Super by Dr Nicholas Perricone – Activator Prep Review

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Skin gets a super boost from “superfoods” Apple, Melon and Chia

photos: we heart this

Dr. Nicholas Perricone is my kind of guy: a board certified Dermatologist, a professor of medicine at Michigan State University (Erin’s alma mater!), a NY Times bestselling author, nutritionist, a guest on many TV shows and PBS specials, and a research scientist who lucky for us, has incorporated that knowledge into an award-winning line of skin care products.

Dr. Perricone is regarded as the Father of the Inflammation Theory of Aging, which basically states that our skins’ breakouts, wrinkles, and loss of firmness is due to microscopic irritation in our cells, which leads to cell damage, and thus the signs of aging.

To treat this inflammation he has developed the holistic line called SUPER, based off his discovery of a select group of foods he calls Superfoods. These brightly colored foods – mostly fruits and vegetables, are rich in powerful antioxidants that are essential for reducing inflammation and overall health and vitality. Eating them naturally and applying them to your skin in the concentrated form of the products will give you the same great healthy benefits.

We got to try three new products to the SUPER brand, from the Apple, Melon and Chia lines, called Activators, which are sort of like a toner – but better. A super toner, if you will. Formulated to be used after washing and before treatments, a swipe of Activator helps “prepare pores to take in nutrients and increase the efficacy of treatment products.”

And before I go any further, it’s important to note that Dr. Perricone went the extra step in this line and created these cruelty-free products without parabens, propylene glycol, silicones, mineral oil, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances. They are made in the USA and packaging is made with 80% PCR paper in a carbon neutral facility.

I tested the Clarifying Activator Treatment Prep ($38), which contains the key ingredient Quercetin, a compound found in green apples. Research has shown that Quercetin, among other benefits, reduces inflammation. When applied to the skin it can prevent acne and calm red, irritated and sensitive skin.

This powerhouse activator also includes malic acid for smoother, firmer skin, salicylic acid and glycolic acid for exfoliation and pore reduction, and zinc, which when depleted can lead to acne. I’ve been testing this for almost a month and have to say I’m SUPER impressed!

I had a few blemishes when I started using it. They cleared up within a couple days and none have returned since. My oily areas seem under control and my pores even seem to be a bit smaller.

The formula is very gentle too. It doesn’t dry my skin out at all – for the sake of testing I’ve gone sans moisturizer after using it a few times and had no dryness or irritation. But it does prep the skin beautifully for moisturizer though, which seems to soak in better and do more of its job.

I would definitely say my skin looks brighter and smoother after a month of using this and I feel confident and am excited to see if it keeps away the acne for good!

A fellow review team member tested the Chia oil infused Moisturizing Activator Treatment Prep. Chia oil creates a natural, air-tight barrier to keep moisture in and hydration-suckers out, while delivering unparalleled levels of Omega-3 for nourished, moisturized skin. This formula also contains Lactic and Glycolic Acid for exfoliation, Ceramides and Oat Protein to soften, condition, and smooth dry skin.

Another tester tried the Brightening Activator Treatment Prep part of the Melon fortified group. Melon contains Beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that penetrates and absorbs in the skin for fast acting brightening and protection. This oil-free base also contains Lactic, Ferulic, and Phytic Acids to exfoliate and brighten skin suffering from sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Vitamin C is included along with the soothing Comfrey Root and Green Tea.

If either of these sound super intriguing, make sure to check the comments to see what our testers thought of the Activator Prep step.

we heartsters – are you SUPER excited to try out the latest from Dr. Perricone?

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

Author

  • Mel

    Mel is a Mom, an avid makeup junkie and a junior high science teacher. Beauty and brains; just what we want in a we heart this author!

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9 Comments

  1. Great review @Melinda! I am so glad to hear that the Clarifying Treatment Prep worked for you, because that is the one of the three I would use for sure. The packaging for this line is so adorable and has caught my eye many times while at Sephora.

  2. Thanks @mandabear! And I agree, it’s great packaging. I didn’t mention in my review that it’s a heavy glass frosted bottle with a pump that dispenses just the right amount of product for one swipe down the face. I’m still loving the Clarifying with Apple – it’s kept away almost all of my blemishes for the few months I’ve been using it – just a couple once around that time of the month one time since using. My face still looks a bit brighter and smoother, too. I’d love to try the Brightening with Melon, so can’t wait to hear from the testers on the other formulas. I’m going with a solid four stars on this!

  3. This definitely wins the award for cutest packaging everrr (it looks like something in a candy shop!), and I’m excited to hear that it works for oily/acne-prone skin too. Do you use it daily? How long does one bottle last?

    1. I do use it every morning and night barring those lazy or forgetful nights, @lipglossandspandex. I’ve had it just over two months and I use about 5 pumps total per use. I’ve got about 1/4 of the 4 oz bottle left so I’d say with totally consistent use in that way it’d probably last two months. Dr. Perricone does suggest when you first use it though to go slow – test a patch on your neck for 3 days, then just use on face every other day for the first week. I pretty much just barreled in and did not follow those directions, but I didn’t have any problems with compatibility/irritation. I feel a slight tingle every time I use it but it’s not uncomfortable and dissipates quickly. I’ve actually even used it on my 3 year-old after she gets acne from sunblock and she doesn’t mind the tingle – and I think it’s helped clear hers up quicker, too! I do not have extremely oily or acne-prone skin though. It’s more combination and only usually acne-prone during that time of the month. I do have a very shiny nose, and this helps a bit with that, but does not take it away completely.

  4. I love the packaging on these. The brightening and clarifying sound interesting and I’ve experienced nothing but good things from Perricone products.

    1. That’s great to hear about the good Doc @lucylemonade! I’d never tried anything from him before and look forward to checking out the rest of his line eventually. These super foods have really caught my attention!

  5. How can I not love a brand from a doctor that teaches at MSU?! I mean, I AM a Human Biology grad, so I know first hand they have some great science profs! I trust he knows what he’s talking about! The Clarifying Activating Treatment Prep is something I definitely want to try for my oily, aging face, especially since post pregnancy has messed with my hormones and blemishes are becoming an issue! Love the packaging too… the colors and bottles look really nice. Great review @Melinda

    1. I will bring it to you for further testing @spitfire77! I know it helps my combo skin, so let’s see what it can do with your post baby skin – the rest of the bottle is yours!

  6. This was by far one of my favorite products to review. I use it everyday afer washing my face. Noramlly my dry skin reacts very poorly to toner type products, but not this one. Chia oil infused Moisturizing Activator Treatment Prep did a great job of moisturizing and conditioning my skin. Once this bottle runs out, I am for sure buying another one.

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