Skyn Iceland Arctic Elixir promises to combat stress-induced signs of aging.
What does that even mean?! Is it gonna start chanting a soothing mantra while you massage it on?! I swear skincare claims get more ridiculous by the day.
And yet, there’s something here. If you can get past the hyped-up marketing claims, this baby does deliver smoother, brighter skin. Here’s how it really performs this magic:
What’s In Skyn Iceland Arctic Elixir?
HYALURONIC ACID TO HYDRATE SKIN
I’m sure you’ve heard of Hyaluronic Acid. It’s a moisture magnet on steroids.
Its job is to draw much-needed moisture from the environment into the skin. It does it so well, it holds 1000 times its weight in water, and works well both in high and low humidity conditions.
Can you imagine how happy all the extra moisture makes your skin? It plumps it up, softens it, and brightens it.
P.S. Glycerin, another moisture magnet in this cream, does the same thing. But on a smaller scale.
Related: Why You Need Hyaluronic Acid In Your Skincare Routine, No Matter Your Skin Type
STEM CELLS TO FIGHT PREMATURE AGING
Skyn Iceland Arctic Elixir features Raspberry stem cells and a plant peptide derived from cultured plant stem cells to fight the premature signs of aging.
Stem cells are mother cells. They have the potential to become any type of cell in that organism. They can then reproduce more of those cells.
An example? An apple stem cell can turn into an apple leaf or the branch of an apple tree. But it’ll NEVER be able to turn into human skin, kidney or any other part of the human body.
That means that all claims of regenerating skin are nonsense. Stem cells, whether from apple or raspberry, can’t heal or regrow human skin.
But they do have antioxidant properties that fight the free radicals that cause premature wrinkles and dark spots. Just like Vitamin C or Ferulic acid. That’s it.
Related: The Truth About Stem Cells In Skincare: Are They Worth The Splurge?
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ARCTIC CLOUDBERRY AND ARCTIC CRANBERRY OILS TO MOISTURISE SKIN
Is it any wonder that Skyn Iceland picked Arctic Cloudberry and Arctic Cranberry to be the main oils in its Arctic Elixir?
These little oils are derived from fruits that thrive in the harshest winter environments. But aside from that, there’s nothing special about them.
Just like any other oil, they’re loaded with a mix of fatty acids and antioxidants. Fatty acids strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and deeply moisturise skin while antioxidants help fight premature wrinkles.
Texture
Lightweight, fast-absorbing.
Fragrance
It’s fragrance-free.
How To Use It
Morning and evening after cleansing and/or exfoliation, but before moisturiser.
Performance & Personal Opinion
Skyn Iceland Arctic Elixir is a lightweight, but highly hydrating serum. I put it on in the morning and it keeps my skin softer and supple all day, even in the cold winter weather.
I know, London’s not as cold as the Arctic, but it’s definitely way colder than sunny Italy. My skin needs the extra help to stay healthy. Plus, it gave my skin a subtle glow. You can never go wrong with that.
This is all the benefits you can see in the short term – and it’s not little. Hydration is the foundation of healthy skin.
As for its antiaging properties, you’ll only see the results in the long run. But this Elixir has more antioxidants than it’s common in serums, so it gets a thumbs up from me.
Related: If Your Skin Is Perfectly Hydrated, Do You Still Need To Worry About Anti-Aging?
Who Is This For?
- Dry skin
- Mature skin
Who Is This NOT For?
The high oil content may cause breakouts in acne-prone skin.
Packaging
A sleek, clear and purple bottle with a dropper applicator. It’s practical to use, but the see-through packaging lets light in. Antioxidants are sensitive to light and slowly lose their effectiveness when exposed to it. Store the bottle somewhere dark.
P.S. Mine is a sample that came in a gift set.
Does Skyn Iceland Arctic Elixir Live Up To Its Claims?
| CLAIM | TRUE? |
|---|---|
| A powerful treatment formulated with plant stem cell technology to combat stress-induced signs of aging. | I’m not sure what stress-induced signs of aging means. Stress can age skin, but you can’t fix that with skincare products. If it means the damage pollutants and other environmental aggressors inflict to skin, the mix of antioxidants in here can help prevent that. |
| A wakeup call for skin that’s exhausted by stress, this peptide and plant stem cell packed serum protects against stress and its devastating effects – from accelerated aging, to lack of radiance and uneven tone and texture. | Again, this claim is worded to make it sound more amazing than it is. Skincare can’t fight stress. But antioxidants can slow down aging and moisture can make it glow. But the serum can’t improve tone and texture. |
| It has also been shown to reduce free radicals. | Yes, but anything with antioxidants can do this. |
| Results are truly transformative: In just 30 minutes, fine lines appear noticeably less visible, and within 3 weeks, skin’s texture is completely altered – softer, smoother and noticeably more luminous. | Anything moisturising plumps up skin, which in turn makes fine lines and wrinkles look smaller. Moisture can also make skin softer, smoother, and luminous. The claim is true, but again, anything moisturising can do this. |
Price & Availability
$49.00/£42.00 at Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Feel Unique, and Ulta
Do You Need It?
If you’re looking for a hydrating serum with anti-aging properties, this is a good option to consider.
[penci_review]
Dupes & Alternatives
Ingredients
Water/Aqua/Eau*, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin*, Angelica Archangelica Root Water**, Trehalose*~, Rubus Chamaemorus (Arctic Cloudberry) Seed Oil*, Oxycoccus Palustris (Arctic Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Rubus Idaeus Leaf Cell Culture*, Caprylyl/Capryl Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides*†, Fusel Wheat Bran/Straw Glycosides*†, Horedum Vulgare Extract*†, Buddleja Davidii Extract*~, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract*~, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract*~, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Nicotiana Sylvestris Leaf Cell Culture*, Glycosphingolipids*, Perfluorodecalin, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Sodium Hyaluronate*, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Polyglyceryl-5 Oleate, Citric Acid*, Porphyridium Cruentum Extract*, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Xanthan Gum*, Alcohol*, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate*, Sodium Hydroxide, Sucrose Palmitate **Component of Icelandic Glacial Water *Natural or naturally derived ~Ecocert †Contains Gluten
*Component of Icelandic Glacial Water
+Contains Gluten
