Nothing makes me happier than a skincare routine that leaves me hydrated and glowing, but since I suffer from eczema, my skin is more sensitive than most. I’ve tried hundreds of products over the years and almost all of them left my skin red, flaky, and dull. So you can imagine how wary I am when incorporating a new product into my routine. But one brand recently piqued my interest: Prequel.
Prequel products were approved by board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis developed and are suitable for all skin types and conditions. “My goal with Prequel was to create a line of products that can be used before you ever need to see a dermatologist. Things that can help keep your skin healthy in the long term,” says Dr. Ellis on her website. With such affordable prices, I wonder if their products are too good to be true. In the name of research, I tested Prequel’s products on my sensitive skin. Here are my honest thoughts:
Skin relief ointment
As much as I love Vaseline products, I rarely reach for them during the day because they’re so heavy and take so long to absorb—but Skin Utility Ointment is essentially the medium-duty version of a Vaseline product. Formulated with 45 percent petrolatum, Prequel’s protective polymer, and α-bisabolol, it promises to heal and repair skin while locking in moisture without leaving a greasy feeling. Additionally, it is suitable for all skin types, carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Approval, and is recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
Since my hands and lips are constantly cracked and bleeding, I decided to try this on these two areas first. True to its promise, the Skin Utility Ointment locked in moisture and quickly soothed my irritated skin. While it feels greasy at first, it absorbs into the skin quickly and the lightweight formula leaves no residue whatsoever. While it hasn’t completely replaced my petroleum-based products, I love applying it throughout the day as needed. Whenever my face needs a pick-me-up, I add a drop to my moisturizer and apply for long-lasting hydration.
Skin relief ointment
Gleaser non-drying glycerin cleaner
I know I’m supposed to wash my face morning and night, but I often skip it and opt for a lukewarm water rinse instead. The truth is, cleansers just dry out my skin too much and take forever to restore my moisture barrier once it’s weakened. But unlike other cleansers, my skin feels soft and supple after using it—which I attribute to hydrating, skin-softening ingredients like glycerin, arginine, oat extract, and aloe. This formula is also suitable for all skin types, as well as those with eczema and rosacea – and can be used on the face or body.
I also love the texture, which can best be described as a smooth, milky jelly. Plus, a small amount goes a long way – one drop is really all you need to remove stubborn eye and facial makeup and cleanse skin. This product has been a game-changer in my routine and I can’t wait to use it to the last drop.
Gleaser non-drying glycerin cleaner
Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk
This moisturizer is formulated with 10 percent urea, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide to smooth, tone, and nourish the face and body. It’s also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and allergy-tested, making it safe for all skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
As its namesake suggests, the formula really does feel like milk and glides onto the skin like liquid silk. While the medium-weight texture isn’t always ideal for the days when my skin desperately needs hydration – like in the winter or after a day in the sun – it’s perfect for the days when it needs a little pick-me-up. I prefer to apply this moisturizer to my hands regularly throughout the day as it protects them from drying out. When my favorite facial moisturizer isn’t enough, I also apply a thin layer of it for instant hydration and radiance.
Urea Advanced Relief Moisturizing Milk
Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Although vitamin C is known for its anti-aging and brightening properties, I and all my other girls with sensitive skin can attest that it is not the best ingredient for our skin type. For us it can cause a variety of skin problems such as irritation and redness, which is why I tend to stay away from it. But because I’m a fan of good anti-aging products, I decided to go all in on Dr. Trusting Ellis and Prequel and risking it all by applying a layer under moisturizer one night before bed.
I’ve used many anti-aging products in the past, but few have blown me away like this serum. To my utter delight (and surprise, if I’m being honest), I woke up radiant before the gods. Not only did my skin look moist and supple, it also felt firm. Although it is a little drying on my skin, using it once to three times a week along with a strong moisturizer like Skin Utility Ointment seems to help. Overall, my skin has become brighter and firmer, and I have this serum to thank for that.
Lucent-C Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Sun Barrier Mineral sun protection
I have a love-hate relationship with mineral sunscreen. On the one hand, I like that it works quickly and often doubles as a moisturizer. On the other hand, it can leave a white cast that makes you look like a ghost. However, Prequel’s version is semi-sheer and lightweight, with a peachy shade that blends into the skin for a natural, radiant glow.
In my humble opinion, it’s the formula where this sunscreen really shines. I love how easy it is to blend and how it instantly leaves skin looking nourished, radiant and radiant. Unfortunately, it didn’t match my neutral undertone perfectly, but I found blending it with my foundation did the trick. I plan to use it regularly on the days I wear makeup to protect my skin from harmful UV rays to the last drop.
Sun Barrier Mineral sun protection
Universal skin solution skin spray
I love a good facial mist and Universal Skin Solution beats any I’ve used in the past. In addition to refreshing, soothing, and moisturizing skin, this spray also cleanses and purifies to improve skin texture, relieve redness and itching, and clear congested skin—the latter of which is a huge win for an allergy sufferer who lives in a condo year-round with electricity connection lives heat (the worst). I also like that the pH is stabilized and safe for all skin types, so I can use it when needed with confidence. Priced at under $20, I would say this product is a big win.
Universal skin solution skin spray
Skin Utility Balm Multi-purpose skin protectant
Believe me when I tell you that this is a product formulated with Dimethicone, Shea Butter, Cica, and Prequel’s Lipid Complex that everyone with dry skin needs in their life. The formula is rich and hydrating, and I love the way it acts as an occlusive to lock in moisture while providing a lightweight feel. Personally, I love wearing it under makeup; Not only does it work great as a primer, but it also keeps my skin nourished and hydrated throughout the day. In addition, its design makes the balm ideal to take with you on the go to provide an extra dose of moisture anytime, anywhere.
Skin Utility Balm Multi-purpose skin protectant
Believe me when I tell you that this is the balm formulated with Dimethicone, Shea Butter, Cica, and Prequel’s Lipid Complex that every dry skin queen needs in her life. The formula is rich and hydrating and I love the occlusive effect that locks in moisture while providing a lightweight feel. I personally love wearing it under makeup. Not only does it work great as a primer, but it also keeps my skin nourished and hydrated all day long. In addition, its design makes the balm ideal to take with you on the go to get an extra dose of moisture anytime, anywhere.
