Ao Skincare Prepare Cleanser and Restore Serum Review

Two weeks ago, a friend of mine, who knows about my addiction to skincare products, sent me three products from Olay as a gift.

I told her that I liked these Olay products, but I did not tell her how my skin reacted after using the CC Complexion Corrector from Olay Regenerist. It would be so rude to tell her so, but my skin burned! My sensitive cheeks turned red, with big red pumps, and the burning sensation lasted until the next day.

I had to apply shea butter trying to calm down my skin, I did not know what to do, and it was one of the worst experiences. Who knows what they put in that CC cream, there are more than one Paraben type and some weird ingredients, which I have never heard of.

On the other hand, as for someone with combination skin, it is hard to find a cleanser that is powerful in cleansing my oily t-zone, but still gentle enough on my cheeks. Sometimes when using a powerful cleanser, I suffer from excessive dryness, and then I have to use facemasks more frequently to restore moisture to my skin.

Today’s post is about a cleanser and a serum that I received from Ao Skincare almost a month ago. Were they good enough to solve my skin problems? Let me first introduce the brand to you…

Dr. Mark Gray, a leading New Zealand Dermatologist, created Ao Skincare products. This skincare range consists of 6-step skin care system that covers all your skin needs, from cleansing to moisturizing, not to mention protecting from harmful UV’s via their sunscreen.

What makes Ao Skincare stands out is that:

• Ao Skincare contains Natural Botanicals: Ao Skincare products include potent botanicals that are found in New Zealand. These botanicals include Jojoba seed oil, Sunflower Seed Wax, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Leaf Extract, Green Tea Leaf Extract, Pomegranate Extract, Licorice Root Extract, Grape Seed Extract, and Mugwort Extract.
• Cold Processing: Unlike conventional heating methods, cold processing will not damage the original molecular structure of the pure, natural, and active ingredients.
• Ao Skincare uses artesian water that is drawn from deep beneath a virgin Kauri forest reserve in the far north of New Zealand.
• No Nasty Ingredients: Ao Skincare does not contain parabens, sulfates, PEGS, TEA, DEA, mineral oils, or artificial fragrance.

So, here are the products I received from Ao Skincare…

Ao Skincare Prepare Cleanser

You probably know that soap dries your skin; I hope that you avoid using foam cleansers and those containing sulfates as they strip of natural oils from your skin and leave it dry.

Ao Skincare Prepare Cleanser has a low level of soap. It has a gel consistency that transforms into a milk cleanser when adding water.

When applying to my face, 2 pumps is all I need, as instructed, I apply on in a circular motion then add warm water to transfer into a milk, then rinse off.

Even when using it twice daily, my skin did not dry; on the contrary, it left my skin feeling soft and supple. I also used it for removing my makeup, and it did a good job in removing it and cleansing my pores.

Normally this can last for 1-2 months depending on how often you use it. In addition, it is an all-skin-type moisturizing cleanser.

Unlike jars, the airtight pump protects the ingredients from air that reduces product efficiency, and bacteria that usually grow in skincare products packed in jars (you should then use clean hand or a spoon to avoid contamination), not to mention light that will cause all those active ingredients to begin to break down each time you open the jar. So even though it is a bit pricey, your skin will thank you for investing in a good beauty product that does not lose its efficiency by time.

Ao Skincare Restore Serum

With peptides and vitamin-rich components, this serum is said to help revitalize, strengthen, and restore the skin.

All you need is one pump on a clean face twice daily; ‘a little goes a long way’, they say, and this serum is supposed to last for about 2 months according to Ao Skincare website.

The serum has a thick liquidy consistency, and my skin absorbs it fast. There are some great active ingredients in this serum including Vitamins B3, B5, and C (Niacinamide, Panthenol, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) in addition to peptides, and New Zealand Manuka Honey.

My Thoughts

The Prepare cleanser was perfect for my combination skin, never dried my cheeks, but was powerful enough to wash of extra oils from the t-zone. It also left my pores clean and a bit smaller.

I also liked the Restore serum, as for a 30 something woman, peptides, and antioxidants are a must for a healthy looking skin. Thankfully, I have only a few fine lines on my forehead, and after 3 weeks of using this serum, they are less visible. Of course, I am also moisturizing my skin twice daily, and I do not stay in the sun for long, besides using a sunscreen for protection.

Purchasing a skincare product for $$$ may seem like too much, but if you look a bit closer, you will find that you are making the best investment for your skin health. It does not make sense to buy a $10 moisturizer in a jar that will lose its powerful anti-oxidants when you open it. Not to mention the quality of ingredients you will get. I am not saying that all expensive skincare products are an investment; still, if you check the ingredients’ list, Ao Skincare is one of the best choices for pampering your skin.

Make sure to check Ao Skincare website for more details about their products, which include the Fortify Day moisturizer, Protect SPF30 sunscreen, Night Treatment night cream, Retinal Rewind.

*Though the brand sent me this product for review, all opinions are my own, and completely based on my own experience.