Now that I'm 40 (still weird), it's pretty obvious how different my skin problems are from a few years ago. Anything that helps with wrinkles, loss of elasticity, hyperpigmentation, and other mature skin problems interests me far more than a good wine now that I'm older. My popular, lighter moisturizer from last year was replaced by a more specialized face cream. Add to that the fact that the unseasonably cold California weather makes my skin look dull and tired and I desperately need moisturizer, which means serious business, but my combination skin still feels heavy.
It didn't get any better when Fresh Beauty Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream ($95) entered my life.
RelaxBlack Tea Refreshing Anti Aging Cream - $95.00
How it works
The launch of this special moisturizer is very important for the brand as it is their first time using the patented BT matrix. According to Dr. Anne-Laurie Polto, Skin Biologist at Fresh, BT Matrix is a retinol-like blend of rambutan and black tea leaf extract that work synergistically to support skin structure lost due to a decrease in natural collagen. "This duo's unique leaf extract visibly reduces wrinkles while helping improve skin firmness. Yet, this anti-aging moisturizer is light enough to use twice daily without the irritating sensation associated with many retinol products," she says. .
After eight weeks (depending on brand), users report smoother wrinkles, firmer skin, and a more radiant glow. Along with BT Matrix, Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream contains NP Ceramides to strengthen the skin's barrier, Squalene to prevent moisture loss, and Pink Porcelain Lilies, which are said to add radiance and improve skin texture.
What makes black tea different?
I wonder how I feel about black tea because it's a staple of Fresh and because the brand has an entire product line dedicated to it. "Black tea extract contains polyphenols and antioxidants that have been shown to be beneficial for skin care," explains Carmen Castella, MD, dermatologist and clinical instructor at Mount Sinai in New York. "Black tea extract polyphenols are natural antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and prevent skin damage."
Castella notes that the effectiveness of these extracts depends on the quality of the tea, the concentration of the extract in the product, and the extraction process. “In vivo studies (i.e. use on human skin) show that applying black tea extract to the skin can reduce skin redness and UVB damage. Preventing UV damage can help slow the breakdown of skin collagen, which has anti-aging effects, he says. "This extract has some scientific evidence to support its effectiveness."
honest review
I'm not totally committed to using retinol in my skincare yet, I'm more inclined to try retinol alternatives or retinol-like ingredients, so I'm excited about this BT matrix. My first impression of Fresh Beauty Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream is that it smells light and the formula has perfect consistency. It is thicker than a moisturizing gel, but not as heavy as other creams for mature skin I have tried. This is a huge plus as I don't like wearing anything that is too heavy on my skin for fear of breakouts.
It gets quickly absorbed into my skin but makes it instantly supple. After about a week of using the day and night cream, I noticed my skin was very soft and glowing. No more winter madness! It's too early to know if it reduces wrinkles, but my skin looks more hydrated throughout the season. I wonder what happened after eight weeks of clinical trials, but I really don't mind this face cream. If you have mature skin, it's worth switching to.