Not sure if it’s because I’m in my mid-20’s now…but my skin has been fluctuating between dry and oily, something that hasn’t happened before. I’ve been looking for some new skincare heroes that doesn’t cost an arm or a leg (or the price of 10 mochas.) I was sent the Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Mask, and there is no better time than now for a product like this. The first time I used Vichy was eight years ago! My mom had purchased some products before our Euro-trip and it was the first time I had to think about cleansing my skin apart from using water. Between then and now, I haven’t used any Vichy products since then.
I love multi-tasking products because I’m lazy and always looking for shortcuts. Vichy Noramderm Tri-Activ Mask ($19.95 CAD) is a 3 in one product, acting as an exfoliating scrub, a cleanser, and a mask. The mask/cleanser/exfoliator is targeted for acne-prone skin, but even with combination skin, I still very much enjoyed it. The formula of the Tri-Activ Mask contains:
- 25% Kaolin Clay – purifies skin, absorbs oil
- Salicylic Acid – a popular ingredient in acne fighting products. It helps unclogs and deep cleanse pores.
- Glycolid Acid – allows gentle peeling, provides antibacterial properties
- Zinc – regulates sebum, provides antimicrobial properties
- Pumice – a natural exfoliant derived from volcanic rock (my mom uses pumice stones for her feet; pumice is awesome!)
- 5% Mineralizing Thermal Water – rebalancing, strengthening, and regenerating the skin.
When Tri-Activ mask is used as an exfoliator, it helps unclog pores. As a cleansing cream, it reduces sebum production and impurities; and as a mask it mattifies the skin and creates a clean complexion.
To use it as a mask, I apply a thin layer on my face and let it sit for around 5-10 minutes for it to dry. It is SUPER comfortable during a bath or I like to rinse it out during a shower. Definitely do not leave it too long or the face while start to feel like it’s becoming a Weeping Angel (google it for all you non-Doctor Who fans!!) After cleansing it, my skin looks a lot more smoother and the shininess is gone from my face. I would use this 1-2 times a week, it can get pretty drying and no one wants to feel that sensation.
Oh, and I do use it often as a spot treatment- when I see that growing bump peeking out to ruin my day, I use the mask on those spots for a few nights in a row and my zits would actually shrink!
I often forget to exfoliate so I usually do it in the shower. I prefer using the Tri-Activ mask as a cleanser/exfoliator- meaning I don’t bother to clean my face AGAIN with another darn product after I exfoliated. Unless you have eye makeup on; then another cleanser will be needed as this product shouldn’t be used around the eye contour. The texture is thick and creamy; it contains fine exfoliating scrubs which feel gentle. If you like a good ol’ scrubby exfoliator, I suggest to skip this as a main exfoliating product as it is mild.
Overall, I love using the Vichy Tri-Active Mask as a mask; and it’s ok as an exfoliator. I usually like something stronger as my skin isn’t sensitive and I like to thoroughly scrub my skin then put a hydrating mask on. It’s also a huge time saver to leave it on as a mask for 5 minutes, hop into the shower, then wash it off while massaging it into my skin for exfoliation and cleansing. Did I mention- it retails for around $20 for 125mL, which is a fair price range for what it does. For someone who wears no makeup (or only concealer) to work, having a 3 in 1 product cuts down my night time skincare routine by a lot!
You can purchase Vichy online or instores at Murale and Shoppers Drug Mart.
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Disclaimer: Press Sample provided, all opinions are my own.
