Getting a Lift with the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment
More than six years have elapsed since oxygen facials became trendy among Hollywood celebrities and moneyed spa clientele, who touted the skin-plumping, instantly rejuvenating (albeit temporary) effect yielded by a fast-acting treatment involving infusing the skin with moisturizing agents via stream of pressurized oxygen emitted by a special oxygen compression machine. Advocates of oxygen facials argued that these treatments were particularly invaluable for women with dry and mature skin since, as we age, oxygen doesn’t reach our skin cells as effectively, therefore being unable to trigger the cellular regeneration and repair processes that keep our complexions supple, radiant, and free of wrinkles, sun spots, and fine lines. Since then, of course, many skin care companies have released face masks, serums, and creams claiming to improve the delivery of oxygen to skin cells and to deliver spa-worthy results at home— from Bliss, with its Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask, to Philosophy, with its Sephora.com.
Now, renowned dermatologist Kate Somerville has unveiled a new revolutionary anti-aging treatment that improves oxygen delivery to the skin, while accompanying this “breath of fresh air” with a blend of moisture-retaining lipids and soothing, hydrating, and firming botanicals. Since its release in March, the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift Advanced Wrinkle Treatment ($95 at KateSomerville.com) has emerged as a favorite among beauty writers and bloggers and a best-selling skin care product at Sephora stores. The appeal: unlike so many oxygen-based treatments before it, the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift provides both instant and long-term results, plus it targets not only sagging skin and puffiness, but uneven skin tone, dryness, and visible aging signs.
The DermalQuench formula relies on PFC (perfluorocarbon)-based oxygen carriers, which are stable molecules capable of delivering pure atmospheric oxygen (free of harmful environmental radicals) at a substantially higher rate than hemoglobin. The PFC-based oxygen carriers deliver O2 to skin cells, helping to essentially pump up these topical cells and thereby reduce the appearance of expression lines (smile or frown lines, the “11” lines between brows, etc.) and wrinkles almost instantly. The formula also incorporates hyaluronic acid, which acts like a magnet for humectants, drawing in moisture and retaining it for long-lasting hydration; firming and calming botanical extracts ranging like lavender oil and Indian Cress flower, leaf, and stem extracts; and a lipid blend that also enhances the skin’s moisture-retention properties.
According to clinical tests performed bu the Kate Somerville camp, customers saw as much as a 130% increase in skin moisture after a single use while, after two weeks, 83% of women claimed that their wrinkles were less visible and their skin felt smoother. Now, clearly, most products on the market point to clinical trials with stellar results, but little information is provided regarding the details of these tests: the size of the focus group, the experimental controls, the ages and skin types of those tested, etc. In other words, I tend to think of these clinical trial results as mere fluff, the equivalent of a meaningless superlative adjective like “ground-breaking” and “revolutionary.” Maybe it’s the skeptic in me but, when it comes to results, I need to see it to believe it.
Needless to say, then, I started testing the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift without any exorbitant expectations. Admittedly, I found the nozzle applicator a bit intimidating but, after reading the instructions, I felt confident that it wouldn’t be too daunting a feat. To use the product, which you should apply to your clean face in the morning and night, you must first shake the bottle. When you do so, you’ll hear a clicking sound inside the metal can reminiscent of the noise made when you shake a spray can. After shaking the bottle, you must prime the applicator by pushing down on the white applicator button three times, spraying the substance away from the face. Once you’ve done so, you’re ready to begin the actual application. Holding the can upright and pressing down on the actuator button with your index finger, you want to spray the DermalQuench along your face in a horizontal line, tracing the outline of your cheekbone from the hairline to the side of the nose. Next, you want to trace another line stretching from the hairline, right by the ear, all the way to the mouth (steering clear of your lips, obviously). Last, you want to spray a line along your jawline. Once you’ve created these three lines, you want to massage the lightweight, serum-like substance onto your skin using light circular motions. Next, you repeat the process on the other side of your face and, if needed, you can spray one last line across your forehead and blend that in as well.
Having performed this process countless times at this point, I can’t stress the importance of shaking the can enough so as to dispense an even amount of product. You also need to ensure you maintain a steady amount of pressure on the actuator button so that you won’t have any inconsistencies in terms of the amount of product released. As you dispense the product, you’ll notice it has a frothy, airy consistency but it’s also extremely light, more akin to a serum than a cream or lotion. It can feel a bit sticky for a few seconds but, by the time you massage it into the skin (a process that takes less than 30 seconds given how easily your skin will absorb the substance), any gel-like stickiness will have dissipated.
Immediately after my first trial with the Kate Somerville DermalQuench, I noticed that my skin appeared more radiant, more alive (my complexion had been looking a bit dull and lifeless). Also, the small lines on my face that torment me (like the “11” lines in between my brows, which seem to be growing deeper with each passing week) were practically erased. At that very moment, I was sold!
I’ve been using the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift for over two weeks now, and I’m really pleased with how smooth and supple my skin looks. It hasn’t done wonders in terms of eradicating any existent discoloration, but it has helped to accelerate the healing of any wounds (including dried blemishes), given me a bit of a “glow” (which I really appreciate ), and of course, tightened any areas that had lost some elasticity.
Bottom line: all the hype is not just hot air, gals!
