Over the years I have spent a small fortune trying and testing products that work for me and while I feel it is reasonable to spend a little extra on a quality product that works, replacing it month in and month out can become expensive.
When it comes to skin care I have learnt the hard way that expensive does not always equal better, and while there can be brands that truly do what they say on the label there are others that can easily be replaced by products for a fraction of the price. This DOES not apply to my saviour, Crème de la Mer.
I really thought this creme was a hype until I tried it for myself.
It gave my skin a natural glow and moisturised it like it has never been moisturised! I fell in love with the everything about it after a few uses except one thing: Its price.
I deciphered it’s ingredient list before buying to find out exactly what it was about its formula that made it so highly rated and one of the most expensive daily use moisturisers out there.
Skin care products list their ingredients in order of quantity, so you can tell from the first three ingredients if it is likely to be something worth your while.
Ingredient Number 1: Seaweed (Algae) Extract
Seaweed is naturally high in iodine, minerals, salts and vitamins, these work to leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated, while its conditioning benefits work to naturally repair skin. It works for oily, dry or combination skin. The fact that the majority of this cream is made up of this skin super hero is enough for me, it shows that you are not being ripped off by claims of having an active ingredient that don’t even make up 1% of the product.
It acts an amazing antioxidant, exfoliant, brightening agent as well as a hydrator
Heals skin conditions like acne, rosacea and sensitivity: seaweed can help soothe skin conditions associated with inflammation including acne and rosacea. It’s anti-inflammatory properties when combined with the benefits of magnesium and zinc is a formula for success as they are known to improve the appearance of redness in sensitive and hypersensitive skin. It also shields the skin from harsh environmental factors like pollution by creating a protective barrier, keeping acne and other skin conditions at bay, this was probably one of the reasons I convinced myself to buy it.
Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Seaweed is one of the are richest source of natural antioxidants including vitamin C which promotes collagen production to smooth lines and give the appearance of plumper, more youthful-looking skin. Check out my post on The Truth Behind the Effects of Vitamin C on your Skin
Regulates oil production: It helps to regulate the glands that produces sebum.
Brightens the skin: Seaweed has been known to help with hyperpigmentation; this is darkening of the skin in certain areas including brown spots.
Exfoliates dead skin cells: The detoxifying benefits of seaweed helps to gently remove dead, loose skin cells from the skin surface. This gets rid of the appearance of a dull skin tone and exposes an overall brighter complexion.
Moisturises the skin: It contains essential fatty acids that help maintain our skin’s barrier while locking in moisture.
Ingredient Number 2: Mineral Oil
2. Mineral oil forms a barrier over the skin, which stops the skin loosing water. Often creams that contain a lot of mineral oil are known as barrier creams and are recommended to people with dry skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.
It is this ingredient that gives your skin that beautiful plumpness and makes the skin appear firmer and diminishes the appearance of wrinkles.
Ingredient Number 3: Petrolatum
This is similar to mineral oil, it helps to lock water in the skin and and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is actually the main ingredient in vaseline. It’s what gives creme de la mer an instant anti-ageing effect.
If that wasn’t enough the “miracle broth” also contains calcium, magnesium, potassium, lecithin, iron, Vitamins, C, E and B12 alongside result-oriented citrus, eucalyptus, wheat germ, alfalfa and sunflower oils that undergo biofermentation.
It isn’t one of the cheapest options but having tried and tested many products that really work, I have to say it is worth every penny.
Here Are Some Good Alternatives
1. Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream £17.50
Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream: This uses the star ingredient of creme da la mer. It is not fermented in the same way but it does a good job at moisturizing, plumping and softening. It is a very good option if you just want to test out seaweed. At £17.50 you can’t go to wrong!
Buy Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream here
2. Weleda Skin Food
Although it doesn’t contain the main ingredient it does a seriously good job at hydrating, I sometimes use this as a mask, this formula is free of synthetic preservatives, fragrances, colorants, and mineral oils. It gets the job done and well. For only £12.95 it a great alternative for when you are running low on la mer.
Buy Weleda Skin Food here for £12.95
3. Nivea Moisturising Cream
Granted this is nearly not as luxurious as La mer, but its thick formula gets the job done. It does need to be worked a little into the skin but it provides intense moisture and skin as soft as a babies bottom, and at £4 you won’t feel guilty about rubbing it into your heels, elbows or anywhere else!
Buy Nivea Moisturing cream here
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