After recently attending a REN Skincare Masterclass at Liberty's in London, I felt like I learned a hell of a lot of information that I just did not know before about skincare brand, Ren, and I was very impressed. I would like to say that I am not being paid to say this and I am not being given any free products from them in return for this post.
I had heard about Ren prior to attending the masterclass but to me they were just another skin care brand, with too many products to choose from, on my radar that I would try at some point. But now I genuinely believe that they are a great brand. Since using their products my skin has changed dramatically for the better, which makes me feel better within myself. If, like I was, you are over awed with all their product choices which actually prevented me from buying them in the first place. This little run down featuring some of their products may hep you to decide which, if any, are right for you.
The class itself was held in a beautifully ornate private room upstairs at Libertys. There was a large table in the middle of the room set out with all the lovely Ren products to try, as well as some amazing cupcakes and healthy fruit juices. The cost of the class was £35 which was redeemable against a product. I felt like this was very good for a 2 hour class, a goody bag containing a few samples and everything I learnt. The gentleman holding the class was called David and was incredibly friendly and informative. His own skin is a very good advert for Ren as it was so smooth and hydrated looking.
So lets begin with some anti ageing goodies, starting with the one most suitable for the youngest skin and working upwards...
Starting with the
Radiance Perfection Serum (£35). Although this is technically in the 'Radiance' range I am including it in this section because if you are too young for the Keep Young & Beautiful Serum (younger than mid 20's) then this is the right one for you. This serum is suitable for sensitive skin because it doesn't contain any of the fruit acids which are in some of the other anti ageing products from Ren. The fruit acids are what give your skin the exfoliating peel, sounds scary, but all Ren's products are below the 10% potency guideline which can be used without a professional. This does mean that it isn't as strong and wont actually resurface your skin but it is meant for the youngest of skin in the range. It is aimed at reducing the appearance of sun damage and hyper pigmentation if used regularly. Recommended use for optimum results is twice a day, morning and night, under cream.
The next product which contains a peptide which apparently increases skin firmness by 40% is the
Keep Young and Beautiful SH2C Serum (£46). This product is ideal for the first signs of ageing. In my late 20's, I feel like this is the right everyday serum for me and have since purchased it (review on the way). It supposedly triggers a gene which tells your skin cells to live longer. Therefore keeping your skin younger for longer. It also contains vitamin c to boost radiance. I was told that you would see the biggest change after 28 days. Again this product should be used morning and night under cream for optimum results.
Following on from the keep young and beautiful serum is the
Bio Retinoid Anti-aging concentrate (£42). Now if you are in your mid 30's or upwards, this is the serum for you. Contains Retinoid analogue rather than artificially produced Retinol and therefore is kinder and gentler to your skin. It works by speeding up the skins renewal process, getting rid of dead cells quicker and slowing down the breakdown of collagen in your skin. You will notice the biggest difference after using for a month. Apply 5 drops to your face at night under your cream.
The
Hydra Calm Youth Defence Serum (£38) is right for anyone with sensitive skin who has concerns about the appearance of ageing. It works in two parts, the first part protects your skin from environmental polutants like dirt, air conditioning, heating. The second part is the Hyaluronic acid which restores moisture back in to the skin. Use after cleansing morning and night under cream.
Those were the anti-ageing serums now on to the radiance range...
Starting with the
Satin Perfection BB Cream £26 (review to come shortly). This is a silicone free colour adaptive product. Corrects imperfections and makes skin look flawless. Can be used under or over foundation or on its own. It also protects against uv damage with an spf of 15.
Now on to the radiance products containing fruit acids. Starting with the lowest potency, suitable for the youngest of skin, and working upwards to the highest vol fruit acids which are more suitable for mature skin.
The
REN Micro Polish Cleanser (£20) is another two in one product. With the lowest percentage of fruit acids in this range at 2.5%, it deeply cleanses and exfoliates leaving skin smooth and soft. It contains no uneven exfoliating granules which can damage skin but uses crushed amber crystals for a gentle exfoliation. It basically helps the skin to look the best it can and smells lovely like oranges. Use 2-3 times per week by applying to damp face with gentle circular motions and rinsing thoroughly with warm water.
At 6.5% fruit acids the
Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask (£30) is a potent bio active peel mask. Containing an enzyme from the Papaya fruit, it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while combating congestion like blocked pores and spots by removing dead skin cells. It also contains omega oils for anti inflammation. Also beneficial for post acne scarred or blemished skin. Use 1-2 times per week for 10-20 minutes.
And the strongest of all the radiance range is the
Resurfacing AHA Concentrate (£30). This is powerful stuff at nearly 10% fruit acids. 10% is the highest potency which can be sold without a professional. This is aimed at those with deeper lines and wrinkles. It is a liquid which gently exfoliates and resurfaces so skin appears radiant, even and smooth. I was told to use 1 drop per night for 7 nights in a row before serum & moisturiser, 4 times per year. Or use for 7 nights then give yourself a 2 week break before repeating. Great to use after summer or a holiday to renew the skin of any sun damage.
Now if those resurfacing products aren't strong enough for you what you can do is apply a pipette of the
AHA concentrate on to your face followed by a 20 minute
Glycolactic Face mask.
So I hope that this was of some use to you in the mindfield that is REN skincare. I was certainly pretty confused before I attended the masterclass! The products I use regularly from Ren include the Glycolactic face mask, Keep Young and beautiful serum, AHA concentrate and the Hydra Calm flobal protection day cream. I will try and review these for you as soon as possible.
I realise that REN products are quite pricey and not everyone can afford £40 for a serum, I know at times I can't. You can get starter and travel size kits which are very good value at around £12. Ren are also giving 10% of your first order on their official site
www.renskincare.com plus any order you place on their site you will receive 2 good sized samples with your order. For example the Glycolactic face mask sample I have has lasted me 2 months so far using once per week! And a little tip is to search on ebay or blog sales for these items at greatly reduced prices. I got my Keep Young and beautiful Serum on ebay for £16 brand new and never opened!! So worth checking!
I would love to hear if you use any REN products or you can recommend any that I haven't mentioned here!
Also don't forget to watch my July Favourites video featuring REN, Rimmel & more
July Favourites
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As well as being a truly British brand they also do not believe in testing products on animals!!
