[unpaid/sample] I have been using Actevna as consistently as possible for the past few months. I can’t use anything exclusively for too long as there is so much to try and only one face! But, Actevna is a masterclass in skin care simplification – and it works.
In short, the brand is developed by molecular biologists with no preservatives (so keep in the fridge). Preservatives, even natural ones, can disrupt the skin’s biome making cells inactive and ineffective. They are considered ‘cytotoxic’ – meaning they are toxic to cells. The clear liquid is a mixture of NMFs and oil-free moisturizers and Trehalose does an additional job of protecting against external stresses, providing anti-oxidant protection, retaining water and providing proteins and peptides. The three sizes of humectants ensure hydration but what I don’t know is that if the skin is properly applied it doesn’t need to be exfoliated – it will just exfoliate.
From the provided pipette you take a measure and use once in the morning and once in the evening. You don’t need anything else at all. Each bottle contains a week’s worth of product and you need to use it for at least a month to see any difference. So, the difference – well, I think I can say that the skin on my face is permanently moisturized. It feels as wet when I wake up as it was when I went to bed. Friends have commented that my skin looks great and in fact, it is. It has that pleasant and light glow – but it takes time to achieve that – and skin that doesn’t need anything (at least for now) more. The surface is definitely smooth, permanently flexible and comfortable and the make-up stays on easily – there have been no interactions with other products (I’m sure they haven’t tested that… I don’t like to speculate about molecular biologists but have they tested whether Actevna is compatible with my favorite Chanel Water Tint? I don’t think so, but it is).
On the other hand, it is expensive and the value of the pipette did not feel like an adequate product at one time although I am sure it is very well rated. I wanted my neck soaked in water so maybe he wouldn’t mind that. I ended up revealing what I thought was about a number of open pipettes and I got out pretty quickly. I’m not entirely sure about the science – maybe it’s a bit technical at my level of aesthetic understanding and that’s why practical testing is so important and useful. Putting this on other products was interesting – I really wanted to give Actevna its best shot so I avoided my eye area to test the beauty gadget and the breakout prone skin cream on those (handy as I had a breakout on one of my eyelids!) I managed to last at least two weeks when I was completely clear of other moisturizing products even though I tested a lot of cleansers. I think I have two bowls left – I should have three or four but I’m very relaxed, I know.
The thing about Actevna is that it literally takes all the effort out of skin care – it’s boiled down to exactly what the skin needs, minus whatever it ‘thinks’ it needs. It’s probably the most effective skin care I’ve ever used and to be honest, I keep discussing this and it’s starting to feel old – I don’t know if I want a ‘routine’ when it’s clear, a simple routine works just as well. If Actevna is within the budget, I don’t hesitate for a moment to recommend it – it wouldn’t surprise me if the product ends up in Harrods or Selfridges with a big fridge counter and pools of dry ice around it ;-). I’m sure someone will pick this up. You can get four skin types HERE for £165 for 9 bottles which should last 3 months – the breakdown is £55 per month which may not be as expensive as it first appears. I will regret it if I have to move on from Actevna to try other products.