Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream
It's like a hydrating drink for combination skin
I was in my late teens, when I first discovered the original Vichy Aqualia Thermal line. Back then I was using harsh, sulfate-filled cleansers that were destroying my skin barrier by stripping away all its moisture and leaving my skin dry and compromised. My main goal back then was to give my thirsty skin a drink using Vichy Aqualia Thermal products.
Today, I don't use harsh cleansers anymore, instead I double cleanse my face. As for moisturizer, since my skin concerns today are very different than they were in my teens, right now I'm loving Vichy's Idéalia, LiftActiv and Minéral 89 products.
But I still have a nostalgic fondness for Vichy Aqualia Thermal, and I bought the gel version of the moisturizer to use this summer. What I found out is that Vichy updated its Aqualia Thermal range since last time I used it.
The new and improved anti-pollution formulas are now:
- with 97% naturally sourced ingredients
- with increased content of Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water
- silicone-free
- paraben-free
The moisturizers are said to provide 48-hour dynamic hydration and smoothed fine lines. The products are enriched with mineral salts, naturally sourced hyaluronic acid and plant sugar mannose, which works to lock in moisture and reduce water loss.
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Product Line
The updated Vichy Aqualia Thermal line includes the following:
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rehydrating Serum (all skin types)
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream (normal to combination skin)
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light Cream (normal to dry skin)
- Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream (dry to very dry skin)
The moisturizer version I chose from this range is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream.
Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream
It's perfect for summer if you have combination skin type like me and you're looking for a good hydration in a lighter form than the standard cream.
Key Ingredients
Thermal Water: Vichy's Termal Water contains 15 trace minerals, including potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium and iron, that the skin likes. The termal water is clinically proven to strengthen the skin barrier and protect it from environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution.
Mannose: It's a plant sugar that functions as a humectant. Mannose plays a role in strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier to help prevent water loss, leaving skin plumped with moisture.
Hyaluronic Acid: It's capable of holding over 1,000 times its weight in water to help hydrate the skin. The form of hyaluronic acid that is used in this formula is the water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid - Sodium Hyaluronate. It is a smaller molecule, which allows it to more easily penetrate the skin.
Salicylic Acid: It's been added in order to help keep pores clear, but it is in such a mild concentration that it won't irritate the skin.
Glycerin: It hydrates skin by attracting water from the air into the skin and binding it there. It's good for oily/combination skin.
Texture
Ultra-light and comfortable. Gives a cooling, refreshing feel. Non-greasy. Non-sticky. It makes a great base for makeup.
Fragrance
It contains fragrance, although it's hypoallergenic - the blend is made with components less likely to cause reaction.
Packaging
I think it's cool that the product can be found both in a 50ml glass jar, as well as in a 30ml travel-sized tube. You'll always find me grabbing a tube if there's an option. It's more hygienic. Otherwise, as you know, I religiously use a spatula to apply the product when it comes in a jar.
How To Use It
After cleansing, apply to dry skin - face and neck. You can use the Rehydrating Serum from the Aqualia Thermal range before layering the Gel Cream.
Personal Opinion
On my oily T-zone, Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream does the job fine. It makes my skin soft and plumped without giving me a shiny face and clogging up my pores.
But my dry cheeks need something more heavy duty at this stage. Unfortunately, I'm no longer a teenager who needs a basic moisturizer.
As a woman fighting the first signs of ageing, I really need to stick to Vichy's LiftActiv, Idéalia and Minéral 89 products.
Who Is This For?
I recommend Vichy Aqualia Thermal Gel Cream to teenagers with normal to combination skin that need a basic moisturizer and don't have other skin concerns.