LYMA Skincare review; is this epigenetic serum & cream worth it?

What is it?

LYMA Skincare is a self proclaimed new category of super-expensive skincare with a first-time cost of £495 / $595 / €565 for 50ml each of serum and cream. This includes the fancy LYMA beaten copper canisters. Each subsequent monthly refill supply of 50ml serum and cream then costs £445 / $545 / €545.

Yikes. 

Now, I don’t like marketing guff. So, here’s my summary of the LYMA Skincare offering, with all that fluffy-stuff removed…

My no-fluff summary

You buy both the serum and cream in a 30-day combo-kit. They work together, so they replace your existing potions. If you like them, you can subscribe for monthly delivery and save 20%. 

Onto what’s special about LYMA Skincare…

First up, the serum and cream are jam-packed with active ingredients. It’s an impressive array of industry-approved superstars and goodies. LYMA selects several patented peptides and active ingredient-combos with swanky sounding names. But you can also see the official and much nerdier INCI names listed on the packaging. And you can check them out here too; serum INCI ingredients and the cream INIC ingredients too.

Second, you’re definitely getting enough of each ingredient to have a noticeable effect. LYMA says 80% of their total ingredients are active and 20% is water. You can reverse that in conventional skincare products, where most of it (80%) is good old water, with just 20% active ingredients. Also, LYMA’s ingredients are at proven effective doses, whilst still at safe concentrations for sensitive skin. They work harder together and match all skin types and tolerances. 

Next, LYMA’s anti-ageing approach is different. Most conventional skin care focuses on fixing the signs of ageing, such as smoothing wrinkles, fine lines, fading dark spots, boosting radiance, firmness, elasticity, hydration, and plumping. These products moisturise your skin and feel good, but you lose the benefits once you wash it off. 

Not so with LYMA Skincare.

LYMA says their ingredients reach every layer of skin, not just the protective outer layer. This is thanks to their “patented sub-cuticle delivery system”. There’s not much information about this. But it supposedly goes beyond the dead surface layer of skin and targets the living cells in the dermis. These are inaccessible to conventional formulas.

And because the active ingredients reach every layer, LYMA Skincare can focus on the underlying causes, and not just the visual effects, of ageing. The eight causes of skin ageing according to LYMA are a decline in circulation, elasticity, energy, epigenetic control, hydration, immunity, microbiology, and an increase in cellular senescence. They then match and explain their carefully selected ingredients against the eight causes of ageing. 

I rather like this angle. It’s an interesting, scientific and informative approach to explain what your skin needs to stay healthy and young. 

LYMA says they can do this because they’ve developed an ‘epigenetic breakthrough’ with their skincare. This refers to our DNA and genes.

LYMA explains…

“Epigenetic skincare is the development of face creams and serum formulations able to tweak gene expression to our benefit – skincare ingredients that can counteract undesirable increases or decreases in cell activity by turning certain genes up or down like a handy control dial or dimmer switch.”

Epigenetic Skincare Can Talk to Our DNA – LYMA.life

So, the idea is the active ingredients in their formulations can work in our cells at a genetic level. Specifically on our DNA, to modulate our gene expression, which changes how our cells behave. These tweaks deliver supercharged cellular energy, healthier mitochondria, and faster cell renewal. Just like in young skin. And this reverses and prevents ageing, for skin that’s super healthy and strong.

This isn’t a new concept. Big brands such as Estee Lauder and Caudalie previously developed and patented clever epigenetic ingredients. Their labs studied ageing skin and identified enzymes and processes that affect our gene expression. Then they found and added natural molecules, with comparable epigenetic effects, to their skincare line.

But LYMA takes a different approach. 

They selected cosmetic ingredients already showing promise in alternative scientific areas. And yup, you’ve guessed it. They have links to boosting cellular health, protection, regeneration, and growth by directly or indirectly influencing gene expression (aka epigenetics). 

But because these are cosmetic ingredients, legislation dictates LYMA must be careful not to make drug-like claims. So, they dub their science ‘Genolytic™ technology’ and avoid spelling out the epigenetic detail. Instead, they link their special ingredients with the results evidenced in the related supporting studies. But you must read each individual study to understand the underlying epigenetic process and effect. 

LYMA’s Genolytic™ technology in summary

There’s a heap of information to digest and tie-up to the related studies. So, here’s a helpful summary of LYMA’s eight causes of ageing. Following that, you’ll find the related star ingredients, their official cosmetic INCI names and categories, and LYMA’s Genolytic™ results (with links to the supporting studies).

A note about the supporting studies

I’m nerdy. I love absorbing the odd scientific or clinical study. The studies LYMA references are all interesting. But it’s important to note, they’re not direct evidence confirming the Genolytic™ effects of LYMA Skincare on your skin. 

Some studies have closer links to effects on skin. They’re on human dermal fibroblasts, but tested ‘in vitro’ in a petri dish, not on people ‘in vivo’. In others, they observe the dietary effects of these molecules. For example, in mice for diseases like diabetic kidney disease and spinal disc degeneration. Or they review studies of dietary intake in humans on a range of age-related diseases.

It’s promising stuff, but it’s far removed from applying the ingredients to human skin in a lotion. I can’t find any direct scientific evidence supporting this. So, they may work as claimed, but they may not.

LYMA have done their own independent tests to show the results of their skincare. They are confident in their formulations. So much so they say you’ll see “Transformative results in just 30 days”. I guess that’s one way to test it then. 

So I did.

Next, let’s get onto what they’re like and the results they give.

First impressions

The serum and cream arrive in a sturdy protective outer flat, black rectangular cardboard box. Inside that is a black LYMA branded envelope and a smaller black cardboard box containing the goodies. They’re secured in a moulded black cardboard bed.

I received a free trial kit from LYMA to test. The serum and cream you see here are in black plastic pump action bottles. They’re the same as with the LYMA Glide gel you use with the LYMA laser. They came with three info leaflets about the ingredients and clinical results.

However, when you buy the real kit, you get rather fancy beaten copper canisters that hold removable plastic refills containing the product. The refills mean less plastic waste. But they’re also fitting of this expensive and premium skincare product because they look splendid. You’ll want to have them on show.

In the LYMA Skincare kit:

• LYMA Serum 50ml refill
• LYMA Serum canister
• LYMA Cream 50ml refill
• LYMA Cream canister

Before you start

The serum and cream don’t contain any allergens. But if you have a known sensitivity to any cosmetic ingredients, check the ingredients list closely before buying. If you have super sensitive skin, a skin sensitivity patch test is probably a good idea before slathering this all over your face!

Other than that, you can crack on with the routine…

The routine

Apply the serum and cream in the morning and again before bed. You’ll need about 15 minutes in total because it takes a little while to absorb. You can’t rush it.

Step 1: Cleanse

Start by double-cleansing your skin. First, use an oil-based cleanser or balm to remove your make-up and SPF creams. Then, follow with a water-based cream or gel cleanser to get your skin squeaky clean. If you don’t have an oil-based cleanser, fret not. You can just use the same cleanser twice.

Step 2: Apply the serum. 

Take 3 pumps, lightly spread over your fingertips, then with tiny taps, apply over your forehead, cheeks and neck. Gently massage in the product. Don’t forget your eyes, nose and lips!

Wait one minute for the serum to absorb.

Step 3: Apply the cream. 

Take 3 pumps in your fingertips and lightly dapple it over your forehead, cheeks and neck. Gently spread it over your skin surface (don’t massage too much!). It forms a white film on your skin.

Wait one minute to activate!

Step 4: Massage.

Then, gently massage the remaining cream into your skin. It takes a while, roughly 3 to 4 minutes for me. I start at my forehead and work my way down to my collarbone in small circular motions. Then I repeat from the top-down again.

I like to wait another minute or two, then lightly check my skin with my fingertips to find any slick patches, which I can then massage in. 

What’s the consistency like?

On your first use, it takes several pumps before the product comes out. 

Both the serum and the cream are a yellow-brown colour, and both have the same scent. It’s not an overpowering artificial fragrance, but a subtle earthy, herby smell of natural preservative thyme leaf oil. This fades once you’ve applied the cream and washed your hands.

The serum has a slightly thinner consistency than the cream. The pumps melt into each other on my fingertips and it’s easy to apply to your face and neck. Three pumps are plenty to cover my skin without excess and it absorbs well. 

The cream is thicker and the squirts from the pump don’t spread and pool but stay in shape. I dapple it over my skin for even coverage, then spread it over my skin with my fingers. It took a few days before I saw the white film on my skin. It’s thick and slightly waxy and I see it most on my cheeks and neck. 

If you leave it too long to apply the cream after the serum, it takes a little more effort and time to massage in.

And massaging the cream feels extra luxurious and rich. It takes several passes of slow massaging circles from my forehead, then cheeks, chin and jaw, down my neck to my collarbone. You can’t rush it, so take your time and enjoy it. The cream doesn’t pill or clump so you can’t overwork it on your skin. 

The cream continues to soak in once you’re done massaging. You may feel a few slick patches which you can spread and massage a little more. 

Don’t forget to wash your hands! Your fingers can look slightly yellow, and some product can get trapped around your nails.

How does your skin feel & look?

I have fair skin, and I see a subtle bronzed sheen to my skin after I apply the serum. It doesn’t look unnatural and I don’t mind it too much.

Once I’m done with the cream, my skin feels warm and invigorated from the massage. Lush.

I have oily skin, so I typically prefer moisturisers that sink in, leaving no residue. But this cream is different. It feels like an oil and wax combo, or a protective balm, on the surface. My skin is velvety smooth and super hydrated. It’s slightly tacky to touch, but not greasy. It feels just like an even dose of my natural nourishing skin oils from within, locking in moisture. 

And my skin looks hydrated too. It smooths out the lines under my eyes and leaves my lips feeling super soft. Thankfully, my skin looks dewy and not shiny, considering how moisturised it feels on the surface.

How does it wear?

I was concerned about how it’d wear during the day. Would I end up in an oily mess? Would it melt into and sting my sensitive eyes? 

Well, I’m pleasantly surprised.

I see no yellow residue on my pillow when I wake up in the morning. And during the day, my skin doesn’t get noticeably shiny. I wear little make-up anyway, but when I do, it glides on and my concealer, blush, brow powder and mascara stay put all day.

I wear a SPF 50 sunscreen most days too. I was concerned this would overload my skin, but it feels fine over the top and works just fine.

However, I see yellow transfer onto my clothing. That’s despite waiting several minutes after applying the cream and then getting dressed. It’s most noticeable on white crew neck t-shirts and the inside collar of a white shirt. But fret not, it comes off without a trace in the wash.

Cleansing also turns the water murky-yellow. And when I dry my face, I sometimes see a little yellow transfer onto white towels from residue product around my hairline.

I also went for a run early one evening whilst wearing the serum and cream. I thought little of it. However, my sweat dripped down my face and made yellow rings on my white running vest! So, bear this in mind if you want to hit the gym, a class, or do any sweaty exercise or activity. Get this out of the way before applying LYMA Skincare in the morning, or wash it off before your evening workout.

Schedule, effort & results

Apply the serum and cream twice daily, in the morning and before bed. It takes longer to apply than my regular serums and creams. That’s because:

1. You must allow 1-minute ‘sinking-in’ time for each product 
2. Spend a good few minutes massaging in the cream
3. And wait a few minutes before getting dressed to avoid transfer onto your clothes. 

I need around 15 minutes, which includes washing my face.

It’s easy and very pleasant. Several minutes of massaging the cream leaves your skin invigorated, dewy and smooth.

Advertised results

Using LYMA Skincare gives you more elastic, firm and super-hydrated skin. It reduces redness, dark circles, fades wrinkles, brightens and fades pigmentation for a more even skin tone too. 

LYMA says the serum and cream combo “transforms skin in just 30 days”.

The first things you’ll feel, after just a few applications, are smoother skin that’s beautifully moist and dewy. Then, over the next few weeks, pores shrink and your complexion brightens. After around 1 month, it protects each skin layer, so it works faster. Your collagen and elastin are stronger, so your skin is firmer and plumper. And, this working together with the intense hydration also means less noticeable wrinkles and fine lines. Redness also softens. Your skin feels smooth and bouncy, and with a healthy, radiant glow from within.

You may see all these improvements within 1 month of use, but it may take a little longer for some. LYMA says it works in “synergy with the skin’s 12-week cycle” so you’ll likely see and feel further improvement during the first 3 months of use.

My user trial results and photos are coming soon!

LYMA Skincare negatives

There are a few negatives with LYMA Skincare serum and cream.

First, it takes a good 15 minutes to apply the skincare combo. This may be just like your current routine, in which case it’s no big deal. But if this sounds like too much faff, you may be better off sticking to your own skincare and trying a fast and low-effort beauty tech device instead.

Second, applying it in a too-warm room is hard work! During my trial, we had a hot spell here in the UK. And without climate control, my house is hot. The serum is still easy to apply. But the cream just seems to sit on my skin surface. And after several minutes of massaging, the sweat came. Not pleasant. So, try to apply it at a comfy room temperature.

Next, I see yellow transfer from my neck and collarbone onto some of my clothes. This is despite lots of massage, and waiting several minutes after this to don my togs. I notice it most on white tops, not so much on dark or bright colours. And it’s a little more pronounced if I’m out and about in warmer weather. 

Also, if you have on LYMA Skincare and end up sweating profusely, your sweat will be yellow! So, avoid wearing it for sweaty activities or travel. Or if you sweat a lot during the night, you’ll likely see small yellow tide marks on your bedding or pjs too. 

However, any marks you spot disappear easily enough in the wash.

And next, this skincare is very expensive indeed. Just a month’s supply, with the 20% discount, costs more than most at home beauty tech devices you could use for years. I think it’s appealing to die-hard beauty aficionados with a very healthy bank balance. And if that’s you, this is one of the most persuasive and genuinely preventative skincare products I’ve ever seen. It really changes how your skin feels and looks, even after you wash it off. 

And finally, there’s no money-back guarantee. True, this isn’t typical for skincare products, anyway. But at this price, I’d simply find it reassuring. Regardless, you can give it a go for a month and if your skin loves it, then subscribe and save 20% on your next LYMA Skincare deliveries.

LYMA Skincare Review Summary: serum & cream

This high-tech serum & cream duo works on both the causes and effects of ageing. With a persuasive scientific approach aiming to help our genes behave younger, it outperforms any skincare I’ve used before. It’s lush to apply. The hydration is intense, and you can feel the vitality returning to dry and sluggish skin. But hell’s fire! To afford these beauties every month you must be properly minted.

Here’s a summary of my test scores, and pros and cons for LYMA Skincare to help you decide:

Ease of use

👍👍👍👍

A simple 4-step routine, with lots of stimulating massage on your face & neck. Both serum and cream are yellow brown and with a herby scent. Start by cleansing. Then with 3x pumps of serum, massage and wait for 1 minute. It soaks right in. Then spread 3x pumps of the rich cream, wait for 1 minute. Slow-massage in to finish. Leaves skin invigorated, beautifully dewy & soft, but not greasy or shiny.

Effort

💧💧

Use the serum & cream combo daily, both morning & night before bed. For ongoing use. The routine takes around 15 minutes, which includes washing your face. Take your time, you can’t rush it! It’s calming & pampering. 

Results

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Each application leaves skin beautifully dewy, velvety soft & super hydrated. It subtly plumps & fills fine lines too. Skin quickly feels smooth & pores refined. Redness and dark circles fade & your complexion clears & brightens. Over the course of the next 30+ days it gets firmer, bouncy & more elastic. Keep going for further changes and to maintain your younger looking & behaving skin.



Pros

• Nourishing & protective duo
• Formulations sink in & feel lush
• Non-greasy or shiny
• Simple & pampering routine
• Massage leaves your skin invigorated
• Stays put throughout the day
• Safe actives-packed formulations
• Science-based approach to stop ageing
• Dermatologically tested
• You don’t need additional products
• Safe for all skin tones & types
• Beautiful, fancy beaten copy canisters
• Less plastic with refill bottles
• Convenient monthly subscription service
• 20% discount with min. 3-month subscription
• Clinically proven & persuasive LYMA comparison photos

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Cons

• Super expensive. Crikey. 

• No money-back guarantee
• Must dedicate 15 minutes to apply
• Cream is slow to absorb in hot temperatures
• Can leave yellow transfer on your clothes

• Drips yellow when you sweat (a lot)

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