Skincare can be confusing.

There are so many choices, and every company claims its products are the best: The most effective ... containing the most exotic ingredients ... best for "this type" of skin. I see this all the time. And as a skincare consumer, all the choices and all their claims left me feeling unsure about what would be the "most" and the "best" for me. The process left me with a big question: Should it really be that complex?

No. Skin care is complex, but your skincare routine doesn't have to be.

Many of the questions Starling receives are about our serums. What do they do and when should I use them? Is it OK to use an oil on your face? Won't that make me break out? That last question is understandable: We all grew up thinking oil on your skin = breakouts, redness, and greasiness. So today, let's discuss serums in general and Starling's Revive Anti-Aging Serum in particular. It's an oil serum, and yet it might well be your best option.

First, let's discuss the purpose of traditional face serums. Usually they are solution-focused, lightweight moisturizers intended to manage skin concerns such as wrinkles, lack of firmness, lack of brightness, and/or too much redness. A traditional serum will contain active ingredients (such as hyaluronic or glycolic acids) designed to help with product's efficacy. A traditional serum may contain a combination of water, chemical actives, plant-based extracts, oils, butters, emulsifiers, synthetic fragrance and/or essential oils, and preservatives.

An oil serum contains oils and extracts comprised of plant-based ingredients that can mimic the active ingredients of a traditional serum but often are more moisturizing and much gentler on the skin. They are highly moisturizing and contain lots of antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids. These ingredients can make oil serums a great solution for sensitive skin or troubled skin. Because they are all-natural, they are helpful for anyone with chemical sensitivities. Also, oil-based serums do not need a preservative. Therefore, they're also great for anyone who has allergies to preservatives.

If you don't have sensitive skin, a traditional serum can be an amazing choice ... particularly if you are looking for exfoliation or firming benefits. However, many people with sensitive skin may experience increased sensitivity with use or "overuse" of a traditional serum.

At Starling, we also believe excessive exfoliation and overuse of highly active serums can lead to another problem: Thinning of the skin's barrier. The skin's barrier is the most important factor in skin health. Continued overuse of any harsh product can eradicate the barrier and cause redness, pain, inflammation, breakouts and many more issues. Don't worry: Starling's Revive Anti-Aging Serum was designed with the skin barrier in mind.

 

 

What does Revive do? Who is it for?

We made Revive Anti-Aging Serum for sensitive and/or allergenic skin. It's texture is light and non-greasy. It really sinks right in. It moisturizes, repairs, and give your skin life. It's packed with plant-based nutrients, including antioxidants, fatty acids and vitamins. It protects against free radical damage, regenerates cells, and heals skin in need of repair.

Revive is safe for anyone allergic to essential oils. We have purposely left them out, so your skin will not be irritated.

As with all of our products, Revive Anti-Aging Serum is nut, soy and gluten free. Most oil serums on the market contain one or more of these allergens in their formula. We knew had to make this allergen-free product for our customers because it is so hard to find one anywhere else. It's a great choice for sensitive skin, and definitely a wonderful source of rejuvenating moisture for all skin types.

How do I use Revive:

It's easy: Warm just a few drops in your hands and then pat onto clean skin. A moisturizing heavy hitter, Revive can take the place of a regular moisturizer. Or you can use Revive to lock in the benefits of your daily moisturizer. Want to do that? Just pat a few drops of Revive on top of moisturized skin. If you follow this method, it's also good to focus on dry areas of skin and those that have fine lines you'd like to tackle. This will keep your skin hydrated by sealing in the moisture.

What are the key ingredients in Revive and what do they do?

Revive is comprised of clean botanical oils that moisturize beautifully, and they each have strategic purposes for skin repair:

Grape Seed is the hero ingredient of this anti-aging serum. High in fatty acids and antioxidants, grape seed oil tones, brightens, moisturizes and assists in healing sensitive skin. It is also easily absorbed, making our serum non-greasy.

Borage and Evening Primrose (EPO) are anti-inflammatory. EPO also helps calm hormonal skin.

Rosehip evens out skin tone and brightens.

Red Raspberry is a potent antioxidant and collagen booster.

Pomegranate is a gentle micro-exfoliator.

Pumpkin reduces free radicals and also helps balance your skin's oil production.

Hemp moderates your skin's oil production.

Hibiscus highly moisturizes and is also called "nature's botox" for its unique ability to give your skin a relaxed and firm appearance.

Calendula gently heals your skin. It is also an anti-bacterial agent, making it ideal for combating current and future breakouts.

Revive is a multi-use product. What else can it be used for?

You can use it as an under-eye serum. Very gently pat into area and massage in. It brightens and helps plump up fine lines.

Tame flyaway hairs – a drop or two will take care of your entire head. Your locks will be smooth and glisten.

Use as a super-repairing hand serum. Banishes wrinkles and redness quickly. Brightens!

Use as an oil cleanser to help remove makeup and dead skin cells. Take about 5 drops in hand and massage into face. Let sit for a few minutes and then remove using a steamy warm wash cloth, or facial brush. Follow with a foamy cleanser if needed to remove last traces of makeup.

Have a scab or scar? A dab of Revive will speed healing.

The thing we love most about the best-selling Revive most? It is seriously glow-inducing. It gives anyone who uses it happy and bright skin. It's a super healthy choice, and one bottle lasts a really long time.

You can buy it here: