After 3 Weeks, I Swear This Matcha-Spiked Body Lotion Gave Me Firmer Skin
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@kaitlyn_mclintockI think bodycare is consistently overlooked. I've talked to friends, family members, and other beauty editors, and so many of them have said the same thing: "I'm way better about caring for the skin on my face than I am about caring for the skin on my body."
I'm not saying I'm any better. Although I've improved upon my bodycare routine in recent years, it's nowhere near perfect. Still, I'm constantly testing new bodycare products to see what can give me smooth, plump, bright, and glowing skin from the neck down. I want to know I'm using products that are actively and holistically treating my skin—not just moisturizing it. Well, recently, a new product came across my desk, and after using it for a mere three weeks, I think I found my latest bodycare obsession. Instead of simply moisturizing my skin like so many other formulas, this body lotion also firms, smooths, strengthens, and protects it from environmental aggressors. It's a one-and-done formula that does so much it almost feels unfair to call it a body lotion at all. Keep scrolling to see which one it is and why I can't shut up about it.
Here it is—the Iota Supermatcha Body Lotion+. I'm sure you can infer from the name that the star ingredient is matcha, the antioxidant powerhouse we all know and love. However, it's also packed with 16 vitamins and minerals from other superfoods and adaptogens.
The brand claims this is an all-in-one product, and I can tell just from glancing at the ingredient list it's true. This body lotion contains more active ingredients than any other bodycare formula I've used—and I've used hundreds. Aside from the matcha, there are prebiotics, probiotics, snow mushrooms, ginseng, cica, turmeric, and face-grade niacinamide. There's also rambutan, a tropical plant used for skin-firming purposes. Together, these ingredients have a holistic skin-improving effect similar to retinol, which is why the brand calls it a retinol alternative.
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@kaitlyn_mclintockI've only been using it for about a month, but I can tell the skin on my arms, legs, and chest has improved. Slowly but surely, it's doing a number on my summer sun damage by balancing and plumping up my dry skin. Even in this short time, I can tell the thin skin on my chest and shoulders is slightly firmer. I won't be surprised if one day I wake up and the fine lines and wrinkles on my chest are completely gone.
Aside from the impressive retinol-like firming effects, I have to give credit to the texture of the formula. It's not thick or creamy. Instead, it has a milky, runny texture that reminds me of a matcha latte (and yes, it's green like matcha). Because of this, it never feels heavy or sticky on my skin—just hydrating and cooling. The only downside of this is that sometimes I need to apply a body oil over the top of it for extra moisture when my skin feels drier than usual. Not a big deal, but noteworthy nonetheless.
All in all, this is a product that gives new meaning to bodycare. Instead of simple hydration or exfoliation, this product offers a wide range of benefits—all in one easy-to-use formula. It makes me feel like the skin on my body is finally getting the same TLC as the skin on my face.
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