How do I know if it is working? Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

[sunshinesallday]

I've been using a small trial size of this, for the first time ever. Am in my early 50s. I'd like it to work and to be amazing, but if I can be honest, I'm not quite sure if it is having any effect. It is so hard to tell, and there are so many variables - eg, I use diff moisturisers so maybe they affect it too. What sort of changes should I be looking for or noticing? I don't want to spend the money on a full size bottle unless it is going to do something? The trouble is, I rarely find things make any lasting difference. They feel nice at the time of application. My skin is quite dry, but other than that, is quite good for my age. Any pointers appreciated, thank you.

It doesn't really contain any acids or high strength active ingredients so I wouldn't expect any short term signigicamt noticeable improvements in the anti-aging sense.

I don't get on with hyaluronic acid so didn't like it and do think it's overpriced but in theory but it does have lots of hydrating ingredients so with proper use (onto damp skin, and a good water based moisturiser over the top) you would reasonably expect skin to feel hydrated, look plumper and achieve some of the reduction in finer lines and even skin tone that generally comes with that.

If you're not sure, then use it one side of your face only and see if you can see a difference...

OP, what are you hoping this cream will do? Do you have specific skin concerns or are you just looking for general skin improvement? Also, are you using sunscreen with a high SPF? You need to protect your skin from any further sun damage.
I would recommend looking beyond brand names and find out the ingredients and see if there are any things like retinol, vitamin c, AHAs/ BHAs etc. These are 'active' ingredients that have been shown to have a good effect on the skin, but they all do different things. Hyaluronic acid is good for moisturising, but it doesn't do anything long term in the skin, just sits on the surface.

For example:
Vitamin C serum (with the active ingredient L-ascorbic acid) gives a nice brightening effect to the skin, and over time it can lessen hyperpigmentation. It's also an anti-oxidant that has protective benefits against UV damage.
AHA/BHA - these are hydroxy acids, which give an exfoliating effect when used on the skin, and removes some of the dead skin cells on the surface of the skin - but can be quite harsh so use sparingly.
Retinoids - there are several types of retinoids (retinol is the one you will find in over the counter products, there is also retinaldehyde which is slightly stronger, and the tretinoin which is a much stronger version but not avaialable OTC). These work by increasing collagen production and increasing cell turnover in the skin (both of which decline as we age).

If you really want a dramatic difference in your skin, I would recommend skipping over the counter retinols and just going for prescription strength tretinoin. However, it is pretty strong stuff which was be quite irritating when first used so you can't get it over the counter. You would need to go to a dermatologist to get a prescription. OR if you are in the UK you can get a subscription service like Dermatica/ Skin & Me. Or, if you are not in the UK (I'm not), you can get it from some online pharmacies. I would highly recommend doing your research before starting to use any tretinoin, as it is a long term thing, but it is the best 'anti ageing' ingredient out there.

Sorry for the super long message!

I've used this on and off for years because they're always giving away small bottles and occasionally ill find a deal on a large one at our local outlet but honestly I couldn't swear it's as amazing as everyone says and never notice that much difference, tbh I couldn't justify its full price

If you don't notice anything then it's probably not for you.

It's a HG for me though. Makes my skin look well rested and plump and alot less sensitive. Sometimes I run out of it on holidays and then end up with red blotchy skin.

Thanks so much for your comments and all that info too @Farmageddon .

I'm also v tempted to put it on half my face and see...

On damp skin? I didn't know that, thank you. I'll try it.

Thank you all :)

@Farmageddon I've read through properly now, thank you, and have looked at the ingredients. From what you say, vit C is probably what I need most, then retinoids.

I'm not looking for a dramatic difference, just an overall improvement I think. I have fairly dry skin, (but not cracked or tight), and also have a lot of freckles as well as more age spots appearing. I wear SPF 50 (la Roche posay) every day of the year. I tried Murad rapid age spot correcting serum and after 1.5 bottles I really couldn't see a difference.

It seems like it might not be worth me investing in the ANR when the sample runs out. The foundation is lovely though!

The above posts are good.
ANR is a great hydrator. That's all.
It was a game changer back in the day because it was the first big hyaluronic acid based serum. I'm using it at the moment because I got a free little bottle as a GWP but I'm just using it as a bogstandard serum to hydrate.
To see any noticeable topical change, as above, you need a vitamin C and a vitamin A/retinol.

If you are looking for a good vitamin C then Skinceuticals do a great one, but it's ridiculously expensive. Obagi is also nice, but again really expensive. Most vitamin C serums only last a few weeks so there's no point spending loads.
I use one from Geek & Gorgeous that is about €12 a bottle and lasts me a month.

You can buy Vit C serums in the shops, but the thing is that the main ingredient L-ascorbic acid sort of 'goes off' after a while, so you don't want something that has been sitting there for a few months, because it will be less effective.
When you get a vitamin c serum it should be reasonably clear, it will start to go orangey after a while, and if it goes brownish then it's probably lost most of it's efficacy. Annoyingly, many of the ones you get on the shelf in Boots or wherever have orange colour added to mask this (and sometimes and orange smell), which is sneaky because many of us associate vitamin c with oranges and think it's fine.

You also want one that comes in a dark bottle, or with an air tight pump as light and oxygen also contribute to it oxidising quickly.

After loving Vichy LiftActiv vit C (though even keeping it in the fridge it goes off quickly) hating LRP (viscous, slimy and yes, coloured orange!) being meh about GOW (didn't like oily texture) and Timeless (was good, but ginormous bottle so went the colour of beer drinker's piss before I'd used half) I'm liking the N7 at the moment. It's got a lower % of L-Ascorbic and it has got added "fruity" fragrance, but I like the texture.

I also purchased this a few weeks ago (off the back of a thread on MN) and I can't see much difference either...

TBH for £64 or whatever I wouldn't re-purchase. So far.

Take a photo and then take another one at the end of your bottle. It takes time for skin care to work.

I like this vitamin c www.beautybay.com/p/bliss/bright-idea-vitamin-c-tri-peptide-serum/> It has peptides too and feels really comfortable on my dry skin. It has a pump and an opaque bottle so the ingredients are protected. It's a good size and a reasonable price

I'm really appreciating all the advice and information, thank you all.

I feel like I've fallen down a rabbit hole now. I'm on Caroline Hiron's website - does she really know everything? is the book worth reading?

You don't need any of these things, especially if your skin is generally ok. However, Vit C serum seems to work on my face and I buy one for a tenner from Amazon. Keeps spots at bay and alleviates some of my dryness.

Yes depends on your definition of 'working'. I love ANR but see it as a sort of conditioner and hydrator. I would expect it to make changes to the texture of my skin - I'd use an acid or retinol for that. Yes CH has a lot of expertise and knows her stuff. I'll try to link a video with an ANR review from a dermatologist who's got quite a big following. She essentially says that you can get other products that will work just as well but concedes that it is a really good product with a great formula. I save my Boots points for mine.

Wouldn't expect

You could try some niacinimide if you have age spots. I get mine from the ordinary. It's £5.60 which lasts about 5-6 weeks. A £10 bottle lasts going on 3 months.

The problem with Caroline Hirons is she seems to advise using endless products, many of which are quite expensive. She may also have sponsorship deals with certain brands so just be wary.