Physicians Formula Dark Spot Corrector & Skin Brightener

Hi there good people!  This next targeted skin treatment was sent for me to trial and review by Tammerly, the beautiful author of the Spoilt blog.  You can read about my experience below, or feel free to click here to visit my original publication.

The Physicians Formula Aging Dark Spot Corrector & Skin Brightener is a powerful cosmeceutical treatment serum that addresses the visible signs of premature and photo-ageing, caused from sun and environmental damage, as well as uneven skin tone, including dark patchy skin and pigmentation spots.  The antioxidant formula is enriched with plant-based ingredients that have lightening abilities and exfoliating AHA’s to help achieve a brighter complexion and a more uniform tone.

At first glance, the presentation of this product looks modern and stylish.  The clear, plastic outer wrap is brandished with the same indigo-hued colour scheme as the 30ml-sized inner bottle, which strikes a spunky contrast against the sleek, white, pearlescent finish with silver chrome edging and a clear, plastic, snap-shut lid.  I can’t help spotting the eye-catching, round, indigo label on the boxes front, which reads “Look 6 Years Younger in 4 weeks*”.  The back is adorned with consumer info, as well as before and after images to highlight clinically proven visible results, based on a panel of women using serum, trialling the Physicians Formula Aging System skin care regime.  Upon closer inspection, I found the packaging to be plastic-coated aluminium with a screw-off pump-action nozzle that isn’t attached to a stem inside.  To begin with, pressure seemed to dispense the serum, but after a while, it stopped pumping, so I had to shake it out of the bottle.  I don’t consider it travel-friendly and despite looking impressive, the bottle is fairly novel and not of the best quality.

The pale, lilac-grey, coloured serum has a silky texture and a thick, balm-like consistency.  The scent is absolutely disgusting and I can’t think of a familiar fragrance to describe the exact smell, but it’s very herbal orientated.  Fortunately, the unpleasant aroma quickly dissipates and is undetectable when applied to the skin.  One pump (or a pea-sized amount) produces enough serum to cover my whole face and neck with a thin coating that sits on the surface of my skin.  The film has a sticky, tacky finish that takes between 5 – 10 minutes to fully dry (not ideal if you’re in a hurry) and even then I can still feel a heavy, mask-like veil on my face.  The rich, potent formula is slightly shimmery, with cosmetic pigments to enhance the brightening effect, but thankfully, it didn’t make me look like a glittery disco ball and the hint of glimmer isn’t overly obvious on my skin.  Instead, my complexion appears instantly dewy and fresh, creating an impression of being significantly brighter, smoother and plumper.

Outer packaging, clearly boasting that bold claim.

I only apply this treatment in the morning, after cleansing, rather than morning and night, as directed, because it’s not compatible with existing products in my religious, nigh time routine.  During this trial, my sensitive skin wasn’t aggravated and never broke out, however if you are prone to sensitivity, patch test first to avoid exposure to suspect botanicals included in this serum, which are known as potential irritants.  After daily use of this treatment for over a month, I’ve concluded it’s just too rich and heavy to befit my oily complexion and the uncomfortable, suffocating feel of the film on my skin triggers excess shine and greasiness during the day.  In my opinion, I can quash the misleading claim of looking 6 years younger in 4 weeks, when in fact, it’s closer to 6 weeks that I’ve been using it and I can’t see any noticeable changes in the appearance of my skin, other than improved radiance.  I’d suggest the Physicians Formula Aging Dark Spot Corrector & Skin Brightener would be more suited for normal to dry skin types, although committing to twice-daily application over a longer period could possibly secure more outstanding results.  Additionally, it’s a reasonably well priced skin tone treatment, retailing at $29.99 (very decent compared to similar type products) and if it’s used in conjunction with the entire Physicians Formula Aging System, the anti-ageing payoff might be better to deliver a more refined, polished complexion.  As is, you certainly won’t be disappointed with the instant skin-gratifying effects of this product, especially if you’re in need of a quick-fix, skin booster that promotes a smooth, supple texture, whilst temporarily plumping up fine lines and imparting a brighter, healthier, all-over glow.

I personally wouldn’t buy this serum again myself, as it was incompatible with my oily complexion and uncomfortable to wear.  For that reason, I would only award it with an average 3/5 star rating.  Not to mention, the dodgy pump that doesn’t work properly and the misleading promise of knocking six years in age off my appearance after just four weeks.  (Definitely too far fetched, that claim ~ Don't get your hopes up!).

Have you tried this brand yourself, or possibly this product?  What do you think?  Just because it isn’t ‘all that’ for my skin, doesn’t mean that it won’t generate better results for you, especially if you’re not blessed with an oily complexion. Are you interested in products that help reduce pigmentation and dark spots, if so what do you personally find works the best??

The images in this post are generic.

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.