When you’re a fan of a brand, you get excited when they release a new product. And since I’m a big fan of Instytutum’s products (especially their eye cream – SO good), I was excited x2 when I got the chance to try two of their newest products these past few months: the Flawless Age Pads and their just-released Flawless Hydra Mist!
Instytutum Flawless Pads
For those who love chemical exfoliation but can’t decide which acid they love more, these were made for you! It contains glycolic, lactic, citric, and salicylic acid so you get the surface exfoliation as well as the deep cleaning in your pores.
But because of it’s potent acid combo, it will sting if your skin is on the sensitive or dry side. I personally use one pad every other week (since I already use tretinoin on a daily basis), and my skin always looks smoother and my pores a bit clearer afterwards.
If you have oilier or more resilient skin, you can definitely up your frequency, though I think “daily” as suggested by the label, might be pushing it. Overall a lovely product, especially since it contains both AHA and BHA, something you don’t find together too often.
Flawless Pads vs PTR Peptide 21 Peeling Pads
I’ve reviewed the Peptide 21 Amino Acid Exfoliating Peel Pads and they too contain salicylic acid. But instead of AHAs, PTR’s pads feature amino acids and peptides to hydrate and minimize fine lines.
Between the two peeling pads, I definitely prefer the Peter Thomas Roth for efficacy, gentleness, and just overall usage experience.
Repurchase? No
Buy at: Instytutum – $69/60 pads (30% off sale going on, check out my deals page for details!)
Instytutum Flawless Hydra Mist
Previously called the Alive Water, which is what I originally reviewed here.
Not a new release, but I love mists and I got a travel size of this when I repurchased the eye cream, so why not review it here? This mist features their famous 5-times-filtered water as base, but also includes some great skin soothing ingredients:
- Panthenol – helps protect and restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier
- Sea Heather® – an anti-inflammatory compound that soothes and protects the skin against irritations (source)
- 5 different minerals fermented in yeast – this converts the minerals into a low molecular weight glycopeptide which can then penetrate the skin. These mineral peptides generally provide antioxidant, skin healing properties, and can boost collage production.
- DERMOCEA® – a compound featuring two red algae extracts that can moisturize and plump the skin (source)
- Sea Fennel Extract – rich in minerals, vitamin a, c, and e, giving it the all the properties of these vitamins
It has the same refreshing feel of my beloved LRP Thermal Water, but dispenses a much finer mist ???????? This would work well for adding hydration between each skincare step except 1) it’s not cheap 2) it can sting when your skin is already irritated. So yes, I like it, I’m just not sure if I love it…yet.
Repurchase: Really considering it, especially with their 30% off sale going on. No because I’ve found my holy grail, the Caudalie Grape Water
Buy at: Instytutum -$30/150ml (5.28 fl. oz)
So none of these blew me away like their eye cream (yet…but let’s be real, it’s going to ridiculously hard to top that), but with the amount of similar products available out there, it’s really hard to. They’re not bad products and actually decently formulated, I just don’t think they’re worth the price.
I was definitely that person who cringed at supplements, because a) I’m lazy, and b) I never considered myself as someone who needs them. But lately I’ve been finding myself more into the idea, probably because I’m finally realizing that I’m not as “healthy” as I like to think I am, lol!
Sam / My Beauty Cloud
It can definitely be a bit of a chore if you take a lot of supplements, and I still forget to take them sometimes, especially after a busy day. Maybe it’s the placebo effect, but I do notice a difference in my overall wellbeing if I skip too many days!
Jenny, you sold me on both of these products. I recently started taking supplements I buy from my local health store and have noticed a difference. In my case, I don’t always eat a balanced meal nor do I get the recommended 7 hours of sleep so getting help via the supplements has proven beneficial. Will add the Instytutum ones to my list. As far as the pads, I love the ingredients. They sound like products I would enjoy as well. Thank you for such a thorough review. Hope your New Year is off to a great start.
~ Cat L.
http://www.CatsDailyLiving.com
Thank you Cat, I hope 2018 is going well for you so far! I’m the exact same way, with working full-time and/or having kids I feel like it’s almost impossible to eat well and sleep well everyday, and supplements are great for that!
I really want to try those pads as they sound right up my street. I have 2/3 of the Peter Thomas Roth pads left and they sound quite similar. I don’t take any supplements yet but am looking for more affordable ones to help me with skin and general feelings of wellness like these xxx
UmmBabyBeauty
These pads are definitely one of the best I’ve tried yet in terms of efficacy and potency, I just wish my skin wasn’t so sensitive so I could use them more often (as in once a week) ????
I am trying this supplements too and so far I’m not noticing anything magical yet! I hope to see at least some improvements by the end of the bottle because it’s so pricey.
Shireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
I’d actually be a little worried if I started seeing results immediately, because then I’d wonder what sort of secret drugs they included in there! ???? But yes, by the end of the bottle hopefully we’ll both see some improvements in our skin!
I love the eye cream too, but I’m not too sure on supplements. Mainly because I struggle with tablets. I’m taking a gummy vitamin at the minute, and it’s a lot easier for me. You really can’t argue with all of the benefits though!xx
Hannah | luxuryblush
I love gummy vitamins, they are definitely a lot easier to take than tablets, which sometimes I struggle with as well. My problem with gummies is that I always want to eat more than the suggested daily servings! ????
I am always intrigued by beauty supplements but i agree i guess it’s hard to notice effects straight away. However, better mood and energy is always a plus
franklyflawless.com
Yep, any improvements is a a good thing, though you’re right, it’ll take time to really notice the results.
I’ve never tried a beauty supplement. This is a new brand to me. You’re photos are stunning! I love the backdrop.
Jennifer | Mrs Q Beauty
Thank you so much Jennifer! <3
I’m pretty interested in the supplements though I’ve always been wary of taking them without consulting with a health practitioner. So interesting to hear that they worked for you!
Camilla || Gracefulface.com
That’s definitely the right approach, I feel like I’m definitely a bit cavalier when it comes to supplement ???? Luckily it’s been nothing but good (albeit subtle) results so far!
I love trying supplements but the first thing i notice is immediate effects on my metabolism.. Sometimes in a good way and sometimes it takes a while to settle. I agree that the changes in skin are not drastic but anything that keeps you energised is a good one! I am interested in Chemical Exfoliating pads.
Ash | https://www.mstantrum.com/
It’s interesting to see how the same supplements can impact people in different ways, but I agree, any type of positive effects is always a good thing! The chemical exfoliating pads are lovely, I just wish I could use them more often without my skin being so sensitive!
I have such dry skin, that most cleansers I use eventually start to burn my skin and it really annoys me. Hm, supplements sound interesting– not that I would try it any time soon, but I’d like to know more about your experiences with it after using it for a few more months. Also– what is the function of a mist? (lol).
http://cynicalduchess.com
Oh no! Have you tried Cerave’s Hydrating Cleanser? It’s one of the most gentle non-irritating ones I’ve tried so far, and very affordable too!
Mists are pretty much toners in a spray bottle, haha. They’re great for hydrating the skin, and some people use it to set their makeup. I like using it between each step of my skincare routine to add some extra hydration :)
Thanks for giving us such a detailed review. I have not tried these supplements, and have only used a couple of “beauty supplements” in the past, did not notice much. Now, I just stick to ones that I know work for my body paired with natural superfood supplements that I take. Those pads sound interesting but I do have sensitive skin. You’re the second blogger that I’ve read using the pads. /Madison
http://fashiontalesblog.com
It does seem beauty supplements can be a hit or miss, that’s generally been my experience as well. Glad you were able to find ones that worked!
I just read about this on Shireen’s blog too! It sounds like a great multi-vitamin (though i’m awful at taking them regularly.) I admit that I would be much more inclined if it were to benefit my skin! I just started using AHA and oh my goodness, what a difference in my skin! Those pads sound really good (though the price when not on sale is iffy LOL.)
http://www.sustainablysavvy.ca
Hopefully I’ll see some skin improvements soon, as these supplements are quite pricey! Woohoo, so glad you’re getting great results with AHA! Luckily Instytutum runs sales often enough where you can get their products around 30% off, making the prices a bit more affordable :)
The pads are the thing I am eyeing here, as I don´t really take much supplements on a regular, simply bcause I keep forgetting. But salicylic pads… I am so tempted.
Anne|Linda, Libra, Loca
I feel like most brands do just AHA pads, it’s nice to see an AHA/BHA pad and one that works well too!
I am still heartbroken about the Clearasil BHA pads discontinued.
it’s always a shame when brands discontinue great products :(
Interesting! I already am in love with a few pads, so I doubt I’d try those. But the Flawless vitamins things (what I’m calling them lol) sounds really interesting. I like that they boosted your mood too! I used to take some natural vitamins to calm me down, because I worry so much. But these seem to have benefits extending beyond that. I’d be interested to know in another month or so if you feel like they’ve really worked!
-Emily http://www.coatandcoffee.com
The mood and energy boost was definitely a pleasant surprise, though I’m still waiting to see if I can notice any skin improvements ???? Will definitely have an update post once I finish the bottle (hopefully sooner)!
I used to stay steer clear from supplements but recently I have learnt they actually are a need considering the lifestyles we have (as you mentioned here as well too) This supplement seems to have great additions like hyaluronic acid and linolenic acid, I almost never saw them in supplements! The flawless pads are taking attention too! Do they help with blackheads? It’s one issue that bothers me the most!
Hope this week has been good to you!
xx
Ankita
http://realgirltalks.com/
Sorry for the super late reply! One of the ingredients in the pad, salicylic acid, is oil soluble, so it has the ability to reach our pores and dissolve any debris that are clogging them. In this sense, yes these pads should help with blackheads!
I try to eat well as much as possible but I also believe in using supplements to support my diet just because I feel like I can never quite get to that perfect balance. I’ve also been taking these since the beginning of the year and like you, it’s too soon to see any results but the ingredients in these are good so they can’t hurt right ;p I really like those pads and how they’re effective yet gentle. I can always look forward to softer smoother skin on the day I use them every week :D
That’s usually my train of thought when taking supplements – it never hurts to try! :P
It’s nice to know about this brand especially the vitamins. I’m actually taking a Collagen booster capsule and I can say that you can only see the results after a month of taking it continuously. I wouldn’t mind trying this brand if I see it.
http://www.busyandfab.com
I also take a collagen powder, and I agree, it took me a long time (maybe more than a month) to start noticing the difference! Patience is definitely the key!
The alive water sounds so interesting!
xx Sofia | SOFIAADOT
I too don’t really mind supplements, but I find that tablets don’t really do much for me. Apparently, our bodies can only absorb a very small amount of vitamins from a pill? I’ve heard that powders that you dissolve in water are more effective. These are quite expensive too so I’d probably pass on that. The water sounds pretty lovely, though! Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts on these, hun. <3 Hope you're having a fab week beaut xoxo
Kay
http://shoesandglitter.com
Oh that’s interesting, I had no idea! I wonder what the science is behind the absorbency of pills vs powder or even gel – time to look this up! Hope you’re having a great week too!
agree with the supplements! unless you’re a healthy eater who tracks all the macro/micronutrients consumed, there’s no way to eat *everything* you need. shireen just posted about this too, and i just remembered that i have to take my fish oil cause i’m so bad at remembering, haha.
i’m the worrrrst at responding to comments lol, though i’m trying to be better at it – usually i leave it to pile up for a week or two before replying, which leaves me to replying in bulk. i think it’d be so much easier on me if i replied to them once or twice a day!
becky @ star violet
Fish oil makes such a difference for my skin in the winter. I stopped taking it for a while (forgot…haha), and my skin felt significantly drier and prone to inflammation!
…me replying to this comment 11 days later is proof that I’m still horrible at this ???? I agree, I probably make this a daily habit!
The supplement sounds great. I agree with you that we can’t all consume everything we need especially that people doesn’t follow the food pyramid anymore and eat fast food all the time. My mom has been actually nagging me to drink supplements but the problem is I don’t swallow tablets and pills. Medicines I take are either syrup, gummy, or injected. And so far I can’t find a beauty supplement in those formulas.
xx Alyssa | STYLE VANITY
I know in Asia they sell a lot of “beauty” drinks that include collagen and vitamin c, and honestly I wish they had that here too as I’d find those a lot more enjoyable than pills ???? Or you can try powder form and mix it into your juice if that formula is easier to find!
Ahh yes! There are a lot of beauty drinks here ???? some even have glutathione and you can find them in drugstores and convenience stores packed like a kindergartener’s juice pack with cute designs ???? I ignore those. Feels too gimmicky, but I just got a set of ivi premuim drink (Japanese brand) last weekend. It contains collagen and Vit C so fingers crossed, I hope it’ll work ????
What a great round-up, I will be definitely waiting for more updates on the supplement and water (sounds like something I would love to try, and yes – I need that LRP in my life asap now). As for the pads, I have dry skin so I am a bit unsure; I actually think I have over-exfoliated my skin in the past two weeks lol I need to be a touch more careful ouch! x
Thank you Naya! Still not seeing much from the supplements, and honestly between the Instytutum water vs. LRP water, I prefer the LRP just because it’s so much cheaper and I can spray to my heart’s content!
I have been thinking about including supplements in my routine for quite some time. I’m already on B12 supplements. I love chemical peeling, it just works perfectly for so many skin concerns. Thank you for sharing all the details and the honest review!
Love,
Olga from Myme
Thank you for reading Olga! One thing I really like about this supplement is that I just need to take this and I have most of my important vitamins covered. In the past I used to take my Bs and C vitamins separately and it was a bit much ????
Jenny, you have me so excited about this brand. I was looking at the supplements, and I use to take many of those individually. LOL Now they’re combined in one pill! Absolutely amazing. Those pads and water sound great as well. I can’t wait to explore the brand. Thanks for doing these reviews.
http://www.averysweetblog.com/
Yay, mission accomplished, and so glad you like the reviews! This is a brand whose products have yet to disappoint me, though I’m still waiting to see results from the supplement.
Oh the supplements for skincare sounds interesting! I ended up switching from pregnancy supplements to breastfeeding supplements to a ‘motherhood’ blend from the same company, just because if the extra vitamins are recommended in breastfeeding and pregnancy, I was sure they would be benefitial after all that too. I’ve never thought about taking one specifically for skin concerns but maybe I should look into it! :)
Hope that you are having a nice start to your week :) We finally got some cooler weather after our weekend heatwave, so I’ve been enjoying that!
Away From The Blue Blog
Oh those definitely sound like important supplements to take, I’d do the same if I were in your situation. While I think overall wellness should be the main goal of supplements, it’s nice to see companies putting a focus on improving the skin as well :)
it’s been the opposite here! It was freezing for the past few weeks and now it’s starting to warm up a bit, and I’m loving it!
These skincare items sound so awesome, especially that Alive water. I definitely need to check out this brand.
http://www.themakeupaficionado.com
They have some great products, definitely worth checking out!
I would love to try these products! The supplements sounds great!
StyleSprinter Blog by Katya Bychkova
It’s so much easier than taking multiple pills!
Lobing the benefits on this product!
Sheena | http://sheenalovessunsets.com
The Flawless supplements sound fantastic! This brand looks great xxx
ALittleKiran | Bloglovin
I love how convenient it is, no more taking multiple pills!
This product looks so good :) I like this brand :) Beautiful post!
Beauty and Fashion Freaks
Thank you lovely!
Great post.
xx
https://theonethattravels.wordpress.com/
The flawless pads sound really effective and thanks for the advice to only use occasionally to avoid sore skin (I have quite dry skin!). I’ve been hearing quite a bit about this brand lately :) Thanks for the thorough review!
Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice x
Glad you enjoyed it! I feel like with pads and chemical exfoliants it’s very easy to go overboard and damage your skin, so definitely better to take it slow :)
Oooh everything sounds lovely and it’s really nice to find out about a brand which isn’t see everywhere! Such a lovely post and hope you’re having a lovely weekend! :)
Layla x
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk