Does Lyma's Skincare Starter Kit Reduce the Appearance of Wrinkles? I Tested It

Welcome to Skimm Tested, where we put products to the test and then give them a report card. (Check out all of our tried-and-tested faves here.)

The assignment…

To see if the new skincare Starter Kit from Lyma ($525+) is easy to use, and increases my skin's hydration, elasticity, and firmness, all while reducing wrinkles and redness.

Straight A’s in…

• Skin-transforming powers. While I don’t want to stop aging completely (hello, I love to live my life), I wouldn’t mind slowing down the visible signs of the aging process. After a month of daily use, I saw a reduction in wrinkles and redness, and an overall increase in my skin’s hydration. My complexion was more even, with a smoother texture and feel.

• Ease of use. Assuming you read the directions — which, if I’m being honest, I may have skipped before my first time (oops) — this simple routine can cut your bathroom time in half. First, deposit three pumps of the serum onto your fingers and rub onto your face in circular motions. Allow that to absorb and follow it up with three pumps of the cream, targeting both your face and neck. If you see a white film forming, don’t freak, that’s a sign that the formula is working its magic. The final step is easy — just sit for a minute to let everything really soak in. If there’s any residue, gently rub in and you’re done. 

• Sustainable refills. After you’ve finished your Starter Kit, Lyma offers refill bottles that are recyclable. 

Room for growth…

• Price tag. $525 as a starting price for two products is high — I fully realize this — but if you sign up for a monthly subscription, you can save 20% off the bundle. These products also contain key ingredients you’re likely already using (like retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid) so they can replace other items in your beauty arsenal. 

• Smell. Lyma points out the serum has a “slightly medicinal scent” due to the formula’s high concentration of active ingredients. While the smell is not my favorite, it’s not nearly as strong as I was anticipating, and dissipates fairly quickly. 

Plays well with…

• Anti-aging skincare gadgets. Whether you’re using Lyma’s highly coveted at-home laser or the widely popular HigherDose Red Light Face Mask, gadgets and tools are a perfect complement to this two-step routine. (And can even speed up results.)

• All skin types. Lyma shared that these products have been dermatologically tested on all skin tones and types.

Gets extra credit for…

• Innovation. It’s a vegan product that’s been formulated by a team of plastic surgeons, dermatologists, biochemists, and geneticists. The Starter Kit formulas don’t include sulfates, parabens, or fragrances.

How I did my homework…

• I have mature skin prone to redness and hormonal acne, and tested the Lyma Skincare serum and cream as instructed: twice a day for 30 days (you can do it just at bedtime but I opted for both morning and night).

• I paid extra-special attention to how my skin looked and felt before the combo was used, during, and after. Did I experience burning or tingling? Did I see great improvement in my skin’s complexion and texture, and a reduction in wrinkles and redness?

Footnotes…

• Lyma Skincare Starter Kit, $525+

• Starter Kit includes the serum and cream 

• Lyma Laser, $2,695