Tuesday, June 28, 2011

RéVive Defensif Renewal Serum

Here's a secret I'm going to spill. I promise I'll share my skin-care treasures as soon as I've determined they work (not like the favorite eye makeup remover I kept a secret for almost a year). RéVive's Defensif Renewal Serum ($195) works, and I love it!

It became available in April of this year, and I purchased one at Neiman Marcus at the recommendation of Kathy Shoreman and Anna Befanis, the RéVive Product Specialist at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria. Both were impressed almost immediately after they started using it. When two skin-care mavens tell me something's great, it usually is.

Defensif Renewal Serum is a lightweight, protective serum that shields the skin against environmental aggressors and free-radical damage, while helping improve skin tone and texture. A scientifically advanced Bio-Renewal Protein promotes skin cell renewal to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles and unveil the even-toned, healthy complexion hiding underneath the surface of our skin. This small bioengineered protein has been shown to effectively increase cell renewal.

Two potent antioxidants deliver powerful protection against the visible signs of premature aging. Resveratrol is harnessed from the skins of grapes. A new generation of this potent antioxidant is more capable of fighting dangerous and harmful free radicals than earlier incarnations. This resveratrol was processed through a natural fermentation process to make the already-small molecule even smaller, allowing it to penetrate the skin to fight free radicals.

Superoxide dismutase is one of the most powerful antioxidants for protecting the skin against free-radical damage. It's now encapsulated in an advanced liposomal delivery system to enhance absorption. Defensif Renewal Serum also has a high concentration of glycolic acid, which keeps the dead surface skin cells sloughing off for a smooth, fresh complexion.

The directions say to use it in the morning and follow with your moisturizer. Contrarain that I am, I use it in the evening, when my skin is resting and refreshing. Most of the time, but not always, I follow it with a treatment moisturizer. I can see how it's perfect, though, for protecting the skin during the day, particularly in "unfavorable" conditions (heat, sun, humidity, and smog in the summer in my area).

Dr. Gregory Brown, RéVive founder and noted former surgeon stated, "Living on our planet begets aging...pollutants, diminishing protective ozone layer, UV rays...all of these factors contribute to the formation of free radicals. These free radicals wreak havoc on the skin's collagen and elastin, drastically promoting aging. The new Defensif Renewal Serum arrests those free radicals in their tracks." When Dr. Brown speaks, I listen!

I has stopped using this serum for a few days to test another serum last week. Suddenly, out of nowhere (but probably related to stress), I saw one of those "underground" inflammatory processes starting - the kind the develops into a blemish. I was appalled. I realized that my Zeno Hot Spot was packed away in a box and decided to go back to Defensif Renewal Serum to free my chin of any dead skin cells that might have trapped something irritating that needed to "depart" for the inflammation to clear. It took only two days, and the inevitable blemish was gone - stopped in its tracks by Defensif Renewal System! That just doesn't happen. I was impressed.

Even before this "event," I was impressed with the way my skin was looking. I use many great products, and it's hard to move the bar. I think RéVive's Defensif Renewal Serum did that. It was worth every penny of its price, and I need so little to cover my face and neck, I think I'll be using this serum for a long time. I like that legendary soft, supple, and dewy RéVive glow. If I could wish for anything - anything different - I'd love to have a little window to show me how much I've used. I don't want to run out of this fabulous serum.

You can purchase RéVive Defensif Renewal Serum and other RéVive products at RéVive's Web site, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys.

Photo courtesy of RéVive

11 comments:

Laetitia said...

I love finding new serums. Thank you for sharing this one! And I am glad it helped with your potential blemish. Maybe due to the level of actives, I sometimes develop an imperfection or two when I incorporate a new serum in my regime - I've seen two with Chantecaille's biodynamic lifting. I apply my Darphin overnight refining treatment, and all is well in a few days. But two days must be a record! Good for you. I think it is smart you are using this product at night. I don't like using glycolic acid during the day. The idea of peeling my skin and protecting it at the same time doesn't make sense to me.

Charlestongirl said...

That's what I thought, Laetitia. Didn't make sense to me to use glycolic during the day. Great minds...!

Fortunately, glycolic acid doesn't make me visibly peel. Retinol does, but not AHAs. I love chemical peels!

Love your term "imperfection." I need to borrow that. :)

Sally said...

This looks really promising! Revive always puts a lot of science behind their products. I was reading a recent article in a health magazine and it said that the particles in resveratrol may be too large for our skin to absorb. But maybe that's just companies manufacturing resveratrol pills trying to increase sales. I trust Revive.

Charlestongirl said...

Hi Sally,

I have talked to the company about penetrating the skin to layers below the surface, and I think they are onto something. I trust RéVive too, and I know from first-hand experience that their products work.

Dr. Brown has a long-standing, excellent reputation in the field. I sincerely doubt he would jeopardize that with unsubstantiated claims.

Glad you like the company too!

Miss Brahms said...

I know I am partial to Revive products, but have to tell you that this is my favorite serum EVER. I feel the need for a serum not just at night, but in the morning as well - currently, I use a different company's serum at night under my Moisturizing Renewal Cream, but wanted a serum for the daytime beneath my SPF cream and foundation - VOILA. This lightweight serum refinishes your skin for daytime, and the powerful antioxidants SuperOxide Dismustase and Resveratrol protect my skin from free radicals and OXIDATION - I really feel like I am putting on my suit of armor when I layer this beneath my SPF for the day. It has great slip and spreads well so you need one tiny pump. And, I have extremely fair and sensitive skin, and this serum,unlike plant-based radiance serums, does not sting my skin or irritate it at all. Seriously, I have noticed a difference since using the serum daily, only in the AM. If you don't believe me, come visit me at NM Tysons, get a look at my face, and snag a free sample!!! Ask for Kathy at the Revive counter - Revive is always happy to provide samples!

Rashim said...

Wow this serum sounds amazing, by any chance is this the replacement of their "Serum Protectif"? Never the less I love protective type of serums. Would you say Armani's "Crema Nera Extrema" is a protective serum as well? It claims to protect your skin cells so! Also, do you like La Mer's skincare?
Thank you :)

Charlestongirl said...

Rashim,

It's interesting that you asked that question because men really like Serum Protectif. I checked with the store, where the product specialist is on vacation. They think that Serum Protectif is being phased out, but I can't tell you that with any certainty. I need to check with the company.

I used Crema Nera Extrema, and even though I'm a huge Armani fan, I wasn't terribly impressed with it.

If I didn't have my La Mer Concentrate, I would just die. I love it - even more than their newer serums. :)

Rashim said...

I am not sure if there is a reply button to replied comment but I think I am having to post this as a new comment, but never the less thank you so much for the feedback and yes, I agree The Concentrate itself is just amazing. I am so sorry you did not like the Armani serum. I think I will just give the ReVive's new serum a go.
Take Care.

Charlestongirl said...

Let us know what you think, Rashim! John Gates loves the new serum.

The Armani serum just wasn't my favorite. I am sure many will love it, though. In fact, I gave mine to someone who loves it.

Concentrate sure is! There is nothing like it for immediate hydration!

Rashim said...

Excellent, I really do value you your opinion. By any chance who is John Gates?

Charlestongirl said...

Thanks!

John Gates:
http://bestthingsinbeauty.blogspot.com/2011/05/revive-skin-care-and-delightful-day-at.html