When it comes to products to add to our daily skincare routine, we really are spoiled for choice.
There seems to be something for every price point, every skin type and skin concern. Almost too much.
“When looking at any skincare, it can be really complicated – there’s so much conflicting information and there are products at all ends of the spectrum,” specialist dermatologist Dr Cara McDonald tells marie claire.
“Some products can end up causing us more problems than they solve… and others will be extremely effective and right for our skin type.”
So which products should we actually be using?
SkinCeuticals: backed by science
When looking for something to become your new beauty ‘must-have’ there’s only one thing that really matters: does it work?
Backed by over 30 years of research, science, and proven results, SkinCeuticals has become a favourite among skin professionals, beauty experts and even celebrities around the world.
Known as the leaders in skincare, they were the first to stabilise the powerful antioxidant Vitamin C for use in skincare – which has been proven to provide skin with protection from free radical damage and the signs of ageing.
So, when it comes to developing products that target fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation, it’s safe to say that SkinCeuticals know what they are doing,
“They have a lot of research and development behind all of their products, and any product we use from their range has science to back it up,” says Dr McDonald.
“We can actually really see what it’s done, we can see how well it’s tolerated.
“We can see in real numbers what the product is actually doing for us.”
Their range of Vitamin C serums has been formulated with powerful antioxidants that work to target specific skin concerns for different skin types.
And the evidence really does speak for itself.
The cult classic: C E Ferulic
This fan favourite combines the powers of Vitamin C, Vitamin E and ferulic acid (a plant-based antioxidant) to target visible signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles, and a loss of skin firmness.
Scientific studies of those who used SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic Vitamin C serum showed a brightened complexion, improved skin firmness, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by up to 32 per cent[1].
After just 16 weeks of use[2], it’s clear to see just how much of a difference daily use of the serum can make.
“[C E Ferulic] has an absolute cult status for a reason,” says Dr McDonald.
“The bottom line is, if that product works, people will use it and then tell other people. We know it works because so many people love it.”
Bye, bye blemishes: Silymarin CF
The brand’s Silymarin CF Vitamin C serum has been specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin.
Scientifically proven to help reduce excess oiliness and oil oxidation that can lead to breakouts by up to 76%[3], it also contains salicylic acid, which acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant that refines pores and prevents the formation of blemishes.
In just one week of use, there was a 16 per cent reduction in oiliness, with improvement in overall appearance, skin clarity and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation all reduced after four weeks[4].
“There’s good evidence that it reduces the oxidation of that oil in the skin and that tends to be what causes breakouts,” says Dr McDonald.
“It really just helps prevent the breakouts which then means, hopefully, we don’t get problems [like redness and hyperpigmentation] we have to deal with down the track.”
The pigmentation fighter: Phloretin CF
If you’re looking for a reduction in pigmentation, Phloretin CF Vitamin C serum contains effective ingredients for a brighter, younger-looking complexion.
The powers of phloretin – an antioxidant sourced from apples and the root bark of fruit trees – works to improve cell turnover and improve overall skin tone with consistent use.
After 18 weeks, discolouration was visibly reduced and overall tone was improved, skin was more radiant and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles was also reduced[5].
If you’re not sure of which serum is right for you, Dr McDonald recommends speaking to an experienced dermatologist of skin therapist about your specific skin concerns.
And, for best results, she suggests using Vitamin C serums in the morning.
“It lasts on the skin for about 24 hours, but the most bang for your buck is going to be in the morning before you’re exposed to those environmental damaging pollutants and UV,” she says.
Sponsored by SkinCeuticals.
[1] Scientific result protocol: 52-week scientific study conducted on 50 female subjects ages 40–60 years old of all skin types (USA, 2011).
[2] Before and after image protocol: 16-week scientific study conducted on 50 male and female subjects ages 40–60 years old (USA, 2013).
[3] Statistically significant change from baseline (p
[4] A 12-week, single-centre scientific studies conducted on 60 men and women ages 18-50 with oily and blemish-prone skin. Silymarin CF was applied once daily in conjunction with a sunscreen. (Brazil, 2020)
[5] Protocol: 24-week scientific study conducted on 35 female subjects ages 35–65 years old (USA, 2008). For controlled results, subjects used SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser and a sunscreen daily.
