For years now I've been waiting for CeraVe's celebrated SA products to launch in the UK. And that is exactly what happened, in August of this year. I was quick to place an order. And I have been putting both the Smoothing Cleanser and Smoothing Cream to the test ever since.
I have a condition on my legs and arms called keratosis pilaris, which is also often referred to as chicken skin. Basically, it's like having goosebumps on your arms and legs 24/7 and not even physical exfoliation really helps at all. And then on my face, I have uneven skin texture on my forehead and around my nose. So I am always on the lookout for products that might make a difference to either.
Earlier in the year I tried the REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum (review here) which was the very first product to have any real impact on my keratosis pilaris. But it isn't the cheapest of products to be rebuying every couple of months. So I was absolutely over the moon when I heard that cult US beauty brand CeraVe would be launching the SA range here.
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Every time I've been in the US I've had the SA Smoothing Cream and Cleanser on my wishlist. But it's either been crazy expensive (it was over $24 for the body cream on my trip to Miami earlier in the year). Or I've ran out of space in my suitcase to bring home anything even remotely heavy. I blame Bath & Body Works for always taking up a good chunk of my weight allowance.
So I thought that I would let you know how I've been getting on with the Smoothing range, particularly as I was so excited to try it. And here is that review;
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser (£12)
Even though I had heard incredible things about this range, I was a little bit weary about introducing a foaming cleanser into my life and onto my face. They are typically notoriously drying on the skin. And as someone with dehydrated skin, I don't need to add to that. But surprisingly my skin doesn't feel dry or tight after using this at all.
It's a gel consistency which foams slightly when mixed with water. And after a few weeks of use, I now have a holy grail product in my possession. However, I still do need to use a separate cleanser for removing eye makeup. As this cleanser should not be applied close to or around the eyes.
The reason for this; this cleanser includes salicylic acid. It also includes hyaluronic acid, which is why it doesn't dry out your skin, as well as CeraVe's trademark ceramides. If you suffer from acne, persistent breakouts, uneven skin texture or dry patches of skin, you simply need to try this cleanser out for yourself. It's also relatively affordable for what it does. And it's easy to see why it has been selling out even after just launching here.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cream (£12-18)
I decided to opt for the big tub of Smoothing Cream, for a couple of £ more. But you can also buy it in a squeezy tube for £12.
CeraVe, as the name would suggest, is packed with ceramides. And for the price, you really cannot beat what you're getting. Especially when you compare it to Dr Jart's Ceramidin range, for example. I would say that the Smoothing Cream is too thick for me to consider applying it onto my face unless it was in some serious need of moisture. But I love using it on my arms and legs in particular.
After just a few days I was quite literally shook at how much softer and smoother my skin felt. The cream contains both an AHA (lactic acid) and a BHA (salicylic acid) to chemically exfoliate the skin. But the lotion itself isn't greasy or sticky. It also doesn't contain fragrance and is hypoallergenic. So if you do have sensitive skin, it should even work for you.
You can buy the CeraVe SA range on Look Fantastic, Feel Unique and ASOS here in the UK. And I cannot recommend trying both out enough!
Have you ever tried CeraVe before? If so, what did you think of the product(s) that you put to the test? And what is your biggest skincare concern?
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