You don’t see many creams, serums or oils that can be used on your body as well as your face. The idea sounds a little preposterous as facial skin has a very different structure to skin across your wider body, and very different needs.

Just as skin thickness varies, the number and size of hair follicles on the body differs, as do the number and size of sweat and oil glands. These sebaceous glands secrete an oily, waxy matter called sebum to lubricate our skin, and nowhere are they more abundant than our face and scalp.

What does this mean? Well water is lost from the face more quickly than from elsewhere on your body. The face therefore needs constant nourishment via twice daily moisturisation. This is why night creams are more nutrient-rich and hydrating as they need to deliver prolonged moisturisation for the 8+ hours you’re sleeping, and yes, sweating.

Facial skin is also very rich in pores meaning your eating habits are often imprinted on your face. Rapid release of toxins can lead to spots and blackheads. Cleansing and exfoliating is therefore critical in the fight against breakouts, as is striking a balance between moisturisers that will hydrate, whilst not sitting in the oily areas of your face.

Finally, in the aging process, a degradation of collagen affects your skins natural elasticity leading to folds and wrinkles. Collagen boosting foods, supplements and collagen-rich creams are therefore the most widely regarded ways in which to both defend, and treat sagging skin.

As regards your body, the epidermis is avascular and contains pores and hair shafts that have a near-constant turnover rate. Cells are formed just beneath the skin’s surface and migrate upwards to the outer layer. The older cells will then slough off to form new skin. This regeneration is aided by the sebaceous glands which (as described above) are most prevalent in your face. Skin elsewhere on your body therefore takes longer to heal and recover from trauma.

Hydration is key for your body, just as much as for your face. However body lotions tend to be less viscous and (in my opinion) really benefit from plant technology and stimulating ingredients. This is because skin is denser and is prone to inertia beneath the surface.

So what is Re-Gen Cream? What makes it okay for face and body?

Well the Re-Gen Oil family of products are new to me, and I mistakenly thought it was a simple rehash of Bio-Oil when they first contacted me. Both the oil and the cream contain the same active ingredients and claim to be a highly effective treatment for stretch marks, scars, dry skin and blemishes. Its primary active ingredient (PCL Liquid) claims to support skin regeneration thus improving skin damage and imperfections. These also a whole host of other usual suspects including Vitamin E, Lavender, Calendula, Chamomile and Rosemary Oils.

Suitable for all skin types (including hyper sensitive skin), all ages and for use on the body and face. It’s an interesting prospect and one I couldn’t help but take a closer look at.

Ingredients

Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate (a.k.a PCL Liquid) & Dimethicone: Skin conditioning agents with water repellant properties

Isopropyl Myristate: Lubricant renowned for reducing the greasiness in oil-rich products creating a sheer feel on the skin.

Tocopheryl Acetate: The ester of acetic acid and tocopherol and is often used as an alternative to pure tocopherol (or undiluted vitamin E) because it is considered more stable and less acidic.

Methylparaben & Propylparaben: The elephants in the room. These are among the most commonly used parabens in cosmetics. They’re used to discourage the growth of bacterium microbes. Although generally regarded as safe in strict quantities, they do mimic estrogen in the body and can cause human breast cancer cells to grow and multiply.

And what did I think?

I was expecting a greasy oil-based cream that would cause make-up to slip and slide, but I couldn’t have been any more wrong. It’s actually a real pleasure to use on the face and has a very light lavender and calendula scent with a slight hint of vanilla and coconut. Surprisingly it dries to a matt finish in seconds, yet leaves skin supremely soft and noticeably hydrated.

I have very few pigmentation inconsistencies on my face thanks to my twice daily regime of argan oil, yet I find this a much nicer alternative for the morning leg. Although argan oil does eventually leave a matt finish, this is a far better primer for make-up. As treatment for dry skin, it’s pretty hard to fault. As winter sets in, I’d recommend it to fight against dryness caused by central heating and harsh weather.

I’ve also been using this on my c-section scar which has been itching of late. After a week’s use it’s really helped relieve this and it is looking marginally lighter and smoother too - although I must admit this isn’t a huge concern of mine anyway. I’m yet to notice a real difference on my stretchmarks although I didn’t expect them to disappear in the short amount of time I’ve been trailing this. I therefore can’t really testify as to its efficiency for scar treatment, although there are lots of positive reviews on the website for skin prone to rosacea, insect bites and spider veins, as well as some testimonies related to blemish control (let’s face it, you were never likely to find any negative ones!).

My only reservation is the presence of parabens and various perfumes. I just see perfumes as really unnecessary in skincare, particularly those used on the face. When there are many natural alternatives to parabens around, I’m am disappointed to see them in there. I suspect this is to keep costs low, but I’d happily pay double for this product minus the nasties.

So just how much will it set you back? Get ready… This is a BARGAIN and a half. The cheapest I’ve found it at the moment is £3.99 from Home Bargains, but you’re unlikely to see it priced above a fiver. That’s outstanding value and far cheaper than its leading competitor (Bio-Oil).

To win a full sized cream of your own, simply like or follow Re-Gen on Facebook or Twitter before the end of November