Growing up in Denmark where the summers are short, and the sun rarely shines, meant that when the sun was finally out, so were we. All day long. And while I do remember wearing sunscreen, those were times when it was SPF2 and SPF4! A few lobster moments occurred! Fast forward a few decades, and my skin no doubt is now paying the price for those moments, in the way of sunspots and pigmentation, and add to that a recent pregnancy that in my case also meant an increase of pigmentation. And all in all, the skin on my face is more blotchy and pigmented than I am happy about. So when I was asked to trial the *SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, I happily accepted. Here are my thoughts;
What They Say:
"This powerful multi-layer treatment has been proven as effective as the leading medical standard in treating skin discolouration. Advanced Pigment Corrector is a highly effective, safe, full-facial approach to reducing stubborn discolouration and helping to prevent reoccurance. In addition to its efficacy on the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, Advanced Pigment Corrector also boosts skin tone evenness and radiance."
RRP: $129.00 (30ml) – Available from Advanced Cosmeceuticals, Select Stockists, RY and Active Skin
What I Say:
The SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector, which has recently become available in Australia, was recently announced the winner of the 2013 Allure Best of Beauty Awards, Best of Beauty Breakthrough category, and it has been deemed by editors as the first-ever pigmentation product to repair damaged fibroblasts and prevent pigment from reoccurrence, and saying that the product achieves results on par with the strongest treatment currently available, 4% hydroquinone combined with prescription-strength retinol. Now doesn’t that sounds pretty amazing!
Formulated with an exclusive breakthrough cocktail, SkinCeuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector features two high potency, clinically tested ingredients proven to work as efficiently as the leading pigment correcting ingredients to reduce skin discolourations, Ellagic Acid and Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid.
Skinceuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector introduces a multi-layered technology, working at all layers of skin to help correct unwanted pigmentation and precent reoccurrence.
The Skinceuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector claims to:
- Banish existing stubborn discolorations and block their reoccurrence
- Enhances skin’s resistance to new pigmentation
- Improves skin’s luminosity for renewed radiance
- 0.5% Ellagic Acid – strong antioxidant that helps reduce melanin
- production and is as effective as 4% hydroquinone in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- 1% Hydroxyphenoxy Propionic Acid – a non-toxic derivative of hydroquinone, shown to be as effective as 2% kojic acid to diminish the appearance of discolourations. Benefits include skin lightening and no cellular toxicity
- 0.3% Salicylic Acid: Exfoliates existing spots at the stratum corneum and enhances penetration
- 5% Yeast Extract: Protects and stimulates fibroblasts to enhance skin’s resistance to new pigmentation
It is recommended to use the Skinceuticals Advanced Pigment Corrector once or twice daily, apply a small amount to face after cleansing and other affected areas. For morning use, follow with a sunscreen and limit sun exposure.
In spite of being able to use the Advanced Pigment Corrector twice daily, I have to admit that due to the cost of this cream, I’ve only been using it at night all over my face under my night cream, and then using it as only on specific dark spots in the morning under usual day cream.
Redness and marks from past acne have faded, and pigmentation started to look noticeably lighter, and on particular dark spot on my forehead above my one eyebrow has clearly diminished it in both size and appearance. And this is pretty impressive on its own accord, as I’ve tried numerous other products which have failed to perform, but also the fact that it has done so in the height of summer, and although I do use a minimum of SPF30 when I am outside, there is still no denying that my face is exposed to more damaging UV rays during summer than in winter
Previously I needed to use a fair bit of concealer on top of my foundation to cover it up, but now a light foundation on its own can do the job.
Generally my skin looks brighter, more even and more radiant and glowing, and consequently I feel that I can get away with using less makeup.
The Advanced Pigment Corrector comes in a white frosted plastic tube with a pump, which I really like for both hygienic reasons and because it makes it easy to dispense just the amount of cream needed without any wastage.
The cream has the consistency of a light lotion, and absorbs quickly into the skin. It has a slight chemical scent, which luckily fades more or less as soon as it has absorbed into the skin.
Some products that are treating pigmentation are very harsh, yet the Advanced Pigment Corrector is very gentle on the skin, so gentle that it can be used twice daily, and without any stinging, burning, peeling or dryness and without turning my skin red and sensitive like other products have.
On the negative, this cream is rather expensive for just a 30ml tube, but it is seriously concentrated so you only need a little – and if you really want to make it last longer you can just use it as a spot treatment on specific pigmented areas.
What I like:
- It is effective, showing results very quickly
- Leaves my skin more even toned, pigmentation minimised, and with a healthier glow
- It is very gentle and doesn’t sting, dry out or irritate the skin
What I Don’t Like:
- It is a little expensive
As we sadly all know, things do not happen overnight, so dark spots and pigmentation that have taken decades to develop, sadly don’t just disappear overnight, but already after just a few weeks of use of the Advanced Pigment Corrector, I started to noticing such a major difference that I am already excited about what continued use of the will do to my skin tone. And for that reason, although it might be a little pricey, but to me it is actually worth it, as for once, this is actually a product that lives up to its claims.
*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
Have you tried any of the products from Skin Ceuticals? Concerned with pigmentation? What do you use to minimise pigmentation and sun damage?