Treatment Products – Uneven Skin Tone!

Still focusing on the products that I use to maintain my Serious Skin Care routine, these treatment products, which I don’t consider to be essential, yet still extremely beneficial, target my motley complexion, age spots and general skin health.  Apart from the joys of being ‘blessed’ with oily skin, my uneven skin tone would have to be the primary skin concern that I have battled for the majority of my adult life. ~X(  I have tried numerous products over the years, which all claim to address the problem, most of which were unsuccessful, so I will concentrate on the two products that I have used over the longest period, one of which I regard as being far more effective than the other.  Both however, have paved the way to my skin looking and feeling better than ever before! :)

Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum

ABOUT:

I originally started using the ‘Pharma’ version of the Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum (now discontinued) but found it was not having much effect on my skin so I stepped up to the ‘Professional’ version.  I used it every morning for 18 months, as a regular step in my daily skin care regime.  I preferred to use it of a morning, in conjunction with my Topical Vitamin C and regular basic three-step skin care regime, Cleansing, Toning and Moisturising, because I prefer not to use it at night, in case it might jeopardise the efficacy of my Topical Vitamin A treatment, which I use of a night. ;)

The first thing I noticed about the serum is that it doesn't have the nicest scent, but I can bare with unusual smells, if it teams up with a formula that actually works. :P  Some of the best products I have ever used don’t smell that pleasant, so in my opinion effectiveness wins hands down over fragrance. @};-  It comes in a bottle with a dropper-style lid to easily disperse the serum.  I squeeze about 4 drops of the serum onto my fingers, which is plenty to work right into my skin. I gently press it all over my face, rather than rub it on, that way it can soak into my skin, instead of running the risk of possibly rubbing it off.  :-O  This serum is very economical, as a full bottle lasts me for around 10 months, and even though it appears to be expensive initially, when you consider how long it lasts, with frequent daily use, it is certainly value for money. (*)

MY EXPERIENCE:
When I first began using the serum, upon application I would notice a slight tingling sensation, however over time I didn’t notice it at all, nor did it ever irritate my sensitive skin.  The texture of the serum is somewhat oily, but even though it appears greasy when first applied, it fortunately doesn’t make my already oily skin all greasy.  In fact, because it absorbs quickly and it doesn’t offer enough hydrating properties on its own, I still need to use a moisturiser after the serum.  I have tried it without a moisturiser, and while it isn’t drying at all, it just doesn’t deliver enough hydration to warrant skipping this step, which because of my oily complexion, I can occasionally get away with, when using certain serums.  :)>-

It is hard to describe what it actually does for my skin, as it’s hard to pinpoint any specifically noticeable skin changes, even after the 18 month duration, but there were definitely some overall beneficial improvements.  My skin no longer appeared blotchy, even though it didn’t completely even out my skin tone, it was still significantly better than it was previously.  It also slightly reduced the flushed red appearance of my skin slightly and the texture was much softer and smoother.  I didn’t seem to breakout as often either, as my skin is was less congested and it worked wonders at keeping the excess oil production at bay.  :D

OVERALL:
In general, I found my skin looked and felt extremely healthy, imparting an all over naturally radiant glow. I think the Ultraceuticals Even Skintone Serum would be ideal for anyone who has oily or sensitive skin, especially those who suffer from uneven, red, blotchy skin with mild to moderate pigmentation, because with regular use, over time it helps to deliver a more refined, polished looking complexion. :)>-

Medik8 White Balance

ABOUT:

I initially tried this product as a replacement to the skin tone serum I had previously used, which worked satisfactorily, but being the skin care junkie that I am, I felt the need to search for something even better.  :-j  I have become really fond of this serum, because not only not only is more affordable than its predecessor, it also produces results that I can actually see. \:D/  I had never heard of Medik8 prior to this, but was keen to give it a try as I learned it was actually a ‘Green’ cosmeceutical skin care brand, which is just as powerful as traditional cosmeceuticals and also perfect for those with sensitive skin.  The Medik8 White Balance, a unique highly concentrated, active serum, has no Hydroquinone or Kojic Acid (acid or bleach), therefore no irritation or toxicity, making it extremely appealing to me. :x

Presented in a small bottle with a dropper-style lid for application, I only need two drops per morning, which is sufficient to treat my whole face.  It is a clear, extremely lightweight serum and not at all greasy, which absorbs into my oily skin instantly leaving no tacky residue.  It is also a nourishing formulation, which delivers extra moisture, rather than leaving my skin feeling dry and parched.  I have never experienced any sign of the dreaded stinging sensation or tingling often associated with many skin-lightening treatments, so I believe it is gentle and safe enough to use on even the most sensitive of skins. ;)

MY EXPERIENCE:
Within weeks of using this serum daily, I noticed changes in my complexion that were not evident, even after long-term use, with my previous even skin tone serum.  So not only is this serum super effective it works fast to provide definitive noticeable results. =D>  I also like that whilst this serum repairs existing skin damage, it is also ideal to use post sun exposure to help prevent the onset of future skin discolouration. :)

In just a few short months, my complexion is uniform; the texture is soft and smooth and my skin is luminous and literally glowing with health.  I love this skin-correcting treatment because after years of neglecting my skin, it was beginning to show the all too familiar telltale signs of sun damage, leaving me with a discoloured, uneven skin tone with patches of pigmentation and general facial redness.  :-S   No product I tried seemed to work completely, regardless of the various claims and promises they would always make. Yet with the Medik8 White Balance, after only one four weeks, I could already see a likeness of this brand spanking new skin.  \:D/

OVERALL:

This serum has given my skin back a hint of youthfulness, which is extremely impressive.  My facial redness has diminished, and my complexion is vibrant and so healthy.  I constantly recommend the Medik8 WhiteBalance to anyone who has battled with pigmentation or a mottled, uneven skin tone and those who are sick of trying products that just don’t live up their claims!  I suggest investing in some of this wonder serum and after just four weeks, you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome and will never have to look back. This is definitely the best illuminating, skin brightening serum around; it has totally exceeded all of my expectations. <:-P

Well yep, that is the gist of it pretty much, as I mentioned, while these treatment products, aimed at my uneven skin tone, are not essential for my daily skin care routine, their addition does give a bit of extra oomph and make my skin look alive, helping to reduce the unflattering, deteriorating ravages of time.  :D  These products give me hope and make me feel like I am the one in control of my skin, fully loaded and ready to tackle the visible signs of ageing, to ensure optimal skin heath, so I can sport a younger-looking complexion with the clear, beautiful skin I always wished I could have.  [-O<  Do you use any treatment products in conjunction with your normal skin care routine, if so what are your major skin concerns and how do you target them?

All images in this post are generic.

Moisturising

Hi there once again my peeps!  Moving right along, with this blog comes the third installment of my Serious Skin Care program, featuring the products I personally use in my strict daily anti-ageing skin care regime.  This time, I am going to hit you with the Moisturisers that I use, when I use them and my thoughts on each one.  I have pretty much developed a love/hate relationship with moisturisers over the years, because, as anyone with oily skin would surely understand, finding one that is not too rich or heavy can be like finding a needle in a haystack; very scarce to say the least.  I find it particularly hard during summer, due to the vast humidity here in tropical North Queensland, when thick creams and sweaty faces do not seem to agree, as sweat glands go into overdrive causing skin to become even oilier.  I don’t want to even think about how many moisturisers I have used or tried over the years (far too many to fathom), which have caused me me look like I have just jumped out of a deep fryer, eww.  Yep, there is nothing worse than the ‘greasy face’ effect or the suffocating feeling of a heavy moisturiser encasing your skin and unable to absorb.  Still to this day, I have only found a small selection of moisturisers that work for me, most of which, currently remain in my skin care program, after all they are so hard to find, so I'm not about to let them get away too easily :)

AM

Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel

I have only been using this moisturiser for a few months and after my first application and test drive all I was allured. Where have you been my whole life?!  I have never really thought about using a moisturising gel before, nor have I really noticed anything available on the market, in the way of gel based facial moisturisers.  However, let me tell you now, if you have oily skin, then you would undoubtedly experience the same dilemmas that I face when trying to finding the right moisturiser.  Well, mark my word, this is exactly what you ARE looking for, the oily skin moisturiser to surpass all moisturisers!  I use this primarily as my daytime moisturiser; however, it’s perfectly fine for night time use too.  The botanical formulation, infused with natural essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus, has a complimentary aroma that is refreshing and invigorating.  Just a pea-sized amount of the super lightweight gel is more than enough to evenly apply over my whole face and neck. It absorbs quickly with no tacky residue and leaves my skin soft, smooth, completely nourished and glowing with radiance (not the pesky, shiny glow often seen reflecting off the foreheads of us oily skinned beauties, nope, this glow is one that radiates pure health). It makes for the perfect base under my makeup, providing a matte canvas that my foundation can easily adhere to, bringing a welcome relief in comparison to foundation sliding straight off my greasy mantle, LOL. The gentle, soothing gel is also suitable to use if my skin is all red and irritated, offering a calming relief without exasperating the problem.  I love this Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel, so much so, that I could do a song and dance about it, hehe, but seriously, though, I really can’t sing its praises enough!  A ‘must have’ or at least a ‘must try’ for anyone who is sick of the oily skin blues and can't find a way out; this is your escape route. :)

PM

Simplicite Lemon Night Crème

I have been using this night cream for the past 9 months and it’s the first night cream that I can safely say, doesn’t leave my skin coated in a layer of oil upon waking up of a morning.  I usually prefer a slightly richer moisturiser at night, because after all, who is going to see me while I am sleeping, so a bit of shine isn’t a huge drama, but when it's so oily, to the point where you could cook an egg on it, then it just goes beyond reason.  This night cream has become one of my favourite moisturisers, with its gorgeous lemon scent and creamy butter like texture; it is a sheer pleasure to use. It's nourishing and conditioning, but not too rich or heavy, making it perfect for my oily skin. As well as offering hydrating benefits, it also helps to clarify my complexion and reduce the appearance of blotchiness and discolouration. I have noticed less roughness, a softer skin texture, tighter pores and fading areas of pigmentation, revealing brighter, more radiant skin. I believe with longer-term use, I will also see fewer wrinkles as my existing fine lines have started appearing softer.  The all-natural formula makes it my PM moisturiser of choice, on alternate nights, when I use my Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System.  The Simplicite Lemon Night Crème is, in my opinion, a hidden gem, with not too many people aware of the Simplicite brand or the highly effective, natural range of skin care products they offer, so I feel the need to ‘shout out’ to the world, how awesome it really is!  Plus, it’s an Aussie special, born and bread here in Queensland, with products that are tailored to suit our climate. Its no wonder I love my night cream so much and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it, 5 star product!

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum

I first discovered Medik8 and this serum about 15 months ago, when at the time, I had never tried, or even seen, for that matter, a hydrating serum.  Initially, I was a bit sceptical about how it could possibly be comparable to a normal moisturiser and apprehensive it would leave my skin an oily, greasy mess, like certain other products, but my concerns were quickly quashed.  This clear serum comes in a small bottle with a dropper to disperse the almost gel-like fluid. It has no scent, it’s extremely lightweight and it is 100% non-greasy, even on my oily skin. Yippee, I am so thrilled to have encountered such a unique product, because I was previously on the ultimate search for a moisturiser to use at night, which would adequately hydrate my skin, minus the accompanying morning 'horror' face, coated in a layer of grease. This serum is the perfect solution to my lifelong dilemma.  It feels cool and soothing upon application, whilst sinking straight into my skin with no sticky, tacky residue, leaving it plump, super soft and full of moisture.  Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum compliments my nightly skincare regime exceptionally well, almost as if it were developed just for me. ;)  Every second night, I incorporate a high strength Vitamin A skin care treatment into my routine, which is used in conjunction with my ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser.  These highly potent products, prompted me to pursue a simple, moisturiser that is gentle and kind to the skin, whilst doesn't interfere with the active ingredients featured in the previous steps.  The calming relief provided by the serum feels instantly soothing and helps to alleviate any sign of facial redness.  It keeps moisture locked in overnight, so that when I wake in the morning my skin always feels comfortable and looks healthy.  Over time, it has helped improve the suppleness of my skins texture and overall it's firmer, plumper and more nourished.  Conclusively, a beneficial anti-aging moisturiser for my oily skin, delivering impressive results as it guides me down the path to achieving a more balanced, youthful, radiant complexion.  If you haven't tried a hydrating serum, then do yourself a favour and make it a point to do so; it’s unlike any other moisturiser and maintains to produce even better results!

Well, that wraps up the regular moisturising products that I use in my skin care routine.  Based on my skin type and the climate where I live, I stick with these moisturisers all year round and don’t bother adapting to cater for each season.  I also use various SPF moisturisers as well, but I decided that I won’t mention them here and instead will proceed to list them in my Sun Protection product line-up.  Considering all of my SPF products are actually multi-tasking, SPF moisturisers anyway, rather than targeted, stand-alone sunscreen products, which unlike their non-SPF counterparts, I do chop and change and adapt regularly, so it kind of makes sense to keep them separate, well in my books anyway, hehe ;) 

It took me nearly forever to discover which moisturisers suited me best, after decades of being at war with my skin, always using the wrong type of moisturiser.  A common mistake is confusing dehydrated skin with dry skin, however, dry skin is a type, just like oily skin, whereas dehydrated skin is a condition and as I discovered myself, even oily skin can get dehydrated too! Getting skin concerns/types mixed up often leads to opting for unsuitable products, hence my situation, either making things worse or never getting past first base and forever struggling to get better skin.  Unbeknownst to me, my ‘oily’ skin would occasionally suffer from dehydration, fueling my belief that I had combination skin, when in fact I didn’t.  Having finally determined my correct skin type (better late than never) I began choosing relevant oily skin moisturisers that in turn worked in my favour to support my skin.  When deciding upon a moisturiser, any external factors need considering, such as seasonal requirements.  That is, do you possibly need a richer moisturiser during the cooler months than you use throughout summer…etc?  If so, you need to adapt your skin care routine accordingly.  Once conceded, feel free join me in arming yourself with a suitable moisturiser, which will harmonise with your skin :) 

We all should implement a moisturiser into our skin care regime regardless of our skin type; all skin types need some form of hydration and we all want one that works!  Which moisturisers do you use? What can you recommend?  I would love to hear your thoughts :)

 All images in this blog are generic.