Needs to be taken off the shelves (Garnier Synergie Stop Day Cream)

Member Name: leighsady

Product:	Garnier Synergie Stop Day Cream
Date:	30/04/08 (199 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Reduction in wrinkles within a day, almost immediate results.

Disadvantages: Very harsh for the skin.

Garnier is a brand I have used for over 10 years, but I have stopped using their range completely. Over the years I have noticed that the products are containing more and more ingredients, especially in terms of artificial chemicals and the special 'exotic' elements that claim to work their 'wonders'.


I first started using Garnier when I saw an advert on the TV, and as I naive that I was I really believed all the claims that their moisturisers could and would do.... Don't get me wrong, the products do definitely appear to work - I see results almost immediately within a day or two but at a health cost. I have found that the products are very harsh on the skin, especially for the younger generations (I started using Garnier when I was 18) - I will explain this while I review this particular moisturiser.


WHAT THE PRODUCT DOES:
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Claims to contain vitamins A, C & E all the essential vitamins and antioxidants that apparently reduce, treat and prevent signs of ageing. It also claims to make one's complexion more radiant, reduce fatigue appearances and improve skin tone. Apparently also helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Particularly suited to dry skins, but is supposed to be suitable for all skin types. To be applied liberally day and night.


ON APPLICATION:
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This product isn''t exactly greasy as it does absorb quite quickly, however, depending on your skin type, if oily/combination, like mine, it can leave a little bit of a shiny sheen on the skin. The consistency is just perfect, not too runny or thick, but does leave a little bit of a sticky residue on your hands and fingers.


SMELL:
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The scent is a bit orangey, but strangely nowhere on the packet or contents does it mention anything about oranges - just orange packaging. Smells lovely at first, but after a while can seem artificial.


EFFECT ON THE SKIN:
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I used this at night usually and it was very fortunate I had decided to try this in the evening. Although I had mentioned that it had absorbed very quickly into the skin - because of my skin type (oily/ combination ) the shiny sheen turned into a greasy film. To be more realistic, it doesn't really sink it at all as I noticed my face still showed an oily layer even after an hour into the night. Although, to be fair this is less noticeable the next morning (after all that time has passed...! ).


After the first night, there was definitely a difference. Although I'm not that old (late 20s), I bought this particularly for some of my 'wrinkles' - well, just for the laughter lines that seem to be developing around my mouth ;) - and it seemed that they were less noticeable after using this.


However, I did notice an uncomfortable sensation on my face while using it for the next few days - and my skin seemed to be going slightly red after each application. I realised that this uncomfortable 'sensation' was actually a form of stinging, and hence, as mentioned earlier this can be pretty harsh on sensitive skins. Looking on the packet - the list of chemical ingredients cover almost one side of the box, I think you will get the idea... I would say it is pretty harsh on skin in general, for why else would you see such 'immediate' results?


I have actually stopped using this now, and have resorted to drinking more water, eating and living better. Result ? My laughter lines are also less noticeable through this way !


EFFECTIVENESS:
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I think this is pretty obvious, definitely delivers results but very harsh on the skin. I suppose, this would be very appealing to those who are after a quick fix for a night out. Definitely not suited for long term use, and neither for sensitive skins.


It is pretty worrying, it claims to contain retinol - and there had been such a campaign to promote how good it is for wrinkles / ageing signs etc - and now there has been news that retinol is actually damaging for the skin ! I watched an advert off the TV just yesterday for another facial moisturiser that claimed that it had found a better alternative to retinol....knowing this, in a few years time there will be another report with claims of how damaging this product is....


COST:
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Usually about £6.99 for 50ml, which is ok and much cheaper than the more expensive brands like Clinque. But of course, there are cheaper and healthier alternatives for the skin.


MY THOUGHTS:
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In the past when I didn't know any better I would have probably recommended this and would still be using it myself. But I have become much more health aware and conscientious now and I definitely wouldn't recommend this to anyone. To have to deal with such a large cocktail of artificial chemicals is quite worrying, not to mention, damaging for the skin in the long term.


THE BOTTOM LINE:
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Not recommended. Too harsh for anyone's skin.

If anyone working for Garnier is reading; this should really be taken off the shelves.

Summary: Needs to be taken off the shelves.