Review: Reviva Labs Hyaluronic Acid Serum!

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: Our highest-potency daily moisture booster! Reviva Labs has now compounded a higher level of premium Hyaluronic Acid into a precious fluid that can help raise skin's moisture level to fill-in furrows, plump up tissues and tone-down lines. Apply under creams in the evening or alone to hydrate skin. If also seeking firmness, alternate with our DMAE Firming Fluid. Benefits: Unlike products that depend on moisture in the air, HA can help hydrate skin even in dry climates or heated rooms that rob skin of moisture. (REVIVA LABS)

INGREDIENTS:

A little background information on Hyaluronic Acid used in Cosmetics:

(You can skip this and scroll down directly to my review) 

-The use of hyaluronic acid in both the cosmetic and medical industry is gaining momentum as its properties of scar reduction and aiding wound and ulcer healing are becoming well known. Cosmetic products containing hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin allowing it to appear smoother and more radiant.
 -Hyaluronic acid (HA) can absorb over 1000 times it weight in water allowing it to hydrate to skin and other areas that it contacts.

The skin is the largest organ in the body comprising about 15% of the body weight. Roughly 50% of the Hyaluronic Acid in our body is found in the skin. Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen are vital to maintaining the skin’s layers and structure. It is the collagen that gives the skin its firmness but it is the HA that nourishes and hydrates the collagen. Imagine the collagen as the stretchy fibers that restore the skin back to shape when stretched. Collagen is like a rubber band but stretch that rubber band a million times, like what we do with our skin and without any moisture. Eventually that rubber band gets over stretched (saggy) and dried out and will most likely break. This is much the same way the collagen in our skin reacts leaving our skin dry and wrinkled. Now imagine that same rubber band stretched a million times while under water the whole time. Chances of that rubber band drying out and breaking are minimal. Consider the Hyaluronic Acid as the water that keeps the collagen moist and elastic. Collagen is continuously surrounded and nourished by the gelatinous HA substance. Young skin is smooth and highly elastic because it contains high concentrations of Hyaluronic Acid, which helps skin stay healthy. As we grow older, the body loses its ability to maintain this same concentration in the skin. With decreasing levels of HA in the skin, so goes the ability of the skin to hold water. The result, the skin becomes drier and loses its ability to restore itself. Hyaluronic acid acts as a space filler by binding to water and thus keeping the skin wrinkle-free. (DermatologistRx.com)

The more I'm advancing into the world of Skincare, the more I'm learning about the individual components of popular skincare products. Hyaluronic Acid is something that I have never really heard of prior to using this serum. I researched a little bit and browsed my favorite makeup community forums and found that Hyaluronic Acid is really sought-after for those with dry skin. It can be taken orally as a pill or in the form of a serum, cream or toner. Although I don't have dry skin, I thought it would be a fantastic serum to try to keep my skin hydrated 24/7. I do once a while have a little dryness from using harsh cleansers (such as African Black Soap) or exfoliation, that will typically occur around my mouth and chin area. Usually if that occurs, it will be fixable within a couple of days with a good moisturizer. I have been using this serum for 4 weeks now, 1-2 times daily, using 1/2 a pump each application. The consistency of the serum is very light and is kind of like a runny gel. One applied to the skin, it seems to distribute well all over the face. I'll never have to go back for more. It may feel sticky for about 15 seconds, but the stickiness goes away completely within 30 seconds and you are left with hydrated skin. The serum doesn't leave any traces of product left on the skin's surface so you are able to layer a moisturizer over it fine or even your makeup. What's different about Hyaluronic Acid than a standard moisturizer is that it really works within your skin. It won't give your skin the illusion of moisturize with an oily residue. You may not notice it right away if your skin is dry, but after continued use you will see the results. Since using this product, I haven't had one instance of dryness. My skin is always hydrated and radiant. Crazily enough, I have smile lines that drive me insane because many times my foundation will settle in the fine lines and I'll have to touch up with powder a couple times throughout the day. My makeup hasn't seemed to settle at all in those lines since I've been using this. Also, the little corners around my nose are typically a little dry and now they are completely moisturized. Hydraluronic Acid has now become a staple in my everyday skin routine and I don't want to be without out it! The price of this serum is $20 for 1 oz of product. It may be a little pricey, but it's something that works well for me and I will continue purchasing it once I run out. Like I mentioned, I've used the serum for 4 weeks, sometimes twice a day and I have 2/3 product left. The bottle should last me for 2 more months. So, a little over $6.60 a month - it's completely worth it.

PROS: Ease of use - It distributes well & works quickly without residue. You can apply it and don't have to sit and wait for it to absorb before you apply your moisturizer or makeup. You can really apply it and be done. No smell, it's transparent and is non-irritating. It keeps my skin feeling fresh, hydrated and plump!

CONS: I really can't think of any cons for this product - it's fantastic!

PACKAGING: I really like the packaging for this product. It's a glass bottle with a quality pump, in which you can control how much product you want to dispense.

OVERALL: I just wanted to make clear that this is a serum. Therefore, it's a treatment for your skin. A serum shouldn't be your moisturizer. You should use a separate moisturizer after applying any skin treatment - especially if you are prone to dryness. My skin type is normal, sensitive (acne-prone) with very little oiliness in the t-zone. It didn't take long for this product to work for me. It may differ if you have a different skin type. I think this is a fantastic product for your skin and should be incorporated in your skincare regime (whether it be in the form of a vitamin, etc) especially if you suffer from dryness - but I believe all skin types can benefit from it!
 

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for free for consideration. This review is completely honest based on my individual experience in using this product.