We can’t help noticing the impact the lockdown is having on our physical appearance. Strange new routines and long days indoors aren’t helping our skin – it feels drier and looks pasty – and we don’t even want to think about our hair. Many of us are not sleeping well, are having more caffeine and sugar in our diets and forgetting basic things like wearing sun protection when we go for a walk. While skincare may not be our number one priority, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of looking better to uplift and encourage us, even on our “greyer” days.

There are simple and accessible ways to re-set our skin habits and make it easier to put our best face forward. Along with remembering to stay hydrated and aiming to get regular exercise and adequate sleep, a simple but effective skincare routine is what we need at the moment. We’ve discovered a smart way to boost, soften and hydrate skin – with just one neat ampoule a day. It’s as simple as drinking a glass of water. New from Vichy Laboratories, LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Anti-Ageing Ampoules contain a powerful cocktail of actives and peptides, clinically proven to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increase skin’s resistance against external stress factors. They are fresh, potent and highly concentrated – a massive beauty boost in one small ampoule. The added beauty of Vichy is that it is readily available at your local pharmacy, or you can order it online from McCabe’s Pharmacy and Meagher’s Pharmacy.

Here’s how – and why – LiftActiv works …

The formula LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Ampoules contain just ten ingredients, including 10 per cent pure Vitamin C to boost cell regeneration and refine skin texture by stimulating antioxidant activity within the skin and fighting against oxidative stress. Bio-peptides target collagen depletion, working to “fill in” deep wrinkles. Natural-origin Fragmented Hyaluronic Acid rehydrates, replumps and smooths the appearance of wrinkles. Finally, Vichy Mineralising Water boosts skin’s natural defences with its unique composition of 15 skin-strengthening minerals. In this way, LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Ampoules work to keep skin looking youthful, while simultaneously protecting against further damage, by strengthening its natural defences.

Why ampoules? Made of amber glass, each ampoule contains the perfect dose for the day – half in the morning and half at night – so you use exactly the right amount. The airtight ampoules protect and preserve the complex of actives against UV rays, heat and oxidation. This means the formulation can be created without preservatives – and no preservatives means a higher concentration of dermatological actives at their freshest and most stable.

The results Our skin’s elasticity diminishes over time and collagen production slows, leading to lines and wrinkles. Several things influence how early these lines start to appear, from external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution, to individual lifestyle factors such as diet, alcohol, sleep and stress levels. LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Ampoules offer clinically proven efficacy to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and reignite radiance. They deliver a dramatic 3D effect in the reduction of wrinkles, as the actives simultaneously target both the length and depth of wrinkles. After one month, trials showed reductions in the appearance of wrinkles, and smoother and more radiant skin by up to 87 per cent.*

How to use Each ampoule contains a double dose of formula. You use it on clean skin in the morning, using the applicator, and repeat in the evening (it stays fresh for 48 hours). For best results, use as a 30-day treatment. See www.Vichy.ie for a full step-by-step guide.

Your new daily routine Every morning, apply your LiftActive Ampoule after you’ve cleansed your skin, and follow with Vichy’s NEW Liftactiv Collagen Specialist SPF25 Fluid, a light and breathable broad-spectrum daily moisturiser that protects skin from the damage of sun exposure. Vichy also recommend adding in a hyaluronic acid booster, such as Vichy’s bestselling Mineral 89, as a middle step to give extra hydration to the skin. At night, you can use your night cream after applying the ampoule.

LiftActiv Specialist Peptide-C Ampoules are available at pharmacies nationwide, from €30 for a ten-day pack; €59 for pack of 30.