Using acids on the face to re-texturise and exfoliate have been around for a while so it was only a matter of time before these ingredients started to show up in body products.
I’ve been using the Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion since Christmas- it was actually on my Secret Santa List as I wasn’t prepared to spend over £20 on a body product– and have only just finished it now.
Disclaimer- this product doesn’t last 6 months if you’re using it every day. It’s been in rotation with a couple of other body products, namely gradual tanners as the weather got warmer.
Product claims:
- Proven to increase moisture levels in skin
- Improve appearance of keratosis pilaris (the little bumps on the skin often on the backs of arms)
- Improve appearance of ingrown hairs
- Softer and smoother skin
It has an unusual texture, almost like a gel and the experience of applying it is nothing spa-like. Think of it as a topical serum that is there to do its job.
It sinks in quickly to the skin and does leave a smooth finish. The smell reminds me ever so slightly of hair removal cream but this doesn’t last. It’s worth noting that they have just brought out a new limited edition formula with rose, perhaps to address this.
So what’s in it?
The product contains lactic acid (an alpha-hydroxy acid) which exfoliates and hence why over time, skin should feel smoother. I would recommend using this in the Winter months because of skin’s increased sensitivity to sunlight when using an AHA (or any acid/exfoliant for that matter). Now the directions say to apply this twice a day for 4 weeks, which I have to admit I only used once a day. If you’re purchasing this to specifically treat keratosis pilaris, then use it twice. My main motivation for using this was to boost the overall tone and texture of my skin, combining it with body brushing.
I definitely saw an improvement in the tone, my skin appeared much more even and less blotchy (perhaps improved circulation with the body brushing).
In terms of ingrown hairs, which is something the lotion also claims to treat, I epilate on my legs and often suffer from ingrown hairs. My epilator is old and so the blades are probably not as good at taking the hair from the root as they used to be. But where I often suffer from ingrowns is on the outside of my calf. There were noticeably fewer here than usual so using this after epilating (and any other hair removal method) will definitely help over a standard body lotion.
Would I repurchase?
I’m not sure. It’s not cheap and I wonder if the same effects could be had by combining say The Ordinary Lactic Acid with my regular body lotion? I get a lot of pleasure from putting body lotion on after a shower or bath, so the fact that this is a ‘dermatological skincare‘ product rather than a luxury one takes that away. Maybe it’s worth trying the rose-scented version to see if that makes it more enjoyable. I’ll continue with the body brushing and see if that maintains results, but for now I’m on the fence.
Available at major retailers including: Cult Beauty, Look Fantastic, SpaceNK and M&S for roughly £24
Skin Shelfie 