When EltaMD launches a product, they do, admittedly, not rush things. That’s why the latest rollout from the derm-loved brand took some time—as in 10 years and some change—and is coupled with an equally staggering 80-plus clinical studies to back it up.
Enter the Skin Recovery System, a three-piece Toner-Serum-Moisturizer that comes with the very honorable accolade of being the brand’s first foray into a skin-care system.
The trio’s complexion-perfecting goals—to repair, renew, protect, calm, soothe, and reduce redness—are fairly all-encompassing but, as the brand tells us, the main focus of the trio (the products are sold separately as well) is to improve the skin’s barrier.
The secret: Its proprietary triple-action AAComplex technology, an antioxidant- and amino acid–packed problem-solver that “strengthens from within to protect from future damage” and is “proven to repair a damaged skin barrier.” Add in additional ingredients like squalene, coconut fruit extract and sodium hyaluronate, and all three formulas make for a very moisturizing mix.
And the actual results don’t lie: The system does the often-impossible task of being incredibly lightweight on skin, but leaving you with that fully hydrated feeling very soon after the first application. Plus, it’s pretty easy to use, even if a toner isn’t part of your normal process.
As Saddle Brook, NJ dermatologist Dr. Fredric Haberman told us, skin barrier repair is a particularly hot topic right now—and a damaged one can manifest itself in various ways.
“There are many effects of a damaged skin barrier, which consist of chemical effects and physical effects,” he explains, adding that examples of chemical effects are pollution and skin treatments, while examples of physical effects include sunburns, mask irritation and skin wounds.
“These chemical and physical effects can damage skin cells, including those of the immune system and can lead to itchy skin, acne, skin eruptions (i.e., rashes), fine lines and your skin may be less-protected and more easily prone to further exposure to the elements,” he adds. “This new line addresses those issues very well.”