Review: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum

Elizabeth Arden's Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum has been a top pick by estheticians for years. At $162 a pop, it better be worth the hype. The reviews, however, are pretty mixed. Let's break it all down.

What's the Deal With Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum?

Prevage is an antioxidant-rich serum. The product claims to have the following benefits:

• Brightens dull skin
• Improves the appearance of sun damage
• Minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles

Antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals, which can cause skin damage and accelerate signs of aging. The secret ingredient in Prevage is idebenone. Idebenone can be purchased in two forms: over the counter at department stores or by prescription. The prescription version, PrevageMD, contains 1 percent idebenone and is more potent than over-the-counter formulas like the Prevage we're discussing here.

Since Prevage isn't as intense, this serum is meant for daily use, morning and night. It's also not just for mature skin—it claims to protect against future signs of aging, too.

Review of Elizabeth Arden Prevage

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Daily Serum $162.00

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Prevage seems to be a "love it" or "hate it" product. It definitely has its loyalists. Most users who've reviewed it seem to truly notice a difference in their skin over time—either in the form of smoothed lines or an overall improved tone. That's not the case for everyone, though. Some users report breaking out in hive-like blisters, and others report itchy, reddened skin and rashes that don't improve over the course of several days.

If you have an immediate harsh reaction to Prevage, you might want to stop using it right away. Listen to your skin and use your best judgment. However, it is difficult to judge the serum's efficacy without prolonged use. This isn't really an immediate results kind of product; it takes up to six weeks of consistent use to see visible changes.

Since idebenone is highly potent, Prevage might not be the best for sensitive skin. If you buy this product, you should definitely test it out for at least three days on a small portion of your skin.

One of the big issues with Prevage is the steep price tag. While luxury skin care is more popular than ever among beauty enthusiasts of all ages, Prevage seems to be marketed more toward an older demographic. It's never too early to start an anti-aging skincare regimen, that's for sure. So if you have the means to splurge on a product that does generally deliver on anti-aging promises, Prevage is worth a try.

Just keep in mind that, like all skincare products, it might not be for you, particularly if your skin is the sensitive type. In that case, always keep the receipt, and don't be shy about returns. Think of it this way: Skin care is one long, fun ride to find what works best for you. Prevage just might become your miracle in a bottle.