In November of 2017 I ordered my first bottle of Lotion P50 by Biologique Recherche. My skin (and life) changed shortly after. I introduced more BR products in May, the placenta serum and creme. My skin felt new. In August 2018, I visited BR in Athens and I got a comprehensive consultation. Since then everything makes so much more sense about what my skin needs! Let’s break it down.
Biologique Recherche is a Parisian brand. Their business model is to sell their products through esthetician’s spas. They have diagnostic tools that measure different attributes of the skin to create a report. The report then guides them to recommend products to you from their range. Biologique’s No1 goal is to eliminate any redness from the skin. They believe that if there’s any redness, the skin is compromised and needs to heal. My diagnostic showed that I have seborrheic skin, extremely dehydrated, and amazing elasticity. It also showed that I was oversensitized by lotion P50. My esthetician recommended that I use Lait U under P50 to help the skin retain a slight film before the exfoliating lotion starts to penetrate. The other option would be to apply a layer of their micellar water. From the products that were recommended to me, here’s what I purchased and I’ve been using religiously:
LAIT U
A vegetal cleansing milk. I don’t like using this as a cleanser because it doesn’t remove my makeup, even as a second cleanse. So I use a tiny dollop after my cleansing routine just as a fortifying layer.
LAIT VIP 02
A milk cleanser fortified with the brand’s signature oxygen complex. A cleanser that transforms the skin the minute it touches the epidermis. This is my morning and evening cleanser, I’m on my 6th bottle, as soon as this hits my face everything becomes smooth, everything feels calm, the skin feels clean but at the same time hydrated and nourished. This never leaves the skin feeling tight, pull taught, or dry.
LOTION P50
A chemical exfoliant. There are quite a handful of different versions to choose from. All the 1970 versions contain phenol, an ingredient that’s banned in the EU and Asia, but somehow still allowed in the US. A lot of the US spas will push 1970 because they believe it’s more effective. My opinion is that 1970 is harsh and does a very deep exfoliating exercise that’s not necessary for the skin. I would stay away from it. The version I have is appropriate for normal to oily skin types. It contains Lactic Acid, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Vinegar (Acetum), Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Allium Cepa (Onion) Bulb Extract and Sulfur amongst others. What a powerful combination of amazing acids!
Lotion P50 will balance your skin so that you don’t produce as much sebum while at the same time it will keep the epidermis hydrated. It penetrates the skin and works to even the skin tone, force the dead skin cells off, encourage collagen production, and help prevent closed comedones and acne from forming. Since it helps regulate sebum and pushes skin to eliminate dead skin cells, there’s a much smaller possibility for the skin to form acne.
I use Lotion P50 every evening, but I like to give it a break once or twice a week. When I started using the product I would only use it every other night, then I’d use it two nights in a row and skip a night and so on. I use a cotton gauze instead of a cotton pad. It absorbs less product and it distributes more to the skin.
MASQUE VIVANT
This mask has become a cult favorite. It’s a clay mask that contains yeast. It’s purifying and regulating. It also has Vinegar and Lactic Acid. It’s potent! I only use it maybe twice a month. I don’t find that I need to use it more often. I do love the effect it gives my skin. It’s something you can’t put your finger on, but you just feel and look better! If you are on the drier side, consider using this on spots or specific problem areas rather than all over. It’s recommended that this is used right after Lotion P50 for the maximum effects. Don’t worry, P50 still works in the inner layers of your skin, even after you rinse off the mask. I like to apply this with a makeupdrop. Less messy!
SERUM EXTRAITS TISSULAIRES
A very hydrating and revitalizing serum. It’s an SOS serum for young skin. It moisturizes the upper layers of the skin, soothes any irritation, and regenerates. I absolutely love this for my dehydration. It’s amazing to keep my skin plump and happy and it never feels greasy. It gives me the most amazing luminous glow. I need to get the full size asap!
SERUM PLACENTA
Possibly the most powerful and effective serum I’ve ever come across. Serum placenta 100% eliminated all my darker spots from acne scarring. It’s specifically appropriate for reactive and sensitive skin. It’s also a great multitasker as it helps lighten dark circles. It’s ideal for use after exfoliation, as it goes deep to repair imperfections and lighten pigment. I am absolutely obsessed with this serum and I am counting the last drops left in my tiny bottle. I’m coming for the full size!
CREME PLACENTA
A night cream that helps heal the skin from acne scarring. Creme placenta helps the skin revitalize and provides it with all the nourishment it needs to heal. It deeply hydrates the top layers of the epidermis and it reconstructs weakened skin. It’s so powerful, yet very gentle, and leaves the skin feeling so supple. I always use this at night. It’s lasted me so long, I’m not near the halfway point even!
CREME ECHINODERM
This is a re-energizing cream with a bio-marine complex. It contains fish which is the marine collagen. It helps tired and stressed skin revitalize and fights blotchy complexions! It unifies and refines the complexion and regulates sebum in a non-mattifying way. The yeast in this helps purify the skin, so it keeps the sebum production at bay for me. I use this every single morning.
LOTION MC110 NO1
A liquid potent in lactic acid, apple cider vinegar, niacinamide, salicylic acid, and antioxidants
intended to be used immediately after lotion p50 in swift upward motions. This is a booster that can smoothen the skin texture, plump the skin, and fill in wrinkles and lines because of its purifying ingredients it can help with acne and acne scarring. It is sold out everywhere but I managed to get my hands on a bottle in late November. Since then I’ve been using it every other night, or every two nights depending on how my skin feels. The morning after I use this my skin is smoother, brighter, more even, and plumped. I really enjoy the results I’m seeing from this so far and I intend to keep using it all throughout the winter and spring. It is recommended that application be avoided during the summer whilst the skin is exposed to the sun more.
SILK PLUS
What a dream! Silk plus is a finishing serum. This serum protects and supports sensitive or compromised skin by enriching the hydro-lipidic film. Packed with niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and silk extract it truly moisturizes the skin! With 40% active ingredients, this serum helps skin stay and feel young. It’s amazing how supple and glowy my skin looks after I use this. I simply can’t get enough of it. I use it in the mornings before my sunscreen!
WHERE TO SHOP
- Aida Bicaj
- Toska European Spa
- Rescue Spa
- Karine Kazarian
- Paul Labreque
