Certain skin-care products make you wonder if your skin is actually going through a midlife crisis, and then there are the ones that seem to understand exactly what it’s asking for. Skinbetter Science’s Mystro Revive Renewing Serum ($245) falls into the latter category. Designed specifically for the visible skin changes that can accompany perimenopause and menopause, this isn’t your average “anti-aging” serum. Here’s my honest review.
The Benefits of Skinbetter Science’s Mystro Revive Renewing Serum
What immediately stood out to me about this serum is that it doesn’t feel like a traditional anti-aging product that’s simply trying to make you look younger. Instead, it addresses the very specific ways hormonal changes can affect the skin during perimenopause and menopause. It’s the kind of formula that makes sense if you’re feeling like your skin is behaving differently and your old routine isn’t quite cutting it anymore.
When I turned 38 last year, I suddenly found myself scrutinizing my face in a way I never had before. When did those crow’s-feet settle in? Are jowls starting to form? This serum addresses those concerns and more, from dryness and dullness to the loss of firmness, crepiness and fine lines that can become more noticeable as hormones fluctuate.
Like all skinbetter science products, I was impressed with the science behind the serum, which features P.A.T.H.[13] biotechnology, a blend of 13 plant-based adaptogens designed to help skin adapt to environmental and internal stressors. It also includes TAP biotechnology, which uses Allyl PQQ to help skin defend itself against oxidative stress. Other key ingredients include ceramides, cholesterol and niacinamide to support the skin barrier; glycerin and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate to draw in and retain moisture; and the antioxidants alpha lipoic acid and astaxanthin.
For me, the biggest difference so far has been my skin texture. It has that comfortable, cushiony feeling that I associate with a really good moisturizer, but without having to layer on multiple products. My skin looks smoother and more hydrated and rested. I also love that the formula is lightweight, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested on perimenopausal and menopausal women, making it a thoughtful choice for those whose skin has become more reactive or sensitive with hormonal shifts.
The Clinical Testing
The clinical testing data is compelling, too. In a 16-week clinical trial of 53 perimenopausal and menopausal women ages 46 and older, twice-daily use was associated with a 32-percent improvement in the appearance of crepey skin, a 22-percent improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, a 60-percent improvement in skin hydration and a 27-percent improvement in skin-barrier integrity.
The Bottom Line
This is not the kind of product where you wake up the next morning and suddenly look five years younger (I wish!), but it’s a great choice for anyone experiencing skin changes during perimenopause or menopause—it was made for this group. At $245, it’s a bit of a splurge, but for someone looking to consolidate several concerns into one targeted, deeply nourishing step, Mystro Revive Renewing Serum makes a strong case for the investment.
