New from Vichy – Normaderm Hyaluspot and Nutriextra Hands – tried, tested and loved!

I would be lying if I said I didn’t hold skincare stalwart Vichy in high regard. The brand knows skincare, and backed by the L’Oreal giant (love them or hate them) they have megabucks to invest in research and development. This results in them producing products with great scientific credentials, which in my experience really work. So, even though I’m definitely biased in Vichy’s favour, to counter that I have high expectations when I try their new product releases. Recently I popped to my local Sam McCauley’s to pick up two newbie products which I badly needed – Normaderm Hyaluspot for my oily, acne prone skin and Nutriextra Hands for my parched lámha. It’s typical that I have an oil rig on my mug and sahara hands. First world problems eh?

To be completely honest, I’ve never really rated the Normaderm line for serious acne control. I have moderate persistent acne and congestion, and while they cleanse and moisturise well, I’ve always needed stronger stuff to battle the blemishes – Quinoderm 10, SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Control, antibiotic topicals etc. Until now.

Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot is marketed as a targeted on-the-spot treatment which kills with kindness. Containing 1.5% Salicylic acid and 0.5% LHA you get a powerful chemical exfoliation combination. In case you’re not familiar with it, LHA is a L’Oreal patented derivative of salicylic acid which apparently can separate corneocytes (epidermis cells forming the upper layer of the skin) more effectively than salicylic or glycolic acids, and at lower concentrations. This means that you shouldn’t experience the dry flaky patches which are a common side effect of many chemical exfoliants. LHA & salicylic acid are also anti-inflammatory, helping to take the redness and swelling out of nasty infections.

Another innovation is the use of 1% hyaluronic acid. This is a notorious anti-aging ingredient, which I’m delighted to finally find in an anti-acne product. Hyaluronic acid is a potent humectant, increasing hydration. It also promotes collagen production and cell proliferation (likely via interactions with cell surface receptor CD 44, if you wanna know the science) ideal for healing infected skin. Oily skin tends to be high in lipids, but low in hydration. So this is a great moisturising agent for those with acne prone skin who don’t need any more oil, but need water badly. It can also form a barrier, helping to prevent the spread of spot causing bacteria.

So, does this product really do everything it says? Yup, and more. I’ve actually been using this as a preventative, like a serum, applied all over my face before moisturiser. I’ve not had a single inflamed spot in 4 weeks. Not. One. I’d usually have at least one spot on the go at a time, so this is pretty big. Also my skin has felt smoother and plumper than usual. A wonderful side effect of the gentle chemical exfoliation and hyaluronic acid hydration. I officially award Vichy Normaderm Hyaluspot Holy Grail status for those with acne prone skin. I only wish it came in bigger tubes!

Another treat from Vichy comes in the form of their new Nutriextra Hands. Despite being of the oily skinned variety, my hands are awfully dry thanks to the abuse I inflict upon them. I plunge them into scalding, cold and soapy water, with nary a care for their delicate condition. As a result I have amassed quite an array of hand care products, including the hardcore Nutrogena concentrate, L’Occitane Shea Butter, and Lansinoh lanolin ointment. Well my friends, Vichy Nutriextra beats them all, hands down if you’ll excuse the pun. I attribute this to the combination of humectants glycerine and hydrovance (which attract and hold water) and emollient shea butter. And surprisingly for such a conditioning cream it absorbs in a flash. Since I spend many hours a day bashing a keyboard, and HATE the feeling of a greasy layer being smooshed around under my fingers, this is awesome.

Anyway enough of my gushing. If you like what you read, Vichy actually have a great GWP (gift with purchase) promotion at the moment. Buy two products (one to be moisturiser) and get the above goodies worth nearly 20 quid absolutely free! I personally can’t wait to get my mitts on one of those beautiful velvet makeup bags. I’ve been assured they’re lovely and soft to the touch. If you need any help picking out which products to get, check out our other Vichy reviews.

What do you think ladies? Have you any other recommendations for other awesome spot busters and hand healers?