A Wren Says

Hyaluronic acid and I have never really gotten along. The Fresh Hyaluronic lip treatment and Tarte Mermaid Skin are two products that did not work for me. My lips just got flakier and flakier. My face just stayed dry. Oh, and don’t even get me started on Clinique moisture surge. I was bothered since the ingredient was/is treated like a skincare must have. So thought it was just me, but being a skeptic I kept looking for articles from other people with dry skin admitting to the same issue. I concluded that living in a dry climate, the serum decided to rob me of my moisture rather than gifting me with additional water molecules. I finally felt validated when I came across this video from Dr. Shereen Idriss, addressing the myths of hyaluronic acid.

For some time now, I have been actively trying to avoid products that feature Hyaluronic Acid or Sodium Hyaluronate too prominently in the ingredient list. But when the Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum for Darker Skin tones was included in my kit, I had both high expectations and plenty of doubt. The only reason I expected anything is because of the power of the brand and the price point. $300 for 30mL. That’s $50 per teaspoon. (Note: I did not pay that much. It is part of a sample set I bought, but more on that later.)

I have been using it off and on with the Darker Skin Tones line. I haven’t noticed a difference. Well, I actually feel it is slightly irritating to areas rubbed by my facial covering/PPE. I also just looked again at the instructions. I will take some time to use it as directed. A full pipette, apply pressing into the skin, waiting 30 seconds for it to absorb and then proceeding with the cream.

It made a difference. Why did it make a difference? I did the full pipette, distributed it across my hands and then pressed the serum onto my face. Then I rhythmically tapped it into my skin, looking deadpan in the mirror as if I were auditioning for American Psycho. And then my face felt great. I had no tightness, no dry spots in the morning. Why on earth did that matter?

I guess that goes to show that you need to read the directions and use a product as is directed before you can truly make a judgement on it. I will say that using this product makes me think that there might be something to incorporating a high quality hyaluronic serum into your regimen. After using the trial size, would I buy a full size? Ehhhh. I don’t know I think I would need to try it again but under different circumstances. My experience with it was influenced by the overall Darker Skin Tones Line, and I have some thoughts on that. I am not ready to completely write it off. Especially if someone were to send me that thing for free. Wink, wink.

Stay tuned for my review on the Darker Skin Tones Discovery Set.