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How BAZAAR: La Mer The Concentrate

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

From Harper's BAZAAR

Patience is a virtue, but it's not one of my strengths. Like so many others, I like to see results now—which isn't always possible in the realm of skincare. Often, the products that make your skin look great right away don't always benefit it in the long-term. And it can take weeks to months for some active ingredients to show results. Who wants to wait that long for glowy skin?

My skin is combination-dry, and it tends to turn red quickly in reaction to anything new. After the pandemic hit, the combination of stress and mask-wearing—along with my decision to pause hormonal birth control—took a toll. I was getting persistent breakouts along my jawline and my skin would stay flush for hours after I took a shower or used a face tool.

When my skin is angry, there's only one product I turn to: La Mer's The Concentrate. I've used it on and off for years whenever my skin isn't looking or feeling its best, and I've never wasted a single drop. It soothes irritation and calms redness so well that I called it a "magical potion" in an Instagram caption a few years ago (below for evidence). I even mentioned it during my episode of Go To Bed With Me as one of my all-time favorite products. So when La Mer announced a new formulation—I was wary. Why tinker with perfection?

The newly updated formula promises the same results—only faster. According to the brand, a clinical study proved that the serum strengthens the skin's natural protective barrier in just 14 days. The brand's signature Miracle Broth™ blend is the star here just as it is in the original cream, but it's even more potent.

"The 'miracle' part is the anti-inflammation power," says cosmetic chemist Ginger King, referring to the blend's fermented algae extracts. In liquid form, it packs a punch to reverse the effects of pollution and stress on skin. The Concentrate is also free from parabens and phthalates.

I like to apply The Concentrate after toning but before moisturizing. Straight from the bottle the new formula is a bit richer than the original, but as soon as you pat it into your skin the texture melts away. Inside the bottle is a blend of skin-loving natural extracts and oils, as well as the Miracle Broth and humectants like glycerin. Though not an oil, this serum is oil-rich, so conventional wisdom would say to apply it after moisturizing as an occlusive. But because of the formula's calming effects on my irritated skin, I like to apply it as a first step. I massage it in before my moisturizer, wait a few minutes, and then top it with a cream if need be.

Photo credit: Hearst Owned
Photo credit: Hearst Owned

As soon as I noticed lingering inflammation and spots from maskne (a change I observed just a few weeks into the pandemic), I cracked open the new bottle and diligently applied the serum both morning and night. In a matter of days, my skin looked healthy again. The red marks faded and I could use less concealer on my Zoom calls. After two weeks, I was glowy again.

You might be extra stressed these days, and if you're like me, it's showing in your skin. The new concentrate won't help you relax, but it does calm down your skin so it has a chance to heal and renew. I didn't think it would be possible to upgrade a "magical potion,"—but such is the legacy of La Mer.

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