Murad very kindly sent me one of their Vitamin C Infusion Home Facial Kits, which I've wanted to try for a while.  This weekly vitamin C treatment mask (a at-home version of their spa treatment) claims to improve the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, stimulate skin renewal and increase hydration.

Vitamin C is one of the ingredients required to produce collagen.  Theoretically more collagen = plumped up skin*.  But can skin absorb vitamin C?  From my very unscientific research, it appears only very highly concentrated amounts (more than 10%) can be absorbed.  High concentration of vitamin C = £££.  Hence this kit, with 30% pure L-Ascorbic acid,  is not cheap at £65 for four treatments.

*Women in Asia spend A LOT of money on collagen drinks and tablets, although ingesting collagen doesn't necessarily mean your skin will absorb it.


Included in the kit are:

• Pure Vitamin C Treatment Gel x 4
• Pure Vitamin C Treatment Powder x 4
• Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum 15ml
• plastic mixing dish
• fan brush
• instructions

The kit allows for four treatments.


I think it is brilliant that they've included an illustrated instructions booklet, because I know that not everyone (ahem) read those tiny folded up pieces of paper in skincare boxes.  These instructions show you how to use this treatment step by step.


Starting with cleansed skin, the first step is to mix one packet of vitamin C powder with one packet of vitamin C gel in the plastic dish.  This is because topical vitamin C deteriorates and oxidises over time (remember that bottle of Cellex C turning brown?) - you must use this mixture immediately after mixing it.  I mixed this using the fan brush provided.

The texture of the mask is similar to condensed milk - it's quite thick but runny at the same time.  Be warned, the mask drips and spreads depending on your own body heat - mine did run a bit further down my neck than I had anticipated.


When I used the treatment for the first time, it initially did sting quite a bit when I applied it.  But on reflection it was the bristles of the fan brush that caused the stinging.  When I used the mask for the second time, I applied the mask onto my face & neck with my fingers and there was no stinging.  However I would still recommend a patch test for those with sensitive skin or to anyone using retinol.

After applying the mask, I massaged the product into my face for one minute as instructed, and left it on for 10 minutes.  Afterwards I rinsed with a muslin cloth and applied the serum.

I have used this weekly treatment three times now.  I can't comment on whether it improves the appearance of actual lines or wrinkles (luckily I do not have any yet).  But I can say it has improved my frown grooves between my brows and the onset of labionasal lines (those two annoying deep lines running from the corner of your nose to the corners of your mouth) - I don't notice them when I look in the mirror now.  I have also noticed a chemical exfoliant/peel-like effect after using this - I can see "old" skin flaking off the next day.

Bottom line - Would I recommend it?  Yes, but with caution.  As with all topical treatments it will only work if you use it consistently.  It is expensive for four treatments that will only last a month (but still not as expensive as a facial).  It might irritate sensitive skin.  If you cannot get your hands on a sample first, I suggest splitting the pack with 3 friends to test it before investing.


- PR sample -

---

Ingredients

Vitamin C Infusion Treatment Powder
Ascorbic Acid, Tapioca Starch

Vitamin C Infusion Treatment Gel
Glycerin, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Cyanocobalamin, Retinyl Palmitate, Beta-Carotene, Ranunculus Ficaria Extract, Rice Amino Acids, Lysine Lauroyl Methionate, Zinc Aspartate, Chitosan Ascorbate

Sensitive Skin Soothing Serum®
Water (Aqua), Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-20, Glycolipids, Hyaluronic Acid, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Algae Extract, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Yeast Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Malva Sylvestris (Mallow) Extract, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Flower Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Parietaria Officinalis Extract, PEG-12 Dimethicone, Propylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tetrasodium EDTA, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Blue 1 (CI 42090), Yellow 6 (CI 15985)