Skin emergencies happen to the best of us. In just the past week alone, I’ve been plagued with weather- and retinol-induced dryness, puffy eyes and lackluster skin, and I’m lucky to have had a three amazing problem-solvers from First Aid Beauty.
There’s never an ideal time to get back on the Retin-A, because my skin inevitably gets dry and peely. I figured this would be no biggie when I went away with the fam for Thanksgiving, but in retrospect it wasn’t my best skincare decision. An arctic blast (well, as arctic as the west coast of Florida can get) didn’t help matters, and the chilly, windy weather made the flaking that much worse. Fortunately I packed a bag of products in need of reviews, and the Ultra Repair Cream was one of them. This mega-moisturizer does more than just hydrate… It contains colloidal oatmeal to instantly soothe itching and irritation (making it great for eczema), ceramides to strengthen the skin’s barrier, allantoin to help skin recuperate, and a blend of antioxidants to defend against free radicals. I love the whipped texture, how fast it absorbs and the fact that it can be used on the face and body—and it contains no petroleum, parabens, synthetic colors or the like. (I highly recommend stocking up with the 6-ounce size.)
Overindulging is part of any vacation of mine, and let’s just say I hit the Thanksgiving buffet hard. My retribution came in the form of puffy eyes the morning after, and First Aid Beauty came to the rescue once again. I can’t say enough good things about the Eye Duty Triple Remedy. Designed to (1) brighten, (2) depuff) and (3) soothe, this product is a must. First you apply a few dots under your eyes, then blend the cream in with the metal tip. Between the retinol, peptides, caffeine and other skin-improving ingredients (plus the cold and massaging motion you get from the applicator), the result is pretty amazing. Undereye circles are gone, skin tone is more even, and basically you look like you’ve been awake for hours.
I also had a chance to try the Facial Radiance Overnight Mask while I was away. I always treat myself to at least one DIY facial when out of town, and this leave-on mask was the icing on the cake. Packed with niacinamide to even out discoloration, hydrating glycerin, omega fatty acids and antioxidants, it helps you wake up to a brighter, healthier complexion come morning. And because you don’t have to wash it off, it’s ideal for even the laziest lass.
First Aid Beauty isn’t just about fixing problems as they pop up… The line has fantastic products for daily use as well. One standout is the Facial Radiance Pads. Like an exfoliator and toner in one, this twice-daily treatment contains lactic and glycolic acid at a level sensitive skin can handle, plus cucumber, Indian gooseberry, lemon peel and antioxidants to promote bright, healthy, youthful skin. A super-easy way to kick your skincare regimen up a notch, simply slip this step in after cleansing.
