Our Rating: 4 stars

Reviewed by Liz

When I received the Dr. Alkaitis Day Crème ($65 in the shop), I was so excited to try it, that despite it being a day crème, I used it that same night before bed. On waking, I was pleased to see that it actually had an effect; my skin looked even and calm in the way that you might hope for when trying a new product for the first time. I then began my morning routine by using the Dr. Alkaitis cleanser in the shower (a product that I have been happily using for around six months), followed by my second application of the day crème. I was looking forward to using this as it should be used, in the daytime, and as a base for my makeup. I was very optimistic in light of how it had worked so positively on my skin overnight. This is where I had my first stumble.

My skin was quite dry after a hot shower, and the application of the crème was trickier. There is no slip or silicone-like effect with this product, so it doesn't glide over skin very easily. I would describe the texture as light. It liquefies quite quickly, but I discovered that it has an element of tackiness, especially when being applied to dehydrated skin. I was less than impressed as I tried to create a good base for my makeup during my frenzied morning routine. I then discovered that my face seemed to be having a reaction; think heat, itching and redness. I was confused – why had I gotten such good results from application the night before? The only thing I could think of was that I must have missed any reaction because I had gone straight to sleep. I checked my face during my morning break at work and thankfully things had calmed down but sadly my makeup did not look as good as it normally does. I then checked the Dr Alkaitis website, and it seems that an initial reaction is quite common - this is attributed to the fact that the products are 100% biologically active, and work ‘to bring a fresh supply of oxygen and blood to the skin’s surface via the capillaries’. I was a little concerned, but with this information in mind, I persevered.

After around one week, my skin was now used to the formula, and after some trial and error, I started to figure a few things out. I found that applying to damp skin helped the crème go on immeasurably easier, and that a gentle pressing motion worked best. I also found that an excellent makeup base can be created, but that I needed to wait a good few minutes for the product to fully penetrate. Fast forward another week and I had started to feel settled with the product. The crème is very hydrating and this visibly increases over time. In terms of the depth of this hydration, it’s hard to say. I am in my early thirties with some fine lines on the forehead and around the eyes, to which I’ve seen no change during the four week trial period. However, my main issue is with sensitivity and redness, and aside from the initial adjustment period, my skin has responded very well to the Dr. Alkaitis crème, and redness has definitely been reduced.

Finally, the biggest improvement that I have seen, or rather felt, is in the texture of my skin. The smoothness in week four is really impressive, and I haven’t felt the need to use an exfoliating product at all. My instinct is that the positive effects of this product are accumulative, and I have a real sense of the regeneration of my skin. I still have some product left, it’s hard to tell how much as the bottle is opaque, but I will certainly continue to use it now that the trial period has come to an end, and I am excited to see if the improvements continue.

Ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera gel*, virgin cold pressed Organic Shea butter*, Organic Herbal Skin Support Complex (compounded from the organic herbs St. John’s Wort flowers*, Water Navelwort*, Horsetail*, Coltsfoot*, Marigold blossoms* and Echinacea root*). Vegetable Lecithin, natural vitamin E complex (D- alpha, beta, gamma, delta tocopherols), Natural vitamin C complex and Citrus seed extracts and 100% pure Essential Oils.

* – Signifies certified organically grown.