I purchased Lotion P50W (the one formulated for sensitive skin) because I have extremely sensitive (and oftentimes dry) skin. However, even though this particular version is meant for sensitive skin, I do not feel as though it would qualify as gentle. And the smell. It's potent. If I didn't know what this product was for, and I just smelled it, I would not think to put it on my face or anywhere near it.
The first few times I tried it, I put it on a dry cotton pad and then padded it into my neck and face. It stung and within seconds my skin became blotchy and red and stayed that way for quite some time (and that was even with splashing cool water on my face afterwards).
I panicked because nowhere on the packaging did it suggest that such a reaction to this toner/lotion was normal, and, from all my reading about skincare for sensitive skin, I've gathered that if a product burns, it's probably not the right product for my skin. Needless to say, this product sat unused for a while in my bathroom until more recently, when I ran out of my usual toner and thought maybe I should give this product another go (I'm trying to use up what I have before buying a new skincare product). Only this time, I decided that I would delve a bit deeper online for more information on this smelly, mystery concoction and its relationship with temperamental skin.
And this is what I discovered.
Initially, I missed the video showing you how the product should be applied and what to expect when I purchased it on Rescue Spa (I'm pretty sure this is the only place that sells it online, and if I remember correctly, the video wasn't working when I went to purchase it originally). It was working this time around though, and I also found a couple of blogs that expanded on their experience with the stronger version of the product.
I found that the product does often cause redness and a burning sensation initially, which is meant to subside within 10 minutes or so until, essentially, your skin gets used to the product.
Despite that claim, I was still very skeptical of a product that reacts that way with my skin.
However, I also found that I could dilute the product a bit by wetting the cotton pad first before adding a couple of drops of the product to the pad. This seemed much safer, so I began to apply the product like this in the morning and evening after cleansing my face.
And the results were evident in just a few days of adding it to my routine.
Since moving to the Czech Republic, I've struggled with a perpetual breakout on my chin as well as redness, dryness, enlarged pores, and an uneven skin tone.
Upon introducing this product, my skin calmed down and evened out. My pores shrank, and I FINALLY said au revoir to the never-ending breakout on my chin. In fact, my skin has been clear since introducing this into my regimen. I'm back to wearing either no makeup or just a bit of concealer most days.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy makeup, but it is really great, at the same time, to feel great about your skin without it too.
I now understand why this product is loved and marveled at by many, and, since using it, I wonder at the effectiveness of other products I have tried in the past because there have been very few products that have made such a significant difference in my skin, let alone in such a short amount of time.
I feel like it is a do-it-all sort of product. It hydrates, tones, exfoliates, and rebalances the skin and therefore eliminates the need to buy a separate product for each of those things. Will I ever part ways with this product now that it has come into my life? Probably not. I have signed my name to the long list of Lotion P50 lifers (unless I find a great, sustainable option).
