Daily Archives: February 22, 2012

Back when I was in my twenties, I used to laugh when I’d get carded, and blush when people asked what high school I went to. I had fair, clear skin and rosy cheeks and rarely gave a thought as to skin care. Moisturizers? Sun screen? Who needed it? Day cream? Night cream? Not me! After all, we’re talking about someone who was being asked what high school she went to!

Okay, maybe that was only once, but still…

As I approach the forties (I’ll be 38 in a week), all that has changed. The sun, the late nights, the years of wearing contacts, and the stress of a lay-off that lead to two years of unemployment has taken a toll on my skin. Even the addition of SPF-30 moisturizer (appropriately enough, when I hit 30) could do little to stop the wear and tear. And the creases, oh the creases! My “parentheses” (the little lines around the mouth, or the nasolabial folds, that appear in our mid-twenties) were deep and pronounced, and the bags under my eyes aren’t so much bags as luggage.

So when I was offered the chance to try Hydroxatone Hydrolyze Advanced Under Eye Formula- I jumped at it.

The cream itself is creamy-smooth, and dabs on like a dream (dab- you dab products on the skin around the eyes, never rub!). It has no odor and was soothing to apply in the morning (it is recommended that you apply morning and evening). Also, on a personal note- my skin is sensitive to new products. I tend to break out or experience redness; but with Hydrolyze, there was nothing of the sort.

The first week, upon close inspection, I didn’t notice much of a difference, only how many tiny little wrinkles appeared around my eyes when I smiled. But by the second week I made a startling discovery: My parentheses had diminished a great deal! In fact, when I wasn’t smiling, you could barely see them! My under-eye circles, too, were less noticeable. The fine lines, however, are still pretty visible.

The third week I made an effort to be in bed at a decent hour, and the bags shrank further, and I looked smoother, over all. Look- products are great, but they aren’t magic. If you aren’t going to make efforts toward working on the inside, then don’t expect things you apply to the outside to work unfailingly at turning back the clock.

Beautasia note: I always preach to “find your balance” We can’t always be “perfect” and do what expected all the time. What we take away we must put back in. French fries one day mean extra cardio the next. One too many glass’s of wine means juicing and lots of water and vitamins the next. Good luck Superheros in training!

All in all, I give Hydrolyze 4 out of 5 compacts. I would have liked to see a little more of the fine lines disappear. I will, however, keep on using it in the meantime and would definitely be interested in experimenting with their other products.

(One month in)

Contributed by Melissa Daniels, who works as a mother, personal assistant and comic book artist & writer in Los Angeles (when she isn’t reviewing beauty products).