Reviewed by: Super Spy
Age: 47
Skin type: Dry and sensitive
The Stratum C packaging is nicely understated with purple and white sides and gives the impression of being reassuringly scientific. The serum is in a pump dispenser and the cream in a clear pot with white lid.
The serum itself is clear and almost odourless and the cream is off white and also smells very neutral.
The key ingredient in these products is a chain of peptides and amino acids, including Matrixyl, said to almost double collagen production in the skin cells to combat deep wrinkles and fine lines, repair dryness and improve elasticity. The cream is specifically targeted at menopausal women for whom collagen production drops off by up to a third. There no parabens or other nasties in the product and it also contains large quantities of active ingredients, such as natural jojoba oil and apricot kernel oil. The serum includes Irish moss seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid and squalane for hydration.
Stratum C products are very simple to use and I really like the lack of perfume as I have sensitive skin. Many products can irritate my skin but these products did not and felt great to apply. I particularly like the fact that the serum is recommended for use around the eye area as well.
It’s really hard for us to judge whether the products did what they promised without a clever gadget to measure my collagen levels. However, at a superficial level, I think the cream is a little too light for me – my skin didn’t feel properly hydrated after using it. The serum is great and I would definitely continue to use it, perhaps along with a richer cream.
I think that a cream specifically designed for menopausal skin, like the stratum c menopause protect cream, is worth paying for as the skin’s needs are so different at this stage of a woman’s life. These products are not cheap, but I think it’s worth the money to really boost your skin.
I would buy the serum again as I think it is worth paying more for a targeted product. I would however use it in conjunction with my favourite moisturiser; one that I know can deliver the level of surface moisturising that my skin needs. If you are hitting the big M and your skin is less dry than mine, then both of these are great products that I would thoroughly recommend.
We reviewed Menopause Skin Repair Serum 15ml (£49) and Menopause Skin Protect Cream 30ml (£85).
Super Spy
24th March 2014
Spy Likes:
Length size pools; strong swan pipes; seriously deep tissue massages; beautiful views from outside thermal experiences.
Spy Dislikes:
Sniffing therapists; cold treatment rooms; hard sell on products.
