Neutrogena Hydro Boost Skincare & NEW Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment

Before summer ends I want to be surrounded by swaying palm trees and sparkling beaches so I’m planning another vacation. If it’s going to be hot as hell with sweltering humidity I might as well be sipping sangria poolside instead of battling mid-day traffic. On my packing list you’ll find a few new products from Neutrogena because nothing ruins a cute photo like dry skin and a big old zit.

This season I’ve been cleansing more to keep my pores and complexion clear. The Pink Grapefruit Wipes ($8.99) eliminate dirt, pollutants, oil, sweat and makeup while treating and preventing breakouts and blackheads. The blast of citrus and Vitamin C refreshes without over-drying so skin feels purified and soft.

I usually wear foundation, concealer, eye shadow and long-wear waterproof formulas (even in the heat) so I always use face wash and toner/micelle water after wiping off my makeup. The Hydrating Gel Cleanser ($9.99 - $12.99) is infused with Hyaluronic Acid to rinse away impurities without depleting moisture and the gentle formula is free of soap, oil and parabens. The silky lather abolishes bacteria, sunscreen and sebum to keep skin bright and healthy.

All that fun in the sun always seems like a good idea until a few rashy looking bumps pop up on my skin followed by itching, redness and irritation (I’m more of a fall/winter person). To get rid of annoying bumps and zits I’ve been using the Light Therapy Acne Spot Treatment ($31.99). This portable little pen slips in any travel bag so I can whip it out on long, boring flights. Use it as soon as you feel a blemish forming under the skin – it is clinically proven to treat mild to moderate breakouts. I’ve been swirling it all over my face to get rid of anything that might be lurking under the surface but you can also hold it over specific spots to really zap the heck out of unsuspecting pimples. The blue light kills bacteria and fights free radicals while the red light heals inflammation and swelling. The device works with 1 AAA battery and unlike the Neutrogena Acne Mask you are not limited to a set number of treatments.

After cleansing and light therapy use the Hydro Boost Serum ($22.79) to quench thirsty skin and enhance your glow. The formula applies quite liquid-y but melts in with a supple finish to smooth, soften and plump. The scent isn’t my favorite (it reminds me of public restroom hand soap) but it isn’t offensive. I usually apply the serum under day or night cream for layers of rich moisture.

Thankfully I’m not dealing with wrinkles just yet but it is never too early for preventative measures and the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Cream ($29.96 - $36.99) has created quite a buzz in the beauty community. This regenerating formula delivers Hyaluronic Acid in its highest concentration plus Rentinol to blur the look of deep wrinkles, crow’s feet, fine lines and sagging. It is also enriched with Vitamin A to visibly renew and a Glucose Complex to accelerate cell turnover and replenish. Some people may experience sensitivity to Rentinol so I suggest doing a patch test before using it on your face. In many cases the skin gradually adjusts to the ingredient and side effects subside.

Neutrogena is available at drugstores nationwide

Neutrogena Light Therapy Acne Mask Review

Utilizing blue light therapy to treat acne is not a new concept but recently several brands have made this treatment more accessible by creating safe, effective devices that you can use at home. Neutrogena has recently launched the Light Therapy Mask ($45.00) with the same technology used by Dermatologists to reduce the severity and reoccurrence of breakouts.

The kit comes with the mask and activator which works like a remote control to start the cycle. The activator is set for a total of 30 treatments which displays on a small screen to let you know how many you have left and how many you’ve used. When the counter reaches 0 you must purchase another remote ($19.97) to continue using the mask (it is not rechargeable). Unfortunately you cannot pause the treatment without losing a complete cycle, the counter will still eliminate one therapy session.

Each treatment session is 10 minutes long and the mask comes with built-in glasses to protect the eyes. The lights inside the mask are quite bright so be careful if you are prone to light sensitivity. Once I start the cycle, the warmth from the small bulbs feel soothing and make my skin tingle slightly. There is no sensation of pain or discomfort aside from the sharp edges of the glasses and I experienced no irritation. 

The therapy is quite gentle but there aren’t any lights towards the upper cheek area on the far right and left sides of the mask, they are all concentrated on the forehead and below the nose to target the middle portion of the face. Since light travels, the mask seems to provide enough coverage to thoroughly illuminate these blind-spots.

The blue light penetrates the skin to eliminate acne causing bacteria just below the surface while the red light reduces inflammation to calm and diminish redness. Overtime, skin appears smoother with less irritation and pimples are reduced in size and severity. My blemishes also seem to clear up quicker with less scarring and discomfort. 

The blue light therapy works best when combined with other topical treatments that help fight breakouts as you sleep or go about your daily activities. Neutrogena also created the Rapid Clear Stubborn Acne Solution Kit ($24.99) to speed up healing and recovery. The box comes with a 3 step system:

*Step 1: Acne Cleanser - to reduce the size, redness and number of breakouts by washing out bacteria and impurities that clog pores.

*Step 2: Treat with the Daily Leave-On Mask – an invisible treatment that zaps stubborn zits day and night.

*Step 3: Moisturize with the Oil-Free Cream which reduces redness and excess oil with a light, water-based formula safe for sensitive skin.

Neutrogena is available at grocery and drugstores nationwide