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…

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.

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.