I went through a huge Zelens phase last year and bought almost every item they made. Up next for me to try was the Stem Complex Overnight Treatment.
Per Zelens website: "An intensive ultra-nourishing anti-aging cream developed by Dr. Marko Lens based on the latest discoveries in stem cell research. Powered with a potent complex of high-performance peptides and active botanical extracts, this ultimate time-release formula helps promote the skin's natural night-time renewal. Deeply nourished, supple and plumped, skin appears remarkably younger-looking. Benefits: Works overnight to intensively enhance skin's natural regeneration and recover, Targets key signs of aging to achieve visibly younger-looking skin, Unveils smoother, supple and more plump skin in the morning." It comes with a hefty price tag of $315 for a 1.7 oz jar.
The texture is an almost whipped light cream, yet it's heavy and really moisturizing. It's one of the heavier feeling Zelens creams. 3t feels lighter in comparison. It lasts all night, no dry face in the morning, you can feel the moisture retained from the night. I did get a breakout or two from using this because it was heavier than I normally use.
This did retain moisture which helped with my lines to some degree. It didn't really change my forehead fine lines a great deal, though in honesty nothing really seems to be dramatic in this area, it's usually a subtle effect. I've had forehead lines to some degree since I was 25 based on my frequent facial expressions, former long time smoking and short term tanning bed habit. Some creams or serums plump me up and minimize the look, but the damage is already done. Nothing makes the fine lines go away, but they can look better or worse. This made them look better.
Overall it was nice, very moisturizing. My skin had a plump, firmer, youthful feel. I wouldn't repurchase it, not for $315. It was a little too much for my skin hydration wise, a touch too heavy. I have other creams for less money that I like more such as Omorovicza's Intensive Hydra-Lifting Cream which I talked about here. If you have dry skin this would be for you.
Per Zelens website: Stem Complex does not contain vegetable stem cells. Instead, it contains high-tech ingredients that take advantage of the self-renewing nature of stem cells. It protects the niche environment of epidermal stem cells and enhances self-rejuvenation of the skin.
Pentapeptide-31
Helps to combat visible signs of skin aging by targeting different biomarkers involved in the regulation of epidermal stem cells and the epidermal self-renewal process.
Biomimetic tripeptide
Peptide biomimetic of elafin (enzyme regulating the integrity of extracellular matrix). Decreases production of progerin, a biomarker involved in skin cellular senescence.
Biomimetic tetrapetide
Peptide biomimetic of youth hormone, thymopoietin. Demonstrates two actions: boosts skin's immune system and promotes natural skin renewal process.
Ozonized red rice
An extract obtained from the stem of red rice using ozone. Helps repair barrier function by reducing DNA methylation.
Immortelle (Helichrysum Italicum)
Active molecules extracted from this plant reduce stress hormone levels (cortisol) and demonstrate strong anti-inflammatory properties. Immortelle helps to promote skin cell renewal to reveal more youthful looking skin.
Encapsulated hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid (HA) encapsulated in multi-layered micro-spheres providing controlled time-release delivery. HA boosts skin moisture, promotes skin elasticity and fills in wrinkles helping to reduce their appearance.
Silanols
Organic silicium-based compounds. Help to reconstruct skin architecture by stimulating collagen production and enhancing cellular communication between keratinocytes and fibroblasts.