Active lifestyles can subject your skin to environmental stressors such as UV exposure, chlorinated or salt water and cause your pores to work overtime. Thankfully Solyph’s developed a range of skincare for active people. We take an in-depth look at their Multi Action Moisturiser.
There is no argument that leading an active lifestyle is good for your health. Increased blood flow from regular activity carries oxygen and nutrients to your organs and waste material such as free radicals away from your working cells helping keep your body, including your skin in the pink of health.
But active lifestyles can also come at a cost to your skin. Regular perspiration can enlarge pores and increase sebum production and depending on the activity you engage in, your skin might face external pressures such as exposure to the sun, chorlorinated or salt water that can cause a whole host of problems.
That is why it is imperative to take special care of your skin if you have an active lifestyle so that you do not undo all the benefits that exercise provides. One skincare brand from Singapore, Solyph, wants to help you do that. We review their Ready Set Glow, Multi Action Moisturiser to see how it supports our skin as we go about our daily activities. Read on!
OVERVIEW
| BEST FOR: |
Normal to Oily Skin Type, Acne Prone skin
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| APPLICATION: |
Light lotion texture with a naturally refreshing and energising pine scent that doesn’t linger. Absorbs easily to hydrate, smooth and brighten the skin. Has a light and matte finish that doesn’t feel greasy and plays well under makeup.
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| HERO INGREDIENT: |
Pine Needle, Líng Zhī (灵芝), Probiotics
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| ABOUT: |
Non-comedogenic, Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free, Alcohol-Free.
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| PRICE: |
$80 (US$ 59), 50ml/1.69fl oz
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| THE BRAND: |
Founded in Singapore and made in Korea, Solyph’s skincare line features Pine Needle Extract as its hero ingredient and is specially designed and formulated to fit our modern, active lifestyles, and that healthy post workout glow!
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Skin Context: Combination Skin
Like most people I have combination skin with an oily T-zone and drier cheeks making the selection of my skincare products, at times, challenging. This can be made even more difficult as lifestyle and changes in the environment and even my body can change the level of oiliness and dryness. In order to deal with this, I typically have multiple products which I rotate based on my skin needs at that moment.
Since we’re talking about a moisturiser for active lifestyles, I think I should also provide you with some context there. I’m quite active but not competitively. I practise yoga regularly and hit the gym during my lunch hour from time to time. On the weekends, I often go for long walks by the beach with my kids (the four legged kind) where I’m usually under the sun for a couple of hours at a time.
Appearance: Light Lotion In A Convenient Pump Action Bottle
The first thing that struck me about the Multi Action Moisturiser from Solyph is the bottle it comes in. Instead of the typical jar or tub that most moisturisers come in, this moisturiser comes in a dark blue slim and rugged pump action bottle that you can throw in your gym back without having the moisturiser stick to the cover when you open it. I really appreciate the thoughtfulness of the packaging.
The moisturiser itself is a white coloured lotion that feels light and airy and is quite different from other moisturisers that usually come as a thicker cream or gel. The signature ingredient with Solyph’s skincare range is Pyeongchang Pine Needle - more on that later - and that came through in the natural fragrance of the moisturiser which had a refreshing scent with hints of woodiness that did not linger.
Application: Easily Absorbed and Very Wearable
This moisturiser breaks down quickly into a light, almost liquid-like consistency over my skin with a little massaging. It has a refreshing scent of pine needles that is both refreshing and energising, especially after a good gym session. The light and airy texture made applying the moisturiser evenly over my skin quick and easy.
It did not take very long for the Multi Action Moisturiser to get fully absorbed by my skin leaving it feeling well hydrated. I would rate the absorption very highly for this moisturiser and unlike most moisturisers, it did not leave behind a thick protective layer over my skin that can feel greasy and uncomfortable especially after a workout.
After a good workout, our skin usually feels warmer because of the increased blood flow and our pores open up as well as we perspire. This is why I liked the finish of this moisturiser which felt light and very wearable after a good workout especially in humid climates where you might continue to perspire even after a shower.
Results: Skin Felt Hydrated and Brighter
Despite its light texture I was surprised to find this moisturiser very hydrating. It gets absorbed really quickly and leaves my skin feeling naturally moisturised without any greasiness. In fact, the finish of this moisturiser is so natural it is barely noticeable and I was able to cleanse, moisturise and reapply my makeup quickly and comfortably after my lunch hour workouts.
In addition to the hydrating effect of the Multi Action Moisturiser, I found my skin also looking smoother and brighter moments after application. Fine lines and pores were far less noticeable to the naked eye. This really enhanced that “post workout glow” and I found my skin looking healthier and more energised after my lunch hour routines!
The moisturiser is non-comedogenic - less likely to clog your pores - which is exactly what you should be looking for in your post workout routine since your pores would open up to perspire during physical activity. As far as I can tell after nearly a month of using it, I have not noticed any incidence of clogged pores or acne breakouts.
What’s In It?
The key ingredient in Solyph’s skincare line for active lifestyles is Pine Needle Extract and not just any Pine Needle but Pine Needles from PyeongChang, the site of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Where the Odaesan National Park is located, PyeongChang is a pristine mountainous region with natural mineral springs making this region perfect for natural pine forests that benefit from the mineral rich soil and unpolluted waters.
Pine Needle Extract is often used in skin products for the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acne and other skin conditions. It has natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which make them perfect for use in your post workout routine to purify opened pores and calm the skin. The moisturiser is fragrance-free and the scent of this moisturiser also comes from the natural scent of fresh Pine Needles.
Another really unique ingredient that I noticed was Líng Zhī (灵芝), or Reishi Mushrooms. Those of the familiar with Asian traditional medicine would well be familiar with this mushroom that is prized for its nourishing and antiageing benefits. Used on the skin, it has detoxifying and anti-ageing effects and supports the production of ceramides that help protect your skin against moisture loss.
The Multi Action Moisturizer has one of the more extensive ingredients lists that I’ve seen in skincare products with many naturally derived botanical extracts and ingredients and just to mention a few of them:
- Hyaluronic Acid - A popular and proven skincare ingredient with many benefits, Hyaluronic Acid helps hydrate your skin and support skin barrier function for plump and healthy skin.
- Jojoba Oil - Loaded with healthy fatty acids and antioxidants, that help support skin healing and lighten pigmentation. This natural oil is similar to natural sebum and doesn’t clog your pores.
- Lecithin - This ingredient is made from skin healthy fatty acids that support skin regeneration. It also acts as an emollient that softens and smoothens the skin for that soft and supple feel.
- Argan Oil - Another natural oil packed with skin healthy omega fatty acids that nourish and protect your skin against a whole host of skin conditions and environmental stressors.
- Probiotics - This moisturiser contains a few probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Bifida Ferment that have anti-ageing effects and supports your skin’s microbiome making it more resilient.
Licorice, Aloe Vera, Rosemary, Bergamot, Green Tea, the list goes on with too many to mention. It’s astounding actually how many ingredients go into this moisturiser and if you’re interested to see the full list, check it out on the product page here.
The Verdict
After using this for about a month, I would definitely recommend this for those with active lifestyles, especially in your post workout routine. For regular use, because of its light, non-comedogenic texture, I would think it works best for those with healthy to oily skin types.
Those with dry skin may still enjoy this moisturiser in a post workout/after sun routine because of its wearability but may find it a little too light, depending on the degree of your skin’s dryness. Still, as far as moisturisers go, regardless of skin type, I honestly do not think that many will have any complaints with this high quality moisturiser that offers something to everyone.
I love how thoughtful the whole product is. From the pump action bottle to the selection of ingredients, the finish and wearability, and even the scent of the product, it’s plain to see that a lot of thought has gone into the development of this moisturiser for active lifestyles. At S$80 (US$59) a bottle, this moisturiser is definitely on the pricier side but you’re definitely getting what you pay for!
Ready Set Glow, Multi Action Moisturizer at S$80 (US$59) is now available on www.asianbeautyx.com.
About the writer
Stacy Liu, an American-born Chinese, is the beauty editor at Asian Beauty X obsessively writing about new beauty launches, the best hair products, and the skincare formulas that really work for every skin type.
