L'oreal Youth Code Dark Spot Corrector Serum is a Dud

I would have easily overlooked this product as a over the counter fail but after reading many great reviews and personally using it for 2 month- I've been put in my place.  This serum is amazing.  Kudos to L'oreal for delivering a serum the provides great hydration, instant luminous skin and constant fading of hyperpigmentation (with NO hydroquinone!)  The consistency is silky and light and glides onto skin without clogging pores, making it a fantastic primer.  The serum does have a pearl appearance which gives skin the "luminous" look, but it has long term affects on the skin with constant fading (my Retin-A working).  My skin looks luminous and has drastically lightened my resistant dark area: hyperpigmentation on my smile lines and surrounding my mouth.  These lines have been a constant problem for me and are now GONE!  I am beyond thrilled with these results!  

"Works from within to skin's surface to help correct and fade dark spots, reversing the formation of pigment, resulting in a dramatically more even skin tone. Now, vibrant with a youthful look, skin instantly appears luminous as if lit from within."-L'oreal

Don't forget when you treat hyperpigmentation it is key to protect your skin with SPF 30 for lightening to take affect and prevent it from re-occurring after.  For better results use in combination with a Clarisonic, exfoliant and SPF 30. I use the Clarisonic Mia 2x a day, Differin or Retin-A in the evening, Murad Intensive Radiance C Peel weekly or Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, Origins Modern Friction.  


*Update 1/20/13: Unfortunately,this serum irritated the heck out of my skin, bumps under the skin, redness, a rash.  This serum also seems to sit on the skin, the Vitamin C is not active enough to do any good (my Retin-A was doing all the work).  Don't let the pearlescent appearance fool you and save your money.

Available at Ulta, CVS, Walmart, Target
1 0z.
$20-$25

*All brighteners/lighteners are tested by me at different times and not combined through initial testing period.

Say Goodbye to Hyperpigmentation & Melasma with Cosmelan Depigmentation Peel!

Created by Mesoestetic, Cosmelan has become the new breakthrough treatment for resistant hyperpigmentation.  Effective on Melasma, Brown Spots, Blotchy Skin, Hyperpigmentation, and preventing Hyperpigmentation post-laser/ post peel.  The  Professional treatment consists of 2 phases, followed by a maintenance cream (ensuring continued fading of discoloration and a luminous complexion) and follow up appointments with your dermatologist.

Phase 1:  Cosmelan 1 Mask is applied in office and left on skin for 4-10 hours depending on severity of Hyperpigmentation and skin color.  

Phase 2:  For at home maintenance Cosmelan 2, the mask is removed with Cosmelan Facial Gel Cleanser and followed by Hydra-vital Factor K Cream. 

Advantages of Cosmelan:

• Skin is rejuvenated and brighter with lightening of brown spots in 1-4 weeks.
• Effective on all types of Melasma.
• Can be used any time of the year.
• Safe for all skin complexions.
• Formulated without Hydroquinone (a skin bleaching agent) and TCA (Trichloroacetic acid). 
• Contains Azelaic acid (exfoliates & reduces pigmentation), Kojic Acid (lightener), Phytic Acid (lightening), Ascorbic Acid (slows free radical damage), Arbutin (lightener), and Titanium Dioxide (Physical SPF).
• Minimal side effects (very light redness & flaking.)
• Beneficial for acne by reducing oil gland production.

I am not promoting "skin bleaching".  This peel is for reversing hyperpigmentation to achieve a more even skin tone.