This post was in partnership with PROVEN but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
When three different women with three very different skin concerns try a new skincare line, and they all love it, they owe it to women everywhere to share their secret. You’re welcome in advance.
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One of us wanted to address fine lines, wrinkles, and acne. Another was looking for a solution for dryness and acne. The third wanted something for firmness, elasticity, and hyperpigmentation (dark spots). We could have spent a fortune trying out multiple products for each of these concerns. Or we could try PROVEN, an award-winning personalized skincare brand founded by female scientists and formulated by Stanford dermatologists. We chose the latter.
PROVEN is a three-step skincare routine including a cleanser, a daily moisturizer, and a night cream. Here’s what makes it unique: each product is personalized specifically for you, taking into account more than 47 factors, getting as specific as the air quality and water hardness where you live, how much time you spend in front of a computer, your diet, and so much more.
PROVEN is a three-step skincare routine including a cleanser, a daily moisturizer, and a night cream. Here’s what makes it unique: each product is personalized specifically for you.
It’s actually fascinating how it works. One of PROVEN’s cofounders used her computer science background to analyze more than 20,238 skincare ingredients, 100,000 products, 20 million testimonials, and more than 4,000 scientific journal articles—all to find the answers to what each specific person’s skin needs. It sounds complicated, but it’s not. You take a skincare quiz that’s quick and easy to complete, and then PROVEN generates custom-crafted formulations for each product specifically for you.
Read on for what three of our editors thought about making the switch to PROVEN’s personalized skincare line—and for their before and after photos!
Use code EVERYMOM10 for 10% off a PROVEN Personalized Skincare Set—plus, receive a free gift!
PROVEN
Why were you excited to try PROVEN skincare?
Before trying PROVEN, I didn’t really have a skincare routine. Sure, I always removed my makeup before bed, but it was normally just in the shower with regular soap and water—nothing fancy. Lately, I’ve been noticing how dry my cheeks, chin, and forehead were feeling, almost to the point of feeling itchy and stiff. Sometimes, no amount of lotion would take that overly dry feeling away. I was trying to up my water intake thinking that dehydration was part of the cause. But I also wondered if my skin needed something a bit more personalized to me rather than a generalized drugstore option.
Before trying PROVEN, I didn’t really have a skincare routine. Sure, I always removed my makeup before bed, but it was normally just in the shower with regular soap and water—nothing fancy.
When I ordered my PROVEN box, I was really hoping to give my skin back that elasticity, softness, and moisture I remember it having before. I have been lucky to not have many skin issues throughout my life, so I was hoping to find a product that would help how my skin was feeling now. I wanted to minimize my skin’s dry and stiff feeling.
Tell us about your experience taking PROVEN’s skin quiz and what you thought of your results.
PROVEN’s personalized skin quiz was really easy, fun, and didn’t take up too much of my time at all. While I was a bit embarrassed to admit how many extra glasses of wine I have per week (hello pandemic stress!) or the ins and outs of my diet, I appreciated how thorough it was.
When I’ve looked at skincare products before, they usually just ask about your skin type and that’s it. The fact that this quiz was hyper-personalized to the point of wanting to know the air quality in my exact zip code or my level of stress was impressive. As silly as it may sound, I never thought about how air quality can affect my skin!
Can you tell us a little more about the ordering process?
Right now, I am all about convenience, automation, and ordering online. I am already sitting at a computer for 8+ hours a day, so being able to order something in a matter of minutes or set it up to auto-renew is key. I have a lot on my to-do list as most parents do, so making the process as easy as possible will always win in my book. Thankfully, PROVEN’s subscription model checks all those boxes for me.
Right now, I am all about convenience, automation, and ordering online … Thankfully, PROVEN’s subscription model checks all those boxes for me.
The quiz took no time at all, and you can choose to set up an auto-refill membership when you check out. Also, even if you don’t choose to auto-renew, my cleanser, moisturizer, and night cream will last me for two months.
The price of the products is more than I’ve spent on skincare in the past, but that’s because I was using regular soap and water. After using these products, I believe that the investment is worth it. Is it a bit of a splurge? Possibly, depending on your budget, but if improving your skin is important to you right now, it is worth considering.
What was your first reaction to using your PROVEN products?
The thing I loved most about all three products is that there wasn’t an overly strong scent to any of them. Sometimes skincare products, even drugstore ones, can have a strong perfume scent that can sometimes inflame or irritate my skin, so I try to avoid those kinds of products when I can. I didn’t have to worry about that with PROVEN.
Over the last few years, I have also been more concerned with applying SPF. The fact that the moisturizer already came with SPF 30 blended into it was a plus. It saves me time on not having to add another skincare product to my routine and keeps my skin protected throughout the day.
How did the products positively change your skin over time?
As we speak, my skin feels so silky smooth! The dryness I was once feeling has dramatically gone down, and I’m no longer scratching or rubbing at my face. I love that my skin feels moisturized without being overly oily.
Before trying PROVEN, I was starting to get more blemishes and pimples popping up out of nowhere. Since using these products I haven’t had a blemish or a zit—I’m really shocked.
Use code EVERYMOM10 for 10% off a PROVEN Personalized Skincare Set—plus, receive a free gift!
PROVEN
Has your skincare routine changed since you became a mom?
I have taken skincare pretty seriously since my teenage years, having experienced cystic acne that left scars and hyperpigmentation. While both have gotten better, I still see an esthetician regularly to care for these issues and address new concerns as I age—like skin elasticity, fine lines, and wrinkles. And yes, adult acne too.
When I stick to my routine, I use a clinical-grade face wash and miscellaneous moisturizers, serums, and creams that I’ve purchased based on recommendations from friends and professionals … but I skip out on all of the above and just use a wipe to take my makeup off at night more often than I care to admit.
When I stick to my routine, I use a clinical-grade face wash and miscellaneous moisturizers, serums, and creams … but I skip out on all of the above and just use a wipe to take my makeup off at night more often than I care to admit.
Why were you excited to try PROVEN?
After using clinical grade skincare products for about 10 years, I don’t have any complaints, but I’ve often wondered if the cost is truly worth it. While the esthetician I see makes product recommendations based on my concerns, the products themselves aren’t truly customized.
That’s why I was so excited to try PROVEN—the ingredients are hand-selected to treat my specific skin concerns and put into a unique formulation for me. Having custom-crafted skincare made just for me seems like it would be way outside of what I’d want to spend, but PROVEN made it possible without spending more than I already do.
Can you tell us about your ordering experience?
I love that PROVEN’s skincare quiz took into account specifics to my lifestyle and environment. I had no idea that things like the hardness of my water would make a difference in my skincare formulation, but it makes sense that it does. PROVEN’s quiz was so thorough and specific to get the exact right formulation for me, even looking at how things like my diet, alcohol consumption (I blame the pandemic), stress level, digital exposure, and humidity levels in my area affect my skin needs. After taking the skin quiz, I understand how PROVEN is the most personalized skincare line in the world.
After taking the skin quiz, I understand how PROVEN is the most personalized skincare line in the world.
I also can’t say enough good things about PROVEN’s customer service. A few days after completing my skincare quiz, I realized that I didn’t want Retinol in my formulation, as I may contemplate trying for baby #3 in the coming months. The quiz had asked if I was pregnant or breastfeeding, but I didn’t take into account my future plans. I emailed customer service and heard back from them almost immediately. They elevated my request to the formulations team, who were so understanding and thoughtful. There were zero issues with adjusting my formulation, and it arrived right on time as expected.
How do these products compare to other skincare you’ve tried?
One of the things I really love about PROVEN is that the products are designed to work together. I typically buy my face wash, moisturizer, and night serums separately and sometimes from different brands. I love that these three items come together with complementary ingredients tailored to me. It’s like taking my skincare routine to the next level and making it work that much harder for me.
I was actually surprised by how much I love the cleanser. I mean, a cleanser is a cleanser, right? Wrong. I would describe the consistency as somewhere between a gel and a thick serum with just the slightest hint of grain so that it’s not a rough exfoliant but just enough to feel it. I was most surprised by how my skin felt after washing it off: moisturized, refreshed, and clean. Generally, I find my face to feel tight after cleansing, and I loved that I didn’t with PROVEN. The ingredients in the cleanser work to maximize the absorption of the moisturizer and night cream, and I could tell. Both melted into my skin so nicely.
I’ve yet to find a night cream that I really love, and generally, I find them to be pricey for what you get. But PROVEN’s did not disappoint. It is thick and nourishing without feeling heavy on my skin, and it absorbs into my skin so nicely. I can definitely say that my skin looks refreshed in the morning (even when I’m not) after using the night cream.
I can definitely say that my skin looks refreshed in the morning (even when I’m not) after using the night cream.
How did the products positively change your skin over time?
It’s the glow for me … you know, that pre-kids, I-got-a-full-night-of-sleep look. I have not found a product that restored my skin’s dullness the way PROVEN has. I wasn’t specifically looking to target skin dullness, but the combination of improvement in my dark spots (hyperpigmentation) along with the natural glow the products provide made an immediate difference. Four weeks is a pretty short time to notice and measure more significant skin changes like firmness and elasticity. Both are more of a long-term goal of mine to keep my skin plump and firm, so knowing I’m using products with the right ingredients for this is important to me.
It’s the glow for me … you know, that pre-kids, I-got-a-full-night-of-sleep look. I have not found a product that restored my skin’s dullness the way PROVEN has.
I also tend to get menstrual cycle-related breakouts, which PROVEN has minimized significantly. While a zit or two did still pop up around my period, there were fewer, they were less noticeable, and they went away faster using PROVEN compared to my old regimen.
Lastly, I have oily skin to the extreme. I typically go through at least two oil-absorbing sheets on my face on a normal day, plus oil-absorbing powder to reduce shine as needed. I have never been able to change this and have resigned myself to never leaving the house without these things. My oil is not gone (nor should it be), but my skin is definitely more stable and I’m going through far fewer oil-absorbing products that I used to.
Use code EVERYMOM10 for 10% off a PROVEN Personalized Skincare Set—plus, receive a free gift!
PROVEN
Tell us about your skincare routine and why you’re excited to try PROVEN?
OK, here’s my confession: I’m a total skincare wannabe. I’ve never really had a skincare routine but have read a lot about products I think I need based on others’ recommendations. On one or two occasions, I’ve purchased some far-too-expensive items and try to adopt a complicated 10-step skincare routine overnight. But that process inevitably lasts a few days before it becomes way too much work and I give up completely. (Ugh, why am I like this?!) So when I agreed to try PROVEN’s skincare line, I was immediately drawn to the fact that their suggested routine only included three products: a cleanser, daily moisturizer, and night cream.
OK, here’s my confession: I’m a total skincare wannabe … So when I agreed to try PROVEN’s line, I was immediately drawn to the fact that their suggested routine only included three products.
Thankfully, I’ve been lucky to have pretty good skin since my teenage years. Aside from experiencing dry, flaky skin in the winter months and having some pimples pop up here and there (usually when I’m feeling extra stressed), my skin is pretty low-maintenance. But at age 28, I was eager to figure out a skincare system that I’d be able to maintain long-term that ensures I’m always wearing SPF, gets my skin really clean at the end of the day, and combats fine lines and wrinkles with preventative anti-aging ingredients.
What did you like best about ordering PROVEN?
The absolute best part of PROVEN’s online ordering process is the brand’s personalized skin quiz. The quiz was essentially like a virtual appointment with both a dermatologist and a skilled esthetician, and after seeing my results, I was so eager to try the items knowing they were uniquely formulated for me.
The quiz was essentially like a virtual appointment with both a dermatologist and a skilled esthetician.
It took me less than three minutes to complete, and I was so impressed with how easy it was to work through and how specific the questions got. It asked everything from my biggest skin concerns (dryness, acne, and fine lines/wrinkles) and what products I’m currently using to very detailed questions about the frequency, look, and feel of my pimples I get. I was especially surprised when the quiz asked for my zip code (to take into consideration my environment’s air quality and water type), typical daily diet, water intake, amount of sleep, usual stress-level, and the frequency of my plane travel.
At the end, PROVEN provides you with a comprehensive breakdown of your custom skincare routine and explains why all of the ingredients selected for your products work specifically for you and your skin concerns. How cool is that?!
Tell us what you first noticed about the products.
I know this may be kind of silly, but PROVEN’s products are beyond pretty. The cleanser, daily moisturizer, and night serum come in a trio of sleek, silver bottles that looked really nice sitting out on my bathroom counter and visibly reminded me to follow my routine.
I also loved the brand’s minimal mailer packaging—all three items came in a small box with a detailed breakdown of your personalized products and easy-to-understand instructions on how to use each. For someone who has bailed on complex skincare routines in the past, this was a fool-proof, three-step system that even I couldn’t screw up. I especially love that PROVEN’s products are created by women, for women, made in the U.S., and include clean, non-toxic ingredients.
For someone who has bailed on complex skincare routines in the past, this was a fool-proof, three-step system that even I couldn’t screw up.
What are the products like? What did you love?
The first time I used my PROVEN products, I was really impressed with how hydrated they left my skin. As I continued to use the cleanser and daily moisturizer each morning, my face, which has lately looked dull and worn-out, started appearing noticeably brighter and more nourished throughout the day. I especially loved how buttery and rich the night cream felt. It became such a treat to end my days with that luxurious skincare step and go to sleep knowing my custom-crafted ingredients were fighting against any signs of aging.
How did the products positively change your skin over time?
As the weather has lately turned cold here in Chicago, I’m happy to report that the daily moisturizer and night cream have both helped to keep my skin looking replenished and revitalized. I’ve basically stopped wearing makeup altogether over the past few months in an effort to give my skin a much-needed break, and since I’ve been using the PROVEN products, I’ve received a surprising amount of compliments about my complexion on Zoom calls with my coworkers.
The last few weeks, my mask acne has been a bit out of control, but thankfully, the PROVEN products kept my skin clean and refreshed so the blemishes went away quickly.
Any benefits you weren’t expecting?
My face is definitely looking more supple, and my skin’s overall tone has evened out—an unexpected benefit I didn’t even realize I needed.
Plus, during a time when regularly visiting facialists or estheticians have been derailed (at least for me!), I’m so glad to have a personalized skincare routine that can be delivered to my doorstep and give me results right at home. Because of the brand’s user-friendly online experience, made-for-you products containing quality ingredients, and great customer service, I felt the skincare was worth the price. Plus, if you sign up for an auto-fill membership to replenish your products when they run out, you get a significant discount—a total win-win!
This post was in partnership with PROVEN but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.
