Vichy Normaderm Product Reviews: Cleansing Gel, Tightening Lotion & Corrective Anti Acne Treatment

I hope everyone is staying cool this summer! For the past week and a half it has been consistently over 30C, which is pretty ridiculous. The morning walk to work isn't too bad because it's still fairly cool out. But the early evening walk home... it is killer. So hot!

I'm back again and this time I have three reviews packed in today.

I was lucky enough to be chosen by ChickAdvisor and Vichy to review their 3 step routine for acne prone skin called: The Normaderm Program.

The products I will be reviewing today are:

1. Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel
2. Normaderm  Pore Tightening Lotion
3. Normaderm Corrective Anti Acne Treatment

If you're not familiar with Vichy, the company has been around for over 80 years. They started in Vichy, France where they:

Combine cutting-edge research and dermatological ingredients to give you visibly beautiful skin.

Vichy uses the thermal spa water prominent in the area and the best ingredients for women to achieve beautiful skin.

Luckily, days after receiving these products, I developed a ridiculously large zit on my chin. So my face was ready. I also cut out my morning routine and just used these 3 products in the morning for the past couple weeks.

Before I go into the individual reviews, I have to say, the scent for all 3 products are really not appealing. They all smell the same, and in my opinion it smells like men's cologne. Basically cheap cologne. The scent isn't strong enough to deter me from using the products, the more I use it, the less I notice it. But be aware when you first start use any of the products.

Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel

From the Vichy website:

Formulated for anyone dealing with frequent breakouts, dilated pores and excess shine. This ultra-gentle soap-free, alcohol-free cleansing gel deeply cleanses sebum and impurities without over drying or irritating the skin [...] skin looks clear, feel fresh and comfortable

The product also contains Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and LHA (Lipo Hydroxy Acid).

• Salicylic Acid: Unclogs and deeply cleanses pores. Anti-inflammatory properties
• Glycolic Acid: Has keratolytic effect, which allows gentle peeling, as well as antibacterial properties
• LHA: Gently smoothes skin texture and stimulates skin renewal

The cleanser is actually really nice to use. Since it is gentle and non-irritating I use it every morning. It foams up pretty well and my skin does feel clean after rinsing. I mainly use this in the morning so I have not tested it on how well it gets rid of makeup.

I prefer these types of gel foaming cleansers because it doesn't leave my skin feeling 'squeaky clean'. I actually found out recently that the 'squeaky' feeling means the cleanser is too harsh for the skin.

With this cleanser, my skin feels really good after the wash. Most importantly, my skin doesn't feel dried out. Even after patting my face dry, I'm not immediately rushing to my toner or serum. I can actually take my time with my skincare routine.

The Deep Cleansing Gel is available at Shoppers Drug Mart or through the Vichy online store for $19.95 CAD

Normaderm Pore Tightening Lotion

Taken from the Vichy website:

Specifically formulated for anyone dealing with frequent breakouts, dilated pores and excess shine. This formula combines soothing Vichy Mineralizing Water with glycolic and salicylic acid to unclog, tighten pores and purify the skin

I was reading the ingredients list, and unlike the deep cleansing gel, the toner does contain alcohol. But even so, it's not strong enough to irritate the skin. The toner boasts tightening of pores. There's no way my pores will ever disappear, but I have noticed they have slightly reduced in size.

Also good to note, that the toner isn't drying either. I actually find the toner pretty soothing for my skin as well.

The toner is available at Shoppers Drug Mart or Vichy online for $19.95 CAD

Normaderm Corrective Anti Acne Treatment

Taken from the Vichy website:

Combines 1.5% Salicylic Acid, LHA, Phe Resorcinol and new Air Licium* technology to treat and prevent all signs of acne: pimples, pore visibility, acne marks, shine and redness

*Air Licium - aerogel that helps reduce sebum production and pore visibility. Giving the skin a soft focus mattifying finish

Initially I hated this. The first time I was wearing this, my boyfriend noticed something on my face, like some dry skin. So I tried to rub it away. That was when I noticed in my hand I had rubbed off the product. It was all clumped together.

For those who have tried peeling creams or gels, you know how when you rub the product into your skin, the product starts to remove dead skin and clump together? It was like that. I started rubbing my entire face and noticed the cream was coming off. This was when I thought it was a terrible product. It was also the first day I started using this cream. I've been using the cream consistently everyday ever since and it hasn't happened again. That being said, the weather also hasn't gotten as hot as it did that day. I was sweating quite profusely that day. So I'm wondering if I sweat the product off?

On days when I am feeling hot, I have tried rubbing my skin and nothing comes off. So it's difficult to say what caused it. It could have a) not properly applied the product or b) it was so hot that day I sweat the cream off?? For those of you who have tried this cream, has this happened to you before?

But there are good qualities about this acne treatment. It's thick so it does sort of act as a pore minimizer. I still use an actual pore minimizing cream after, but if you wanted to wear it on its own, it does an alright job.

As for my acne marks, it did indeed heal the acne scare on my chin a lot more quickly.  Now that I'm getting older, the dark acne marks stay on my skin a lot longer than it used to. If it's a really big zit, then usually takes a couple months for to be fully healed. With the cream, I would say it healed in a matter of weeks.

But you do need to apply a moisturizer over this cream as it is not moisturizing enough to wear on its own.

Available at Shoppers Drug Mart or Vichy online for $29.95 CAD.

Overall Thoughts

It's been about 3 weeks since I incorporated all 3 products into my morning routine, and I'm still quite enjoying it. I've slowly incorporated other products back into my morning routine, but overall I'm still using all 3 in the morning.

Since this line is geared towards those with acne or oily skin, I found my t-zone did not get as oily throughout the day. This is saying a lot because I have really oily skin. It's ridiculous. For instance, last month, I had to get my picture taken to renew my passport. The gentleman taking my photo asked me to wipe my forehead and nose because it was too shiny in the photos T_T

While certain products also advertise reduction in redness and softer skin, these are things I can't comment on, as certain products in my night skincare routine also advertise assisting with the same things. So while my face isn't as red and my skin is soft, it may not be because of this Normaderm routine. It could be a bit of everything I'm using.

Ultimately, I don't think it's necessary to buy all three. It is possible to buy 1 of the 3 based on your skins needs. All three contain salicylic acid and glycolic acid, so any one you purchase will help with acne healing and prevention.

My ranking from best to worst:
1. Normaderm Deep Cleansing Gel
2. Corrective Anti Acne Treatment
3. Pore Tightening Lotion

If you are interested in trying all 3, Vichy currently has a promotion to purchase "The Normaderm Program" for 20% off. Click here for more information.

Have you tried any of these products? What are your thoughts?

The Good
- cleanser and toner are not drying
- healing time for acne not as long
- non irritating
- good for oily skin

The Bad
- unappealing/strong scent
- acne treatment cream not good enough to wear on its own

Disclaimer: I received these products complimentary from Chickadvisor in return for my honest opinion. My opinion is my own and no way influenced.