Winter has been a menace to my skin and overall wellness. Between the cold weather outside and the heater going full force inside my apartment, I feel like a walking piece of beef jerky (sorry for the visual). I’m straight-up dried and dehydrated. Unsurprisingly, the lack of hydration has resulted in some not-so-cute moments for my skin. One being that my complexion is dull and tired-looking, and no amount of bronzer or blush has been able to help. Aside from giving myself a reality check on how much water I was drinking (not enough), I took a long, hard look at my current skin-care routine to see if there was any area that needed some improvement, and I realized—gasp—I hadn’t been using a vitamin C serum.
I knew I needed one and I needed it fast. After all, vitamin C is a powerhouse. “It’s a superstar skin-care ingredient and antioxidant,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut previously told us. Gohara suggests the ingredient to her patients because “it scavenges free radicals, resulting in brighter, better functioning skin.” The universe heard my calls of desperation and brought an antidote in the form of Clinical Skin Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Serum ($120). Keep reading to see how this serum is saving my skin this winter.
How it works
Clinical Skin Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Serum is a face serum that’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while also firming the skin, correcting the tone and texture as well as increasing its elasticity. It contains a whopping 20 percent of L-ascorbic acid, so it can help offset and reduce damage caused by environmental pollutants and UV exposure, such as hyperpigmentation, premature aging, and, you guessed it, dullness. The serum also contains vitamin E, another antioxidant that moisturizes the skin as well as protects, and caffeine, which helps with reducing puffiness. It also has glutathione, which can aid in increasing luminosity and improving the overall complexion.
My honest thoughts
When I was getting ready to test the Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Serum, I realized that most of the vitamin C serums I used in the past had more of a gel-like consistency rather than oil. This tracks because I was face oil-phobic, and am only now becoming more open to oils thanks to my drier, perimenopausal skin. However, even though the Vitamin C Pro-Collagen Serum may look like it would be oil-like at first glance, it wasn’t greasy at all. Following my morning face cleanse, I applied a few drops of the serum. I was quickly impressed—my skin absorbed the serum in a flash (without leaving any stickiness or residue).
I did notice a slight tingle the first time I applied it, but never again following that day. I thought this was really interesting because other vitamin C products I’ve tried would give me the tingles every time at best, and at worse, sting so much that my skin reacts and gets itchy. Also for anyone who’s scent-sensitive, I have good news: this stuff practically has no smell.
I used the serum regularly for a little over a week and always in the morning (though the brand suggests you use it both day and night), and was happy how well it seamlessly fit in with the rest of my routine. Because it absorbed so fast, it never interfered with my moisturizer or other serums. As for how my skin actually looked: I had my glow back! I was actually pretty shocked by how quickly it worked to restore some life back into my complexion. My skin felt soft, smooth, and plump. Even better, I noticed that my makeup was going on smoother even if I didn’t use primer!
While it was too soon to see if it helped with any fine lines (also disclaimer, I have Botox), I’d be interested to see how much more effective it would be with more time and if I used it twice a day. While it does have a pretty hefty price tag at $120, it’s worth it for how much use you get out of it ( those little drops go a long way), how easy it was to use, and how amazing my skin looked. I can safely say this is my new favorite vitamin C serum.
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