Before we dive in, here’s a run-down of my skin:  I have dry, sensitive skin. I have the occasional breakout, often brought on by hormonal changes and stress. Being in my early 30s, I’m feeling more and more obsessed with finding anti-aging skincare products that don’t irritate or dry out my skin.

What is a Medi-Spa?

A medi-spa (or medical spa) is a hybrid between a medical clinic and a traditional spa. Think relaxing spa experience, with the knowledge and expertise of a doctor. Now imagine being at home in your comfiest loungewear, with a diffuser going, a cup of your favourite tea, and being able to have a medi-spa experience. This is where Neostrata’s unique “medi-spa” collection comes in! 

Step 1: NEOSTRATA Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish 

Directions: I used this 1-3 times a week. On clean, wet skin, massage in a circular motion for thirty seconds. You can leave it on for up to two minutes, however with my sensitive skin I immediately rinsed it off with warm water. 

Spoiler alert! The Glycolic Microdermabrasion Polish is my favourite product in this entire skincare routine. If I could only repurchase one product this would be it! I love that this polish contains 10% glycolic acid (AHA), which is known as a holy-grail exfoliating ingredient. The glycolic acid helps remove dead skin cells, revealing the bright layers underneath. It’s also great at fading discolouration, treating acne,  and helping combat the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. 

This polish is very gentle on my sensitive skin, and to my surprise, not drying at all! After one use, my skin felt incredibly smooth, soft, and refreshed. I found that when I use this during a breakout, it helps clear up any blemishes within a couple days (thank you, glycolic acid!). 

Step 2: NEOSTRATA Hydra Filling Cream

Directions: I used this 1 – 2 times a day, after using the Microdermabrasion Polish, or my everyday cleanser. Apply to face and neck.

I was excited to see that the Neostrata Hydra Filling Cream contains pure hyaluronic acid, which is naturally produced by the body so allergic reactions are rare. This cream has been formulated to attract moisture to dry and dehydrated skin, which has a plumping effect; in essence it helps to reduce the look of fine lines & wrinkles!

This cream has a rich, creamy texture, which is non-greasy and absorbs into my skin really quickly. I find that a little goes a long way, so the jar lasts quite a while. The cream does have a light scent, which I usually don’t like, so I found myself using this more as a night time cream. My skin feels instantly smoother after each use, and doesn’t give that “burning” sensation when applying to any dry patches. When I do use it during the day, I love how smoothly my makeup applies. 

Step 3: Hyaluronic Acid Micro Infusion Patches

Directions: Before bed, remove the patches from the tray and carefully remove the white protective film. Gently press the rough side of the patch onto clean, dry skin over the desired expression line; crow’s feet, forehead creases, and laugh lines. Repeat with second patch. After a great night’s sleep, gently remove patches and discard.

This Neostrata product was really fun to try! Launched in April, these first-to-market Micro-Infusion Patches are a non-invasive micro-filler containing 100% pure hyaluronic acid. They’re so easy to apply and don’t irritate my skin. I did have a slight tingling sensation, but nothing uncomfortable.

While I didn’t see any immediate results, I’m hoping they will slow down the aging process. One bonus use I found for these was to use them on really stubborn, dry spots; just apply to dry spot, and leave on overnight. In the morning, I could see that it significantly reduced my dry spots! I’ll definitely be keeping a couple packs of these in my skincare stash – especially for the upcoming winter.

Bonus step: NEOSTRATA Dual Acid Anti Aging Peel

Directions: I used this once a week, however you can use it 1-3 times/week. Apply to clean, dry skin (both face and neck!) using a cotton pad. Avoid eye area and lips. Leave on for 15-20 minutes and rinse with water. Follow up with a moisturizer.

As someone with sensitive skin, I’m pretty reluctant to try any kind of face mask or peel. I tend to have reactions to the majority of masks I try; burning, redness, itching. However, in my quest to find anti-aging products, I knew I had to give this one a shot and wow, I was pleasantly surprised! 

First I tested it on the least sensitive areas of my face; for me, my chin and forehead. Over the next few weeks, I slowly built up to applying it to my entire face (avoiding the eye and lip areas, of course!). This mask is so gentle that I would often forget that I had it on, it didn’t irritate my skin at all! Usually, I find masks leave my skin feeling tight and dry, however I found that this one left my skin feeling moisturized and soft. 

Have you tried Neostrata before? Let me know in the comments below!

The Neostrata team was kind enough to gift me all of the products reviewed however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Written by Amanda Dymond, Lead Designer at Well.ca