by Lori Farrow

While I was growing up, we had no idea how harmful the sun's rays were and how they would affect our skin later in life. This excessive sun exposure causing wrinkles combined with hormonal changes that unbalance the production of melanin causes our skin to develop blotchiness and brown spots are real concerns for women as they age. Luckily, science has come a long way and companies such as RoCŪ are harnessing the benefits of natural ingredients like soy to help combat these effects.

Having been recently introduced to the benefits of a soy-based line of facial products that I loved, I was eager to try out the new RoCŪ's Soya Unify. Unlike other soy-based lines, RoCŪ Soya Unify features non-denatured soy proteins along with trace elements of copper, zinc and magnesium and are designed for women aged 40+ who are concerned about an uneven complexion, dull-looking skin and uneven brown spots. The three step program smoothes and moisturizes the skin while reduces the appearance of skin blotchiness and pigmentation.

RoCŪ Soya Unifying Cleansing Lotion (150 ml tube - $20) is a gentle non-greasy cream cleanser that is lightly scented but is fresh and not flowery smelling. Unlike other moisturizing cleansers I have used, I found it effectively removed make up and dirt and was easy to wash off with water. My skin felt clean and smooth but didn't have a residue left on it.

I especially liked the RoCŪ Soy Unifying Daily Moisturizer (50ml pump dispenser $39) because a little goes a long way. The lotion has a silky smooth consistency, absorbed quickly and didn't leave my skin feeling greasy. It contains an SPF of 15 to help protect the skin against further sun damage and as an added bonus it also has light diffusers that help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I found my makeup, especially foundation and eye shadow, easier to apply.

I can't say I've ever used a night cream before -- mostly because they are usually so heavy and left my skin feeling like I was wearing a grease mask. I was pleasantly surprised that RoCŪ's Soya Unifying Nourishing Cream wasn't like the others I had tried. The cream has a luxurious velvety consistency that absorbed as quickly as the daily moisturizer but left my skin feeling nourished -- I could tell it was still on my skin but it didn't feel greasy or oily.

Recently friends have commented how radiant my skin looks and although I can't attest to the reduction of brown spots because (luckily) I haven't developed any yet, I am a firm believer that prevention is the best medicine. The fact that at the World Congress of Dermatology Convention 2002, evidence that soy was clinically proven to have a variety of skin care benefits including evening the appearance of skin tone, smoothing and moisturizing skin and reducing the appearance of skin blotchiness and at further clinical trials soy was proven in reducing hyper-pigmentation (brown spots) is enough for me to continue using them.

RoCŪ Soya Unify products are available at major drugstores and selected department stores across Canada. Competitive pricing makes these products a luxury you can afford to indulge in. I give the line four and a half stars out of five.

Buy these products from (use "RoC" as your search word) -- and get a free Burt's Bees Best of Burt's Kit ($11.99 value) with a nonprescription purchase of $15 or more.

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