Oh man, I could SO do with some sleep right now.
Between moving house (again!), work, and family finally visiting, the last couple of weeks have been totally non-stop. I hardly slept a wink, often working into the wee hours of the morning to get everything done in time. I somehow made it through each day feeling like a zombie. But, I didn’t look like one.
If I managed to look decent on a few hours of sleep, it’s because of Vichy Idealia Night, a moisturiser made for poor sleepers. Its secret? Hydration.
What’s In Vichy Idealia Night?
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
Hyaluronic Acid is one of the most hydrating ingredients found in skincare.
It’s a moisture magnet that draws water from the environment and binds it into your skin. It’s so powerful, it can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water!
Extra moisture = plumper, softer and brighter skin.
P.S. Hyaluronic Acid isn’t the only moisture magnet here. Glycerin does the same thing, but on a smaller scale.
Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
NIACINAMIDE TO HYDRATE, SOOTHE, AND TREAT ACNE
If it were up to me, I’d put Niacinamide in every moisturiser. Why? It’s a multitasker:
- It hydrates skin: It’s more effective than petrolatum at preventing water loss.
- It soothes skin: It alleviates the symptoms of rosacea and irritations.
- It lightens skin: It reduces dark spots, blotchiness (redness) and sallowness (yellowing).
- It helps treat wrinkles: Preliminary research shows it can boost the production of skin-firming collagen.
- It treats acne: Its effects are similar to those of 1% clindamycin gel.
Who knew it could do so much?
Related: The Complete Guide To Niacinamide: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It
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APRICOT KERNEL OIL TO MOISTURISE SKIN
Derived from the kernels (seeds) of apricots, Apricot Kernel Oil is a fairly light oil that sinks in fast without leaving a greasy mess all over your skin.
Like all natural oils, apricot kernel oil is very moisturising. Thank its fatty acid content for it.
Fatty acids create a protective barrier on the skin that slows down water loss. Without a way out, moisture is forced to stay into the skin – just where it needs to be to keep it soft and supple.
Plus, this protective barrier has a second job: it protects it from harsh weather, pollution, germs, and all the other crap that attacks skin on a daily basis.
Related: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Apricot Kernel Oil In Skincare
ALCOHOL TO THIN OUT THE TEXTURE
Alcohol Denat is one of the most misunderstood ingredients in skincare. Word on the street is that it’s terribly drying and irritating.
To an extent, that’s true. The reason you feel so bad after you gulp down one too many cocktails is that alcohol is drying out every cell in your body, giving you a bad case of dehydration.
Does the same thing apply to skin when you slather alcohol on it? It depends. If alcohol’s all you’re slathering on, then yes, it will dry out your skin.
But if you use alcohol together with moisturizing ingredients, they’ll counteract its drying effects. Science confirms this. Recent studies show that alcohol isn’t as drying as we once thought.
Having said this, everyone’s skin is different. If your skin is particularly sensitive to alcohol denat and doesn’t tolerate it well, this cream isn’t for you.
But what’s alcohol doing here, anyway? Alcohol thins the texture of skincare products. It’s the cheapest way to do the job.
Related: What Does Alcohol-Free In Skincare Really Mean?
Texture
Gel-like and fast-absorbing.
Fragrance
A subtle and fresh floral scent. It’s pleasant enough, but, as we know, fragrances can cause irritations in some people. So, if your skin is sensitive, this is something to keep in mind.
How To Use It
It’s the last step of your skincare routine at night. You could use it in the morning, too, in between serum and sunscreen.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Vichy Ideal Night is very hydrating, no doubt about that. If you’ve been reading my blog regularly, you know that since discovering the wonders of Korean skincare, I realised how important, yet terribly underrated, hydration is for the skin.
I know I said it many times, but, when skin is properly hydrated, it looks healthy. It’s softer to the touch, looks plumper and smoother, and radiates a natural glow.
That’s what happens with this cream. I put it on at night and, in the morning, I wake up with luminous, softer, and supple skin.
It didn’t do much for my dark circles, so, without a good concealer, they’d still scream to the world that I am barely sleeping at the moment, but the rest of my face looked fresh and rested. I’m also happy to report it didn’t make me breakout.
One more thing: this has no antioxidants, glycolic acid, or anything like that. It has no anti-aging properties whatsoever. If that’s what you’re after, this isn’t for you.
Related: 4 Things I Learned From Korean Skincare
Who Is This For?
Most skin types can use it, but it’s best suitable for dry skin.
Who Is This NOT For?
The scent may irritate sensitive skin.
Packaging
A bright pink jar with a build-in mirror in the cap. Pretty, but not the most hygienic.
Does Vichy Idealia Night Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| Our first night cream that recreates the look of a restful sleep even when your nights are cut short. | It makes you look refreshed, but it won’t do anything for dark circles. That’ll still give you away, if you don’t use concealer. |
| Idéalia Night is our daily use night cream that helps the skin renewal process while you sleep. | A vague claim that means nothing. What skin renewal process? And how does it help? Without knowing this, it’s impossible to know if the claim is true. But that’s the point here. To make you think it does more than it actually can. |
| Tested on a panel of poor sleepers icluding young mums, nurses and flight attendants. | It may be true, but have you noticed they’ve only said they’ve tested the cream, not that the results are positive? |
| Signs of fatigue appear reduced. | True. |
| Fresh, radiant complexion. | True. |
Price & Availability
£29.00 at Dermstore, Escentual, and Feel Unique
Do You Need It?
It’s not a must-have, but if you’re looking for a basic moisturiser that makes you look fresh and awake in the morning, this is a great option to consider.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
- Caudalie Premier Cru Cream ($140.00)
Ingredients
Aqua, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil, Isononyl Isononanoate, Polysorbate 20, Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Propanediol, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose, Sesquistearate, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, BHT, C13-14 Isoparaffin, CI 17200, CI 15985, Triethanolamine, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, Adenosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Dipotassiumglycyrrhizate, Caprylyl Glycol, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, Laureth-7, Hydroxypalmitoyl Sphinganine, Xanthan Gum, Polyacrylamide, Acrylates Copolymer, Parfum
I’ve using the serum from this line in the mornings, and I love it. And, yes, as you’ve said I need MORE (or at least some) sleep #IfOnly
PS. Good luck with moving houses.
Marina, good to know the serum is good, too. May have to check it out. 🙂
Thanks hun. This was the most stressful move ever, but now it’s finally done. Now I need some serious sleep, too!