Since I'm ever on the look-out for skincare products to slow the inevitable aging process, I was excited to try NeoStrata. The NeoStrata Company (NeoStrata.com) claims to be the "recognized worldwide leader in AHA formulations for the medical community", and in addition to products sold directly to consumers (like the ones I purchased) they also produce a line sold exclusively to dermatologists and plastic surgeons as well as a system of physician-use-only, in-office glycolic acid peels. Sounded promising!

NeoStrata products contain high amounts of alpha hydroxy acids, found in edible fruits and vegetables. I'm sure we all know the theory about how these AHA's work to repair aging or damaged skin, so I won't bore you with the details...Right to the good stuff!

NeoStrata Facial Cleanser ($15 for 6 oz)
I was initially skeptical of an oil-free, soap-free cleanser that contains AHA's yet claims to moisturize....but it does. Although the aroma is slightly medicinal, it's mild and didn't bother me. This cleanser comes with a pump which makes it easy to use either at the sink or in the shower. Just one pump is enough to thoroughly remove makeup and leave my combination skin feeling clean, but not tight. And the consistency is just thick enough not to drip down my arms when I'm washing my face - a pet peeve of mine! My skin isn't sensitive, but I think this cleanser would work for everyone but those with extremely sensitive skin. While not extraordinary (it's just a cleanser!), I think I'd buy it again to alternate with my favorite, Origins Pure Cream.

NeoStrata 15 AHA Face Cream ($22 for 1.75 oz)
This is strong stuff! I bought this to compare with Cellex-C Advanced-C Serum (about $110) and so far NeoStrata looks very good - especially for the price difference. While the Cellex-C Advanced-C Serum contains 17.5% ascorbic acid, NeoStrata's 15% AHA's compare very favorably. (Neither product is for sensitive skin, but both companies make other products with less acids.) Just a little Face Cream is all you need - it's a light, highly moisturizing cream that tingles even on my skin. The tingling isn't unpleasant, but it's a reminder of the high concentration of AHA's - be very careful if your skin is sensitive. NeoStrata recommends using the cream once a day for 2 weeks and then twice a day after that if your skin can tolerate it. Be very sure to wear a sun block if you use this as your moisturizer during the day - NeoStrata makes other creams with sun protection, but this one has none. I like that I get the high acids AND a moisturizer in one product - with Cellex-C I have to use a separate moisturizer, and it gets expensive! Although light, this product is probably too rich for me during the warm months, but for winter it's great. I'll buy it again.

NeoStrata Eye Cream ($18 for .5oz)
This is definitely one of the best I've ever used. This hydrating, anti-oxidant cream goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and keeps the area around my eyes moisturized all day! It's even good at night and I've used some - as I'm sure many of you have - that seem to make the morning puffies worse, but this cream performs very politely! Although Eye Cream contains AHA's, it's milder than the Face Cream and NeoStrata says it's safe for all skin types including sensitive. They're probably right - it feels soothing rather than tingly around my eyes . A good product at a great price! (Again, no sunscreen.)

In addition to effective, rather economical products, NeoStrata is apparently a good global citizen. They claim their products are dermatologist and allergy tested, packaged in recyclable containers and are not tested on animals. Most NeoStrata moisturizers are supposed to be non-comedogenic and non-acnegenic, and the NeoStrata sensitive skin formulations are hypoallergenic. Give NeoStrata a try if you are battling skin damage either from sun or aging. You can purchase the products at a number of online stores such as The Skin Center.