The Real Deal: Is Sativa's Moisturizer Right for You?
I've got combination skin, but the oily areas are always the ones that steal the show.
I've been dealing with acne for over 20 years now, and it's just something I've learned to live with - it comes and goes, with the occasional flare-up. Of course, my skincare routine and acne treatment plan have changed dramatically over the years. From using no moisturizer and wiping my face with toner (and sometimes even chlorhexidine) multiple times a day to using a gentle, hydrating moisturizer and restoring my skin's microbiome (with the help of prescription meds, my dermatologist, and aesthetician).
I've been on the hunt for the perfect face cream for years now, and it's just so hard to find one that's perfect for life.
Our skin is always changing, and so are its needs. Whether I'm in the middle of an acne flare-up, actively treating it, or just taking maintenance meds, I have to switch up my moisturizer all the time.
So, I bought the Sativa daytime moisturizer for oily, sensitive skin (No. 33) to use during my active benzoyl peroxide treatment (with Basiron), to counteract its side effects - dryness and irritation.
For most people with acne, it seems like the goal is to dry out those pesky pimples, and that they'll magically disappear if you use a moisturizer on your face with acne. Newsflash: that's just not true. If you dry out your skin, you'll just end up with more oil production, clogged pores, and a bacterial imbalance. So, either you dry it out first, and then try to repair it later.
So, here's the thing about Sativa.
Sativa Day Cream for Oily Sensitive Skin No. 33I'm not a huge fan of natural skincare, but I've dabbled in it. Usually, you get what you pay for, and I'm not talking about a fortune. This Sativa cream set me back almost 2000 rubles, so I was eager to see if it was worth the splurge.
One thing that struck me right off the bat was the packaging. It's seriously impressive. I mean, this thing is solid.
The box is heavy-duty, made from textured card with a matte finish and Sativa's distinctive branding. It's a pleasure to hold, and it's clearly designed to protect the contents during shipping. Let's take a look inside:
Sativa Day Cream for Oily Sensitive Skin No. 33The box has additional reinforcement ribs to keep everything secure, and the bottle is firmly attached in the center. I'm not worried about it getting damaged in transit. The box itself is also a bit unconventional, with a sloping top. It's clear they put some thought into the design – and the price.
The bottle itself is pretty handy, with a hygienic dispenser that lets you control the amount of cream you apply. And the lid is securely attached, so you don't have to worry about it coming loose.
Sativa Day Cream for Oily Sensitive Skin No. 33So, the packaging is definitely a highlight. But what about the product itself?
Sativa Daily Moisturizer for Oily Sensitive Skin #33When I think of natural skincare, a few things come to mind based on my experience:
it's not for people with allergies (because it often has multiple ingredients, diverse plant-based ingredients,it can have a strong, natural scent (especially if it doesn't contain synthetic fragrances or artificial scents),it can be finicky to use (with issues like separation, slow absorption, or an unusual texture) because there aren't many high-tech, natural components,it often has a shorter shelf life (due to the limited number of preservatives allowed in natural skincare products, which creates a good environment for bacteria and other microorganisms).However, if I like the moisturizer's effect, I can overlook the sensory issues and scent. I've been lucky and haven't had many allergic reactions to skincare products.
So, what do we have here.
The moisturizer has a rich texture - not too thick, but it doesn't absorb instantly, taking some time to soak in.
Sativa Daily Moisturizer for Oily Sensitive Skin #33I applied it a bit unevenly:
Sativa Daily Moisturizer for Oily Sensitive Skin #33It's a pale yellow color with a rich, herbal scent. I like it, but it might be overpowering for some people.
The formula is quite complex:
There's a laundry list of oils in here, but one thing that really stands out is that the cream is made exceptionally well - no separation, consistent texture, and a smooth consistency. However, the massive oil phase in a cream for oily skin does raise some concerns, even if you're talking about sensitive or reactive oily skin.
I applied this cream during a period of treatment with basal, and my skin was drier and more sensitive than usual. The cream gave it great protection, balanced its state, and helped preserve the microbiome. It cleared up any possible flakiness and helped restore my skin.
It didn't cause any clogged pores or new breakouts for me.
When I tried using it during a period of remission, when I wasn't using basal much at all, it made my skin feel greasy and overpowered - so it's not a daily go-to for me. But for specific situations, like in the cold weather, I think it's worth considering. I haven't tried it in the summer.
Sativa Day Cream for Oily Sensitive Skin #33During treatment, the cream helped keep my skin alive and not dull and lifeless, like it often is with basal. I applied it in a thin layer and made sure to wash it off at the end of the day.
Verdict:
I'd recommend this cream to anyone actively treating acne, especially those on retinoids. Although, it's generally advised to stick to neutral products during treatment to avoid any potential reactions. Still, it's worth trying.
It's also suitable for oily skin without acne, especially if it's become sensitive. And, of course, during the colder months.
Overall, the cream feels super nourishing and protective, but oily skin usually needs more hydration than nourishment.
So, I wouldn't recommend it to those with allergies.
But, in all fairness, this cream is a great example of what natural cosmetics can achieve with modern technology and professional expertise. It definitely lives up to its promises.
Thanks for your time!
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