The Somme Institute 5 Step Regimen Review…One Month in the Making



The Somme Institute packaging is extremely simple…streamlined white boxes with color-coded dots that correspond with each product.

A month or so ago, I had the opportunity to experience the Somme Institute Five Step Regimen, a skincare process designed to cleanse (Nourishing Cleanser), exfoliate (Transport), treat (Serum), nourish (A- Bomb) and protect (Double Defense) with the regular use of five specifically-targeted, vitamin rich products. 

The regimen boasts MDT5 discussed below and courtesey of the Somme Institute website…

The Somme Institute® has circumvented these problems with the development of our Patented Molecular Dispersion Technology (MDT5™), a compound of 5 highly engineered vitamins (A, B3, B5, C and E) attached to specific proteins built to our specifications that target skin cell receptors, allowing these vitamins to go deep within the skin in their active forms at high concentrations. Once in the skin, these MDT5™ active vitamins treat all skin types and most skin conditions.
All in all, the regimen’s reported benefits are as follows…
Molecular Dispersion Technology (MDT5™) is a revolutionary vitamin/protein delivery system based on the results of Somme Institute®’s over 10 years of clinical trials. MDT5™ allows highly engineered vitamins (A, B3, B5, C and E) to penetrate deep within the skin to:
  • Significantly improve skin tone, texture, clarity and appearance
  • Repair years of sun damage
  • Visibly lighten discoloration
  • Diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Eliminate blemishes and prevent their occurrence


Because I have extremely sensitive skin, I am always wary of trying a new skincare system for fear of reactions but, upon reading the research and active ingredients of this regimen, I decided to embark on the Somme journey because I have sunspots, am actively embracing an anti-aging techniques and get occasional blemishes. After a month of regular use, couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

My first question was, how can I comfortably integrate five products into my daily regimen, both morning and night! Like many, I have a super-limited amount of time to get ready in the morning and have my usual routine pared down to a moisturizing oil (Ladi Avokanto by Sponge) a primer/illuminator (LMdB’s Peau Vierge #2) and a physical sunscreen (Koh Gen Do UV Milk SPF 30).  Also, due to the fact that I am allergic to lanolin and a derivitive of lanolin (lanolin alcohol) is one of the Double Defense’s listed ingredients, I knew that I would be skipping the final step and sticking with my Peau Vierge.  In turn, in order to make this system work for me, I focused on using four of the five products twice a day…I found that I actually enjoyed the process and that, from start to finish, the whole regimen took me about two minutes total. 

Above: The four Somme Institute products I used in their physical forms…#1 Nourishing Cleanser, #2 Transport pad (folded in to fit in the frame), #3 Serum and #4 A-Bomb.

                 

The first step is the Nourishing Cleanser (retails for $40.00)…this product is silky, gentle and does a great job of making my face squeaky clean without feeling “tight.” Since I use a cotton pad with Koh Gen Do Spa Water to cleanse in the morning, I found myself using the Nourishing Cleanser mostly at night in the shower, since rinsing it off was much easier with a solid stream of water.

Above: Directions and ingredients for the Nourishing Cleanser.

The next step is the Transport (retails for $58.00) exfoliating pads…the container comes with 50 very thin, product-soaked pads (with a light citrus scent) and are designed to remove dead skin cells and prepare the skin for the serum and A-Bomb to follow.  These pads are both very gentle yet extremly effective, leaving my skin exceptionally smooth and glowing…most days, I would only use these pads at night since my skin can react to too much exfoliation. 

Above: Directions and ingredients for the Transport pads.

The Serum (which retails for $82) heavily relies upon stabilized Vitamin C to smooth and brighten skin…this product also has a light citrus scent and one pump gives the perfect amount of silky goodness to spread across the entire face.  It absorbs quickly and, upon application, my skin feels balanced and comfortable.  This, along with A-Bomb, is one of my favorite products in the regimen due to is texture and efficacy.  My face truly felt smoother, clearer and more transparent with a month’s use (twice a day)!

Above and below: Directions and ingredients for the Serum.

The A-Bomb (which retails for $70.00) is intended to fight fine lines and other signs of aging…this light cream absorbs quickly and feels amazing. My only gripe is that it is in a jar, which could be unhygenic; I, however, always make sure my hands are clean before swiping up a bit of product.  I like to apply A-Bomb over my entire face and also extend it down my next and upper chest…I noticed that since I’ve been doing this, my skin in those areas is more supple and hydrated!

Above: Directions and ingredients for A-Bomb.

To be fair, I cannot speak to the efficacy of the Double Defense (which retails for 48.00).  As I mentioned at the start of this review, it contains a lanolin derivative (lanolin alcohol) and I am intensely allergic to all forms of lanolin.  In turn, I didn’t even try it on my arm.  I replaced this step with Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge (which acts like a light moisturizer, illuminator and sunscreen) and, if I was going to be outdoors direct sunlight, followed that with Koh Gen Do UV Milk SPF 30 for extra sun protection.

Above and below: Directions and ingredients for Double Defense.

Above: The Somme Institute five-step regimen as well as the eye cream (to be reviewed separately).

Above: My almost bare skin (only a little RMS Un-concealer in my T zone) refined by the Somme Institute products.  
Personal Results: Since I’ve been using the Somme Institute 5 Step Regimen (though only 4 steps for me), I have noticed an increase in the smoothness, evenness and overall health of my skin (did I mention smaller pores?).  I did not experience any initial breakouts (which is sometimes common when trying a new skincare line, as the skin “adjusts” to the new ingredients) and really appreciate how quickly the products absorb into my skin, prepping it for the makeup application to come.  I am really excited by the increasing evenness of my skin!
Above: I have noticed that my skin is smoother, more transparent and I have a naturally glowing complexion with smaller pores thanks to the Somme Institute products.  
Bottom Line: The Somme Institute is a respected skincare company, bolstered with 10 years of research and clinical results (see the amazing “before and after” images on their website HERE).  If you are able to afford the set (bought separately the five steps retail for $298 and should last anywhere from 2-3 months (at least in my experience).  While I was content with my previous skincare routine, I like having another option to switch things up when my skin gets too used to the ingredients and builds a tolerance.  I think that I could comfortably get by with the Transport pads (used sporadically as needed), the Serum (used everyday twice a day) and the A-Bomb (used everyday twice a day) and have my basic skincare needs covered (for a total of $222).  The products have truly reduced my fine lines and given me a smoother, more even skin tone.  Recommended!

**PR sample provided for review, however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own.

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Comments (4)

  • Kate Reply

    That's so funny! I just ordered my set (transport, serum, A-bomb) couple days ago during the Black Friday sale. It hasn't shipped yet so hopefully I will receive them soon! can't wait! Your skin looks awesome! 🙂

    -Kate

    November 29, 2012 at 3:49 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      That's wild, Kate! I definitely think you ordered the three best products…can't wait to hear what you think about them. Thanks for your sweet compliment!

      Take care and have a great weekend…xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      November 29, 2012 at 4:26 pm
  • Rosie G Reply

    Hmmm…interesting and impressive. I haven't heard of these products but based on your review, it looks like great products to try out. I'll def check these products out and see for myself what it can do.

    December 4, 2012 at 3:00 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Rosie,

      Thanks for stopping by! I was definitely pleasantly surprised by the serum and cream…still using them regularly!!

      Do let me know what you think if you end up trying them…

      Take care and xo!

      –The Beauty Professor

      December 4, 2012 at 6:31 am

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