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.

Instant Glow with Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

I have fallen in love with this peel!  My family and coworkers immediately noticed a difference in my skin after 1 use.  My skin is literally  glowing, visibly more even toned, and smoother.  I have experienced less breakouts and my trouble spots hyperpigmentation, acne scarring and sun damage have drastically lightened (without hydroquinone).  Vitamin C & Indian Fig promotes collagen production, fights free radical damage, enhances skin clarity and luminosity.  Glycolic Acid (exfoliates dull dead skin cells and smoothes skin texture), Myrtle Extract (supports collagen production and elasticity.)  Lets just say my skin looks like Jada Pinkett Smiths since using this peel.  Her skin is to die for...bright, even and GLOWING.

"This active treatment instantly brightens smoothes and hydrates skin, reversing environmental aging after just one use. An easy to use, at home treatment that enhances luminosity to reveal a more radiant complexion."
-Murad


The peel is more of a mask and a cream consistency.  I massage the peel in instead of smoothing it on and have received better results this way.  I also bring it down to my neck and decollate.  Perfect for first time peel users, it is easy to use and can be used 2x a week.  There is no "peeling" of the skin.  I will be using this product till I  die, its that fantastic!  Murad products work! 


Recommended for all forms of hyperpigmentation: acne scars, melasma, sun damage and sun/age spots and anyone who wants instant glowing skin!
A Lady J Favorite!


$49.50
1.7 fl oz.
Available at Murad, Sephora


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

Trying out Vitamin E oil as a Moisturizer

"The Spring Valley Vitamin E Skin Oil 12000 IU is an excellent moisturizer which keeps your skin supple and healthy. It also softens your rough skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles present in your skin. The Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant which prevents formation of free radicals on your skin cells. The skin burn moisturizer prevents water loss from your skin and restores the normal oil balance of the skin. You can apply the vitamin E oil in your skin directly or can be soaked in a bathtub to be used as a massage."-Spring Valley 

I know this sounds weird for someone with oily skin, but it has really improved my skin.  My skin was dehydrated from acne products.  I picked up the oil at Grocery outlet for $1.99 and didn't bother reading the label.  After applying this oil, I noticed it also contained coconut oil & soybean oil.  I almost had a panic attack, but I thought I'd leave in on and see what happens.  The oil seemed to work with my skin, left my skin moisturized.  I previously tried applying Vitamin E capsules directly on my skin- I broke out AND had a allergic reaction.  Everyones skin is different, treating acne can have unpredictable outcomes

Over the years, my skin has become less oily with age.  During middle school, high school and college my skin was a greasy mess.  You could fry a egg on it.  My acne was hormonal and inflamed.  Now my skin has calmed down, but I do deal with congestion and breakouts.

What to Know about Spring Valley Vitamin E Oil

• Moisturizes and balances my skin.
• Improves the appearance of acne marks (hyper pigmentation).
• Not a greasy oil, but light.
• Great for face, body and hair.

       Bottom line: As a skincare professional I do not suggest using Vitamin E topically (directly on skin) it is highly comedogenic(pore clogging).  It is thought to heal scars effectively, but if you are acne prone this is a big NO NO.  I use this only my my feet, elbows, knees.

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.  

 

Product Shout Out! Luminaze

Correct dark spots, uneven skin tone and reveal a glowing complexion with Luminaze.  Luminaze breaks down melanin for faster fading of dark spots and a more even skin tone in just 7 days!  Clinically proven to be more effective then the leading prescription ingredient, hydroquinone.  Gentle enough to use twice a day, morning and night.

Harvested from mushroom enzyme in the Swiss Alps, the creators of Luminaze noticed that bark surrounding the mushrooms  had lost their pigment.  The same enzyme breaks down the unwanted melanin in the skin safely and effectively.  A great solution for improving the appearance of hyperpigmentation!  Available at Luminaze 1oz. $120.

Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Polyacrylate 13, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol Liquid Paraffin, Phenoxyethanol, Ligninase (extract of Phanerochaete chrysosporium), Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, veratryl alcohol, PEG-4 Laurate, PEG-4 Dilaurate, Citric Acid, PEG-4, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Hydrogen Peroxide.

Product Shout Out! Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Skin Tone Corrector

Turn splotchy, lifeless skin into a even and luminous complexion. Apply to clean skin, moisturize, protect with SPF 30.  $48 1oz available at Sephora & Ole' Henriksen.

• Contains lightening ingredients Lactic acid, Mulberry extract, THC, Vitamin C.
• Stimulates collagen, cell renewal and provides gentle exfoliation.
• Contains lemon extract as a astringent.
• Safe for all skin types.

This is not a sponsored post.

Product Shout Out! Mario Badescu Whitening Mask

A hydrating mask for hyperpigmentation!  This mask brightens uneven skintone and decreases the appearance of acne marks. Suitable for sensitive skin and acne erupted skin.  Available at Ulta & Mario Badescu.

• Contains natural skin lightening ingredients, Kojic acid, Mulberry and Licorice root. 
• Does not contain AHA/BHA making it suitable for sensitive skin and inflamed skin.

Not a sponsored post.

Product Shout Out! Control Corrective Intensive Skin Lightening Cream SPF 30

A definite must for those struggling with hyperpigmentation!  This product is a great choice for evening out your skintone and preventing further darkening from re-ocurring with spf 30.  This is a non-greasy moisturizer+SPF 30 that prevents free radical damage and brightens your complexion!  Accelerate brightening/lightening by applying a Vitamin C serum and a lightening gel/cream underneath this SPF.  Available at Control Corrective.

• For all skin types.
• Hydroquinone Free
• Contains full spectrum SPF 30 protecting your skin from UVA rays (aging rays) & UVB rays (burning rays.)
• For sun damage, hyperpigmentation, age spots, sun spots.

This is not a sponsored post.

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum

I love this product!  I deceided to put it to the test and take before & after photos.  I was thrilled with the results in only a 2 week period.  I applied every evening for 2 weeks.  Some days I applied during the day time.  My skin has heavy discoloration from past acne and a bad peel (not done by me).  My clients always come to with their frustrations using lightening products and this is my new top pick.  This serum is suitable for hyperpigmentation: sun damage, acne scarring, sun spots, age spots, melasma, uneven skin tone.  You will love the results!

Murad:

• Clinically proven to restore clarity and even skin tone by  reducing the appearance of sun spots and age spots by 33% in 1 week.
• Helping prevent the development of new pigmentation.
• Hydroquinone fades existing dark spots, age spots and freckles.
• Hexapeptide-2, an advanced skin lightening peptide, complements the results of Hydroquinone and prevents future damage/scarring by helping prohibit pigment formation.
• Glycolic Acid exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, helping the active ingredient penetrate more quickly for faster results.

This product does all that it claims.  The Glycolic Acid effectively exfoliates skin and allows the Hydroquinone to penetrate skin and goto WORK!  I had a significant amount of hyperpigmentation around my mouth and it is almost gone.

A normal side effect of using Glycolic Acid on a daily basis is dehydrated skin.  My skin felt a little dehydrated (but far less then other lighening gels/serums), I suggest layering on moisturizer after applying this serum.  Allow the serum to absorb1-2 minutes first.  After moisturizer apply your SPF 30 to protect your skin and prevent skin from further darker pigmentation from occurring.   SPF 30+ is a necessary for lightning to occur and prevent darkening from reoccurring.  I will continue to use this product to even my skin tone and look forward to even better results.  TIP: Use with Clarisonic for even better results!  This will allow better penetration of the active ingredients like Glycolic acid and Hydroquinone.  Murad delivers with another fantastic product!

Active Ingredient: Hydroquinone (2.0%)

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Alcohol Denat., Glycolic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Methyl Gluceth-10, Nonoxynol-10, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Rice Amino Acids, Lysine Lauroyl Methionate, Zinc Aspartate, Chitosan Ascorbate, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Palmitoyl Hydroxypropyltrimonium Amylopectin/Glycerin Crosspolymer, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Chitosan PCA, Allantoin, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Sodium Hydroxide, BHT, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Tetrasodium EDTA

1 Oz.
$60
4/5
Available at Murad.com


Product provided by Murad.  This review is my honest opinion.

 

Before

After

Before

After

Review: PCA Skin Perfecting Protection SPF 30

 I always tell my clients the importance of wearing  SPF 30 everyday.  Protect your skin from sun damage, collagen & elastin deterioration (prevent wrinkles), free radical damage, environmental pollution, and most importantly, skin cancer.   I came across a light spf that promised to aid in treating hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin caused by increased melanin from sun damage or acne) and not cause breakouts.  I was very excited to try a SPF with Bearberry, Licorice Root Extract, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Root Extract, and Lactic Acid.  

"This revolutionary broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product combines the superior protective benefits of Z-Cote and other potent sunscreen agents with five melanogenesis inhibitors. This unique blend of ingredients works to reduce existing skin discoloration while preventing future hyperpigmentation. In addition, potent antioxidants caffeine and silybum marianum extract, commonly referred to as milk thistle, work to fight damaging environmental free radicals, inflammation and the formation of sunburn cells. perfecting protection spf 30 is suitable for all skin types and is also recommended following peels, lasers, other in-office procedures for its skin-soothing properties and inhibition of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. "-PCA Skin

I thought I could really knock out my hyperpigmentation faster (plus a lightening gel) with these lightening/brightening ingredients.  I found that the 9.8 % Zinc Oxide never fully absorbed into my skin, creating a white cast and bringing out my acne scars even more.  The lightening ingredients had no affect on my skin.  I avoid the sun, wear hats and sunglasses to prevent further darkening of my uneven skin tone, but no success with this SPF.  My uneven skin tone became darker, not lighter.

After trying many sunscreens with Zinc Oxide, I believe it is a culprit of my clogged pores.  I discontinued Zinc Oxide for a week and my congested skin dissipated.  I had high hopes for this product, but it did not work for me.


Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (9.8%), Octinoxate (7.5%). Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40-B, Polyacrylate-13, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Morus Alba Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Caffeine, Silybum Marianum Extract, Arginine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Polyisobutene, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.

$24
1.7 oz.
1/5
Available at Dermstore.com

face sunscreen

Review: PCA Skin Pigment Gel

I ordered a massive quantity of PCA Skincare about 4 months ago and it has dramatically improved my acne and hyperpigmentation. The PCA Skin Pigment Gel is effective but can be irritating as your skin adjusts. This is a aggressive treatment. I suggest starting use 1x a day and maybe every other day. Increase use as your skin adjusts and do not use other strong exoliating products & treatments. 

The gel comes in a glass jar with a pump. Sometimes the pump can become jammed, I would just unscrew the pump and put a few drops on my fingertips. PCA Skin claims, "The penetrating 'triple-action' of hydroquinone, kojic acid and azelaic acid, plus lactic and citric acid helps to exfoliate, lighten and inhibit hyperpigmentation (skin discoloration) and age spots." Hydroquinone, Kojic and Azelaic acid are lighteners. Citric acid and Lactic (also lightens) exfoliates dead skin cells. 

My skin was a bit sensitive to this product as it adjusted but very effective. My skin tone was noticeably more even, but the results did not last. I wore spf 30 everyday and avoided sun exposure, so this was disappointing. Remember that products with hydroquinone should not be used over 3 months, or skin will begin to darken. It is not known why hydroquionone takes this affect. After 3 months, try a lightener or brightener with kojic, arbutin, mulberry, lactic acid, azelaic acid, to maintain results. Wear SPF 30+ everyday (try SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50), it is a must to prevent re-darkening of the treated skin.

I feel like this gel did more for my acne, then my hyperpigmentation.  Great for light uneven skintone or sun damage, but not very heavy hyperpigmentation.  This gel smoothed the texture of my skin and offers great exfoliation. Excellent for stubborn forehead comedones. 

Ingredients: Witch Hazel, Castor Oil Methyl Glycol, Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Lactic Acid and Citric Acids (pH adjusters), Cellulose.

$46

1oz.

Available at skinstore.com

4/5

PCA SKIN gel

The Ultrasound Skin Scrubber

 

 

With all the new skincare technology being released each year, it makes you wonder which one actually works? I recently took a advanced class on ultrasound for skin. I came to class with a substancial amount of irritation from a hydroquinone treatment. After using the ultrasound on myself, my irritation cleared and healed much faster. My random papules cleared and my skin was baby soft! I was immediately hooked. The ultrasound machine uses sonic waves that vibrate at 1 million vibrations per second. The stainless steel scrubber brush oscillates as it glides across your skin. This offers a extremely deep cleansing and increased circulation of the skin.

The main benefits of the ultrasound skin scrubber include, helps carry away inflammatory agents & allergens from the skin and helps bring oxygen, nutrients into the skin. The ultrasound skin scrubber is applied between 1mhz-3mhz. A higher frequency does not mean better results, but overuse can damage tissue. By using the ultrasound skin scrubber you will get a extra deep cleansing and evidence of dirt, oil, debri will remain on the edge of the scrubber wand. It may sound gross, but after you get all the gunk out of your skin, you will be ecstatic with the final outcome of your skin.

Benefits of Ultrasound Treatments

Improves blood circulation

Increases cell regeneration (Collagen and Elastin)

Improves acne, congested, oily skin and reduces pore size

Soothes inflammation and speeds wound healing

Smoothes fine lines and wrinkles

Aides in product penetration

Firms tissue

Reduces hyperpigmentation, melasma and sun damage

Reduces puffiness

Helps hold moisture in skin

Can relax muscles

Can improve appearance of cellulite and stretch marks

Helps break up scars, including keloids

The ultrasound machine has four modalities, including cleanse, peeling, lifting, and toning. Cleanse is great for thin and sensitive skin. Peeling is great for acne, oily and congested skin. Lifting and Toning will give a tightening affect to the skin. The wand requires a conductive gel to reach skin and increase circulation. Aloe Vera gel or your favorite serum works well, allowing the wand to glide across skin and increase circulation. Not only does this wonder tool remove dirt, oil, debri from your pores, its also can give a non-invasive skin tightening effect. It can target structures in the dermis and subcutaneous (where collagen and elastin are found) and stimulate production. Feel free to ask your esthetician to focus on a specific area, like the jowls or lower face-ultrasound gives a great tightening effect. Ultrasound can be used on the face and body, but not around the eyes.

 

Ultrasound treatments are available at most day spas and medical spas today. You can even purchase your own skin scrubber by Bliss 'Pore'-Fector gadget.   

 

Review: Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick

                                                                                  

Because I am a makeup fiend and I love trying new products..I am constantly looking at foundations.  A girl can have more then one favorite foundation!  I was walking aimlessly through the mall when I came across the Bobbi Brown makeup counter.  Browsing her makeup is like a child in a candy store for me.  I just gotta have it all!  I was originally drawn to the brand, because her foundations have a yellow base, instead of pink.  I love all her books, follow on twitter and subscribe on Youtube.  Her looks on the runways blow me away.  She has a great eye and I love that her makeup gives woman a natural and healthy look.  This makes Bobbi Brown my favorite cosmetic line.

I have tried BB foundations in the past and but the formulation was sheer.  Natural (I LOVE) but sheer.  I needed to find something with more coverage for my hyperpigmentation & hypopigmentation.  As I am looking at the display, I see the foundation stick.  It is a cream foundation and offer's high coverage.  This foundation can be hard to blend with foundation brushes though.  I prefer fingers, so I can warm the product up and blend.  The BB associate tested a color on me and voila PERFECT match.  Blend, blend, blend.  Just the right amount of yellow undertones (but a little on the orange side).  My shade is "Golden".  The foundation looks natural, a bit shiny, great coverage, not too heavy, has not broken me out, and is almost perfect.  Bobbi Brown please make a light golden shade!  Golden is a tad too orange and oxidizes, honey is too light and warm almond is strange on my skin.

The foundation does seem to slip off my skin though, so make sure to set it with a powder.  This foundation is not meant for very oily skin and is great for dry skin & normal skin.  I look forward to trying her powders & bronzers next!

My Jessner Peel Horror Story

Jessner with caution! Before applying any peel a esthetician should take into consideration where the clients skin falls on the Fitzpatrick scale.  I, for example fall between 4-5.  They should also know the clients full ethnic background.  I am African American, Irish, German, and Native American.  Irish & German skin tends to be sensitive.  African American skin needs to be treated even more caution, because the more melanin, the more there is to damage.  Native American skin should also be treated with caution.  While in school, my beauty school instructor told me if someone has Native American background, their skin sensitivity will go up on the Fitzpatrick scale.  This makes my skin EXTREMELY sensitive.  She was right, my skin is very sensitive and should be treated thus.

 About 2 years ago I was looking around for a new spa.  I chose a medical spa to get a peel and asked to get something stronger then a glycolic.  We learn in beauty school that if a treatment is not right for a client, simply let them know that treatment is not appropriate for their skin.  Estheticians can turn away people from a treatment and educate a client on a better one suited for them.  The esthetician said I would be fine getting a Jessner (salicylic acid, lactic acid, resorcinal) and even do a couple layers.  I even got my upper back done. The esthetician added on my lower back, which I did not want.  My lower back had no scars, the skin was flawless.

After the peel my skin seemed fine, I treated it with extra care.  I asked my mom to take a look at my back because it was hurt, felt like a BAD burn.  She started crying and said it looked like I had skin cancer.  This pissed me off.  I told her about the peel and it should heal.  I emailed the esthetician, she suggested I use triple antibiotic on it.  I had no plans to let her "fix it" or make up for it, no thank you.  My upper back healed, but my lower back now has permanent light spots (hypopigmentation).  My FACE is damaged as well, I now have light spots on my cheeks, chin, jaw and some on my neck.  

I feel very angry that someone has permanently damaged my skin.  I take this experience as a greater motivation to educate clients on what is appropriate for their skin and what is NOT.  I am completely comfortable with losing a client, instead of damaging their skin.  I am here to help others, listen to them, and educate them.  Through this experience I have learned its easier and safer to explain why a gentle and less aggressive treatment is safer then a aggressive peel 2-3 layers.  Now that I am a Licensed Esthetician, I will never apply a Jessner on anyone over a Fitzpatrick 3.  I would not feel comfortable doing that.  I know now to take extra caution.

Make Your Skin Glow with Turmeric

Turmeric is well known as a cooking spice, but also a natural anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.  With these properties, turmeric makes a great skin care ingredient.  I have created home-made facial masks, scrubs and spot treatments with turmeric and absolutely stand by its ability to heal skin, even out skin tone, and give a nice glow to a complexion.

Turmeric contains  a compound called Curcumin.  Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that helps heal damaged skin caused by UV rays, environmental factors and psoriasis.  It prevents the formation of damaging free radicals (they cause sun spots) and slows down the spreading of free radicals, has anti-cancer and healthy liver benefits.  Turmeric is also 2x stronger then Vitamin C or Vitamin E and is available as a supplement as well.  Turmeric is also great for stretch marks, acne, body scrubs, masks, reducing unwanted pigmentation & evening skin tone, fighting free radicals, skin rashes, burns, reduces facial hair growth, minor cuts, gum infection, anemia, and diarrhea.

Home-made turmeric concoctions can me mixed with plain yogurt, gram flour, lemon, or milk.  I do suggest using turmeric on skin at night, because the spice can stain skin. Gentle wash skin again in the morning with cleanser.  There are products available that contain turmeric already and can be used anytime of the day.  JUARA Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask is a non-drying mask that brightens, detoxifies, and strengthens skin.  Super By Nicholas Perricone Day Light Savings Spf 25 Moisturizer is a great day moisturizer that gives skin a nice glow.  

PCA Skin Care Whipped My Skin into Shape!

I have struggled with my problem skin for over 12 years. I have oily/acne/hyperpigmented/sensitive skin.  I have been on every oral acne medication there is, except accutane. I believed at one point I would need it. I have also used every over the counter acne product known to man. I am a thrifty person, so when I started reading about PCA and other more professional skincare lines I was reluctant to spend so much money. I deceided after much thought that I have researched the line, read plenty of reviews (great reviews by the way), why NOT?  I am EXTREMELY glad I paid the money, because my skin has never looked better! I saw a difference after one nights use of their products.

My skin on my forehead was congested, that cleared right up, my skin not only looked smoother, it was smoother and had a glow. The products lifted alot of dead skin cells and is in the process of evening my hyperpigmentation (uneven skin tone from acne and sun damage).  I purchased The Blemish Control Bar, Smoothing Toner, Acne Gel, Pigment Gel (HQ), A&C Synergy Serum, ClearSkin, Perfecting Protection SPF 30. I use these products in combination with the Olay Cleansing Brush.  My skin care goal for myself is to correct and maintain my skin so I will not have to wear foundation. It will be a while to obtain that goal, but I can be patient with this. The products are effective with proven results.

The Blemish control bar is the acne cleanser. It comes in a jar with a sponge. You saturate the sponge in water, rub the sponge on the bar till you have enough product and apply the cleanser. I apply it and then use my Olay brush and let it sit on my skin for 2 minutes.  The directions suggest using once a day, I sometimes use 2x a day or rotate with my CeraVe foaming cleanser.  Then I sweep on the smooth toner. Next is are the gels..Acne gel, hands down the best acne gel I have ever used. Clogged pored decrease or even disappear overnight and allows for easier extractions.  I then apply the Pigment Gel, which should only be used for 3 months and then discontinued. Use of hydroquinone for over long periods of time will only give you the opposite effect and will DARKEN your skin.  I will be switching to their version with out hydroquinone after the 3 months.  I am using this product to restore my complexion to its original tone and correct the hyperpigmentation.  I use the A&C Synergy Serum next, it controls oil production, bacteria growth, reduces discoloration, controls breakouts. Fabulous product! This serum gives me a healthy glow.  I finish with the ClearSkin moisturizer and mix with the Perfecting Protection SPF 30. The ClearSkin calms skin, fights breakouts and bacteria. It is not greasy and does not leave a residue so skin can breathe.  The Perfecting Perfection SPF 30 is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB product that helps lighten existing and prevent hyperpigmentation.  SPF is key for lightening hyperpigmentation, with out it you are lightening but not protecting it. With out spf the areas will just darken all over again.  Everyone, no matter your skin tone should be using at least a spf 15 every day of the year.

I cannot say enough good things about these products! I am ecstatic with the fast results and what my skin will look like over the next 3 months! PCA is officially my new favorite skin care line! 

 

PCA Skin Blemish Control Bar pHaze 32 

 

PCA Skin Smoothing Toner pHaze 2 

 

PCA Skin Acne Gel pHaze 35 

 

PCA Skin Pigment Gel pHaze 13 

 

PCA Skin A&C Synergy Serum pHaze 23 

 

PCA Skin Clearskin pHaze 18 

 

PCA Skin Perfecting Protection SPF 30