Tested for you: My SOS Duo from Doctor Duve medical skincare

SOS helpers have a lot to do with me after a long summer like this one with plenty of sun, salt or chlorine water and constant UV protection. The skin is drier than usual – my beautician has also noticed this – and perhaps even a little irritated. Sun creams like to close the pores, and sun wrinkles mercilessly make their way – especially around the eyes and in the cheek area

In this phase, the retinol, which is usually alternately part of my care routine in the evening, remains in the beauty cabinet. Instead, my two SOS helpers are increasingly used in the morning and evening: the “Boosting Face Serum” and the “Clarifying Face Cream”, both from the Doctor Duve Skincare line.

Even though I often have to and want to test other products in my job as a beauty journalist. Whenever there is “need for the woman”, then I come back to the two. By the way, the Skin Care from the Munich dermatologist Dr. Stefan Duve has been around since 2009, and that’s how long I’ve been loyal to the SOS duo in emergencies.

The Big Four active ingredients for the skin

In its products, Dr. Duve relies on a symbiosis of potent active ingredients from nature and modern anti-aging cell research. Many studies by skin and university clinics have shown that there are only a handful of active ingredients in cosmetics that actually have an effect on the skin in terms of anti-aging or pro-youthing, as one often reads today. The four heroes include hyaluronic acid, retinol, growth factors (also known as growth factors), and antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E. They are all included in some form in Doctor Duve Skin Care.

The signature active ingredient of the care line is also contained in my two SOS Helpers: Growth Factors are proteins that play an important role in the control of cell functions and initiate healing processes, among other things. In a skin care product, Growth Factors stimulate the organism to form healthy skin cells. They also promote the production of collagen, which makes the skin look younger and healthier.

By the way, there is a Nobel Prize behind the Growth Factors. In 1986, Rita Levi-Montalcini, an Italian physician and neurobiologist, was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine together with her colleague Stanley Cohen for their research on nerve growth factors.

SOS helpers at the start

I apply the “Boosting Face Serum” in the morning and evening after cleansing my face. A few drops from the pipette are enough for the face, neck and décolleté. It is a light, non-greasy serum that intensively pampers and nourishes the skin. Hyaluronic acid and growth factors provide it with ample moisture and plump up the tissue from the inside. At the same time, irritated areas are soothed and the connective tissue is strengthened. After just a few weeks, the complexion looks much fresher, the surface is more even and firm.

But I am not satisfied with that. After the serum, it’s the turn of the “Clarifying Face Cream”. It comes out of the jar creamy and creamy, but is pleasantly easy to spread on the skin. It regulates the skin’s own sebum production with plant-based active ingredients and salicylic acid. Clogged pores are a thing of the past.

Growth factors also stimulate the formation of new collagen and strengthen the connective tissue. Neurocosmetic active extracts soothe skin irritations, while hyaluronic acid provides volume and resilience. After the serum is well absorbed, I work the cream into the skin with gentle movements. I use it in the morning and evening, but apply a sunscreen afterwards during the day at any time of the year. Nothing peels, nothing sticks!

What are neurocosmetic active ingredients?

This refers to an innovative formulation in cosmetics based on the findings of neuroscience. Neurocosmetic products improve skin health by influencing the connection between the skin and the brain. To do this, they use ingredients that stimulate specific neuronal receptors to target skin cells.

They rely on the action of messenger substances such as neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which are responsible for enabling our skin cells to communicate with each other and regenerate. When these receptors are specifically stimulated, collagen and elastin production is stimulated and blood circulation to the skin is improved, contributing to a more radiant and youthful appearance.

My SOS helpers: “Boosting Face Serum”, 30 ml bottle, 169 euros, and “Clarifying Face Cream”, 50 ml jar, 158 euros. Both from Doctor Duve medical skincare

Photos: @IndiHerbst, @up-n-co