. Optiphi did not  approve or review this piece prior to publication. Opinions are our own.