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No7 has been around for what feels like forever (86 years to be exact) but it’s still going strong. So, when it launched a free, dermatologist-grade diagnostic device across stores nationwide, it was quite the statement. Reminding us once again that although the brand is old, it’s certainly keeping up with (and possibly leading) new innovation.
Called the pro derm scan, you may have seen it make recent headlines, or pop up on Instagram with your favourite celebs and influencers showing off the new device. But, what happens after your face has been scanned and how does it help your skincare routine?
We tested out the 15-minute face scan one month ago and have been using only the No7 products it recommended – bar a Chanel sunscreen for added sun protection when on holiday – every day since. Now we’re finally ready to share with you just how the process works and, more importantly, the results.
Spoiler alert, they’ve blown us away, and, while most beauty reviews are just done by look and feel alone, this time we got a follow-up scan to see, in numbers, just how much of an impact these products had.
So, keep reading below to find out how it all works, what products we used and just how big a difference they made.
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How does the No7 pro derm scan work?
Available for 15-minute bookable appointments or walk-ins, these scans can be found at No7 counters in 429 Boots stores nationwide.
The pro derm scan is a small handheld device that attaches to an iPhone used by the No7 rep and the device scans the skin for four core elements – hydration, fine lines and wrinkles, pores and oil balance – giving each one a score out of five from poor to good. Bear in mind that 5 is the best score for all areas bar the oil balance which has an optimum score of 3. Our results were as follows:
Results before using the No7 skincare routine:
- Hydration: 3/5
- Fine lines and wrinkles: 3/5
- Pores: 5/5
- Oil balance: 1/5
This tech has been developed over six years with Canadian firm FitSkin and consultant dermatologist Prof. Rod Hay. The device has three core elements – a hydration sensor, a magnification lens, and multispectral-lighting – which capture images of twenty million skin areas at 30 times magnification, detect features five times smaller than a human hair, and use machine learning technology to evaluate the results.
Once the scan is finished, you’ll be given a recommended and tailored skincare routine to suit your skin needs as well as a make-up colour match too.
The skincare routine
After conducting its own research, No7 found that “75 per cent of women only use a third of their skincare and makeup with a further 86 per cent confirming they have bought a skincare product only to try it and find it doesn’t suit their skin”.
So, the aim of the scan is to reduce people buying products that won’t work for them, develop a skincare routine targeting areas your skin could improve in and provide everyone with a simple daily routine that is easy to follow – which seems like a win on all fronts.
Read more: We tried Caroline Hirons’s famous skincare routine – here’s how it went
Of course, there’s no need to actually buy any of the products after having the free scan, but if you are coming to the end of a lot of your skincare products, then starting again with a new tailored routine is definitely worth a go. And, what’s better, all products purchased come under the No7 challenge, meaning if you aren’t happy with the results after four weeks of usage then you can send them back for a refund.
We were recommended the following seven products for a full new skincare routine, which, may either seem like a huge amount or not nearly enough, depending on your own current routine. Here are the products we used.
No7 radiant results revitalising micellar cleansing water: £6.95, Boots.com
Micellar water is one of the most basic beauty essentials anyone can use quickly and easily. Cleanse morning and evening by simply adding some of the liquid to a cotton wool pad – we recommend the re-usable face halo pads (£14.40, Feelunique.com) – swipe across the face and neck and that’s it. We would note for anyone wearing make-up a double cleanse is always advisable with a heavier cleanser like the below.
No7 cleansing balm: £12.95, Boots.com
Heavy eye make-up, foundation and even glitter melted off with this cleansing balm beautifully. We didn’t use it every day, only on days when we had make-up on or felt like a double cleanse was really needed, but it was great to have in the back of the cabinet in case.
No7 protect and perfect intense advanced eye cream: £17.95, Boots.com
No basic skincare routine is complete without an eye cream both morning and evening. With shea butter and hyaluronic acid for hydration, ginseng extract to revive tired-looking eyes and an antioxidant complex to help protect against free radical damage, this is a great option. And, the proof is in the pro derm scan with this one as fine lines and wrinkles went from a 3/5 to a 5/5.
No7 protect & perfect intense advanced serum: £29.95, Boots.com
Another one we used both morning and evening, this serum was an easy extra step in our new routine. No7 claim that when using this product, “after 4 weeks fine lines and wrinkles appear visibly reduced”, but while we can’t pinpoint exactly which product worked to improve our skin the most, the full regime definitely did live up to this claim.
With hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C and E, mulberry and ginseng extracts and pro-retinol, it acts a bit like a super smoothie for your skin. And, a little goes a long way, our tube seems still nearly full – so, if you only buy one product, we’d urge you to pick this.
No7 protect & perfect intense advanced day cream: £24.95, Boots.com
Now, the day and night creams were the only product we had a slight issue with, and that’s because they are open top jars. With any pot style product that you have to put your fingers in there’s always a risk of bacteria transfer, so just be sure to either wash your hands thoroughly before or use a cotton wool pad or spatula to take the product out.
Aside from that though, this cream is rather lovely. It has similar ingredients in it to the serum and eye cream including ginseng extract, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and also rice peptides, and really helps to seal all of the products in with a good burst of moisture. It does include an SPF15 and 5 star UVA protection which is a bonus, but, please do add an additional higher factor SPF when going outside in summer months.
No7 protect & perfect intense advanced night cream: £24.95, Boots.com
Working as a mirror image of the day cream but for nighttime, this cream is slightly thicker and uses a blend of anti-oxidant vitamin E, hydrating shea butter, and has a slight fragrance to help you drift off.
No7 advanced ingredients hyaluronic acid & camellia oil facial capsules: £19.95, Boots.com
For just an added extra boost on days where we wanted to treat ourselves that little bit more, these plant-based capsules were a great addition. Simply open and blend into the night cream for an added hit of hyaluronic acid and nourishing camellia oil.
The results
After 30 days testing we noticed a visible improvement in how even our skin tone was, how plump and hydrated our face felt, and most importantly to our tester, how much the lines across our forehead and corners of our eyes had faded. And when we went back to the No7 counter the proof was in the pudding
Results after using the No7 skincare routine:
- Hydration: 4/5
- Fine lines and wrinkles: 5/5
- Pores: 5/5
- Oil balance: 3/5
The results speak for themselves, this routine really did work and we couldn’t be more impressed.
The verdict: No7 skincare analysis
It’s one thing to think your skin is looking healthier, brighter and plumper, but having real-time results is a gamechanger. With that, we can’t fault this new routine and would encourage everyone, whether you want to buy the products or not, to try the pro derm scan when next walking past a Boots store. Our tester has converted their routine and it doesn’t look like they’ll be going back.
As a reminder here was our full skincare routine below:
Morning:
Evening:
- No7 radiant results revitalising micellar cleansing water: £6.95, Boots.com
- (If wearing make-up) No7 cleansing balm: £12.95, Boots.com
- No7 protect & perfect intense advanced serum: £29.95, Boots.com
- No7 protect & perfect intense advanced eye cream: £17.95, Boots.com
- (For an added treat) No7 advanced ingredients hyaluronic acid and camellia oil facial capsules: £19.95, Boots.com
- No7 protect & perfect intense advanced night cream: £24.95, Boots.com
Voucher codes
For discounts on sunscreens and other skincare products, try the links below:
- Boots discount codes
- Look Fantastic discount codes
- Feel Unique discount codes
Want to read more about the Chanel sunscreen? Take a look at our review of the spenny sun protector here
FAQs
What does pro derm scan do? ›
SCIENTIFICALLY VALIDATED TECHNOLOGY
It uses a dermatologist-grade device to analyse your skin and skintone simultaneously and works across all skin types and tones.
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Concealer is No7's best concealer for mature skin and available in a wide variety of shades. With a flexible, buildable formula this concealer for mature skin is formulated with No7's unique anti-wrinkle peptide technology, Matrixyl 3000 Plus™.
What is the new technology in No7? ›No7 Future Renew is a breakthrough range that can help reverse visible signs of skin damage. It contains a world-first peptide technology that you won't find in any other skincare product.” No7 Future Renew Serum is proven to reverse visible signs of skin damage in just four weeks.
What order do you use No7 products? ›Apply No 7 night cream every evening after applying your serum. After applying your serum at night, scoop a little bit of night cream out of your No 7 night cream jar, and gently rub it all over your face. This way, your face will stay hydrated and healthy while you sleep.
Is pro derm a medical grade? ›A pharmaceutical-grade skin care line that is only available from a dermatologist, Pro-Derm is based on the latest clinical research. Often called “cosmeceuticals,” these products are among the best skin care formulas available on the market today for restoring and maintaining your skin's health and beauty.
What are the benefits of skin scanner? ›It allows practitioners to establish a deeper understanding of skin weaknesses and strengths. This technology facilitates engagement with customers and aids in patient education. Providing clients with information about their skin concerns enables them to care for their skin easily.
What is the best No7 for over 60? ›No7 Restore and Renew – 50's – 60+
What age is No7 Restore and Renew for? No7 Restore and renew is supercharged with age-defying technology and No7's unique anti-wrinkle, firming and brightening complexes, making it the perfect skincare those over 60.
- Bathe to relieve dry skin. ...
- Use a humidifier when the air feels dry. ...
- Wear gloves while doing housework and gardening. ...
- Protect your skin from the sun. ...
- Go fragrance free.
- Best Anti-Aging Serum Overall: Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum.
- Best Anti-Aging Serum For Dark Spots: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.
- Best Anti-Aging Serum For Fine Lines: Caudalie Premier Cru Serum.
Our best foundation for mature skin is No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Foundation SPF 15. It instantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving skin looking firmer and more even.
Is No7 being discontinued? ›
Walgreens Boots Alliance Decides Not to Sell Boots and No7 Beauty Company Businesses. Instead, WBA will keep focusing on the further growth and profitability of the two businesses. Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. (WBA) has decided to keep its Boots and No7 Beauty Company businesses under its existing ownership.
Why is No7 so good? ›No7 Menopause Skincare Firm & Bright Eye Concentrate
Skin is thinnest around the eyes, so it's the first place we see fine lines and laxity; the combo of lipids, ceramides, soy isoflavones, and niacinamide in this serum-like formula is great at keeping this fragile area moisturized, protected, and more even.
A vitamin C serum (like No7 Radiance+ 15% Vitamin C Serum) should be used once a day. We recommend applying it in the morning to make the most of its antioxidant properties and help protect skin from environmental stressors throughout the day.
How long does it take for No7 to work? ›Dr. Bell says that the serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in eight weeks, but the product's packaging states it can take as little as one week to notice a difference.
What is the skincare rule of 7? ›What exactly is the 7 Skin Method, you ask? Well, to put it simply, it's the act of applying a toner or a lightweight, watery essence to your face up to seven times—hence, the name "seven"—right after you cleanse and before you moisturize, explains Young-Ji Park, the founder of Korean beauty skin-care brand Purpletale.
Why is medical grade skincare better? ›A major difference between products offered by licensed professionals versus drugstores is that medical-grade skincare is under FDA regulation to contain 99.9% pure ingredients and to ensure safety and effectiveness. They are supported by scientific research and are specifically formulated for best results.
What is the difference between OTC and medical grade skincare? ›The primary difference between OTC and medical or pharmaceutical-grade skincare products is that one can only be prescribed by a medical professional. The cosmetic product industry does not have oversight by the FDA which means thorough product or ingredient testing is not required.
What does #1 dermatologist recommended mean? ›Dermatologist recommendation means a skin expert was paid for their endorsement. No actual testing has been done behind this endorsement.
How often should you get a skin scan? ›The American Cancer Society recommends people between the ages of 20 and 40 get a professional skin exam every three years – especially if they live in sunny climates. This recommendation jumps to once annually for people over age 40.
How accurate is skin scanner? ›On average,human dermatologists accurately detected 86.6% of skin cancers from the images, compared to 95% for the CNN. “The CNN missed fewer melanomas, meaning it had a higher sensitivity than the dermatologists,” the study's first author Holger Haenssle of the University of Heidelberg said in a statement.
How accurate are skin checks? ›
Dermatoscopy has an accuracy of 89% and sensitivity of 82.6% for detecting melanocytic lesions, a sensitivity of 98.6% for basal cell carcinoma and 86.5% for squamous cell carcinoma.
What makes a 70 year old look younger? ›In addition to sleeping on Blissy silk pillowcases, taking good care of your health can help you look and feel younger as you age. This involves eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, and making sure to get enough sleep.
How can I make my face look younger in my 60s? ›- Frame Your Face. Eyebrows play a big role in making you look younger. ...
- Decrease Sugar Intake. Or if you can, cut it out altogether! ...
- Get Enough Sleep. Make this a priority. ...
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals. ...
- Eat More Grapes. ...
- Care For Your Face. ...
- Switch Out Facial Products. ...
- Care for Your Hair.
Showering or bathing too often can strip the skin of natural oils and dry out the skin. At times it can lead to itchy and flaky skin – which can cause infections. Therefore, it's okay for the elderly to just bathe once or twice a week.
How do you prevent saggy skin in old age? ›- Protect your skin from the sun every day. ...
- Apply self-tanner rather than get a tan. ...
- If you smoke, stop. ...
- Avoid repetitive facial expressions. ...
- Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. ...
- Drink less alcohol. ...
- Exercise most days of the week. ...
- Cleanse your skin gently.
- RETINOL SERUM. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, an FDA approved vitamin known to have anti aging effects. ...
- HYALURONIC ACID SERUM. ...
- VITAMIN C & E SERUM.
- Radiance Boosting Serum. ...
- Dark Spot Serum. ...
- Firming and Smoothing Serum. ...
- Best Overnight Oil. ...
- Best Serum Capsules. ...
- Best For Evening Texture. Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum. ...
- Best For Firming. Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster. ...
- Best Value. BYOMA Hydrating Serum.
Because retinoids help your skin make more collagen, they soften wrinkles and fine lines. They also stimulate new blood vessels, which can give your skin a rosy color. Retinoids also help fade age spots and smooth rough patches. Tretinoin (Retin-A) is a popular prescription choice for aging skin.
Does number 7 skin care have retinol in it? ›Formulated to be gentler to the skin, No7 Pure Retinol Night Repair Cream combines the power of pure retinol with No7's anti-aging peptide technology, Matrixyl 3000+, and soothing shea butter to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pores.
How do you hide wrinkles at 70? ›- Plump Up With Moisturizer. With age, skin becomes drier, making wrinkles stand out more. ...
- Use Retinoids. ...
- Don't Overdo Anti-Aging Creams. ...
- Makeup: Start With a Silicone Primer. ...
- Use a Light, Moisture-Rich Foundation. ...
- Lighten Up on Powder. ...
- Play Up Your Eyes. ...
- Smudge-Proof Your Lips.
Is No7 a premium brand? ›
Launched in 1935, No7 was the first brand to offer premium, yet affordable cosmetic and skincare products to women in the UK. Since then we've grown to become a multi-million dollar business known and loved in 17 countries across the world.
What company owns No7? ›We are No7 Beauty Company, a division of Walgreens Boots Alliance, a modern consumer goods company with purpose, that combines the best of traditional companies with the vibrancy and pace of a new digital-first business.
Who are No7 competitors? ›no7beauty.com's top 5 competitors in April 2023 are: hide. shop, ulta.com, joannavargas.com, irisandromeo.com, and more.
What does No7 stand for? ›The name was reportedly chosen to draw on the fact that the number seven was often used to signify perfection, and Boots wanted No7 to stand out from other brands.
Does No 7 have collagen? ›Empowering Women Since 1935 - No7 offers women luxurious and glamorous beauty, like this face serum for wrinkles with collagen peptides, at an affordable price. Our products give women the support, confidence and momentum to live life on their own terms.
Is No7 a Walgreens brand? ›Creating the best in beauty for everyone, No7 Beauty Company is a new and dynamic consumer-led beauty business by Walgreens Boots Alliance.
Should I use both serum and moisturizer? ›Ultimately, face serum and moisturizer are both necessary for a holistic skin care routine and to ensure that your skin doesn't dry out during the day. Face serum can't replace moisturizer, and moisturizer doesn't give your skin the extra vitamins and nutrients it needs to succeed and look great for years to come.
What are the disadvantages of face serums? ›Still, serums aren't for everyone. Wu says the liquid or gel-like texture of a serum can be a poor match for people with chronic skin conditions like eczema or rosacea, which weaken the skin barrier. For these people, serums may penetrate too quickly, causing irritation.
Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after serum at night? ›In a skin care routine, it makes sense to apply serum before moisturizer. This is because serum is usually more lightweight, whereas moisturizer tends to be thicker. Applying serum first can also give the skin more opportunity to absorb the active ingredients. In many skin care routines, moisturizer is the last step.
Which No7 serum is best for over 50? ›- Buy now with No 7. No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum. ...
- No7 Laboratories Firming Booster Serum. ...
- No7 Restore & Renew Multi Action Face & Neck Serum. ...
- No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum. ...
- No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum.
Which No7 range is best for mature skin? ›
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Serum Concealer is No7's best concealer for mature skin and available in a wide variety of shades. With a flexible, buildable formula this concealer for mature skin is formulated with No7's unique anti-wrinkle peptide technology, Matrixyl 3000 Plus™.
Which No7 face cream is best for mature skin? ›No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Day Cream is the best moisturizer for aging skin over 60.
What is the number 1 rule of skincare? ›1. Always remove make-up. This is the first golden rule of skincare. Do not sleep with make-up products remaining on your face, and your skin will say, “Thank you!”
What is the 3 second rule in skincare? ›This eyeball-grabbing rule suggests that you go straight into your skincare routine immediately after washing up, within 3 seconds. At first glance, this may seem like it's sprouted from the imagination of an ardent skin care-lover.
What is the 4 2 4 rule in skincare? ›"The 4-2-4 method basically entails four minutes of massaging your face with a cleansing oil, two minutes of massaging with a water-based cleanser (preferably creamy), then two minutes of rinsing with warm water and two minutes with cold water." The 4-2-4 method should ideally be done before bedtime.
What does No 7 serum do? ›No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of stubborn lines and wrinkles. Apply it directly to lines and wrinkles for targeted use, then apply your preferred No7 serum and moisturizer to lock the active ingredients in.
What is skin scanning? ›Observ skin analysis is a breakthrough skin analysis technique during which the skin is observed when exposed to patented skin fluorescence and polarised light illumination technology. Our trained staff are able to use this unique methodology to instantly and effectively diagnose skin conditions.
What is Boots launching? ›Health and beauty chain Boots is launching a new line of anti-ageing skincare products that are said to 'reverse' signs of skin damage.
What is Boots new product? ›The latest Boots No7 range, Future Renew, was launched this week to considerable fanfare, not merely a new face cream, but a “world-first breakthrough in skincare research”.
What serum does Oprah use? ›Amongst the skincare steals is the anti-aging treatment both Oprah Winfrey and Drew Barrymore swear by. Winfrey and Barrymore's go-to Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment is packed with a fast-absorbing vitamin C serum for radiant skin.
How long does it take for No7 serum to work? ›
Delivers visible results in 2 weeks to 6 targeted wrinkle areas. Apply this facial serum to forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, lip lines, wrinkles between brows, lines under eyes, and nasolabial folds. 7x more Matrixyl 3000 Plus™ than our clinically proven facial serums.
Do dermatologist check your privates? ›Some dermatologists do a full-body exam in every sense of the phrase, including genital and perianal skin. Others address these areas only if a patient specifically requests them. If you've noted any concerning spots in this area, raise them.
How do you heal a scan on your face? ›- Avoid scratching or picking the scab. Scratching or picking at a scab can be tempting. ...
- Use oil-free moisturizer. ...
- Keep it clean. ...
- Use sunscreen. ...
- Use a warm compress. ...
- Use antibiotic creams.
It has also been No 7's most diverse testing programme in terms of both skin colour and age range, from 30 up to 75 years. However, not everyone testing the product offered up such rave reviews.
What age is No7 Future Renew aimed at? ›Lift & Luminate products are targeted for use from 45-60 years old, while Restore & Renew offers clinically proven results for those who are 60+. Add our Laboratories range into your skincare routine at any age to supercharge your results.
Why is No7 called No7? ›The name was reportedly chosen to draw on the fact that the number seven was often used to signify perfection, and Boots wanted No7 to stand out from other brands.
What is the new boots serum called? ›At the heart of the collection is the No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum, clinically proven to reverse the appearance of multiple signs of skin damage across a range of skin types and tones, including fine lines, wrinkles, lack of luminosity, dryness, uneven skin tone and loss of firmness.
What is the new boots serum? ›Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Serum has gained significant attention from beauty enthusiasts who say it has dramatically improved the texture of the skin. Some have been so impressed that they have said they "won't be bothering with expensive brands from now on."
How much will No7 future renew cost? ›"My favourite product in the Boots No7 Future Renew range is the No7 Future Renew Serum 50ml - which costs £42.95 for 50ml or £35.95 for 25ml. The serum promises to give 'instant results' - a claim which I am always sceptical of - but it does exactly that.