Radiance Skin Cream Restorer Is Pricey Alternative To Nivea

Moisturizing is critical for everyone, but especially for folks who have psoriasis and auto-immune issues. We're plagued by skin problems and constantly hunt for creams and salves that protect and heal skin damage.

Radiance touts the science behind its extracts. The cream offers a heavy aloe vera concentration scented with pineapple and papaya extracts with jojoba oil used to thicken the cream and promote healing. The company suggests men use a small amount as an after-shave moisturizer to heal shaving damage.

I only did that a few times before reverting back to my good old Nivea. Their Soft line also uses Jojoba without the heavy tropical odors.

Although both are available in hypoallergenic formulations, I saw more issues as a result of using the Radiance. I've seen others say the same -- as though one of the more esoteric extracts initially causes irritation. Radiance says that the skin can be the release point for toxins, which is true, but after many different creams, this is in the top few for causing initial irritation.

Radiance doesn't have mineral oil, but does cloud the mixture with a kitchen sink approach that includes ginkgo biloba, shea butter and collagen. Radiance Skin Restorer is thicker than competing products, but it absorbed quickly. After more than a month with a 2 ounce jar, I didn't see the pigmentation balance on damaged skin the company promoted.

The moisturizer works well and its cloying odor is only evident if you use too much. Start with a fingertip sized amount because Radiance spreads thin despite its thick appearance.

If you're looking for a general moisturizer, there are much less expensive options that work just as well. If you're looking for a wrinkle cream or something beyond massive amounts of Vitamin E-infused cream then you may want to try Radiance. Be ready to spend $30 or so through online retailers because even the company's own website sends shoppers to Amazon.

I'm going back to basics.